Objective How sensory information is encoded by neuronal population activity in the brain, and how the pattern of activity is reshaped by experience constitute the fundamental questions in neuroscience research. In the current project, ‘OdorLearningCircuit’, we will address these questions with the rodent olfactory bulb (OB) as a model system. Although the odor-evoked neuronal activity in the OB has been extensively studied, less is known about how the population activity of each cell type is spatially organized in the OB, and how the organization is modified when animals actively use odor information to optimize their behavior. In this project, we aim to tackle these important issues by a combination of cutting-edge techniques: we will deliver genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) specifically to major types of neurons in the OB, and use 2-photon microscopy to map the neuronal population activity from awake mice performing an odor discrimination task under head-restrained condition. We will analyze how spatio-temporal pattern of odor-evoked population activity is dynamically remodeled in awake learning mice, at single-cell resolution and with cell-type distinction. The knowledge to be gained in the project will not only be important in the field of olfactory physiology, but also provide useful implications for understanding the general mechanisms underlying learning in other neural circuits. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopysocial sciencessociologysocial issuessocial inequalitiesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology 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-2013-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator UNIVERSITE DE GENEVE EU contribution € 277 296,80 Address RUE DU GENERAL DUFOUR 24 1211 Geneve Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Genève Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Alan Carleton (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
