About Dr. Gilad Silberberg

The Neocortex and Basal Ganglia are tightly linked to each other via the cortico-striatal pathway. This pathway provides the main excitatory drive to the input nucleus of the basal ganglia, the striatum, and is involved in various motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. In order to understand the functional interactions between these brain regions, it is essential to have a deep knowledge of their underlying microcircuits.

In our lab we study the structural and functional properties of the neocortical and striatal microcircuits, as well the interactions between these two brain areas (cortico-striatal pathway). We use electrophysiological, anatomical, and imaging techniques as well as computer models in order to reveal the intricate organization of neurons and their synaptic connections.

Key topics in our research of both microcircuits are:

• The properties and functional role of interneurons, and their interaction with the projection neurons (medium spiny neurons in the striatum, pyramidal neurons in the neocortex).                                                                                                                                             
• Synaptic dynamics and their affect on microcircuit operation.
• Feed-back and feed-forward inhibitory synaptic pathways.
• Short- and long term synaptic plasticity in corticostriatal synapses

For further information, please also see: http://www.neuro.ki.se/silberberg/