Objectif Research in neurophysiology has identified potentially canonical mechanisms and circuits that are repeated across multiple brain regions. A classic example of a canonical computation is gain control,which in sensory pathways allows neurons to adapt their dynamic range to the statistics of the local environment. Gain control has been most studied in the visual pathway, where it helps make neurons sensitive to both spatial and temporal context. Yet many parallel nerve pathways leave the eye and terminate in different brain nuclei. It is not known whether each of these pathways use different forms of gain control or whether the same mechanisms are used throughout. This project will measure the activity of populations of nerve cells in the two major target nuclei in the brain - the lateral geniculate nucleus, and the superior colliculus - of mice. In anaesthetised mice we will characterise the gain controls that are present in these different nuclei, to understand their similarities and differences. Paired recordings from these two brain areas will be used to establish how gain controls differ in neurons that get input from the same retinal sources. In additional experiments we will make recordings from these areas in awake mice, in the presence and absence of a visual task. In each case we will characterise the gain controls and functional connectivity of neurons to establish how gain controls modulate the flow of information during visual processing. Our work will therefore provide knowledge of whether gain control forms a single canonical mechanism, or if it is used flexibly to support specific computational requirements. 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) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinateur UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Contribution de l’UE € 100 000,00 Adresse GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT London Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Giles Machell (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
