Research Interests:

The cellular mechanisms underlying information processing leading to memory formation and learning is under intense debate. Research of our group focuses on the study of the mechanisms that regulate neural excitability and synaptic plasticity in the cerebral cortex and its role leaning and memory.

My previous work provided the demonstration that acetylcholine (ACh) is able to induce long term potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission at CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus by increasing neuronal excitability and converting silent synapses into functional one through the insertion of glutamatergic AMPARs in its spines. Similarly we have proved that ACh is able to induce calcium spikes and potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission at layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the barrel cortex.

Our current research lines aim to analyze:

• the role of endocannabinoids  in the induction of calcium spikes and its effect on excitability and synaptic plasticity in the somatosensory cortex.
• the mechanisms by which IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) modulates synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the prefrontal cortex and its function in the fear conditioning memory.

Most relevant Techniques:

•     Intracellular recording using the Patch clamp technique in rat or mouse brain slices.
•     Extracellular recordings of the field potential in vitro.
•     Calcium imaging to monitor intracellular calcium activity of astrocytes and neurons.
•     Optogenetics.
•     Fear conditioned Behavioural test.
•     Surgery of rats and mice.