Objective Direct electrical stimulation of the motor cortex is sufficient to trigger movement, but the mechanisms by which neurons in this cortical region intrinsically encode motor output continue to be resolved. Spontaneous activity in the motor cortex is surprisingly sparse, and the precise temporal synchronization of this weak and distributed activity may be critical for efficient cortical communication. The fact that spiking within cortical motor circuits naturally reverberates within rhythmic oscillations demonstrates that exquisite mechanisms for controlling spike timing do exist. Moreover, these brain rhythms display a transition from beta- (15-30 Hz) to gamma-frequency oscillations (30-120 Hz) during movement planning and initiation, and even during motor imagery, suggesting further that flexible control of spike time synchronization may be an important feature of cortical coding. This project will use optogentic control of neuronal activity in order to elucidate the circuit mechanisms and function of beta/gamma-frequency oscillations in the mouse motor cortex. The objectives are to (i) determine how the pattern of network synchronization reflects the spatial profile and intensity of light-induced neuronal activity in acute cortical slices, (ii) resolve the synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying the activity-dependent tuning of these cortical networks, and (iii) determine how fast network oscillations influence sensorimotor integration of sensory-evoked responses in vivo. The synchronization of brain activity is disrupted in numerous neurological and mental disorders, and thus resolving its role in cortical circuit processing could be key to understanding both brain function and dysfunction. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicinepsychiatry 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 THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Address Wellington square university offices OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Gill Wells (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
