Effect of the ephaptic coupling on neural networks dynamics

• Grant number: 20/16389-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Bussotti Reyes
• Grantee: Angelo Orletti Del Rey
• Host Institution: Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição (CMCC). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

During regular brain activity, charge transfer between neurons gives rise to extracellular electric potential in neural tissue. These electric fluctuations can disrupt neighbor cells' activity, acting as a non-synaptic connection between neurons, called ephaptic coupling. Even though known for decades, ephaptic coupling effects still need to be quantified, particularly in large structures like the cortex. In this project, we will use computational modeling of neuronal networks to investigate the effects of ephaptic coupling in neural networks dynamics.