Sensory experience and pre-configured networks in developing neural circuits for navigation'
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Cell and Developmental Biology
Abstract
This project will investigate the post-natal development of the neural map of space in the hippocampus, testing the roles of sensory experience and experience-independent, pre-configured networks in the assembly of neural circuits for navigation. The project will make use of two recently available technologies: 1) wireless technology will be used to conduct neural recordings in natural environments, investigating the role of sensory experience in development, 2) longitudinal 2-photon imaging will be used to track the activity of hippocampal networks before and after they display spatial tuning, testing for the presence of experience independent activity patterns.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Francesca Cacucci (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Tara O'Driscoll (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M009513/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1902720 | Studentship | BB/M009513/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/03/2022 | Tara O'Driscoll |
| Description | We have piloted a wireless electrophysiology set-up in our lab so that it is suitable for use in pre-weaning rat pups. We have shown that spatially modulated neurons in the hippocampus and anterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus may be successfully recorded to the same quality as in well-established tethered electrophysiology systems currently in widespread use in systems neuroscience labs. Tethered electrophysiology recordings require for the pup to be on its own, and recordings are limited in duration as the pup must not be removed from its homecage for long periods of time. This wireless electrophysiology system will allow us to record pre-weaning rat pups in more naturalistic environments (ie homecage and with littermates) to study the protracted development of spatial circuits in the hippocampal formation, which was not previously possible. |
| Exploitation Route | A wireless system such as this may be put to use by other electrophysiology laboratories for the study of animals such as rodents and bats in more naturalistic environments and habitats (eg burrow-like environments and with other littermates). This will allow us to better understand the behaviour of these animals, whether that's through studying development of neuronal networks of these animals throughout natural postnatal development, or characteristic behaviour of these neural circuits during innate behaviours like hunting and social interaction. |
| Sectors | Other |