Synaptic neurology

Much is known about the properties of distinct types of neurons and their connections, but how they underlie normal and abnormal circuit behaviours is poorly understood. It is widely speculated that network oscillations (rhythmic fluctuations in neuronal firing detectable at the population level) are important for communication among brain areas, although direct evidence is lacking. An imbalance between excitation and inhibition can lead to seizures, but many questions surround the roles of different subtypes of inhibitory neurons. 

We will address whether network oscillations have a causal role in information transmission. We will also resolve a controversy about the relative importance of the failure of inhibitory neurons to fire and failure of excitatory neurons to be inhibited during seizures. A further line of research will address the roles of a previously inaccessible population of inhibitory neurons in seizure initiation and propagation.