SSA - Role of DNA methylation in brain function

了解大脑如何存储和处理信息仍然是神经科学中最重要的挑战之一。越来越多的证据表明，大脑网络通过神经元活动中的时间依赖性协调来执行这些任务，这些活动被可视化为大脑节律或“脑波”。在理解产生这些节律的细胞和神经回路机制方面已经取得了相当大的进展。然而，人们对维持一生大脑节律的遗传和表观遗传机制知之甚少。我们实验室的新发现为这些问题提供了新的见解。DNA结合蛋白MeCP2代表了调节基因表达的表观遗传机制。MeCP2对大脑功能至关重要，因为它的丧失会导致人类毁灭性的神经系统疾病。在这个项目中，您将使用遗传，成像和电生理记录来揭示MeCP2如何支持大脑节律和大脑功能。如果您有任何疑问或想了解有关该项目的更多信息，我们鼓励您在正式申请之前与Goffin博士联系。

Understanding how the brain stores and processes information remains one of the most important challenges in neuroscience. Increasing evidence suggests that brain networks perform these tasks by time-dependent coordination in neuronal activity, which are visualised as brain rhythms or 'brain waves'. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the cellular and neural circuit mechanisms that generate these rhythms. However, little is known about the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms responsible for sustaining brain rhythms over the course of a lifetime. New findings in our lab promise new insights into these questions. The DNA binding protein MeCP2 represents an epigenetic mechanism to regulate gene expression. MeCP2 is essential for brain function as its loss leads to devastating neurological disorders in humans. During this project, you will use genetic, imaging, and electrophysiological recordings to reveal how MeCP2 supports brain rhythms and brain function. If you have questions or would like further information about the project, we encourage you to contact Dr Goffin before making your formal application.