The distributed temporal activity in neuronal circuits of the prefrontal cortex combines emotional information with episodic and spatial memory to guide behavioural action.

The cerebral cortex consists of highly diverse neuronal types with distinct synaptic connectivity, molecular expression profile and contribution to network activity. Neurons can be divided into excitatory pyramidal cells, which use glutamate as a neurotransmitter and give both local and long-range axonal projections, and inhibitory interneurons, which are GABAergic and control the activity and timing of pyramidal cells mainly through local axons. These neurons can be further subdivided on the basis of their distinct axo-dendritic arborisations, subcellular post-synaptic targets, and by their differential expression of signalling molecules. Klausberger's lab aims to determine how distinct types of neuron support the computational operations of the prefrontal cortex. During his presentation, he will discuss how the temporal dynamics and firing pattern of distinct neurons in the prefrontal cortex evolve during working memory, decision making and gambling.

This event is organised by the Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, a continuation of the Oxford Martin Programme on Mind and Machine. For further information, please contact Fiona Woods: fiona.woods@cncb.ox.ac.uk