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The design of neural circuits, with large numbers of neurons interconnected in vast networks, strongly suggest that they are specifically build to generate emergent functional properties. To explore this hypothesis, we have developed two-photon holographic methods to selective image and manipulate the activity of neuronal populations in 3D in vivo. Using them we find that groups of synchronous neurons (neuronal ensembles) dominate the evoked and spontaneous activity of mouse primary visual cortex. Ensembles can be optogenetically imprinted for several days and some of their neurons trigger the entire ensemble. By activating these pattern completion cells in ensembles involved in visual discrimination paradigms, we can bi-directionally alter behavioral choices.

Department:  Neurosciences Institute

Contact: Roula El-Asmar | 6504978031 | roula@stanford.edu

Presenter(s):

• Rafael Yuste, MD, PhD Co-Director, Kavli Inst. for Brain Science, Columbia Univ.

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