Local and long-range control of gamma-band synchrony in cortical circuits

On behalf of the 'Rhythms of the Mind - From Theory to Bench and Bedside' Group, Dr. Julia Veit will give a talk titled "Local and long-range control of gamma-band synchrony in cortical circuits" as part of the ongoing Student/Postdoc-Run Speaker Series (SPRSS).

Abstract: Gamma band synchronization is thought to facilitate local and long-range neural communication. In the primary visual cortex, visual stimulus properties within a specific location determine local synchronization strength, while matching stimulus properties between distant locations control long-range synchronization. The neural basis for the differential control of local and global gamma-band synchronization is unknown. Combining electrophysiology, optogenetics, and computational modeling, we found that VIP interneurons in the mouse cortex reduce the gain of gamma power locally without changing its stimulus tuning. Conversely, they suppress long-range synchronization when two regions process non-matched stimuli, tuning gamma coherence globally. Modeling shows that like-to-like connectivity across space and specific VIP/SST inhibition capture these opposing effects. VIP neurons thus differentially impact local and global properties of gamma rhythms depending on visual stimulus statistics.
In newer work, we are starting to elucidate the mechanisms and potential role these oscillations play in communication between anatomically distinct areas using dual Neuropixels recordings and projection-specific optogenetic perturbations.

For information on other talks organized by the 'Rhythms of the Mind - From Theory to Bench and Bedside' Student/Postdoc-Run Group, view the program overview here.