Structural Neurobiology
Structure and Function of Neuronal Circuits in the Healthy and Diseased Brain
Our research aims to reveal the architecture of neuronal circuits that underlie neuronal computations and cognition in the healthy and diseased brain. We tackle these fundamental questions using a dynamical connectomics approach that combines behavioral experiments, in vivo multiphoton calcium imaging, X-ray and volume electron microscopy with dense neuronal circuit reconstruction, computational modeling and network analysis. Thereby we are developing novel electron and X-ray microscopy techniques for dense, multiscale imaging of neuronal circuits from individual synapses in local circuits to single cell resolution projection patterns.
Our research is generously supported by
- a SERI-funded ERC Starting Grant
- the Swiss National Science Foundation
- the NIH BRAIN CONNECTS program
- the SNI PhD School
- the PSI Fellow Program
Contact:
Adrian Wanner, Research Group Leader
Mice are being trained to perform different behavioral tasks in virtual reality setting. While the mice are performing the tasks, in vivo multiphoton calcium imaging is used to record the activity of hundreds of neurons with single cell resolution. Subsequently, the same brain area is processed for ultrastructural imaging by volume electron microscopy or by X-ray computed nanotomography. Finally, deep learning-based automated image processing is used to reconstruct all neurons, their synaptic connections and ultrastructural organization.
