The modulation of sensory perception by the prefrontal cortex
- Research Opportunity
- PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
- Number of Honour Places Available
- 1
- Number of Master Places Available
- 1
| Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/Prof Lucy Palmer | lucy.palmer@florey.edu.au |
| Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Marius Rosier |
Summary The Neural Networks group uses various techniques to record from neurons in vivo including two photon calcium imaging, somatic and dendritic patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics. Through this work, we investigate how sensory information is received, transformed and modulated in neurons, but also how this processing of synaptic input contributes to the overall neural network activity underlying learning and behaviour.
Project Details
This project will combine multiple state-of-the-art techniques including two-photon microscopy, patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics (light to control neurons) in vivo to probe the influence of the prefrontal cortex on sensory perception. Specifically, the influence of prefrontal cortex communication on the activity of pyramidal neurons within the somatosensory cortex will be investigated during non-noxious sensory stimulation. The distal dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons generate large NMDA-dependent voltage events, termed NMDA spikes, in response to sensory stimulation. The generation of these NMDA spikes are extremely important in neuronal response to sensory input and therefore whether prefrontal cortical activity modulates their generation and leads to changes in sensory perception will be investigated. The results of this study will reveal the cellular mechanisms underlying prefrontal cortex control of other brain regions and will therefore shed light on diseases involving prefrontal cortical dysfunction.Research Opportunities
PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
MDHS Research library
Explore by researcher, school, project or topic.