Objective A fundamental question in neuroscience is whether we can causally link distinct patterns of defined circuit elements with behavior. A mechanistic understanding of patterned activity will take into account the individual neurons and their synaptic interactions within distributed networks spanning multiple regions. We propose here to use genetically targeted switches of pyramidal neurons and whole-brain functional imaging to study the dynamics of distributed functional networks. Recent work has revealed that optogenetic strategies, using activation of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), a light-gated cation channel, can be employed to drive the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) blood oxygenation-level dependent response in the rodent. Leveraging optogenetic fMRI we have shown that fMRI tracks optically evoked neural activity; further, we as well as others have shown that activity is observed locally and downstream of the light activated target. In this proposal we will use whole-brain high-resolution fMRI in awake mice combined with optogenetic activation (ChR2) of pyramidal neurons to assess the impact of causal manipulations on distributed brain network responses. Specifically, we will use the barrel field in primary somatosensory cortex (SI) to study the functional-anatomy of the mystacial vibrissa somatosensory system. We will focus on the following issues: (1) Examine whether optically-driven SI activity can be used to reveal somatotopic organization in regions connected to SI; (2) Examine the brain-wide functional-anatomy of SI optically driven activity by characterizing fMRI responses in relation to anatomical connections and neural plasticity; (3) Use regions identified with optically driven fMRI responses to focus our electrophysiological and anatomical experiments. We expect that the proposed research will contribute to our understanding of functional connections between regions, and highlight response properties in parts of the network unstudied so far. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologyengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imaging Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator TECHNION - ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Address Senate building technion city 32000 Haifa Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Mark Davison (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
