Neural Circuits and Behaviour
How are memories formed? How is episodic information stored within cortico-hippocampal circuits? What are the underlying neural mechanisms? How are “memory representations” plastically modified for supporting flexible behavior?
These are some of the research questions we address in our lab. We mainly focus on the rodent spatial memory system as a model for understanding how memory representations are formed, stored and used by the brain for guiding behavior. To address these questions, we use a combination of techniques, including single-cell electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, behavioral analysis and optogenetic tools for neural circuit dissection.
Research Themes
Cellular mechanisms of memory
How do spatial representations emerge, and what are the underlying in-vivo induction and plasticity rules? How do morphologically and molecularly distinct neurons contribute to neural coding? To address this question, we use a combination of optogenetics, juxtacellular labelling & single-cell stimulation techniques in behaving mice. This research line is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (grants BU-3126-1/1; BU-3126-2/1; PR-2204/1-1).
Related publications: Preston-Ferrer et al., eLife 2016; Diamantki et al., Cell Reports 2018; Balsamo et al., Cell Reports 2022; Hodapp et al., Science 2022; Ding et al., eLife 2022; Zouridis et al., Hippocampus 2024
Brain states, sleep and memory
How are spatial representations modulated by behavioral states? What is the role of sleep in shaping memory representations? In this research line, we study the role of ‘brain states’ (including NREM and REM sleep oscillations) on the plasticity of hippocampal representations. This research line is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (grant BU-3126-3/1)
Related publications: Blanco-Hernandez et al., Nature Neuroscience 2014; Hanert et al., Neurobiol. Dis. 2024
Sex and memory
In this research line, we aim at exploring sex-specific determinants of spatial navigation and memory. To address this question, we use multi-unit recordings and behavioral analysis in male and female mice. This new research line is currently supported by intramural funding (University of Tübingen)
Experimental Methods
Juxtacellular recording, labelling and stimulation
Silicon-probe recordings
Optogenetics
Ca2+ imaging (miniscope) in freely-moving mice
Burgalossi Lab - Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience - Otfried-Müller-Str. 25, 72076 Tübingen (Germany)
