Dr. Misha Ahrens, Janelia, HHMI

Date/Time

Monday, March 13, 2023, 16:30-17:30 (JST)

Abstract

Brain-wide neuronal and astroglial dynamics for flexible behavior in zebrafish

The brain generates behavior through interactions between many neurons connected to one another in large networks distributed over multiple brain areas. To understand brain-wide computation for flexible behavior, we developed techniques for recording from almost all neurons in the brain of zebrafish that interact with virtual reality environments as they store memories, undergo learning, and exhibit behavioral state changes. Based on online analysis of neural function, we can perturb the brain at the single-cell level in arbitrary populations that have been identified based on function during behavior, to directly test models of neural computation. In this talk, I will discuss recent progress in our understanding of the neural basis of navigation (‘positional homeostasis’, involving a network for path integration and cerebellar motor planning). I will also discuss recent work on the astroglial basis of fast antidepressant action of ketamine in a zebrafish ‘futility induced passivity’ assay. Finally, I will present work on generalizing our research to outside the brain, where we consider input from the viscera, specifically the gut, and its role in controlling brain states.

For inquiries

cbs-academic[at]ml.riken.jp