Multiscale Circuit Analysis

Our ability to perceive and interact with the world around us relies on finely tuned interactions of neural populations across the brain. To understand the functional mechanisms of these interactions, we need to record and manipulate neural activity across multiple scales: from subcellular structures to individual neurons and circuits to networks, which give rise to an organism’s behaviour. Our group is using advanced optical tools such as multicolour in vivo two-photon calcium and closed-loop optogenetics alongside high-resolution tracking of behaving mice and computational analysis to bridge this gap and understand how neural circuits give rise to perception, memory and action.

The focus of our work lies in understanding how the hippocampal memory system integrates sensory and motor information to form long-lasting memories and, importantly, how precisely these memories are influencing behavioural action. For this, we are specifically investigating the neural interactions between hippocampus and hypothalamus, as well as the ventral striatum. We hope that our findings on the circuit mechanisms of memory processing will enable a better understanding of related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and offer potential therapeutic approaches.

Ultimately, we are hoping to identify and describe a complete neural circuit from sensory input to its integration with previous experience to motor action.


Selected Publications


Team:

  • Dr. Oliver Barnstedt (Group leader)
  • Xiaoyu Yang (PostDoc)
  • Lam Bui (PhD student)
  • Melika Kashizenuzi (MSc Student at OVGU Magdeburg)