Nicolas Brunel’s Seminar on Cortical Network Dynamics at CRM

Nicolas Brunel, CRM Scientific Advisory Board member, delivered a seminar on the roles of inhibition in cortical network dynamics as part of the Barccsyn Seminar Cycle. He presented findings on how inhibition stabilizes neural activity and shapes response patterns, focusing on excitatory-inhibitory coupling, the effects of optogenetic stimulation, and the distinct roles of inhibitory neuron subtypes in network stability.

Bellaterra, October 25, 2024 – The Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) welcomed Dr. Nicolas Brunel, a member of its Scientific Advisory Board, for a seminar as part of the Barccsyn Seminar Cycle. Dr. Brunel, affiliated with Duke University and Università Bocconi, presented his research on “Roles of inhibition in stabilizing and shaping the response of cortical networks.” The talk covered recent developments in understanding how inhibition influences cortical network dynamics, offering a perspective on the mechanisms that contribute to network stability and response modulation.

Dr. Brunel presented research on how light-based stimulation of inhibitory neurons helps stabilize brain activity, even without sensory input, enhancing models of excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) network interactions. He also shared findings on how activating pyramidal cells can alter neural firing patterns without disrupting overall activity levels, pointing to a complex E-I response. Additionally, Dr. Brunel highlighted the specialized roles of inhibitory neuron types, showing that SST cells, in particular, are essential for stability in certain conditions, suggesting these subtypes adapt to different network demands.