Head of Department
Department(s): Division of Cognitive Neurobiology (Center for Brain Research)
Position: Professor
Location: Spitalgasse 4
Telephone: 40160-34150
E-Mail:
Download Curriculum vitae (CV)
Research Area:
Cerebral Cortex
Research Interests:
Synapses, Prefrontal Cortex, Neural Networks (Computer), Interneurons, Hippocampus
Grant(s):
Abstract:
We aim to determine neuronal network operations in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus enabling complex cognitive processes including learning and decision making. For this we record the temporal activity of identified GABAergic interneurons and pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and investigate their contribution to network oscillations and cognitive tasks. Our ongoing research indicates that distinct types of cortical neuron contribute differentially to synaptic circuits, network timing and cognitive behaviour, generating cell assemblies and higher representations in the cortex
Techniques:
We perform electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic manipulations of distinct types of neuron, neuronal assemblies and network oscillations during decision making, learning and memory tasks. Furthermore we investigate the molecular expression and synaptic connectivity of individual neurons and neuronal circuits with immunohistochemistry, confocal laser microscopy, electron microscopy and 3D neurolucida reconstructions.
Selected Publications:
