Representation of sensory information with temporal codes. (360G-Wellcome-097266_Z_11_A)

We will investigate how specific features of visual stimuli are represented bythe sequence of activation of neuronal populations in mouse V1 using high speed in vivo calcium imaging techniques. Temporal coding will be studied by measuring the latencies of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which will be distinguished with genetic labelling. In order to understand the temporal dynamics in the network we will also compare the spatial frequency preference and latency of neighbouring cortical cells. Stimulus-evoked latency differences are likely to arise in the retina, where ganglion cells respond with different latencies. However, recurrent connectivity in the cortical network could also introduce temporal delays and underlie neuronal activation sequences, especially those observed in the absence of visual input. We will compare the sequence of neuronal activation in response to visual stimuli to patterns of activity in the absence of input. In the last phase of the project, these population level properties will be linked to the single neuronand dendritic level by measuring the patterns of activation in apical