Synchronization in neuronal networks with long-term synaptic plasticity

• Grant number: 23/12863-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - General Physics
• Principal Investigator: Iberê Luiz Caldas
• Grantee: Paulo Ricardo Protachevicz
• Supervisor: Jurgen Herbert Gustav Kurths
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/04624-2 - Synaptic plasticity in neuronal networks, BP.PD

Abstract

Understanding the emergence of synchronous and asynchronous patterns in neuronal networks and how synaptic plasticity actuates in such patterns is still a challenge in the field of neuroscience. Synaptic plasticity and neuronal synchronization are involved in both healthy cognitive functions and neurological disorders like epilepsy, Alzheimer, and Parkinson. For this reason, understanding the role of synchronous and asynchronous activities in the changes of synaptic intensities and their influence on neuronal activities can bring insightful perspectives for the comprehension of healthy and unhealthy brain activities. The main interest is the study of neuronal networks submitted to random and periodic input currents since these two types of input are observed in the brain and can induce distinct patterns of neuronal activity depending on the synaptic coupling intensities. To achieve the goals, computational models of neuronal networks that incorporate biologically plausible neuronal dynamics and synaptic plasticity rules will beconsidered. Is expected that random synaptic currents can lead to predominant asynchronous firing patterns in the network, while periodic ones may induce a predominance of synchronous firings. However, the emergence of such patterns and their relation with synaptic plasticity is not well defined. In this way, analyzing the changes in synaptic intensity due to synchronous levels of activity will uncover the underlying mechanism that drives synaptic plasticity. (AU)