Jerome Baufreton
Neurology
Synaptic and Cellular Dynamics of Neuronal Networks
France
Biography
His laboratory is interested in understanding the synaptic and cellular mechanisms governing information transfer in the basal ganglia. This network is composed of a group of interconnected subcortical brain nuclei that are critical for voluntary movement, learning and motivation, and the primary site of dysfunction in motor-related disorders such as Parkinson´s disease (PD) and Huntington´s disease (HD). Our objectives are to define the principles underlying the normal and pathophysiological operation of the basal ganglia. Our hope is that this information will provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to PD and HD and will be useful in developing new therapeutic strategies that more effectively treat the symptoms of these disorders. They utilize multiple experimental approaches including electrophysiology (patch-clamp and extracellular multi-units recordings), calcium imaging, molecular profiling, optogenetics ex vivo and in vivo, neuronal tracing and immunohistochemistry.
Research Interest
Neurology