Synaptic plasticity | Cervo Brain Research Centre

	Paul De Koninck Discoveries about the molecular mechanisms that control the connections between neurons and the development of neural circuits for learning and memory Professor Paul De Koninck and his team study the development of connections between neurons, called synapses, and their remodeling in response to stimuli. These mechanisms of neural circuit remodeling are the basis of learning and memory. Their precise regulation is crucial as abnormal levels of neuronal activity can lead to disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia. Using advanced neurophotonic technologies...
	Yves De Koninck Synaptic transmission: from chronic pain to Alzheimer's disease Yves De Koninck's work focuses on the transmission of signals from one neuron to another, also called synaptic transmission, and the necessary balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain and spinal cord. His research has shown how a normally benign stimulus can turn into a pain signal, leading to the development of chronic pain. One person in five will experience chronic pain in their lifetime, a proportion that increases with age. This is the leading cause of disability in the country...
	Nicolas Doyon Reaching a deeper understanding of neurons and neural networks through mathematical simulation and modeling. Professor Nicolas Doyon, from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, uses his expertise in mathematical modeling to better understand how ion transporters influence signal processing by neurons. Precise control of the amounts of certain ions, such as chloride ions, is necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Professor Doyon's studies have led to a better understanding of the spatio-temporal control of ion transport in neurons. Defects in the...
	Matthieu Guitton Cyberbehavior – The study of human behaviors in virtual spaces Professor Matthieu Guitton's research aims to understand the behavior of people online, in virtual spaces. He is as interested in the psychology of individuals and virtual communities (including virtual communities of patients) as in the social dynamics in these groups, ethics, and computer-aided communication. Impact and use of the internet and virtual reality in health Dr. Guitton's research also focuses on information technologies applied to health sciences. He is studying telemedicine, the...
	Simon Hardy Development of mathematical models to understand and analyze complex biological systems Professor Simon Hardy develops mathematical and computational models based on experimental data that allow us to analyze the complex dynamics of biological systems. In collaboration with biologists, Dr. Hardy's team is developing theoretical models of neurons integrating physiological, biochemical and electrical current measurements in neural networks. The models developed can predict the system's response in different situations, how the normal behavior of the system can be...
	Christophe Proulx Deciphering the neural mechanisms of emotions and their contribution to behavior through the brain reward circuits Professor Christophe Proulx studies the neural mechanisms of emotions underlying normal behavioral responses, but also the defects in these mechanisms that can lead to mood disorders such as depression. Areas of the brain that play an important role in these responses are the reward circuitry of the brain, which includes various limbic system nuclei, the lateral habenula, and the dorsal raphe nucleus. To understand how emotions are encoded and transmitted in...
	Armen Saghatelyan Studying the birth of new neurons in the brain to discover new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Research in Dr. Armen Saghatelyan’s laboratory aims to better understand how new neurons are born and integrated in the adult brain. The adult brain contains stem cells that divide to generate new neurons. Dr. Saghatelyan's team is interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying stem cell division, neuronal precursor migration and the integration of new neurons in the adult brain. The olfactory bulb, which is involved in...
	Igor Timofeev Studies of the mechanisms leading to the consolidation of memory during sleep. Sleep consists of several phases that form cycles that are repeated several times during the night. These phases are characterized by distinct electrical activity patterns. Certain phases, especially slow wave sleep, allow the consolidation of memory. The strengthening of connections between neurons, called synapses, underlie this consolidation, and thus, learning. Professor Igor Timofeev's research aims to understand how brain activity waves are generated, propagate and contribute to this important...

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