Title: Mechanisms and Consequences of Coherent Activity in the Hippocampal Formation
Speaker: Prof. John White
Speaker Info: Boston University
Brief Description:
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Abstract:
The hippocampal formation is crucial for remembering episodes in one’s life, and evidence suggests that synchronous activity throughout the hippocampus is essential for the mnemonic functions of this brain structure. We have studied the mechanisms of synchronization using electrophysiological and computational methods. More recently, we have exploited methods for introducing real-time control in cellular electrophysiology. These techniques allow us to “knock in” virtual ion channels that can be controlled with great mathematical precision, and to immerse biological neurons in real-time, virtual neuronal networks. These manipulations allow us to test computationally-based hypotheses in living cells. From this work, I will discuss which properties of single cells seem crucial for coherent activity in the hippocampal formation. I will also discuss work on the consequences of precise spike timing in neuronal network function. Selected related papers: 1. Netoff TI, Banks MI, Dorval AD, Acker CD, Haas JS, Kopell N, and White JA (2005) Synchronization in hybrid neuronal networks of the hippocampal formation. Journal of Neurophysiology 93: 1197-1208. 2. Dorval AD and White JA (2005) Channel noise is essential for perithreshold oscillations in entorhinal stellate neurons. Journal of Neuroscience 25: 10025-10028. 3. Zhou YD, Acker CD, Netoff TI, Sen K, and White JA (2005) Increasing calcium transients by broadening postsynaptic action potentials enhances timing-dependent synaptic depression. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 102: 19121-19125.Date: Friday, June 02, 2006