Plasticity of cortical circuits

Konrad Lehmann, Jenny Balog, Marcel Isstas, Ulrike Matthies

The ability to adapt to changes in the environment is the key feature of the central nervous system. In our lab, we study this fascinating capacity in the visual cortex of mice, being a classical model system that is both easily manipulated and easily recorded. We wish to elucidate the systemic factors that regulate the waxing and waning of plasticity during an animal’s lifetime, such as social and sensory experience or specific neuromodulators. To this end, we use optical imaging of intrinsic signals to visualize the retinotopy and strength of visual cortical maps. The method is combined with behavioural methods, mouse genetics and histochemistry. We expect our investigations to provide a better understanding of brain circuit function, as well as potential targets for therapeutic interventions for impaired vision or cortical insults.