Workspace

Resource Mobilisation

In this workspace we aim to improve the compromised mobilisation of cognitive resources through interventions and technologies targeting neurocognitive circuits, taking a multi-scale and multi-species approach. This will be achieved through counteracting specific vulnerabilities of cholinergic circuits in ageing and neurodegeneration, by engaging reserve mechanisms through plasticity induction, and through the development of neurostimulation approaches to improve cognitive vitality.

Mobilising cognitive resources through mechanism-targeted interventions

mechanism-targeted interventions

Based on a mechanistic understanding of neurocognitive circuit dysfunction, we will develop novel strategies for non-invasive neurostimulation and neuromodulation for increasing the resilience, enabling and facilitating access to brain reserve, and counteracting circuit maladaptation.

Our prior work strongly suggests that a brain region targeted by means of well-controlled physical forces can promote neural plasticity and lead to more stable neuronal engram formation - relevant for episodic memory, spatial navigation, attention, decision making, and motivation. The overarching goal is to promote the efficient use of cognitive resources and to ultimately re-establish adaptability to the environment and extended cognitive vitality.
In this workspace we will (i) provide a new neurocognitive circuit-targeted approach for neural resource mobilisation, (ii) generate computational models of neural circuit interactions across different species and (iii) develop and evaluate neurostimulation technologies for ultra-sound-based and light-based non-invasive modulation of resource mobilisation. Key cross-species readouts, such as spatial transcriptomics for the detection of neuronal memory engrams, advanced neuroimaging (two-photon microscopy, MRI/PET/SPECT), electrophysiology, and cognitive assessments, will provide us with a more comprehensive mechanistic understanding of these targeted interventions.

"A deep understanding of neurobiological principles will propel the advancement of pro-cognitive interventions."

Prof. Dr. Stefan Remy

Models for translation and cross-species bridging

In this workspace-overarching project, we use computational modelling to build bridging principles for transferring our mechanistic understanding in rodents to non-human primates and, further, to human applications (in collaboration with the DECODE platform). First, we will establish common approaches to be used in all projects to quantify cross-species behaviour. Recently developed methods for video analysis, especially models for pose estim...

Harnessing memory traces for the development of pro-cognitive interventions

Synaptic plasticity changes the firing rate of neurons, which in turn defines the representation of the events we experience around us. A memory trace (or engram) is the cellular representation of these memories. If we can manipulate synaptic plasticity in a way that is specific to a memory (for example a specific melody), we could help the brain to improve learning and to counteract the compromised mobilisation of cognitive resources. In a ...

INHIBITORY CIRCUITS & TARGETED MOLECULAR APPROACH FOR RESOURCE MOBILISATION

Inhibitory circuits are key regulators of neuronal firing rates and engram formation. The precision of episodic-like memories depends on specific inhibitory interneurons and their functional maturation within perineuronal nets, other extracellular matrix proteins (ECM), and various molecular synaptic machinery. In this project, we will test a strategy to manipulate engrams via control of feedback inhibition. We will further identify mechanisti...

Mechanism-targeted plasticity induction

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter produced by neurons in the basal forebrain projecting to the cortex and hippocampus. It has been linked with a multitude of cognitive functions including selective attention and memory. Cognitive decline in aging has been associated with a reduction of cholinergic signalling. In this project, we investigate the role of ACh for the mobilisation of resources. We aim towards a comprehensive mechanistic un...

Our
Workspaces

The overarching goal of our research cluster is to understand, treat and prevent cognitive impairment. Hence, we designed four strategically and thematically related workspaces which together cover manifold aspects of cognitive vitality.

Our workspaces stand for innovative collaboration structures on the principles of neurocognitive circuit research and convergence. Within we bring together the fields of cognitive neuroscience, clinical medicine, and engineering/informatics which leads to research on fundamental mechanisms and their translation into clinical applications and technology.

Brain Protection