Summary
The brain possesses an astounding ability to acquire new memories and retain these memories throughout our lifespan. Consequently, neuronal networks in the brain must exhibit flexibility, or plasticity, adapting and strengthening neuronal connections in response to new learning. Simultaneously, the brain must maintain sufficient stability to solidify the neural connections that underpin long-term memory. The lattice-like structures known as Perineuronal Nets (PNNs), which mainly surround a subset of inhibitory interneurons in the cerebral cortex, are believed to dampen brain plasticity, thus facilitating long-term information retention. In this thesis, I perturb the PNNs by genetically knocking out the PNN component aggrecan solely in PV interneurons. Through electrophysiological and behavioral assays and computational modeling, I investigate the potential effects of this perturbation. Finally, I develop soma-targeted, genetically-encoded calcium indicator constructs that allow for precise measurement of neuronal activity at the single-cell level in live animals.
Trial lecture: "Function of distinct inhibitory neuron types in mammalian cortex"
Time and place: 29 Sep. 2023, 10 AM, Auditorium 2 (U180), Kristine Bonnevies hus
More details here.