Synaptic Mechanisms for the Processing of Temporal Codes

处理时间编码的突触机制

• 批准号: 1050701
• 负责人: Bruce Carlson
• 金额: $ 58.13万
• 依托单位: Washington University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2011
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2011-03-01 至 2015-02-28
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1050701&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Synaptic; Mechanisms; Processing; Temporal; Codes

In this project, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis will study how nervous systems use time to analyze sensory information. Peripheral sensory systems often encode stimuli into the precise timing of neural activity. However, little is known about how central brain circuits analyze these temporal codes so that an organism can detect and respond to behaviorally-relevant stimuli. The goal of this project is to identify the mechanisms that mediate the processing of temporal codes by synapses, neurons and circuits. Electric fish are exquisitely sensitive to timing information. In addition, the relevant brain circuits are uniquely approachable in both intact animals and reduced preparations, providing a rare opportunity to directly link information processing to synaptic physiology. Using a combination of electrophysiology, neuronal imaging and pharmacology, the researchers will determine how the brains of electric fish can detect small differences in the timing of neuronal activity. This research will prove broadly applicable by providing a mechanistic understanding of how all brains process sensory information. In addition, the project will lead to the development of novel, widely applicable methods for the targeted recording of neurons in intact animals. Electric fish are an excellent tool for educating the public about neuroscience and behavior. As exotic creatures, they attract a wide audience, and they provide a unique opportunity to perform simple, non-invasive neurophysiology experiments. Students, teachers and the general public will develop their own scientific hypotheses, design and execute experiments to test those hypotheses, and then discuss the results in an open forum. Exposing students, teachers and the public to the process of scientific inquiry will help demystify science and foster a deeper appreciation for the nature of scientific knowledge.

在这个项目中，圣路易斯华盛顿大学的研究人员将研究神经系统如何利用时间来分析感官信息。外围感觉系统通常将刺激编码为神经活动的精确时机。但是，对于中央大脑回路如何分析这些时间代码，因此有机体可以检测并响应与行为与行为相关的刺激。该项目的目的是确定通过突触，神经元和电路介导时间代码处理的机制。电鱼对定时信息非常敏感。此外，相关的脑电路在完整动物和制剂的减少中都具有独特的接近，这为将信息处理与突触生理学联系起来提供了难得的机会。研究人员将结合电生理学，神经元成像和药理学，确定电鱼的大脑如何检测神经元活性时机的微小差异。这项研究将通过提供对所有大脑如何处理感官信息的机械理解，从而广泛地适用。此外，该项目将导致开发新颖的，广泛适用的方法，用于对完整动物的神经元的靶向记录。电鱼是向公众教育神经科学和行为的绝佳工具。作为异国动物，它们吸引了广泛的观众，并提供了独特的机会来执行简单，无创的神经生理学实验。学生，老师和公众将提出自己的科学假设，设计和执行实验来检验这些假设，然后在公开论坛中讨论结果。使学生，老师和公众了解科学探究的过程，将有助于揭开科学的神秘面纱，并更深入地对科学知识的本质进行更深入的了解。