My research is focused on how neuronal circuits in the brain and spinal cord are involved in the control movement. In our ongoing work we are in particular investigating the role of corticostriatal circuits in selection of behavior. These brain circuits are also known to be directly affected in Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, a better understanding of how certain changes in neuronal activity patterns are responsible for causing the different symptoms of the disease will likely be an important step towards a future cure. Interestingly, in recent experiments, conducted together with Drs Fuentes and Nicolelis, we found that electrical stimulation of afferent pathways could normalize physiological activity patterns in corticostriatal circuits and at the same time restore motor function in pre-clinical models of Parkinson’s disease.

In the suggested project we now intend to follow up on these initial findings in a more refined pre-clinical model of Parkinson’s disease.

Updated 2/8/11