Synaptic circuitry mechanism for auditory cortical processing

描述（由申请人提供）：抑制性突触回路在形成皮层处理中起重要作用。然而，我们对由不同抑制性细胞类型组成的抑制性回路的功能参与的理解仍然很差。最近发展的分子和遗传工具在小鼠中，在体内电生理学的创新技术相结合，现在已经有可能系统地解剖突触电路的具体皮层功能。在本项目中，我们将整合多种方法来研究小鼠初级听觉皮层（A1）中听觉加工的突触，特别是抑制性回路机制。在第一部分中，我们将应用体内细胞贴附和全细胞记录来研究A1中特定层处理的突触机制，这是先前资助项目的直接延伸。其次，我们将结合联合收割机在体双光子成像和膜片钳记录，利用光遗传学方法来剖析不同类型的抑制性神经元的功能作用。最后，通过清醒行为小鼠的高质量全细胞记录，我们将研究清醒皮层听觉处理功能的皮层突触电路机制，以及不同行为状态对它们的调制。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Inhibitory synaptic circuits play important roles in shaping cortical processing. Our understanding of the functional engagement of inhibitory circuits composed of different inhibitory cell types however remains poor. The recent development of molecular and genetic tools in the mouse, in combination with the innovative techniques of in vivo electrophysiology, has now made it possible to systematically dissect synaptic circuitry underlying specific cortical functions. In this project, we will integrate multile approaches to investigate the synaptic, in particular inhibitory circuitry mechanisms underlying auditory processing in the mouse primary auditory cortex (A1). In the first part, we will apply in vivo cell-attached and whole-cell recordings to investigate synaptic mechanisms for specific laminar processing in A1, a direct extension of the previously funded project. Second, we will combine in vivo two-photon imaging and patch-clamp recordings and utilize optogenetic methods to dissect functional roles of different types of inhibitory neuron. Finally, with high-quality whole-cell recordings in awake behaving mice, we will investigate cortical synaptic circuitry mechanisms for auditory processing functions in awake cortex, and their modulation by different behavioral states.