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Overview
Overview
We are investigating the influence of neural activity and early experience on the development and refinement of brain circuits at the systems, cellular, and molecular levels using mouse, Xenopus tadpole and zebrafish models.
Research TOPICS
Research TOPICS
Circuit refinement
Circuit refinement
The brain is constantly remodeling throughout development. We observe how different components of the circuit change morphologically and functionally in response to genetic, pharmacological, and visual experience manipulations. We have provided some of the first in vivo evidence for Hebbian (coactivity-induced) and Stentian (asynchrony-induced) structural plasticity.
Neuron-glia interactions
Neuron-glia interactions
We examine the roles of various glia – radial astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes – in the refinement and function of the developing retinotectal system. We also ask how these intercellular interactions may be altered under disease conditions.
Live imaging methods
Live imaging methods
As one of the first in vivo microscopy labs in Canada, we have developed a wide range of tools for the labeling, imaging and quantification of morphometric data from brain cells. We also collaborate with other researchers at McGill University and the Canadian Neurophotonics Platform on various tool development projects, including in vivo optimisation of fluorescent sensors for two-photon imaging and of enzymatic biosensor electrodes for electrophysiology.
Our Tools
Our Tools
Xen & zebrafish visual system
Xen & zebrafish visual system
The fish and frog retinotectal systems are well suited for the study of circuit development and function, particularly in response to changes in activity. Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio embryos develop externally, allowing for embryonic, sensory, and pharmacological manipulations early in development. We exploit the power of zebrafish genetics and the ease of in vivo electrophysiology in tadpoles to mechanistically dissect the development visual circuits.
In vivo multiphoton microscopy
In vivo multiphoton microscopy
We use multiphoton laser scanning microscopy for three-dimensional imaging of fluorescently labeled cells in the intact animal. This technique permits us to follow morphological changes of brain cells over minutes to days while manipulating gene expression and neural activity to determine the rules and mechanisms of activity-dependent circuit refinement. We also use this method to perform high speed 4D calcium imaging to extract functional data, including topographic maps and neuron-glia communication.
Whole-cell electrophysiology
Whole-cell electrophysiology
Whole-cell patch clamp recordings from cells in the optic tectum of Xenopus tadpoles or (in collaboration with the lab of Tim Kennedy) mouse hippocampal slices allows us to study synaptic properties in developing and mature circuits. We can also record in the intact tadpole brain while presenting visual stimuli to the contralateral eye through a multi-fibre optical array to extract subthreshold receptive field properties. With the Mauzeroll Lab we have also developed amperometric probes for the detection of D-serine release in vivo.
Additional TOPICS
Additional TOPICS
Ongoing lab interests and techniques include:
amperometric probes for D-serine detection
topographic map extraction from sensory-evoked calcium signal
RNAseq analysis of plasticity-associated genes
half-tadpole morpholino oligonucleotide gene knockdown
microglial trogocytosis of synapses
embryonic immune activation model of neurodevelopmental disorders
CRISPR transgenesis and knock-in techniques in fish and frogs
state-dependent plasticity (modulation by sleep and alert states)
computational visual scene reconstruction from neuronal activity patterns
POPULAR MEDIA AND SYMPOSIUM VIDEOS
POPULAR MEDIA AND SYMPOSIUM VIDEOS
14 Feb 2022
A new study expands on Dr. Wilder Penfield’s groundbreaking discovery of the human brain's sensory maps.
Montreal researchers have found a new role for cannabinoids. The active ingredient in marijuana — which is also naturally present in the human body — seems to improve night vision in vertebrates.
Montreal researchers have found a new role for cannabinoids. The active ingredient in marijuana — which is also naturally present in the human body — seems to improve night vision in vertebrates.
Marijuana improves night vision of tadpoles, suggests a newly published study: “Endocannabinoid signaling enhances visual responses through modulation of intracellular chloride levels in retinal ganglion cells,” Loïs S Miraucourt, et al.
New research shows that the drug makes cells in the retina more sensitive to light
Forget Carrots, new research suggests that marijuana could give you night vision, of sorts.
GQ Australia
May 14, 2018 - 1:09PM
In a new study, published in a recent issue of the journal Science, researchers show for the first time how the brain re-wires and fine-tunes its connections differently depending on the relative timing of sensory stimuli.
A new pilot project between researchers at McGill University and the University of Edinburgh is investigating the role of glial cells in brain circuit development.
Edward Ruthazer is a mapmaker of sorts, but the maps he makes are not of places in the world. Ruthazer studies brain development...
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