Synaptic Neurology (360G-Wellcome-212285_Z_18_Z)

The overarching theme is to understand how the properties of defined classes of neurons underpin circuit computations and pathological activity patterns in the brain. We will investigate the potential role of NMDA receptor-mediated dendritic supralinearity in parvalbumin-positive interneurons, and how this may help to stabilize neuronal assemblies. We will apply closed-loop optogenetic drive to manipulate gamma oscillations in the visual cortex, and ask whether this can bias perception. Chloride shifts and depolarization block of interneurons have been proposed to underlie seizure perpetuation. We will investigate their roles using closed loop optogenetics, KCC2 overexpression, single unit recordings, and simultaneous imaging of extracellular GABA and glutamate, in awake head-fixed animals. Finally, we will investigate the role of neurogliaform cells, a relatively poorly understood neuronal subtype, in seizures, using Ndnf-Cre mice to target them.