Advanced techniques and methodologies for brain circuit-level analysis

Presentation and objectives
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Faculty
Programme
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Presentation and objectives

In recent years, significant advancements in neuroscience tools have provided researchers with a new in-depth perspective on brain function. Novel anatomical, optical, genetic, electrophysiological, and imaging approaches have opened new possibilities for investigating neuronal circuits.

This hands-on course offers advanced training on various tools used for the analysis of neuronal circuits, including neuronal tracing strategies, fiber photometry, calcium/sensor imaging with miniaturized microscopes, in vivo electrophysiology, and opto- and chemo-genetics. The course places a strong emphasis on how to design and develop a correct experiment using these tools, and on the appropriate controls, and on the limitations of these methodologies. This approach ensures that participants comprehend the strengths and limitations of each technique and can design, implement, and interpret experiments correctly. By the end of the course, students will have gained the basic skills and knowledge necessary to undertake innovative research projects in neuroscience.

The main objectives of this course are to:
- Use conventional tracers and viral tools for different neuronal tracing strategies;
- Analyze neuronal activity or neurotransmitter release through fiber photometry recordings;
- Image neuronal activity and/or neurotransmitter release in vivo using 1-Photon microscopy;
- Perform extracellular recordings of neuronal activity using multi-channel silicone probes in anesthetized and freely behaving animals;
- Accomplish neuronal manipulation using optogenetics and chemogenetics tools.

For all of the methodologies, we will also provide the fundamentals for data analysis using open-source tools.

This course does not provide credentials for the exercise of medicine for those without appropriate training, recognition and registered at the "Ordem dos Médicos" or international equivalent institutions.

Organization

Ana João Rodrigues
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Carina Soares-Cunha
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Faculty

Invited Speakers

João Peça
Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Jacques Barik
Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France

Lin Tian
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, USA

Luke Sjulson
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

Paulo Aguiar
i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

Teaching Staff

Ana Verónica Domingues
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Bárbara Coimbra
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Hugo Leite-Almeida
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Inês Ribeiro
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Joana Silva
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

João Oliveira
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Leandro Aguiar
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Luísa Pinto
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Marcelina Wezik
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Nuno Dinis Alves
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Tawan Carvalho
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Programme

This course will be held from April 22nd to May 10th, 2024, and is divided in 3 modules. Click here to download the detailed programme.

Module 1 \| Brain Anatomy: From Cells to Circuits	April 22-26, 2024
Module 1 focuses on the evaluation of neuronal connectivity, encompassing conventional tracing strategies and cutting-edge viral approaches. Participants will also gain hands-on experience in stereotaxic surgeries and brain processing techniques for connectivity analysis.

Module 2 \| Neuronal Activity and Neurotransmitters	April 29 - May 6, 2024
In Module 2, a critical overview of tools for assessing neuronal activity will be presented. This includes calcium imaging using 1-photon microscopy, as well as large-scale electrophysiology utilizing silicone probes. Evaluation of neurotransmitter release using genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors and fiber photometry will also be covered.

Module 3 \| Data Analysis	May 7-10, 2024
Module 3 centers on data analysis techniques for different types of data. Participants will be trained in open-source tools and coding for analyzing calcium imaging data from 1-photon microscopy, neurotransmitter sensor data, and large-scale electrophysiology data.

While the modules are interconnected, external participants also have the flexibility to register for individual modules based on their proficiency in specific techniques. Practical classes constitute a significant portion of the course, reflecting its strong emphasis on hands-on training.

Application

To apply, please fill out the application form. Further information about the selection process will be provided within a week. Please contact us if you do not receive a response in this time frame.

Target group

MSc and PhD students
Early-career scientists

Application deadline

March 31 st 2024

Number of vacancies

16 places

Fees

Only module 1: 200,00 EUR
Only module 2: 250,00 EUR
Only module 3: 100,00 EUR
Full course: 500,00 EUR

The fee includes

All the necessary material for the course
Certificate of attendance

Details for the payment

This information will be sent to the accepted participants.

Payment and invoicing policy

Selected participants will receive an email with the all payment details. To complete the registration process, you should proceed with the payment and send the receipt to upg-cursos@med.uminho.pt within 5 days.

Your registration will be effective after confirmation of the payment. If payment is not made in due time we will have to cancel the registration.

The correct indication of customer data during the payment, including a correct fiscal number, are the sole responsibility of the customer. y result from inaccurate information provided by the customer, particularly in the issuance of tax documents which are not susceptible to cancellation after issued. If you do not indicate the tax identification number you will be considered as final consumer (non-taxable person).

Cancelation and refund policy

You may cancel your registration at any time, but you will forfeit the full amount, irrespective of the date of cancellation. We cannot refund or return the fee, unless the course suffer any changes or it is cancelled.

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