Study of the neural decoding of depression-related behavioral states by the oscillatory dynamics of large-scale brain networks

• Grant number: 22/16812-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: João Pereira Leite
• Grantee: Danilo Benette Marques
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/17882-4 - Drug-resistant epilepsies: diagnostic challenges, associated comorbidities and new experimental approaches, AP.TEM

Abstract

The neural network hypothesis proposes that depression or resilience are determined by the integrated function of multiple brain regions, but most of the evidence for this proposal is still indirect. Recently, patterns of oscillatory activity of large-scale brain networks involved in the processing of stressor controllability, discrimination between stress or safety and motivational valence have been identified in new experimental designs. However, how these network activity patterns are involved in the behaviors that occur in the canonical tests indicative of depression, stress sensitivity, antidepressant effect or resilience in rodents is still unknown. This project aims to investigate electrophysiological patterns of oscillatory dynamics of large-scale brain networks capable of decoding behavioral states in the tests of open field, sucrose preference, social interaction, active avoidance and forced swimming in rats. The results obtained will allow a better understanding of the functions of neural networks involved in the behavioral dimensions of depression or resilience and the identification of electrophysiological biomarkers with the potential to guide clinical neuromodulation therapies.