Join our team as Doctoral InPhINIT Fellow: THE ROLE OF DENDRITES IN INFORMATION PROCESSING AND TRANSMISSION IN NEURONS

Offer Description

Research Project / Research Group Description

To comprehend the intricate mechanisms employed by our brain in executing complex mental operations, it is imperative to adopt an interdisciplinary approach that combines mathematical models with experiments. From a modeling perspective, the majority of previous studies have focused on neuronal models that involve single-compartment neurons. In these models, neurons are simplistically regarded as single points with a membrane potential, primarily capturing axonal activity while neglecting the impact of dendrites, which constitute the most intricate part of a neuron. However, the brain encompasses various neuron types, each endowed with unique dendritic arbors featuring distinct morphologies and electrical properties. These characteristics significantly influence a neurons functioning, determining factors such selection and clustering of presynaptic inputs and how these inputs are integrated to dictate the neurons firing properties. While single-compartment models have seen success, they prove inadequate when delving into the complexities of information processing and communication in the brain.

In this project, our objective is to operate within a theoretical-experimental framework to enhance our understanding of information coding in the brain. The theoretical aspect involves extending commonly used single-compartment neuronal models to incorporate the influence of dendrites on information processing and transmission. This entails considering active and passive dendrites with both single and multiple branches, along with exploring the effects of combined excitation and inhibition on these dendrites. On the experimental front, we will conduct single-cell and multielectrode recordings in vitro and/or in vivo. Anticipated is a continuous feedback loop between theoretical advancements and experimental observations, enriching our insights into the intricate aspects of brain information processing.

Job position description

The ideal candidate should possess a Masters degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, or biology. Once selected, the candidate will become a PhD student in the Doctoral Program at the University of the Balearic Islands, stationed at the Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar y Sistemas Complejos (IFISC).

The project involves a fusion of mathematical modeling and electrophysiological experiments. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a highly interdisciplinary team spanning two institutions (IFISC and the Instituto de Neurosciencias, Alicante, Spain). Access to facilities at both institutions, including workspaces, computer services, experimental setups, administrative support, and communication tools, will be provided.

The primary objective is to delve into the role of dendrites in neuronal coding. Addressing this complex question necessitates a collaborative approach involving both theory and experiments. On the modeling front, the student will engage with various platforms for neuronal simulation, including Neuron, and develop their own codes. On the experimental side, the goal is to validate modeling outcomes through real neurophysiological experiments, potentially involving in vitro patch clamp recordings and/or in vivo multichannel local field potential recordings.

GROUP LEADER

Prof. Claudio Mirasso: ,

Requirements

Research Field All Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute IFISC Country Spain Geofield

Where to apply Website

Contact City

Palma de Mallorca Website

Street

campus UIB, ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5 Postal Code

07122

STATUS: EXPIRED
EURAXESS

Fecha de publicación: 08/11/2023