The function and connectivity of neocortical layer 7 and long-range inputs to somatosensory cortex.

新皮质层1和层6 b（或层7）位于皮质套的相对侧，在新皮质个体发育期间从第一回路出现，仍然是新皮质中最神秘的层。第1层包含少量局部连接的中间神经元，并且在皮质层中脱颖而出，因为其丰富的远程轴突和终端阵列，其携带影响第2/3层和第5层锥体神经元的顶簇树突的高阶处理信息。长距离输入对2/3层和5层的局部中间神经元和底层锥体神经元胞体的影响在很大程度上是未知的。第7层有各种各样的兴奋性和抑制性神经元，包括一个突出的轴突投射到第1层，也是值得注意的，作为唯一的皮质层，促进觉醒的神经肽食欲素。第7层输入和输出的生理学仍然完全未被探索。在这里，我们研究的突触生理的本地和远程输入层1和层7。我们将采用我们实验室开发的一种新的电路映射策略，使用钙整合剂CaMPARI，以及有针对性的膜片钳记录，以充分阐明第7层的输入和输出的连接性和生理学，以及受第1层影响的神经元的有针对性的修补。为了进一步表征第7层的功能，我们将进行睡眠-觉醒行为的体内测量，同时用光遗传学和食欲素影响第7层特异性神经元。从这些实验中获得的数据将为第1层和第7层的功能连接和潜在功能以及第7层在清醒和睡眠期间的行为影响提供很大的进展。

Neocortical layer 1 and layer 6b (or layer 7), which reside on opposite sides of the cortical mantle and emerge from the first circuits during neocortical ontogeny, remain the most mysterious lamina in the neocortex. Layer 1 contains a sprinkle of locally-connected interneurons, and stands out among cortical layers for its rich array of long-range axons and terminals that carry high-order processed information that influences apical tuft dendrites of pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 and layer 5. The influence of long-range inputs onto local interneurons and underlying pyramidal neuron somata in layer 2/3 and layer 5 are largely unknown. Layer 7 has a diverse array of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, including a prominent axonal projection into layer 1 and is also noteworthy as the only cortical layer that responds to the wakefulness promoting neuropeptide orexin. The physiology of layer 7 inputs and outputs remain entirely unexplored. Here we examine the synaptic physiology of local and long-range inputs to layer 1 and layer 7. We will employ both a novel circuit mapping strategy developed in our laboratory using the calcium integrator CaMPARI, as well as targeted patch clamp recordings to fully elucidate the connectivity and physiology of inputs and outputs to layer 7 and targeted patching of neurons influenced by layer 1. To further characterize the function of layer 7 we will perform in vivo measurements of sleep-wake behavior while influencing layer 7-specific neurons both optogenetically and pharmacologically with orexin. The data acquired from these experiments will provide a large inroad into the functional connectivity and potential functions of layer 1 and 7 and the behavioral influence of layer 7 during wakefulness and sleep.