Neuromodulation | STG Laboratory of Neuron and Circuit Dynamics

Neurons and the circuits they form can generate different forms of electrical activity, depending on the network state and on how they are activated. Most of this adaptability is due to neuromodulators that affect intrinsic excitability and synapses. Neuromodulators include biogenic amines like dopamine and serotonin, a vast variety of neuropeptides, but also small molecule classical transmitters that may act diffusely and/or through metabotropic receptors.

The tuning of network activity is achieved through changes in the gating properties of ion channels, resulting in altered membrane behavior and excitability, and changes in the amplitude and dynamics of synaptic currents, i.e. synaptic strength and plasticity. Neuromodulators are often thought to convey global brain or behavioral states, as exemplified by the effect of serotonin on mood, the effect of norepinephrine on sleep and wakefulness, or the role of other amines or neuropeptides in eliciting specific behaviors in invertebrates.

However, the idea that large regions of the brain are at any time dominated by a single neuromodulator is hard to reconcile with the complexity of actions of a multitude of neuromodulators at the neuron and circuit levels. The STNS is affected by a vast number of neuromodulators and neurohormones that produce a large degree of plasticity in the rhythmic patterns produced by these networks.

Moreover, the effect of these modulators is dependent on the previous history of activity, or the state of the system. Such state-dependence produces an extra degree of plasticity.

Our laboratory uses experiments to determine the cell- and neuromodulator-specific effects on excitability and synaptic connections and to measure the dynamic activity of the neurons and synapses in control conditions and in the presence of neuromodulators or while activating modulatory projection pathways.

Funding Agency:

N/A

PI/Collaborators:

Farzan Nadim
Office: 973-596-8453
Lab: 973-596-8290

Jorge Golowasch
Office: 973-596-8444
Lab: 973-596-8290

Dirk Bucher
Office: 973-596-8469
Lab: 973-596-6274