Circuit mechanisms underlying cortical communications

在开始一个新的单位，我们一直在建设基础设施，设计和进行我们的实验，并收集初步数据。首先，为了实现不同皮层区域之间的功能连接的机械理解，我们已经开始系统地检查从不同的大脑区域到不同的神经元类型的初级躯体感觉皮层的突触强度，使用电生理学方法结合遗传工具。其次，为了识别这些不同的长程输入所招募的不同微电路，我们一直在建立成像方法来监测和操纵特定神经元群体的活动。第三，为了了解这些回路的行为相关性，我们一直在设计不同类型的行为任务，使我们能够了解这些回路在动物行为中的作用。 我们实验室目前的假设是，来自高阶皮层和神经调节区的长程投射招募感觉皮层中特定亚型的GABA能神经元。作为一个关键的调解人，这套独特的GABA能神经元参与一个特定的局部微电路。

In starting a new unit, we have been building infrastructure, designing and conducting our experiments, and collecting preliminary data. First, to achieve mechanistic understanding of the functional connectivity among different cortical areas, we have started systematically examining the synaptic strength from different brain areas to diverse neuronal types in the primary somatosensory cortex, using electrophysiological methods combined with genetic tools. Second, to identify distinct microcircuits recruited by these different long-range inputs, we have been setting up imaging methods to monitor and manipulate activity of specific neuronal populations. Third, to understand the behavioral relevance of these circuits, we have been designing different types of behavior tasks that allow us to understand the role of these circuits in animals behaviors. The current hypothesis in our lab is that long-range projections from higher-order cortical and neuromodulatory areas recruit specific subtypes of GABAergic neurons in sensory cortex. As a key mediator, this distinct set of GABAergic neurons engage a specific local microcircuit.