ESR 2
Dynamic neuronal interactions along visuomotor pathways
- Early Stage Researcher 2 (ESR 2) name: Georgios Bardanikas
Email address: georgios.bardanikas@univ-amu.fr
Personal Information:
The cortical regions of the brain, from the lower to the higher order areas, constantly process information regarding different stimuli and integrate them in a dynamic way, using feed-forward and feedback neuronal pathways. My research interest lies in understanding the nature and the mechanisms of information transfer between different brain regions during a specific task as well as the functional connectivity among them.
During my MSc thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Francesco Battaglia, in the Donders Institute, Nijmegen, I studied the dynamic routing of information in the tri-synaptic circuit of the medial entorhinal cortex and hippocampus CA1/CA3. In 2021, I was awarded a Marie-Curie fellowship to work under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Brochier and Dr. Andrea Brovelli, in the Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone.
I am currently studying the functional relevance of the dynamic cortico-cortical interactions among the visual, parietal and motor cortex. Our main objective is to shed light on the reciprocal connectivity patterns among these areas during complex visuomotor tasks.
- Host Institution: CNRS & Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
- Supervisors: Dr T Brochier, Dr A Brovelli, Dr A Riehle
- Project title: Dynamic neuronal interactions along visuomotor pathways
- Project description:
The cortical substrates for hand movement control include multiple parieto-frontal pathways for the feedforward (bottom-up) transformation of visual inputs into appropriate motor commands. Anatomical evidence shows that connectivity patterns across occipito-parieto-frontal circuits are largely reciprocal. However, the functional relevance of the dynamic processing of motor information in parietal and visual areas remains debated. To address this issue, our project will analyze the cortical interactions occurring between discrete cortical structures in macaque monkeys performing complex visuomotor tasks. The dynamics of visuomotor-related directed cortico-cortical interactions will be investigated using information theory approaches and Granger causality analyses. In collaboration with ESR 1 and 3, we will also investigate interactions along the entire visuo-motor pathways in marmoset monkeys.
- Secondments:
(1) French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Stem-cell & Brain Research Institute (SBRI), 07/11/2022 - 31/12/2022
During my secondment in the Stem-Cell and Brain Research Institute (SBRI) in Lyon, I had the opportunity to join and collaborate with the team of E. Procyk. I participated in an ongoing project in the field of adaptive behaviour and decision making, by trying to estimate the functional connectivity of a couple of frontal cortex areas which are involved in higher cognitive functions in primates. This experience broadened my field of knowledge and triggered new research interests. I worked together with other peers and researchers, we exchanged ideas and we shared a lot of discussions both on professional and personal topics. Overall, it was a wonderful chance to conduct research on a very high level in another laboratory, establish new collaborations and, of course, enjoy the beautiful city of Lyon.
(2) German Primate Center (DPZ), in February 2024
Contact: email Dr Brochier
More information:
