Core facility

The aim of the new core-facility lab is to provide electrophysiological service for scientist at Nencki Institute and abroad. The lab possesses set-ups for extracellular recordings and intrinsic signal imaging in vivo as well as a rig for in vitro single-cell recording.  The lab offers the complex service in designing and performing experiments, analyzing data and it provides the supports during the process of manuscript and grant preparation.

Research profile

The general aim of our scientific activity is to study mechanisms of signal transmission in neuronal networks. We also study mechanisms of learning-related plasticity of the brain. To explore brain function we use electrophysiological and optogenetic tools.

Current research activities

• mechanisms of learning-related plasticity of inhibitory interneurons (GABAergic),
• the role of metabotropic receptors for GABA on the modulation of the neuronal activity.

Selected publications

Urban-Ciecko J., Jouhanneau J.S., Myal S.E., Poulet J.F.A., Barth A. L. (2018) Precisely-timed nicotinic activation drives SST inhibition in neocortical circuits. Neuron, 97, 611-25.

Urban-Ciecko J., Barth A.L. (2016) Somatostatin-expressing neurons in cortical networks. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17, 401-9.

Urban-Ciecko J., Fanselow E., Barth A.L. (2015) Neocortical somatostatin neurons reversibly silence excitatory transmission via GABAb receptors. Current Biology, 25, 722-31.

Urban-Ciecko J., Wen J.A., Parekh P.K., Barth A.L. (2014) Experience-dependent regulation of presynaptic NMDARs enhances neurotransmitter release at neocortical synapses. Learning and Memory, 22, 47-55 .

Urban-Ciecko J., Kossut M., Mozrzymas J.W. (2010) Sensory learning differentially affects GABAergic tonic currents in excitatory neurons and fast spiking interneurons in layer IV of mouse barrel cortex. Journal of Neurophysiology, 104, 746-54.