Cortical network function is strongly modulated by the action of GABA interneurons. Understanding the role of different types of interneurons in the generation of network patterns is thus essential. Developmental neurobiology offers both conceptual and experimental tools to address this question. Our research is centred on the integration of GABAergic microcircuits into a functional network during brain development. To describe cortical networks at the scale of microcircuits, we have developed a multidisciplinary approach that combines multibeam imaging of network dynamics, online data analysis, targeted electrophysiological recordings and histology.
Doing so, we recently found that developing hippocampal networks follow a scale-free topology and demonstrated the existence of functional “hubs” driving early network oscillations (Bonifazi et al. 2009). These cells are GABAergic neurons characterized by widespread axonal projections. During my talk I will present our latest data regarding the embryonic origin and adult fate of GABA hub neurons.
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