Cortical Plasticity
Optical Imaging Group
Funding:

DFG - Collaborative Research Center, SFB-874

SFB 847, Ruhr Universität Bochum

At early cortical processing stages, sensory modalities are mapped across topographically organized neuronal networks. It was long believed that connectivity within such early feature maps is fixed after critical periods in development. In contrast, we show that V1 (primary visual cortex) map layout can still be reorganized in a specific manner through modulation of cortical excitability. We apply voltage-sensitive dye optical imaging (VSDI) to capture modifications of cortical maps during either postlesional reorganisation or non-invasive interventions with controlled visual and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols. The underlying mechanisms have practical implications for perceptual learning and rehabilitation in traumatic or neurodegenerative impairment of the brain.

 

Publications

    2023

  • Induction of excitatory brain state governs plastic functional changes in visual cortical topology
    Eysel, U. T., & Jancke, D.
    Brain Structure and Function
  • Optogenetic activation of mGluR1 signaling in the cerebellum induces synaptic plasticity
    Surdin, T., Preissing, B., Rohr, L., Grömmke, M., Böke, H., Barcik, M., et al.
    iScience, 26(1), 105828

    • 2022

  • Bridging the gap between single receptor type activity and whole-brain dynamics
    Jancke, D., Herlitze, S., Kringelbach, M. L., & Deco, G.
    The FEBS Journal, 289(8), 2067–2084

    • 2018

  • Optical Imaging With Voltage Sensors—Capturing TMS-Induced Neuronal Signals Using Light
    Jancke, D.
    In Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience (pp. 223–234) Elsevier

About the INI

The Institut für Neuroinformatik (INI) is a central research unit of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. We aim to understand the fundamental principles through which organisms generate behavior and cognition while linked to their environments through sensory systems and while acting in those environments through effector systems. Inspired by our insights into such natural cognitive systems, we seek new solutions to problems of information processing in artificial cognitive systems. We draw from a variety of disciplines that include experimental approaches from psychology and neurophysiology as well as theoretical approaches from physics, mathematics, electrical engineering and applied computer science, in particular machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.

Contact

Universitätsstr. 150, Building NB, Room 3/32
D-44801 Bochum, Germany

Tel: (+49) 234 32-28967
Fax: (+49) 234 32-14210

sekretariat@ini.rub.de
www.ini.rub.de