Sensory processing in the zebrafish brain
In this proposal, we will explore the development, function and architecture of neural circuits that are involved in sensory (visual and olfactory) information processing, namely olfactory bulb, forebrain, habenula, hypothalamus, raphe and neurons that release specific neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and glial cells that maintains homeostasis for brain function. Moreover, we will investigate the fundamental principles underlying multimodal sensory integration and the neural basis of behavior in these highly conserved brain areas. To achieve these goals we will combine behavioral studies, two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics and electrophysiology with the genetic toolbox of zebrafish. Using this unique combination of methods, we will label, monitor and perturb the activity of functionally distinct elements of forebrain, habenula and hypothalamus, in vivo. The forebrain, habenula and hypothalamus are important in mediating learning, anxiety and eating habits, respectively. Therefore, understanding the neural computations in these brain regions is important for comprehending the neural mechanisms underlying psychological conditions related to learning, anxiety and eating disorders.
We expect to perform our experiments in a total 5976 zebrafish at juveniles and adults. This experimental tool is noninvasive in zebrafish, does not involve chronic pain or invasive surgery. Our animals' health is utmost important for all these behavioral experiments. Using zebrafish, a small vertebrate, we replace mammalian animal models such as the mouse or rats. Moreover, we refine the concentration of the odorant compounds, intensity of visual stimuli, and duration of exposure and reduce the time of experiments to a minimal level. All our experiments consider studying the information processing of the vertebrate brain. Hence, these experiments require working with living animals. In the future, when enough information is collected, such experiments will be used to design computational models/ simulations of brain circuits. This will allow reduction of the number of animals for such behavioral experiments. We anticipate that our findings will go beyond zebrafish brain and will allow better understanding of neural mechanisms underlying psychological conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and inspire novel therapies.
We expect to perform our experiments in a total 5976 zebrafish at juveniles and adults. This experimental tool is noninvasive in zebrafish, does not involve chronic pain or invasive surgery. Our animals' health is utmost important for all these behavioral experiments. Using zebrafish, a small vertebrate, we replace mammalian animal models such as the mouse or rats. Moreover, we refine the concentration of the odorant compounds, intensity of visual stimuli, and duration of exposure and reduce the time of experiments to a minimal level. All our experiments consider studying the information processing of the vertebrate brain. Hence, these experiments require working with living animals. In the future, when enough information is collected, such experiments will be used to design computational models/ simulations of brain circuits. This will allow reduction of the number of animals for such behavioral experiments. We anticipate that our findings will go beyond zebrafish brain and will allow better understanding of neural mechanisms underlying psychological conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and inspire novel therapies.