Neural Circuit Mechanisms Underlying Motor Learning and Movement Control
In the motor system, re-organization of neural hardwiring is more prominent during motor learning. However, it is unknown how newly learned skills are incorporated into existing neural circuits without affecting movement control. In addition, aberrant synaptic reorganization also results in motor disorders including Parkinson’s disease. We use multidisciplinary approaches, including two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology, to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this re-organization of neural circuits rewiring.
Astrocytic Physiology and Calcium Signaling
Astrocytes express a complex repertoire of intracellular Ca2+ transients that represent a major form of signaling in astrocytic network and within individual cells. However, it is largely unknown whether and how this calcium signaling encodes brain information. We have developed new imaging technique and mathematical algorithms to monitor and analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of calcium signaling in astrocytes. We aim to provide deeper understanding on the physiological role of calcium signaling in astrocytes.
Development of Next-Generation Brain-machine Interface (BMI)
We are devloping new strategies to interface CMOS chips with massively-scaled three-dimensional microwire arrays, providing the link between high-density neural interfaces and fast-emerging electronics. We continue optimizing the fabrication processes to miniaturize the bundled arrays and to increase the yield of bundle production. The new modification enabled us to perform chronic large-scale neural recordings across multiple cortical regions. We will further apply this technique to study functional dynamics of neural network activity in learning and in diseases.
- PDF, 2013-2019, Dept. Neurosurgery, Stanford Univ. Sch. Med., USA
- Ph.D., 2012, Inst. of Neurology, Uni. College London (UCL), UK
- MS, 2007, Inst. of Zoology, National Taiwan University
- BS, 2003, Dept. of Zoology, National Taiwan University
- 2021-2025, Academia Sinica Career Development Award
- Wu, Y.W., Kim, J.I., Tawfik, V.L., Lalchandani, R.R., et al. (2015) Input- and cell-type-specific endocannabinoiddependent LTD in the striatum. Cell Reports 10(1):75-87.
- Guo, L.*, Xiong, H.*, Kim, J.I.*, Wu, Y.W.*, et al. (2015) Dynamic rewiring of neural circuits in the motor cortex in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease. Nature Neuroscience 18(9):1299-309.
- Du, K.*, Wu, Y.W.*, et al. (2017) Cell-type-specific inhibition of the dendritic plateau potential in striatal spiny projection neurons. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) 114(36): E7612-E7621.
- Parker, J.G., Marshall, J.D., Ahanonu, B., Wu, Y.W., et al. (2018) Diametric neural ensemble dynamics in parkinsonian and dyskinetic states. Nature 557(7704):177-182.
- Wu, Y.W.*, Gordleeva, S., Tang, X., Shih, P.Y., et al. (2019) Morphological profile determines the frequency of spontaneous calcium events in astrocytic processes. Glia 67(2):246-262.
- Obaid, A.*, Hanna, M.*, Wu, Y.W.*, Kollo, M.*, et al. (2020) Massively parallel microwire arrays integrated with CMOS chips for neural recording. Science Advances 6(12): eaay2789.
