Multi-level exploration of oscillatory brain networks: from neuronal mechanisms to cognition

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Introduction: Despite the recent surge in studies attempting to understand brain network dynamics, the precise mechanisms that underlie local processing and communication between distant brain areas are still poorly understood. A large body of evidence suggests that frequency-specific brain rhythms (i.e. neuronal oscillations) alongside broadband activities play a key role in local and long-range neuronal synchronization. However, our understanding of the mechanisms at play is impeded by the fact that our knowledge of how our brain encodes and processes information is fragmented because the available neurobiological data stem from studies that address the brain at very different spatial and temporal observation scales.******Goal: The goal of this research proposal is to advance our understanding of oscillatory brain dynamics by addressing two central and closely related questions: (A) What is the relationship between large-scale network-level neuronal oscillations, local rhythmic population activity and neuronal firing (Systems Neuroscience axis) and (B) How are these various multi-level neuronal signatures differentially related to cognition and behaviour (Cognitive Neuroscience axis). ******Methodology: The Systems Neuroscience part of the proposal combines invasive and non-invasive electrophysiological measurements in humans (MEG, intracranial EEG and microelectrode recordings in implanted human patients). This multi-scale approach will provide an extremely rare opportunity to probe in humans the mechanistic relationship between neuronal firing (multi-unit activity, MUA), population activity (local field potentials, LFPs) and surface-level neuromagnetic signals. In parallel, the research planned for the Cognitive Neuroscience part will seek to determine whether and to which extent these neuronal markers differentially mediate (or are modulated by) behaviour and cognitive processes. To this end, we will examine spontaneous brain activity (resting state data) as well as data acquired in task-based cognitive experiments (e.g. goal-directed behaviour, decision making and emotion processing tasks). ******Novelty and expected impact: A hallmark of this proposal is the combination of multi-disciplinary methods and multi-scale invasive and non-invasive brain measurements, including rare access to single-unit micro-recordings in humans. The proposed research lies therefore at the crossroads of systems neuroscience, neuroimaging, neuro-engineering, electrophysiology and cognitive neuroscience. The ability to link the findings of brain research across multiple spatial scales carries the potential to reveal basic governing principles in local and large-scale brain functional architecture and thereby enhance our understanding of the role of network brain dynamics in cognition and eventually its breakdown in disease. **