New preprint from the lab! Stefan Sun and @q-perrenoud.bsky.social collaborated to look at how sensory experience affects the adult cortex. Using ephys and 2-photon imaging, they found that varied visual experience reorganizes dendrite-targeting inhibitory circuits in V1.
Not sure whether I'm complimented or offended!! 😜
How can I join?? 😆
Overall, visually-evoked ACh release in V1 reconfigures local GABAergic circuits to boost sensory responses and support conditioned behavior. Rather than being a simple gate for learning, cholinergic plasticity is actually the mechanism for expression of conditioned behavior! 5/5
2-photon calcium imaging of distinct GABAergic interneurons in V1 showed fear-conditioning enhanced visual responses in layer 1 interneurons and suppressed responses by VIP- and PV-expressing interneurons, leading to disinhibition of pyramidal neurons. 4/5
Widefield imaging of cholinergic signaling revealed selective, visually evoked ACh release after visual fear conditioning. Local blockade of ACh muscarinic receptors in V1 disrupted both enhanced visual responses and conditioned behavior. ACh is required for neural and behavior plasticity! 3/5
In head-fixed mice, associating a visual cue with mild foot-shock resulted in conditioned cessation of licking (~freezing). Behavior required V1 activity, and wide field+2p calcium imaging showed learning-dependent increases in visual responses for V1 pyramidal neurons.
See our latest - collab with @jess-cardin.bsky.social, led by @andrewmoberly.bsky.social. We combined mesoscopic and 2p imaging to show that learning-dependent plasticity of ACh release in visual cortex drives enhanced visual representations and conditioned behavior. 1/5 tinyurl.com/3cfea6df
Can’t wait to get started today! We’re introducing the students to MiniMe - the first whole-cortex, through-skull mesoscopic imaging system for freely-moving mice!
Has anyone found info on the NIH proposed budget in the Senate bill under discussion today?
Congrats and welcome! Can't wait for all the amazing conversations!!!
I get and agree with your point, Talia, but also strongly voice support for local farmers markets. JFC, it's amazing that the liberals can't push each other off the life raft fast enough...
Not that I disagree with you, but since the wording demands Unis affirm compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws (not admin's whims), there seems some wiggle room for the moment.
We used to call functional connectomics "cross-correlation"! 🤣
sì, in parte, la mia famiglia viene da puglia (non gli higley's... lol)
Bravo! Spero di ricevere presto il mio passaporto italiano! È un bel posto per fare la scienza...
Ottimo! Perché inizi di studiare italiano?
On this day 2 years ago, I was heading out on my first job interview (at my current institution)! I was so freaking nervous. To those setting out on that journey this month, have confidence!
You made it this far.
You are a rockstar.
Now show them how bright you shine!
I'll add a plug for @stellatecomms.bsky.social - they did an awesome job with my lab's logo!
Nice! It's great to see this out!!
...and tonight, cookies!
marinated eel chunks with soy, rice vinegar, and sesame, twice-fried in the wok. also some butterflied sardines and sautéed chanterelles! delicious, if a bit eclectic!
Score! Our local seafood shop had fresh eel! Dinner's looking good tonight!
Nice! Congrats!
Lab photo
Unbelievably thankful for being able to work alongside such a supportive, smart, enthusiastic group of scientists! Happy Holidays from the Higley Lab!
ime (med school neuroscience), the letters are a critical element of making first round cuts for both grad school and faculty
Alrighty, who's ready for a 5 hour swim meet (where my son participates for a total of 3 minutes)?
Very excited to broaden our understanding of how cannabinoids shape inhibitory synaptic function in the cortex!
📢The YC-SCAN² has awarded 14 grants 💰 to researchers, including @yaleneuro.bsky.social's Nicola Micali & @mhigley.bsky.social 👨🔬🥼, for their work focused on understanding the impact of cannabinoids on neurodevelopment!
Read More Here 👇
