Building bidirectional neuro-electronic interfaces for dynamical recording and stimulation of neural networks is nowadays a challenge both in fundamental neuroscience for the understanding of the dynamics and plasticity of neural networks, and in clinical research for the development of neural prosthesis.
The PhD thesis will aim at understanding how the future functional organization of an immature neural network can be modified by chronic exogenous electrical microstimulations delivered to the network during its maturation.
Immature neural networks express spontaneous activity, which is an ubiquitous feature of all developing neural structures (e.g., cortex, hippocampus, spinal cord, or retina).
Through hebbian mechanisms, this endogenous activity is essential for the correct maturation of functional network connectivity. Furthermore, exogenous activity delivered by peripheral structures during maturation (sensory inputs) is also important in shaping functional central neural networks. In order to study the influence of both endogenous and exogenous activity on the segregation of immature neural networks, we have developed a whole embryonic spinal cord / hindbrain preparation maintained in culture on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Using this preparation, the successful candidate will study how exogenous activity delivered as chronic electrical micro-stimulations can influence the functional maturation of the network.
The candidate should be highly motivated and familiar with basic programming skills (C/C++ and/or Matlab). A background in computational neurosciences would be an additional asset.
Keywords : neural network, mouse, spinal cord, development, organotypic cultures, microelectrode arrays, electrophysiology
Location : Bordeaux, France
Please send a CV including references to :
Blaise Yvert, PhD.
Centre de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives (CNIC)
CNRS UMR 5228
Bâtiment Biologie Animale B2
Avenue des facultés
33405 TALENCE Cedex FRANCE
Tel. +33 5 40 00 25 73
Fax. +33 5 40 00 25 61
b.yvert@cnic.u-bordeaux1.fr
http://www.cnic.u-bordeaux1.fr/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=10
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