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Inferring functional connectivity in neuronal networks using optogenetic stimulation
This project is about the development of an analysis pipeline to infer the functional connectivity of neuronal cultures using simultaneous optogenetic stimulation and extracellular recordings on a high-density microelectrode array.
Our group has developed high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) that allow for recording of electrical activity from neuronal cell cultures at very high spatial and temporal resolution. The obtained data can be used to find dependencies between activities of individual neurons (functional connectivity), which should correlate to the underlying synaptic connectivity in the culture. One promising approach to bridge this gap is to stimulate individual neurons and simultaneously record the activity of its neighbors. Optogenetics – the use of light to control the activity of neurons through modified light-sensitive ion channels - . We want to develop a protocol to express channelrhodopsin (Chr) in different neural subpopulations using viral transduction and infer connectivity after optical stimulation.
In this project, the student will learn how to (1) prepare and maintain neuronal cultures on HD-MEAs, (2) record and analyze their electrical activity, and (3) develop a protocol to optically stimulate neurons, and (4) infer functional connectivity from the acquired data.
The candidate should have a profound background in life sciences or a related field; he/she should be interested in learning new experimental techniques and analyzing the acquired data. Experience with cell culture and microscopy and/or coding experience in Matlab, Python or similar programming languages would be beneficial.
Our group has developed high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) that allow for recording of electrical activity from neuronal cell cultures at very high spatial and temporal resolution. The obtained data can be used to find dependencies between activities of individual neurons (functional connectivity), which should correlate to the underlying synaptic connectivity in the culture. One promising approach to bridge this gap is to stimulate individual neurons and simultaneously record the activity of its neighbors. Optogenetics – the use of light to control the activity of neurons through modified light-sensitive ion channels - . We want to develop a protocol to express channelrhodopsin (Chr) in different neural subpopulations using viral transduction and infer connectivity after optical stimulation.
In this project, the student will learn how to (1) prepare and maintain neuronal cultures on HD-MEAs, (2) record and analyze their electrical activity, and (3) develop a protocol to optically stimulate neurons, and (4) infer functional connectivity from the acquired data.
The candidate should have a profound background in life sciences or a related field; he/she should be interested in learning new experimental techniques and analyzing the acquired data. Experience with cell culture and microscopy and/or coding experience in Matlab, Python or similar programming languages would be beneficial.
1) Development of an optimal transduction and stimulation protocol to reliably evoke electrical activity
2) Establishing an analysis pipeline to infer functional connectivity from simultaneous optogenetic stimulation and HD-MEA recordings
1) Development of an optimal transduction and stimulation protocol to reliably evoke electrical activity 2) Establishing an analysis pipeline to infer functional connectivity from simultaneous optogenetic stimulation and HD-MEA recordings
Applicants should submit a brief letter of motivation and an up-to-date CV to Philipp Hornauer (philipp.hornauer@bsse.ethz.ch). Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Applicants should submit a brief letter of motivation and an up-to-date CV to Philipp Hornauer (philipp.hornauer@bsse.ethz.ch). Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.