Janelle Pakan

Group Leader of RG Neural Circuits and Network Dynamics at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia (IKND) at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

The central goal of our research is to investigate the functional neuronal circuitry underlying the transformation of information from sensory perception to behavioral output. We also aim to further understand the cell-type specific processes that interrupt the flow of information through neural circuits in neurodegenerative disorders with dementia. A vital step in understanding the functional principles of neural circuits is to directly observe the activity of local circuit elements with high temporal and spatial resolution. My research group utilizes in vivo two-photon microscopy in behaving animals navigating in a virtual reality environment in combination with neuroanatomical techniques to investigate the cell-type specific microcircuitry of the cerebral cortex and subcortical projecting pathways. Using these techniques, we aim to determine underlying processes of sensory perception and sensorimotor integration in both heath and disease states.

Keywords: two-photon microscopy – neuroanatomical tracing – multisensory cortical function – sensorimotor integration – neurodegenerative diseases

Location: DZNE, OVGU (FME)

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