Our research
The cerebral cortex contains a wide diversity of cell types. The different cell types show different molecular, biophysical and synaptic properties that endow microcircuits with diverse computational properties. Cell types show topographic gradients in their distribution and in their properties. These gradients could be involved in establishing cortical dynamics across areas of the cortex and influence cortical functions such as decision making and learning.
We study the diversity of cell types in the cortex and how they contribute to sensory processing and learning.
Our approach
We employ a multidisciplinary approach to the study of cortical physiology. Methods available at the lab include in vivo extracellular recordings with neuropixel probes, computational approaches, in vitro patch clamp on brain slices and neuroanatomy. All our methods take advantage from mouse and virus genetics to achieve cell-type specificity.
Nigro lab 