General Info

Overview

Neural circuits throughout neocortex share a number of common features. They are composed of a distinct set of cell types (e.g., inhibitory, excitatory, glial) that interact through a distinct set of synaptic and diffusive pathways (e.g. GABA and glutamatergic synapses, gap junctions, neuromodulation).

This common cortical structure is responsible for a diverse range of cortical functions. In sensory cortex, circuits receive and process simple and complex stimuli from multiple sensory modalities. In motor cortex, circuits encode and transmit movement commands to sub-cortical and spinal targets. In frontal and association cortices, circuits control internal functions such as working memory and planning. Finally, throughout neocortex, the same circuits are involved in pathological functions that occur during disease states such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and autism.

As detailed in their research statements (linked below) members of the Cortical Circuit Interest Group explore the similarities and differences among a wide range of normal and pathological cortical functions.

The Cortical Circuit Interest Group sponsors a weekly journal club (the Good Circuit/Bad Circuit club) where members discuss both recent and classic articles from the literature with specific topics chosen by the group as a whole and/or according to the interest of participating labs. Each week's article focuses on either normal or pathological cortical function and alternates between the two in successive weeks.

The Group also hosts an online Interest Group as part of the University Blackboard System. The site serves as a place for ongoing discussions and as a repository for electronic versions of past topics and articles discussed in journal club.