Investigating the electrophysiology of neuronal network dynamics

Summary The aim of this project is to understand the relationship between brain structure and brain activity. Specifically, the aim is to uncover the relationship between the structure of in vitro and in vivo neuronal networks and their behaviour, specifically their synaptic connectivity and patterns of neuronal firing. Of particular interest is the pathological case of Epileptic networks that produce abnormal electrical activity.

Project Details

One of the current difficulties of treating neurological disease is that it is highly patient-specific, both diagnosis and treatment as everyone’s brain is wired differently.  The aim of this project is to understand the relationship between brain structure and brain activity.  Specifically, the aim is to uncover the relationship between the structure of in vitro and in vivo neuronal networks and their behaviour, specifically their synaptic connectivity and patterns of neuronal firing.  Of particular interest is the pathological case of Epileptic networks that produce abnormal electrical activity.  Although it is known how various channelopathies can give rise to abnormal neuronal firing, their effect on network dynamics is unclear as it is difficult to take into account the network connectivity.  This project uses and develops advanced electrophysiological methods to measure and quantify the relationship between synaptic connectivity and neuronal network activity.  Uncovering this relationship has the potential to lead to novel patient-specific treatments of neurological diseases such as Epilepsy that will drive the practice of  21st century Precision Medicine.