Research

Projects

Circuits controlling noradrenaline
Microscopy image of noradrenergic neurons (green) and the neighboring axons (cyan and blue).

What is the origin of noradrenergic activity during behavior? In this project, we study how inputs from various regions of cortical and subcortical networks affect noradrenergic responses during learned behaviors. To do so, we combine anatomic tracings with in vivo targeted recordings of various neuronal populations controlling the locus coeruleus neuronal activity.

Synergistic role of catecholamines in behaviors
Schematics of potential roles for dopamine and noradrenaline in learned behaviors

Recent studies on noradrenaline and dopamine have shown that these two systems share similar neurophysiological functions during behaviors. Both systems seem to provide strong execution and learning signals, but how the synergistic release of these two neurotransmitter affects target circuits remains greatly understudied. We examine this role by combining two-photon functional imaging of targeted populations, dense electrode arrays recordings, and optogenetic manipulations of the prefrontal cortex in behaving mice.

Methods

Multi-photon microscopy
GCaMP6f imaging of cortical neurons in the mouse cortex using in vivo two-photon microscopy

We use two-photon microscopy to image the activity of genetically identified neurons in awake and behaving mice.

Targeted In vivo electrophysiology
Right: Methods to perform targeted in vivo electrophysiology using optogenetics. Left: Raster plot of a single unit responding to light illumination (laser).

We use phototagging (optogenetics + single-unit recordings) to record the spiking activity of selected neurons located in deep brain structures.

Large-scale in vivo electrophysiology
Simultaneous recording of 282 neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex using a neuropixel probe

We record and analyze population dynamics of cortical and subcortical regions using dense electrode arrays.

Micro-endoscopy
2-photon imaging of noradrenergic neurons with a gradient index lens implanted above the locus coeruleus

We use two-photon micro-endoscopy to record population dynamics of deep brain structures

Quantitative mouse behavior
Example set up for sensory-motor learning behavior in head-fixed mice

We study mouse behavior using quantifiable sensory-motor tasks.

Anatomical tracings
Two-color tracing using retrograde virus

We use retrograde and anterograde tracing methods to identify and manipulate brain circuits.