Project 8

Multi-scale effects of histamine in epilepsy: bridging neurons, synapses and network activity

 

Supervisors  

Dr Srikanth Ramaswamy (srikanth.ramaswamy@ncl.ac.uk)

Prof Andrew Trevelyan (andrew.trevelyan@ncl.ac.uk)

  

Overview

The neocortex is the most recently evolved part of the brain and is the seat of higher order cognitive functions such as learning, memory and attention. It is densely innervated by neuromodulators, which are chemical messengershormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters – that diffusely target neurons, dendrites and synaptic connections. Neuromodulators such as histamine (HA) dynamically govern shifts between behavioural states such as sleep and wakefulness, exploration and exploitation, distraction and attention by controlling rhythmic network oscillations in neural microcircuits. Neuromodulatory function is not only implicated in brain health, but is also severely disrupted in a spectrum of disorders such as epilepsy and narcolepsy.

We will use a range of state-of-the-art imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetic (manipulating neuronal activity using light) techniques.  In parallel studies, we will extend our mouse knowledge to understand specific clinical cases, using recordings from surgically resected human brain tissue.  The supervisorial team have particular expertise in connectomic analyses of brain networks, making this studentship particularly suited to those with an interest in computational neuroscience.

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