Opto- and chemogenetic modulation of ferret cortical network dynamics (A02)

• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: from 2011 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 178316478

The project will use optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to test the relevance of functional coupling for stimulus processing and behavior. Moreover, we will investigate the role of excitatory and inhibitory cell populations for functional coupling. Multisite recordings will be carried out from visual, auditory and parietal areas using electrocorticographic arrays and optrodes. Manipulation of neurons will be achieved by expression of ChR2(ET/TC), iChloC, or a chemogenetic silencer (hM4D). In anesthetized ferrets, we will test effects of manipulation of oscillations and phase coupling on multisensory stimulus processing. In awake behaving ferrets, we will investigate the effects of network manipulation on performance in a stimulus-detection task.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 936: Multi-Site Communication in the Brain
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Andreas K. Engel