Cortical neural networks

Associative learning in mice

Whole-cell recording in awake mice

To navigate and survive in the environment one needs to process abundant sensory inputs and execute appropriate behaviours. These functions are ensured by computations of neural networks within the brain. Our lab aims to understand how the properties of individual neurons contribute to the function of neural networks and shape our behaviour. Main projects:

• Neural networks of cerebral cortex behind anticipation and impulsivity;
• The role of the somatosensory cortex in sensation and perception;
• Adaptative sensory processing within cortical networks;
• Neural networks behind auditory steady-state response generation and alterations during schizophrenia.

A mechanistic understanding of neural computations underlying sensation, perception, decision making etc. requires an integrated approach. A combination of electrophysiology (EMG, ENG, whole-cell patch clamp, cell-attached etc.), pharmacology, optogenetics, associative-training paradigm and behavioural testing is being employed in the lab to record and manipulate the neural activity of the brain and understand its function. Mice are being used as a model organism in our lab. 

Group members

Coolaborations

Dr. Lucy Palmer, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia

Prof. Jorn Hounsgaard, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Prof. Aidas Alaburda, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Dr. Inga Griškova-Bulanova, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Projects

2021 – 2022  IBRO Early Career Reward

2021 – 2023  MJJ fellowship

2021 – 2022  Student’s scientific project (09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-25-0057) and summer practice (09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-24-0038) funded by Research Council of Lithuania

2019 – 2022  IBRO return home fellowship

Publications

• Guzulaitis R, Godenzini L, Palmer LM. Neural basis of anticipation and premature impulsive action in the frontal cortex. Nature Neuroscience (Under Revision)
• Testa-Silva G, Rosier M, Honnuraiah S, Guzulaitis R, Megias AM, French C, King J, Drummond K, Palmer LM, Stuart GJ. Higher synaptic threshold for NMDA spike generation in human neurons. bioRxiv 2021
• Godenzini L, Alwis D, Guzulaitis R, Honnuraiah S, Stuart GJ, Palmer LM. Auditory input enhances somatosensory encoding and tactile goal-directed behavior. Nature Communications 2021
• Guzulaitis R, Hounsgaard J. Synaptic drive in spinal motoneurons during scratch network activity. J Neurophysiol. 2018
• Guzulaitis R, Hounsgaard J. Synaptic excitation in spinal motoneurons alternates with synaptic inhibition and is balanced by outward rectification during rhythmic motor network activity. J Neurosci. 2017
• Grigonis R, Guzulaitis R, Buisas R, Alaburda A. The influence of increased membrane conductance on response properties of spinal motoneurons. Brain Res. 2016
• Guzulaitis R, Hounsgaard J, Alaburda A. Irregular firing and high-conductance states in spinal motoneurons during scratching and swimming. J Neurosci. 2016
• Guzulaitis R, Alaburda A, Hounsgaard J. Dense distributed processing in a hindlimb scratch motor network. J Neurosci. 2014
• Guzulaitis R, Alaburda A, Hounsgaard J. Increased activity of pre-motor network does not change the excitability of motoneurons during protracted scratch initiation. J Physiol. 2013
• Guzulaitis R, Hounsgaard J, Alaburda A. Inhibition of motoneurons during the cutaneous silent period in the spinal cord of the turtle. Exp Brain Res. 2012
• Buisas R, Guzulaitis R, Ruksenas O, Alaburda A. Gain of spinal motoneurons measured from square and ramp current pulses. Brain Res. 2012
• Gabrielaitis M, Buisas R, Guzulaitis R, Svirskis G, Alaburda A. Persistent sodium current decreases transient gain in turtle motoneurons. Brain Res. 2011

Contacts

Dr. Robertas Guzulaitis

Research fellow

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel.: +37052398217

Room V123 

Contacts