The ability of the brain to process and store information from external world relies on interaction between neurons forming a network. Computational capacity of neuronal networks critically depends on connectivity, which evolves over time and is defined by both genetic factors and the sensory experience. Aberrations in connectivity are known to underlie cognitive symptoms of several neurological and neurodegenerative diseases (autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease), however the principles of encoding and decoding of information in healthy and diseased brains remain obscure.
In this project, we study the impact of distinct signalling complexes (with the emphasis on calcium channels) on the formation and maintenance of connectivity in developing and mature neuronal networks. Using a combination of imaging and electrophysiological techniques, we extract structural (synaptic), functional and effective (causal) connectivity in neuronal cultures and slices.
Subsequently, we employ information theory-based analytical tools to address the question how calcium channel-mediated changes in neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability affect the transfer and processing of information. This research is aimed to unravel the features of aberrant connectivity characteristic for autism spectrum disorders and to identify factors causing extremely high comorbidity of autism and epilepsy.
Related publications:
Bikbaev A, Ciuraszkiewicz-Wojciech A, Heck J, Klatt O, Freund R, Mitlöhner J, Enrile Lacalle S, Sun M, Repetto D, Frischknecht R, Ablinger C, Rohlmann A, Missler M, Obermair GJ, Di Biase V & Heine M (2020)
Auxiliary α2δ1 and α2δ3 subunits of calcium channels drive excitatory and inhibitory neuronal network development. J Neurosci 40(25):4824-4841
van Loo K, Rummel C, Pitsch J, Müller JA, Bikbaev A, Chavez EM, Blaess S, Dietrich D, Heine M, Becker A & Schoch S (2019)
Calcium channel subunit α2δ4 is regulated by early growth response 1 and facilitates epileptogenesis. J Neurosci 39(17):3175-3187
Bikbaev A, Frischknecht R & Heine M (2015)
Brain extracellular matrix retains connectivity in neuronal networks. Sci Rep 5:14527. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep14527