How does our brain tell us where we are based on what we see and hear? - Neuronal basis of cross-modal sensory integration for navigation
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: Sch of Biological & Behavioural Sciences
Abstract
Several spatial cells have been discovered, including place cells in the hippocampus and grid
cells in the medial entorhinal cortex. The activity of these cells provides an animal with an
internal representation of space as it explores an environment. However, a key unsolved
problem is how spatial cells integrate multiple sensory inputs (such as visual, auditory,
olfactory, etc) in order to form spatial representations.
Virtual reality (VR) offers a powerful tool for investigating spatial cognition, allowing
environmental manipulations that are impossible in the real world. We have recently
developed a two-dimensional VR (2D VR) system for mice with mainly visual and
motor/proprioceptive inputs, allowing a close approximation of spatial representation in the
real world.
The goal of this project is to study the integration of sensory inputs across modalities during
spatial navigation. In particular we aim to 1) Develop a new 2D VR, where both visual and
auditory cues can be individually controlled and manipulated, and train animals to navigate
in this multisensory VR. 2) Characterise activity of spatial cells in this multisensory VR, in
particular the topography of these spatial cells with respect to their response to sensory
inputs. 3) Examine how these spatial cells interact in order to integrate visual and auditory
inputs, forming a unified spatial representation. The primary techniques that will be used
include in vivo electrophysiological single-unit recording using tetrodes and Neuropixel
probes, as well as in vivo 2-photon imaging. Theoretical models will be constructed based on
the experimental results, which will be used to explain experimental outcomes and make
further predictions and hypotheses for future directions.
Experiments will be supervised mainly by the primary supervisor, while the modelling will be
guided primarily by the secondary supervisor. Work will be carried out in both QMUL and UCL.
cells in the medial entorhinal cortex. The activity of these cells provides an animal with an
internal representation of space as it explores an environment. However, a key unsolved
problem is how spatial cells integrate multiple sensory inputs (such as visual, auditory,
olfactory, etc) in order to form spatial representations.
Virtual reality (VR) offers a powerful tool for investigating spatial cognition, allowing
environmental manipulations that are impossible in the real world. We have recently
developed a two-dimensional VR (2D VR) system for mice with mainly visual and
motor/proprioceptive inputs, allowing a close approximation of spatial representation in the
real world.
The goal of this project is to study the integration of sensory inputs across modalities during
spatial navigation. In particular we aim to 1) Develop a new 2D VR, where both visual and
auditory cues can be individually controlled and manipulated, and train animals to navigate
in this multisensory VR. 2) Characterise activity of spatial cells in this multisensory VR, in
particular the topography of these spatial cells with respect to their response to sensory
inputs. 3) Examine how these spatial cells interact in order to integrate visual and auditory
inputs, forming a unified spatial representation. The primary techniques that will be used
include in vivo electrophysiological single-unit recording using tetrodes and Neuropixel
probes, as well as in vivo 2-photon imaging. Theoretical models will be constructed based on
the experimental results, which will be used to explain experimental outcomes and make
further predictions and hypotheses for future directions.
Experiments will be supervised mainly by the primary supervisor, while the modelling will be
guided primarily by the secondary supervisor. Work will be carried out in both QMUL and UCL.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/T008709/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2028 | |||
| 2547012 | Studentship | BB/T008709/1 | 01/10/2021 | 31/12/2025 | Riccardo Ratto |