The effects of neuromodulation on neuronal networks ex vivo: exploring learning and conditioning in disembodied systems, by real-time optogenetic stimulation.

Establishing an active control and a complete experimental understanding of the activity of neuronal networks in vitro has several important implications both for fundamental as well as applied aspects of current neuroscience research. Through recent technical advancements, our laboratory is establishing routine optical control of neuronal excitability by implementing optogenetic methods and in house viral vector transfection. Together with the study of cellular and network-level electrophysiology, in vitro neuronal networks enable addressing several important unresolved issue in neuroscience when their pharmacological, biochemical, and cell biological aspects are considered. In this proposal, we focus on neuromodulation with specific regards to behaviour, learning, and neuroplasticity. We aim at characterizing the role of specific neuroactive biomolecules, such as neurotrophins, cannabinoids, glucocorticods, and dopamine, in the context of an optogenetic-electrophysiological operated stimulation system of neural networks in vitro. By delivering these molecules in close temporal relationship to specific patterns of electrical activity will mimic realistic physiological reward-based and behavioral-outcomes-based interactions between electrical activity and biochemical neuromodulation of the central nervous system.

Keywords:PLASTICITY, NEURONAL NETWORKS, MULTI ELECTRODE ARRAY, OPTOGENETICS

Disciplines:Systems biology, Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing