2012 Feb 14 at 15:30
PAS 2464
Dr. Astrid Prinz, Assoc. Prof., Winship Distinguished Research Prof., Dept. Biology, Emory Univ.
Neuronal oscillators, especially the central pattern generator circuits that control rhythmic behaviors such as breathing, need to function reliably throughout life despite ongoing turnover of their molecular components and other perturbations. How is this stability achieved? I will discuss recent results that show how parameter non-uniqueness, membrane conductance co-regulation, and activity-dependent homeostatic regulation through negative feedback loops act together to ensure reliable neuronal network function. My presentation will highlight how fruitful interactions between electrophysiology experiments and numerical modeling can advance our understanding of complex system dynamics at the intersection of physics and biology.
Co-sponsored by Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience general