Técnicas e métodos avançados para análise de circuitos neuronais

Este curso apenas está disponivel em Inglês.
This course is only available in English.

The main objectives of this course are to:

- Use conventional tracers and viral tools for different neuronal tracing strategies;
- Analyze neuronal activity or neurotransmitter release through fiber photometry recordings;
- Image neuronal activity and/or neurotransmitter release in vivo using 1-Photon microscopy;
- Perform extracellular recordings of neuronal activity using multi-channel silicone probes in anesthetized and freely behaving animals;
- Accomplish neuronal manipulation using optogenetics and chemogenetics tools.

For all of the methodologies, we will also provide the fundamentals for data analysis using open-source tools.

The course is structured into three modules:
- Module 1. Brain anatomy: from cells to circuits
- Module 2. Neuronal activity and neurotransmitters
- Module 3. Data analysis

Module 1 focuses on the evaluation of neuronal connectivity, encompassing conventional tracing strategies and cutting-edge viral approaches. Participants will also gain hands-on experience in stereotaxic surgeries and brain processing techniques for connectivity analysis.

Module 2, a critical overview of tools for assessing neuronal activity will be presented. This includes calcium imaging using 1-photon microscopy, as well as large-scale electrophysiology utilizing silicone probes. Evaluation of neurotransmitter release using genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors and fiber photometry will also be covered.

Module 3 centers on data analysis techniques for different types of data. Participants will be trained in open-source tools and coding for analyzing calcium imaging data from 1-photon microscopy, neurotransmitter sensor data, and large-scale electrophysiology data

More information: www.med.uminho.pt/en/post-graduation/courses/brain-circuit