Neural mechanisms underlying dynamic representations of information in the brain: state transitions in local circuits

Research Project Outline

Higher cognitive functions represent and dynamically transform multiple kinds of information in the brain to achieve behavioral goals. As the highest level in the hierarchical organization of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, in particular, is involved in representing and transforming behaviorally relevant information in coordination with cortical and sub-cortical structures. We hypothesized that a dynamic representation of information in the brain is dependent on a balance between excitatory and inhibitory activities that play important roles in maintaining and transforming the state of local neural circuits. To test this hypothesis, we will evaluate the state of neural circuits by measuring multiple cellular activities and developing a new research technique combining electrophysiology and optogenetics.