Experimental models of Neuronal hyperexcitation

We employ a range of experimental models to study neuronal hyperexcitability and network dysfunction. These include pharmacological induction of epilepsy using kainic acid, traumatic brain injury (TBI) models, and disease- and age-related paradigms. Together, these approaches allow us to investigate how pathological or progressive conditions alter neuronal excitability, circuit dynamics, and brain function, providing mechanistic insight into the development and progression of neurological disorders.
Tools for NeuroInfLabTools for inflammatory modulation of neural circuits

MINISCOPE - In vivo Calcium Imaging

We use head-mounted miniscopes (Inscopix) to record neuronal activity in vivo at cellular resolution. By expressing genetically encoded calcium indicators in specific neuronal populations and implanting GRIN lenses in targeted brain regions, we can monitor neural dynamics in freely behaving animals over extended periods. This technique allows us to link activity patterns of defined neural circuits to behavior, learning, and brain function under physiological conditions

Hippocampal organotipic culture Slices

We use organotypic hippocampal slice cultures as an ex vivo platform to study neural circuit organization and function while preserving native hippocampal architecture. This approach enables targeted manipulation of hippocampal networks and provides a powerful system for testing pharmacological interventions and experimental perturbations prior to validation in in vivo models.

In vitro Calcium Imaging in Hippocampal organotipic culture Slices

We perform in vitro calcium imaging in hippocampal organotypic slice cultures to monitor neuronal and network activity at cellular resolution. This approach enables the analysis of circuit dynamics, synchronization, and activity patterns under controlled conditions, and provides a powerful platform to assess functional responses to experimental manipulations and pharmacological treatments before translation to in vivo models.

In vitro models of Reactive Neural progenitor cells & iPSCs

We use adult hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) as an in vitro model to induce and study reactive phenotypes under pathological conditions. These models allow the investigation of early cellular and molecular changes occurring in NSCs during de induction of the reacte phenotype. Since adult NSCs naturally differentiate into neurons and astrocytes, this approach also enables the analysis of how reactive features impact differentiation outcomes and whether reactive traits can be inherited by their progeny.

Metabolic analysis - In vitro

We assess cellular metabolism using Seahorse assays (Agilent) in adult hippocampal hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs), as well as neurons and astrocytes derived from them. This approach enables the analysis of metabolic states and flexibility across cell types and differentiation stages, providing insight into metabolic regulation in neural cells under physiological and pathological conditions.

Other applications: Viral injection, EEG

In addition to these approaches, we use viral injection strategies to manipulate gene expression in specific brain regions or cell populations, and electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity at the network level. We also apply inflammatory challenges such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and poly I:C to model immune activation and study its impact on neural circuits and network dynamics under controlled experimental conditions.
ADDRESS
UPV/EHU Science Park, Sede building 3rd Leioa Bizkaia 48940 ESGoogle Maps
(+34) 94 601 8138
soraya.martin@achucarro.org
Our Hours
Monday - Friday 09:00 AM - 17:00 PM
Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Neuroinflammation and Network Dynamics (3ND)
Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience