BMI booklet 2012

/ G I / RO N E P S N E P R RO N E R O N E LO NEUR NG / NEUR ENE URO YCHO URO OSTH ENG URO BOT URO GY OP NE OE RG PH LO IM ET INE FIN ICS E A O / TR NEU HOTO UROT NGIN TICS TON GY / GING ICS / ERING ANCE / O N RO N I E C E E R / I C S N E / N C N I H U N E / /N NU CS / ROBO S / N NOL ING / EURO / NE ROIN EUR UROE NEUR EUTR NE TIC EU OG N IM UR NO OT LE OIT U Y E E C O MU ION ROIM S / N ROCO / NE UROP MUN COM VATIO CHNO TRON N O / N AG EU M P UR R O O LO P U N LO I C LEC LOGY EURO ING / ROFIN UTIN OPSY STHE GY / TING / NEU GY / S / TR / N PHO NE AN G / CHO TIC NEU / N RO NEU NE ONIC EUR TON URO CE / NEU LOGY S / N ROR EURO NUTR ROUR S / OR ICS TEC NE RO TH / N EURO OBOT THEO ITION ON NE OB U H / R N NE UTR UR OTI NE OL OE EOR EUR ELE ICS RY / UR IT OI CS UR OG NG Y / OI CT / / N I O I N M NE IMM ON / AGI / NEU OCOM Y / N NEER NEU NOV RONI NEUR EUUR UN NE NG R PU EU ING RO ATI CS OF O O O E I O R / N ELEC LOG UROP / NEU FINA TING OPS / NE NERG N / / NEU NANC EU TRO Y / HOT RO NCE / N YCH UR ET NEU RO E NE RONU NICS NEUR ONIC TECH / NE EURO OLOG OPRO ICS / RON IMAUR TR / OR S NO UR TH Y ST NE UTR / / O I H NE IMM TION NEUR OBOT NEU LOGY OENG EORY NEU ETIC UROI ITION UR UN / N OI IC RO / N IN / RO S / MM M S E N I O O C / N ELEC LOG EURO AGIN / NE OMP EURO ERIN EUR NNOV NEU UNOY EU TRO / PH G / UR UT PS G / OEN AT ROE I NE RONU NICS NEUR OTON NEU OFIN ING / YCHO NEU ERGE ON / LECUR TR / OR IC RO AN NE LO RO TIC NE C S O I G P NE IMM TION NEUR OBOT / NE TECH E / N UROT Y / N ROST S / N UROUR UN / N OI IC UR NO EU HE EU HE EU M S O O L T O / N ELEC LOG EURO AGIN / NE OCOM OGY ROEN RY / ROIN ICS ROIM Y / N G T EU R O / P H G / UR P U N I N NE O / N V NE RONU NICS NEUR OTON NEU OFIN TING EURO EERI URO ATIO EURO UR TR / OR IC RO AN / PS NG ENE N EC / S O I N Y PR IMM TION NEUR OBOT / NE TECH E / N EUR CHO / NEU RGET OS UN / OI IC UR NO EU OT LO RO ICS T H G L O N M S PSY HETIC LOG EURO AGIN / NE OCOM OGY ROEN EORY Y / N PROS / CH S / Y / PH G / UR PU / N GIN / N EU THE NE OLOG NEU NEUR OTON NEU OFIN TING EURO EERI EUR ROIN TICS UR Y / RO OR IC RO AN / PS NG OE NO / C S O N V N Y MU COM NEU ELECT OBOT / NE TECH E / N EUR CHO / NEU ERG ATIO NO PU ROI RO ICS UR NOL EU OTH LOG RO ETIC N T GIN LOGY ING NNOV NICS / NE OCOM OGY ROEN EORY Y / N PROS S / EER / N / N ATI / N UR PU / N GIN / N EU THE NIC ING EUR EURO ON / EUR OFIN TING EURO EERI EUR ROIN TICS S / / N ORO THE NE OIM ANC / N PSY NG OEN NOV / / N NEU EURO BOTI ORY URON AGIN E / N EUR CHO / NEU ERG ATIO EU RO PR CS / N UT G / EU OTH LOG RO ETIC N R VAT ROPS IMAG OSTH / NEU EURO ITIO NEU ROEN EORY Y / N PROS S / I E Y ION CH NG TIC RO EN N / ROT GIN / N EU THE NE / N OLOG / NE S / FINA ERGE NEU ECHN EERI EUR ROIN TICS UR EU Y UR NE NC TIC RO OL NG OE NO / P U E O R / N V NE PHOT ONU NEU OTEC ROEL / NE S / N HOTO OGY / / NEU ERG ATIO UR ON TRI RO HN EC UR EU NI N RO ETI N O CS O T R C E T CO - ICS / ION INNO- LOGY RO- OEN- OIM S / URO / /

/ GI / LO NEUR N G / NEUR GY OP NE O / TR NEU HOTO UROT O N RO N I E C I N U CS / ROBO S / N TR NE TIC E IT U M U I O N R OI M S / N N O / N AG E LEC LOGY EURO ING / TR / N PHO NE ONIC EUR TON U R S / OR I O O NE NUTR NEUR BOTI U R IT O I C O I M NE I M M O N / AG I UR U N NE N O O / N ELEC LOG UROP EU TRO Y / H N E R ON U N I C S N E U R UR TR / O I NE IMM TION NEUR UR U N / N O O O / N E L E C L O G E U RO EU TRO Y / P N E R ON U N I C S N E U R UR TR / O I NE IMM TION NEUR UR U N / N O O O / N E L E C L O G E U RO EU TRO Y / P N E R ON U N I C S N E U R UR TR / O I PR IMM TION NEUR OS U N / O T O N PSY HETIC LOG EURO CH S / Y / P NE O LO G NEU NEUR U R Y / RO O MU COM NEU ELECT N O P U R OI R GIN LOGY TING NNOV EER / N / N A N I C I N G E U R E U RO S / / N ORO T / N NEU EURO BOTI E U RO P R C VAT ROPS IMAG OSTH ION YCH ING E NE / N O LO G / NE UR EU Y U O R / NE PHOT ONU NEU UR ON TRI R O T CO - ICS / ION /

SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES Where life sciences meet technology

NEURO BMI - A DAY OF DISCOVERY

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

EXPLORING NEW CONNECTIONS

17:00 to 20:30 - SG Auditorium & Hall

BRAIN MIND INSTITUTE (BMI)

CONTENTS

1

INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brain Mind Institute. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Sandi, Carmen LABORATORIES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Neurodegenerative studies laboratory. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Aebischer, Patrick Blanke, Olaf

Laboratory of cognitive neurosciences. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5

Courtine, Grégoire

IRP Chair in Spinal Cord Repair....................................................................................................... 6

Fraering, Patrick

Laboratory of molecular and cellular biology of Alzheimer’s disease. �������������������������������������� 7

Gerstner, Wulfram

Laboratory of computational neuroscience. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8

Herzog, Michael

Laboratory of psychophysics. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9

Lashuel, Hilal A.

Laboratory of molecular and chemical biology of neurodegeneration ���������������������������������� 10

Magistretti, Pierre J.

Laboratory of neuroenergetics and cellular dynamics. ������������������������������������������������������������� 11

Markram, Henry

Laboratory of neural microcircuitry............................................................................................. 12

Moore, Darren J.

Laboratory of molecular neurodegenerative research. ������������������������������������������������������������ 13

Petersen, Carl

Laboratory of sensory processing. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14

Sandi, Carmen

Laboratory of behavioral genetics. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15

Schneggenburger, Ralf

Laboratory of synaptic mechanisms. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16

BLUE BRAIN PROJECT (BBP) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Markram, Henry Overview of the Blue Brain Project ............................................................................................. 17 CENTER FOR NEUROPROSTHETICS (CNP) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Blanke, Olaf Overview of the CNP...................................................................................................................... 18 NATIONAL CENTER OF COMPETENCE IN RESEARCH (NCCR) SYNAPSY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Magistretti, Pierre J. Overview of the NCCR Synapsy.................................................................................................... 19 AFFILIATED GROUPS

..................................................................................................................................................... 20-22

TEACHING

.......................................................................................................................................................... 23

WHERE TO FIND US

..................................................................................................................................................... 24-26

BRAIN MIND INSTITUTE (BMI)

3

http://bmi.epfl.ch

EDITORIAL interventions to restore sensorimotor functions after neural disorders. In all areas, the BMI strives to integrate knowledge gained by multidisciplinary approaches and across different disciplines and research laboratories.

The BMI is organized as a network of independent laboratories reflecting complementary technological approaches; each laboratory collaborates with several others within the institute in addition to crossdisciplinary interactions on campus.

The mission of the Brain Mind Institute (BMI) is to understand the fundamental principles of brain function in health and disease, by using and developing unique experimental, theoretical, technological and computational approaches. The scientific challenge addressed by the BMI consists in connecting different levels of analysis of brain activity, such that cognitive functions can be understood as a manifestation of specific brain processes; specific brain processes as emerging from the collective activity of thousands of cells and synapses; synaptic and neuronal activity in turn as emerging properties of the biophysical and molecular mechanisms of cellular compartments.

Notably, the BMI benefits from a unique academic environment: •.......................................................................................

A campus that stands out as a premier technological university in engineering, computer science and basic sciences.

•.......................................................................................

An intimate collaboration with the Blue Brain Project which stands out as one of the most challenging neuroscience simulation and databasing projects worldwide.

•.......................................................................................

Our participation in the recently developed Center for Neuroprosthetics that strengthens our collaboration with engineering sciences.

•.......................................................................................

A proximity to and joint affiliations of our faculty with top university hospitals in Lausanne and Geneva in particular for projects related to cognition and neurodegenerative diseases.

Understanding information processing in the brain and its higher emerging properties is arguably one of the major challenges in the life sciences. Research at the BMI focuses on four main areas: i) Molecular neurobiology and mechanisms of brain function and dysfunction, with a particular focus on neurodegeneration ii) Molecular and cellular mechanisms of synapse and microcircuit function up to the behavioural level and including metabolic aspects; iii) Sensory and body perception and cognition in humans; iv) Designing innovative

The Brain Mind Institute reflects the mission of the School of Life Sciences at the EPFL: to provide a life science curriculum with a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches. At the BMI, several faculty members have strong expertise in physics or mathematics, not only for theoretical but also for experimental neuroscience.

As far as teaching is concerned, the BMI Faculty is committed to provide a comprehensive and formal training in neuroscience from the undergraduate to the graduate levels.

Prof. Carmen Sandi Director

4

LEN

NeurodegeNeratiVe studies laBoratorY

Upper panel: coherent X-ray phase contrast tomography of amyloid plaques in the mouse cortex (collaboration with M. Stampanoni at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Neuroimage 2012).

Lower panels: immunohistological detection (thioflavin S; amyloid beta & GFAP) of amyloid plaques generated by injection of an AAV vector expressing a mutated form of the amyloid precursor protein.

Patrick Aebischer Full Professor

Lab description Key publications Pinzer BR, Cacquevel M, Modregger P, McDonald SA, Bensadoun JC, Thuering T, Aebischer P, Stampanoni M. Imaging brain amyloid deposition using grating-based differential phase contrast tomography. Neuroimage. (2012);61(4):1336-46.

Gaugler MN, Genc O, Bobela W, Mohanna S, Ardah MT, El-Agnaf OM, Cantoni M, Bensadoun JC, Schneggenburger R, Knott GW, Aebischer P, Schneider BL. Nigrostriatal overabundance of α-synuclein leads to decreased vesicle density and deficits in dopamine release that correlate with reduced motor activity. Acta Neuropathol. (2012);123(5):653-69

The main focus of our laboratory is to develop approaches for in vivo gene delivery, and apply these for the modeling and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Using viral vectors such as adeno-associated virus, we modulate long-term expression of genes within the central nervous system, in order to either generate animal models replicating the disease, or test the efficacy of genetic modifications against neuronal degeneration.

Ciron C, Lengacher S, Dusonchet J, Aebischer P, Schneider BL. Sustained expression of PGC-1α in the rat nigrostriatal system selectively impairs dopaminergic function. Hum. Mol. Genet. (2012);21(8):1861-76

In parallel, we are also developing a cell encapsulation system for the delivery of recombinant antibodies. This system is based on a permeable polymer membrane, which prevents any cell-to-cell contact between transplanted cells and the host immune system.

These cells are genetically engineered to produce the molecule of interest in situ.

Dusonchet J, Kochubey O, Stafa K, Young SM Jr, Zufferey R, Moore DJ, Schneider BL, Aebischer P. A rat model of progressive nigral neurodegeneration induced by the Parkinson’s disease-associated G2019S mutation in LRRK2. J. Neurosci.

(2011);31(3):907-12.

In order to demonstrate the functional effects of the gene delivery systems at hand, our laboratory has full access to a wide range of techniques allowing behavioural assessment, in vivo imaging, morphological and biochemical analysis.

Towne C, Setola V, Schneider BL, Aebischer P. Neuroprotection by gene therapy targeting mutant SOD1 in individual pools of motor neurons does not translate into therapeutic benefit in fALS mice. Mol. Ther. (2011);19(2):274-83.

More info on http://len.epfl.ch

LNCO

5 laBoratorY of CogNitiVe NeurosCieNCe

Olaf Blanke Full Professor

Lab description We focus our investigations on the functional and neural mechanisms of body perception corporeal awareness and self consciousness. Projects rely on the investigation of healthy subjects as well as neurological patients (who suffer from selective neurocognitive deficits and illusions) by combining psychophysical and cognitive paradigms with state of the art neuroimaging techniques such as intracranial EEG surface EEG fMRI and Virtual Reality. Our interdisciplinary expertise bridging cognitive neurology experimental epileptology intracranial electrophysiology experimental psychology and neuroimaging - has recently been extended to engineering-based approaches to cognition building a virtual reality (VR) neuroimaging platform with a portable 256 channel EEG system (VR-EEG).

This VR-EEG platform allows us to carry out cognitive experiments in highly realistic ecologically valid environments that close the perception-action loop while the participants’ brain activity (and soon also of brain damaged neurological patients) is continually monitored. Next to studying the neural mechanisms of bodily self consciousness experimentally we expect this novel technological amalgam to also become a key research technique in the larger field of the cognitive neurosciences as well as the adjacent fields of virtual reality, presence research, brain-computer interfaces, and neurorehabilitation.

More info on http://lnco.epfl.ch

Key publications Evans, N., & Blanke, O. Shared electrophysiology mechanisms of body ownership and motor imagery. NeuroImage (2012). doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.09.027 Martuzzi, R., van der Zwaag, W., Farthouat, J., Gruetter, R., & Blanke, O. Human finger somatotopy in areas 3b, 1, and 2: A 7T fMRI study using a natural stimulus. Human Brain Mapping (2012).

Blanke, O. Multisensory brain mechanisms of bodily selfconsciousness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2012), 13(8), 556-571.

Ionta, S., Heydrich, L., Lenggenhager, B., Mouthon, M., Fornari, E., Chapuis, D., Blanke, O. Multisensory mechanisms in temporo-parietal cortex support self-location and firstperson perspective. Neuron (2011), 70(2), 363-374.

Lenggenhager, B., Tadi, T., Metzinger, T., & Blanke, O. Video ergo sum: manipulating bodily self-consciousness. Science (2007), 317(5841), 1096-1099.

Blanke, O., Ortigue, S., Landis, T., & Seeck, M. Stimulating illusory own-body perceptions. Nature (2002), 419(6904), 269-270.

6

G-LAB

irp CHair iN spiNal Cord repair

GrĂŠgoire Courtine Associate Professor

Lab description Key publications R. Van Den Brand, J. Heutschi, Q. Barraud, J. Digiovanna and K. Bartholdi et al. Restoring Voluntary Control of Locomotion after Paralyzing Spinal Cord Injury, in Science (2012), vol. 336, num. 6085, p. 1182-1185.

N. Dominici, U. Keller, H. Vallery, L. Friedli and R. Van Den Brand et al. Versatile robotic interface to evaluate, enable and train locomotion and balance after neuromotor disorders, in Nature Medicine (2012).

G. Courtine, R. van den Brand and P. Musienko. Spinal cord injury: time to move, in Lancet (2011), vol. 377, num. 9781, p. 1896-8.

G. Courtine, E. S. Rosenzweig, D. L. Jindrich, J. H. Brock and A. R. Ferguson et al. Extensive spontaneous plasticity of corticospinal projections after primate spinal cord injury, in Nature Neuroscience (2010), vol. 13, num. 12, p. 1505-10.

G. Courtine, Y. Gerasimenko, R. van den Brand, A. Yew and P. Musienko et al. Transformation of nonfunctional spinal circuits into functional states after the loss of brain input, in Nature Neuroscience (2009), vol. 12, num. 10, p. 1333-42.

G. Courtine, B. Song, R. R. Roy, H. Zhong and J. E. Herrmann et al. Recovery of supraspinal control of stepping via indirect propriospinal relay connections after spinal cord injury, in Nature Medicine (2008), vol. 14, num. 1, p. 69-74.

Our mission is to design interventions to restore sensorimotor functions after CNS disorders, especially spinal cord injury, and to translate our findings into effective clinical applications capable of improving the quality of life of people with neuromotor impairments. We also aim at improving our understanding of the locomotor system organization, and of the mechanisms underlying the recovery of motor function after CNS injuries.

To achieve these goals, we address a wide range of research paradigms in mice, rats, cats, monkeys, and humans. Recently, we introduced an electrochemical spinal neuroprosthesis and a robotic postural interface that restored cortical control over complex locomotor movements through the extensive remodeling of supraspinal and intraspinal pathways in rats with a paralyzing spinal cord injury.

We are now developing integrated neuroprosthetic systems and novel robotic support systems for humans in order to translate this discovery into viable applications for spinal-cord-injured people.

http://courtine-lab.epfl.ch

CMSN

7 laBoratorY of MoleCular & Cellular BiologY of alZHeiMer’s disease MerCK seroNo CHair of NeurosCieNCe

Patrick Fraering Tenure-track assistant Professor

Lab description We focus our research on the molecular and biological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), by far the most frequent age related neurological disorder that impairs memory, thinking and behavior. Studies of the pathological changes that characterize AD have implicated the amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) as potential causative agents in the pathogenesis of AD. Because γ-secretase, the founding member of an emerging class of intramembrane-cleaving proteases, catalyzes the final cleavage during the neuronal production of the toxic Aβ peptides, partially inhibiting its enzymatic activity is an attractive therapeutic strategy to safely treat AD. Toward advancing the biochemistry of γ-secretase with attendant therapeutic implications, the main goals of our laboratory are to understand (1) the structure and function of the protease complex and (2) how mutations in the presenilin genes causing familial, early-onset AD, alter its activity and lead to neurodegeneration and AD. Besides providing details about the intramembrane proteolysis of membrane proteins, such understanding ultimately offers to the laboratory promising targets for developing new therapeutic strategies and new drugs having the potential to slow down the progression of AD. The efficacy and potency of these are tested in controlled cell-free and cell-based assays, and in vivo by using AD transgenic models. http://fraering-lab.epfl.ch

Key publications T. Bolmont, A. Bouwens, C. Pache, M. Dimitrov, C. Berclaz, M. Villiger, B.M. Wegenast-Braun, T. Lasser, PC. Fraering. Label-free imaging of cerebral betaamyloidosis with extended-focus optical coherence microscopy. J. of Neurosci. (2012). 32(42):14548-14556 J. Houacine, T. Bolmont, L. Aeschbach, M. Oulad-Abdelghani, PC. Fraering. Selective neutralization of APP-C99 with monoclonal antibodies reduce the production of Alzheimer’s Aβ peptides. Neurobiol Aging (2012) Nov;33(11):2704-14.

JR Alattia, T. Kuraishi, I. Chang, B. Lemaître, PC. Fraering.

Methylmercury is a direct and potent γ-secretase inhibitor affecting Notch processing and embryonic development.

FASEB J. (2011) Jul;25(7):2287-95.

Bot N, Schweizer C, Ben Halima S, Fraering PC. Processing of the synaptic cell-adhesion molecule neurexin-3β by Alzheimer’s disease α- and γ-secretases. J. Biol. Chem. (2011) 28;286(4):2762-73 Kukar TL, Ladd TB, Bann MA, Fraering PC, et al. Substratetargeting γ-secretase modulators. Nature (2008). Jun 12;453(7197):925-9.

VK. Lazarov*, PC. Fraering*, W Ye, MS. Wolfe, DJ. Selkoe and H Li. Electron microscopic structure of purified, active γ-secretase reveals an aqueous intramembrane chamber and two pores. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (2006) USA, 103:68896894.

8

LCN

laBoratorY of CoMputatioNal NeurosCieNCe

Wulfram Gerstner Full Professor

Lab description Key publications Gerstner W. and Sprekeler H. and Deco G. Theory and Simulation in Neuroscience. Science (2012) 338:60-65.

Vogels T., Sprekeler H., Zenke F. , Clopath C. and Gerstner W. Inhibitory Plasticity Balances Excitation and Inhibition in Sensory Pathways and Memory Networks, Science (2011), 334:1569-1573, 2011.

Fremaux N., Sprekeler H. and Gerstner W. Functional Requirements for Reward-Modulated Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity, Journal of Neuroscience (2010), Vol. 30, Nr. 40, pp.

13326-13337 Toyoizumi T., Pfister J.-P., Aihara K., and Gerstner W. Generalized Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro rule for spiking neurons that maximizes information transmission. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (2005) USA, 102:5239-5244

We are a theory lab and use mathematical and computational methods to understand aspects of brain function. The activities in our laboratory focus on questions centered around temporal aspects of information processing in the brain: Models of spiking neurons, spike-timing dependent learning rules, spatial representation, and models of the hippocampus.

The lab has developped the Adaptive Exponential Integrate-and-Fire model which provides a compact, yet powerful description of neural activity and has been taken up by many other laboratories. Recently, the lab has also proposed a novel model of synaptic plasticity that includes older models of Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity and voltage-dependent plasticity as special cases. Many PhD students in the lab have a background in physics, computer science, or theoretical biology.

Clopath C., Büsing L., Vasilaki E. and Gerstner W. Connectivity reflects coding: a model of voltage-based STDP with homeostasis, Nature Neuroscience (2010), Vol. 13, pp. 344-352 Brette R. and Gerstner W. Adaptive Exponential Integrate-andFire Model as an Effective Description of Neuronal Activity. J. Neurophysiol. (2005) Vol. 94, pp. 3637 - 3642.

http://lcn1.epfl.ch

LPSY

9 laBoratorY of psYCHopHYsiCs

Michael Herzog Associate Professor

Lab description Even after more than a century of research, the mechanisms of the simplest forms of human visual processing are largely unknown. For example, it remains still a mystery how humans perform such a simple task as spotting a pen on a cluttered desk. Our research aims to understand how and why humans can cope with visual tasks so remarkably well. Our main goal is to characterize the interplay between spatial and temporal integration processes. In our research, we use psychophysics, TMS, EEG, mathematical modelling, and clinical investigations in schizophrenic patients.

Main topics of research are: conscious and unconscious feature integration, contextual modulation, visual masking, and perceptual learning.

Key publications Rüter J, Marcille N, Sprekeler H, Gerstner W, Herzog MH Paradoxical Evidence Integration in Rapid Decision Processes. PLoS Computational Biology (2012), 8(2), e1002382.

Boi M, Vergeer M, Öğmen H, Herzog MH. Nonretinotopic Exogenous Attention. Current Biology (2011), 21(20), p1732-1737.

Sayim B, Westheimer G, Herzog MH. Gestalt Factors Modulate Basic Spatial Vision. Psychological Science (2010), 21(5), p641-644.

Tartaglia E.M., Bamert L., Mast F.W., Herzog M.H. Human perceptual learning by mental imagery. Current Biology (2009), 19(24), 2081-2085.

Plomp G., Mercier M.R., Otto T.U., Blanke O., Herzog M.H. Nonretinotopic feature integration decreases responselocked brain activity as revealed by electrical neuroimaging.

NeuroImage (2009), 48 (2), 405-414.

http://lpsy.epfl.ch

10 laBoratorY of MoleCular

& CHeMiCal BiologY of NeurodegeNeratioN

LMNN

Hilal A. Lashuel Associate Professor

Lab description Key publications Lashuel H.A., Overk C., Oueslati A., Masliah E. The many faces of α-synuclein: from structure and toxicity to therapeutic target, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2012; In press.

Wang Z., Lashuel H.A. Discovery of a novel aggregation domain in the Huntingtin Protein: Implications for the mechanisms of Htt aggregation and toxicity. Angewandte Chemie, 2012 ; in press El-Turk F, Fauvet B, Ashrafi A, Ouertatani-Sakouhi H, Cho MK, Neri M, Cascella M, Rothlisberger U, Pojer F, Zweckstetter M, Lashuel H. Characterization of molecular determinants of the conformational stability of macrophage migration inhibitory factor: leucine 46 hydrophobic pocket. PLoS One. 2012; 7(9):e45024.

Shabek N, Herman-Bachinsky Y, Buchsbaum S, Lewinson O, Haj-Yahya M, Hejjaoui M, Lashuel HA, Sommer T, Brik A, Ciechanover A. The size of the proteasomal substrate determines whether its degradation will be mediated by mono- or polyubiquitylation. Mol Cell. 2012; 48(1):87-97.

Hejjaoui M, Butterfield S, Fauvet B, Vercruysse F, Cui J, Dikiy I, Prudent M, Olschewski D, Zhang Y, Eliezer D, Lashuel HA. Post-translational modifications using protein semisynthesis strategies: α-synuclein phosphorylation at tyrosine 125. J Am Chem Soc. 2012; 134(11):5196-210.

The primary mission of our group is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and develop novel strategies to facilitate the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these devastating diseases.

Research in the Lashuel’s laboratory is focused on applying chemical, biophysical, structural and molecular biology approaches to understanding molecular and structural basis of protein misfolding and self-assembly and the mechanisms by which these processes contribute to the physiological and pathogenic properties of specific proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Current research efforts cover the following topics: (1) Elucidating the molecular and cellular determinants of underlying α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. (2) Elucidating the structural basis of amyloid-associated toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease; (3) developing innovative chemical approaches and novel tools to monitor and control protein folding/misfolding and self-assembly in vitro and in vivo; (4) developing cellular models of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease; (5) developing novel therapeutic strategies treat neurodegenerative diseases based on modulating protein aggregation and clearance. http://lmnn.epfl.ch

LNDC

11 laBoratorY of NeuroeNergetiCs

& Cellular dYNaMiCs

Pierre J. Magistretti Full Professor

Lab description Our laboratory has two main lines of research: the principal one is to try to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurometabolic coupling, namely the processes by which appropriate energy substrates are delivered to neurons where and when they are active. Our studies ongoing now for two decades have identified the interactions between neurons and glial cells (astrocytes) as the basis of neurometabolic coupling. We are also interested in understanding the bases of neurometabolic coupling in other aspects of brain function and dysfunction, such as learning and memory, the sleep-wake cycle, as well as neurodegeneration.

We are currently studying transcriptionally-regulated adaptations in the level of expression of certain genes of brain energy metabolism in relation to neuronal plasticity as observed during learning, the sleep-wake cycle and certain pathological conditions such as neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The second line of research is represented by a neurophotonics project, which is implemented through a joint effort with the Advanced Photonics Laboratory at the STI Faculty, to develop a new type of microscope using different optical modalities. On the theoretical level, Pierre Magistretti is also interested in the dialogue between neuroscience and psychoanalysis.

http://lndc.epfl.ch

Key publications Brett M. Morrison, Youngjin Lee, Yun Li, Sylvain Lengacher, Mohamed H. Farah, Yiting Liu, Akivaga Tsingalia, Lin Jin, Ping-Wu Zhang, John W. Griffin, Luc Pellerin, Pierre J. Magistretti, Jeffrey D. Rothstein. Oligodendroglia have a fundamental role in metabolic support of axons and contribute to neurodegeneration. Nature (2012), 487(7408):443-8.

Suzuki A, Stern SA, Bozdagi O, Huntley GW, Walker RH, Magistretti PJ, Alberini CM. Astrocyte-neuron lactate transport is required for long-term memory formation. Cell (2011) 144(5):810-23.

Bélanger M, Yang J, Petit JM, Laroche T, Magistretti PJ, Allaman I. Role of the glyoxalase system in astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection. J. Neurosci. (2011) 31(50):18338-52.

Jourdain P, Pavillon N, Moratal C, Boss D, Rappaz B, Depeursinge C, Marquet P, Magistretti PJ. Determination of transmembrane water fluxes in neurons elicited by glutamate ionotropic receptors and by the cotransporters KCC2 and NKCC1: a digital holographic microscopy study. J Neurosci.

(2011);31(33):11846-54.

Bélanger M, Allaman I, Magistretti PJ. Brain energy metabolism: focus on astrocyte-neuron metabolic cooperation.

Cell Metab. (2011), 14(6):724-38.

12

LNMC

laBoratorY of Neural MiCroCirCuitrY

Henry Markram Full Professor

Lab description Key publications Romand S, Wang Y, Toledo-Rodriguez M, Markram H. Morphological development of thick-tufted layer V pyramidal cells in the rat somatosensory cortex. Front. Neuroanat. (2011), 17;5:5 Anastassiou CA, Perin R, Markram H, Koch C. Ephaptic coupling of cortical neurons. Nature Neurosci. (2011);14(2):217-23.

Ranjan R, Khazen G, Gambazzi L, Ramaswamy S, Hill SL, Sch端rmann F, Markram H. Channelpedia: an integrative and interactive database for ion channels. Front. Neuroinform.

(2011);5:36 Perin R, Berger TK, Markram H. A synaptic organizing principle for cortical neuronal groups. PNAS, (2011);108(13):5419-24 Markram K, Markram H. The intense world theory - a unifying theory of the neurobiology of autism. Front. Hum. Neurosci.

(2010);4:224

The laboratory adopts a multidisciplinary approach to the structure and function of the neocortex that is made of a repeating stereotypical microcircuit of neurons. The goal of the laboratory has been to derive the blue print for this microcircuit. To study the different types of single neurons we employ whole-cell patch clamp studies in neocortical slices to obtain the electrophysiological profile of neurons to aspirate cytoplasm for single cell multiplex RT-PCR studies and to load the neurons with dyes to allow subsequent 3D anatomical computer reconstruction of each neuron.

This approach enables us to derive the electrophysiological behaviour, the anatomical structure, as well as the genetic basis of the anatomy and physiology of each type of cell. The laboratory has also developed a multidisciplinary approach to studying diseases such as Autism. We have developed an insult-based animal model of Autism (the Valproic acid animal model) and study the gene expression changes, protein expression, synaptic malfunctioning, circuit malfunctioning, whole brain malfunctioning and behavioural alterations.

http://lnmc.epfl.ch

13

LMNR laBoratorY of MoleCular NeurodegeNeratiVe researCH

Darren J. Moore Tenure-Track Assistant Professor

Lab description The Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegenerative Research investigates the molecular pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a chronic neurodegenerative movement disorder. The laboratory studies the normal biology and pathobiology of gene products associated with rare familial forms of PD, including the leucinerich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and the E3 ubiquitin ligase, parkin. The goal of the laboratory is to elucidate the normal biological function of these proteins in the mammalian brain and the molecular mechanism(s) through which disease associated variants in these proteins induce neuronal dysfunction and eventual neuro-degeneration in familial forms of PD. Through a clear understanding of the physiological function and pathological dysfunction of these proteins we hope to gain important insight into the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying neurodegeneration in the more common sporadic form of PD. The laboratory adopts a translational approach to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or halt neurodegeneration in PD. To achieve these goals, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach employing molecular, cellular and biochemical experimental techniques in a variety of model systems including cell lines, primary neurons, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, transgenic and knockout mice, and human brain tissue. http://lmnr.epfl.ch

Key publications Podhajska A, Musso A, Trancikova A, Stafa K, Moser R, Glauser L, Sonnay S, Moore DJ. Common pathogenic effects of missense mutations in the P-type ATPase ATP13A2 (PARK9) associated with earlyonset parkinsonism. PLoS One (2012) 7: e39942.

Daher JPL, Pletnikova O, Biskup S, Musso A, Gellhaar S, Galter D, Troncoso JC, Lee MK, Dawson TM, Dawson VL, Moore DJ. Neurodegenerative phenotypes in an A53T α-synuclein transgenic mouse model are independent of LRRK2. Hum. Mol. Genet. (2012) 21: 2420-31.

Stafa K, Trancikova A, Webber PJ, Glauser L, West AB, Moore DJ. GTPase activity and neuronal toxicity of Parkinson’s disease-associated LRRK2 is regulated by ArfGAP1. PLoS Genetics (2012) 8: e1002527.

Ramonet D, Podhajska A, Stafa K, Sonnay S, Trancikova A, Tsika E, Pletnikova O, Troncoso JC, Glauser L, Moore DJ. PARK9-associated ATP13A2 localizes to intracellular acidic vesicles and regulates cation homeostasis and neuronal integrity. Hum. Mol. Genet. (2012) 21: 1725-43.

Glauser L, Sonnay S, Stafa K, Moore DJ. Parkin promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of the mitochondrial fusion factor mitofusin 1. J. Neurochem. (2011) 118: 636-45.

Ramonet D et al. Dopaminergic neuronal loss, reduced neurite complexity and autophagic abnormalities in transgenic mice expressing G2019S mutant LRRK2. PLoS One (2011) 6: e18568.

14

LSENS

laBoratorY of seNsorY proCessiNg

Illustration of targeted whole-cell recording from a GFP-labelled GABAergic neuron during behaviour (Gentet et al., 2010)

Carl Petersen Associate Professor

Lab description Key publications Gentet LJ, Kremer Y, Taniguchi H, Huang ZJ, Staiger JF, Petersen CCH Unique functional properties of somatostatin-expressing GABAergic neurons in mouse barrel cortex. Nat. Neurosci.

(2012) 15: 607-612.

Crochet S, Poulet JFA, Kremer Y, Petersen CCH Synaptic mechanisms underlying sparse coding of active touch. Neuron (2011) 69: 1160-1175.

Matyas F, Sreenivasan V, Marbach F, Wacongne C, Barsy B, Mateo C, Arono R, Petersen CCH Motor control by sensory cortex. Science (2010) 330: 1240-1243.

Lefort S, Tomm C, Sarria JCF, Petersen CCH The excitatory neuronal network of the C2 barrel column in mouse primary somatosensory cortex. Neuron (2009) 61: 301-316.

Poulet JFA, Petersen CCH (2008) Internal brain state regulates membrane potential synchrony in barrel cortex of behaving mice. Nature 454: 881-885.

The goal of the Laboratory of Sensory Processing is to obtain a causal and mechanistic understanding of sensory perception and associative learning at the level of individual neurons and their synaptic interactions within neuronal networks. Our experiments focus on active sensorimotor processing of tactile percepts obtained from the mystacial whiskers of mice. We are currently working on several complementary areas of research: 1. Correlation of neuronal activity, brain states and behaviour in awake mice, including the analysis of sensory perception informed by the C2 whisker and reported through learned sensorimotor behaviours.

2. Basic operating principles and wiring diagrams of neocortical microcircuits, focusing on the mouse C2 barrel column.

3. Genetic analysis of the synaptic determinants of sensory perception and associative learning, through combination of optogenetics, viral manipulations and gene-targeted mice.

http://lsens.epfl.ch

LGC

15 laBoratorY of BeHaVioral geNetiCs

Carmen Sandi Full Professor

Lab description The Lab of Behavioral Genetics investigates the impact and mechanisms whereby stress affects brain function and cognition, with a focus on social behaviors, psychiatric disorders and cognition.

1. Stress, personality traits and social hierarchies – Neurobiological mechanisms We investigate the role of stress and personality traits, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, in the establishment of social hierarchies. This project is carried out in rats, mice and humans. In rodents, we combine sophisticated behavioral analyses with experiments involving brain activity mapping, gene expression, pharmacology, genetic and biochemical approaches. In humans, we apply methods from the field of Behavioral and Neural Economics.

2. The impact of developmental stress on psychopathology: A main focus on aggression We have developed an animal model that recapitulates the key features of a ‘cycle of violence’ induced by stress exposure, from the acquisition of a violent phenotype to its transmission to the next generation. We are investigating the mediating biological, with a main emphasis on the programming effects of glucocorticoids.

3. The involvement of synaptic cell adhesion molecules in stress and social behaviors We study the role of cell adhesion molecules (NCAM, nectin and neuroligin) in the behavioral effects of stress in rodents. Experimental approaches include a combination of behavioral, pharmacological, viral vectors gene delivery, genetic mouse models, morphological and biochemical methods. http://lgc.epfl.ch

Key publications Cordero MI, Poirier GL, Marquez C, Veenit V, Fontana X, Salehi B, Ansermet F, Sandi C. Evidence for biological roots in the transgenerational transmission of intimate partner violence. Transl. Psychiatry (2012) 2:e106 Sandi C. Glucocorticoids act on glutamatergic pathways to affect memory processes. Trends Neurosci. (2011) 34: 165176.

Conboy L, Varea E, Castro JE, Sakouhi-Ouertatani H, Calandra T, Lashuel HA, Sandi C. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is critically involved in basal and fluoxetine-stimulated adult hippocampal cell proliferation and in anxiety, depression, and memory-related behaviors. Mol. Psychiatry (2011) 16: 533-547.

Luksys G, Gerstner W, Sandi C. Stress, genotype and norepinephrine in the prediction of mouse behavior using reinforcement learning. Nat. Neurosci. (2009) 12: 1180-1186.

Jakobsson J, Cordero MI, Bisaz R, Groner AC, Busskamp V, Bensadoun JC, Cammas F, Losson R, Mansuy IM, Sandi C, Trono D. KAP1-mediated epigenetic repression in the forebrain modulates behavioral vulnerability to stress. Neuron (2008) 60: 818-831.

16

LSYM

laBoratorY of sYNaptiC MeCHaNisMs

The calyx of Held synapse in the auditory brainstem

Ralf Schneggenburger Full Professor

Lab description Key publications Kochubey O., Schneggenburger R. Synaptotagmin increases the dynamic range of synapses by driving Ca2+-evoked release and by clamping a near-linear remaining Ca2+ sensor. Neuron (2011) 69(4):736-48.

Han Y., Kaeser P.S., S端dhof T.C., Schneggenburger R. RIM determines Ca2+ channel density and vesicle docking at the presynaptic active zone. Neuron (2011) 69(2):304-16.

Lou X., Scheuss V. and Schneggenburger R. Allosteric 2+ modulation of the presynaptic Ca sensor for vesicle fusion.

Nature (2005) 435 (7041), 497-501.

Korogod N., Lou X. and Schneggenburger R. Posttetanic 2+ potentiation critically depends on an enhanced Ca sensitivity of vesicle fusion mediated by presynaptic PKC. Proc. Natl.

Acad. Sci. (2007) U S A 104(40), 15923-15928.

Neurons in the brain are organized in intricate neuronal circuits, and communicate with each other at synapses. Interestingly, the process of synaptic transmission is not static but shows short- and long-term plasticity upon repeated activity, and synaptic plasticity can strongly influence the information transfer in neuronal circuits. The information capability of synapses also depends on their basal synaptic strength (synapse size), and both synaptic plasticity and synapse size are acquired during the development of neuronal circuits in a synapse-specific manner.

Our lab is interested in unravelling the presynaptic 2+ mechanisms of Ca -dependent transmitter release since these ultimately determine short-term plasticity.

Furthermore, we are interested in the molecular signalling pathways that determine synapse size and synaptic plasticity. For both lines of research, we use a large excitatory synapse, the calyx of Held, located in the auditory brainstem (see Figure). The unusually large size of this synapse enables us to use patch-clamp 2+ and Ca imaging techniques directly at the presynaptic nerve terminal. These techniques are combined with molecular tools like conditional knock-out approaches and virus-mediated overexpression, in order to understand the role of specific proteins in synaptic transmission and synapse development. http://lsym.epfl.ch

17

BBP

Blue BraiN proJeCt

Overview The combination of experiment and theory has long formed the basis of scientific method. As computers become faster, computer simulations – combining experimental measurements and theoretical models – are beginning to capture the biological complexity of the brain. This is the goal of the Blue Brain Project, which was founded in 2005. Since then, the project has constructed a prototype brain simulation facility with the software tools, the know-how and the supercomputing infrastructure to build unifying models of the detailed structure of neuronal circuits and to simulate the way they function.

The Blue Brain Project employs a highly interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in order to tackle the data integration, modeling, computing, analysis and visualization challenges (see publications below) of reverseengineering the brain. It currently uses the CADMOS IBM BlueGene/P supercomputer with 16,384 cores. The team is located in the Innovation Square on the EPFL campus and has several EPFL, national and international collaborations. The project is directed by Prof. Henry Markram.

http://bluebrain.epfl.ch

http://humanbrainproject.eu The EPFL Blue Brain Project is also the coordinating partner of the proposed Human Brain Project, one of the six final candidates for the EU FET Flagship Programme. If selected, the Human Brain Project would extend the mission of the Blue Brain Project significantly, in collaboration with close to 100 European research groups.

Key Publications Hill S.L., Wang Y., Riachi I., Schürmann F., Markram H. Statistical connectivity provides a sufficient foundation for specific functional connectivity in neocortical neural microcircuits, PNAS, (2012) Oct 16;109(42):E2885-94, Druckmann S., Hill S.L., Schürmann F., Markram H., Segev I. A Hierarchical Structure of Cortical Interneuron Electrical Diversity Revealed by Automated Statistical Analysis, Cerebral Cortex, Cereb. Cortex (2012), doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhs290 Khazen G., Hill S.L., Schürmann F., and Markram H. Combinatorial Expression Rules of Ion Channel Genes in Juvenile Rat (Rattus norvegicus) Neocortical Neurons, PLoS One. (2012); 7(4) e34786.

Lasserre S., Hernando J., Hill S.L., Schürmann F., De Miguel Anasagasti P., Abou Jaoudé G., Markram H. A Neuron Mesh Representation for Visualization of Electrophysiological Simulations, IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, (2012); 18 (2): p. 214-217.

Ramaswamy S., Hill S.L., King J. G., Schürmann F., Wang Y., and Markram H. Intrinsic Morphological Diversity of Thicktufted Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons Ensures Robust and Invariant Properties of in silico Synaptic Connections. J Physiol.

(2012);590(Pt 4):737-52.

18

CNP

CeNter for NeuroprostHetiCs MISSION The Center for Neuroprosthetics aims at becoming a leading international platform for research and education at the interface of neuroscience, engineering and medicine.

With ever progressing advances in biotechnology, microelectronics, and neural implants as well as unprecedented advances in our understanding of the brain and spinal cord, the Center’s mission is to define and establish a truly interdisciplinary area of study, merging neuroscience with engineering and medicine, and efficiently translating major breakthroughs from bioengineering and neuroscience to viable clinic applications.

Human-Computer confluence Merging insights from cognitive neuroscience and real-time decoding of brain activity to understand and enhance the brain mechanisms for feeling and moving artificial limbs, bodies, and robotic platforms including wheelchairs.

Hearing & vestibular research Development of a new generation of auditory brainstem implants in hearing loss.

Creation of a new vestibular prosthesis to restore balance and gait as well as vertigo and other vestibular deficits.

Bionic arm & Amputation Restoration of sensorimotor hand function by creating a novel bidirectional connections between the nervous system and a dexterous prosthetic hand, including bioinspired artificial skin.

Walk again & paraplegia Integration of a cortico-spinal neuroprosthesis that will restore voluntary control of locomotion after spinal cord injury.

The EPFL Center for Neuroprosthetics Translational Neural Engineering Laboratory

Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetics

Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology

Defitech Foundation Chair in Non-invasive Brain-machine Interface

Fondation IRP Chair in Spinal Cord Repair

Silvestro Micera

Olaf Blanke

Stéphanie P. Lacour

José del R. Millán

Grégoire Courtine

NCCR

19 sYNapsY, tHe sYNaptiC Bases of MeNtal diseases

The National Centers of Competence in Research (NCCR) are a research instrument of the Swiss National Science Foundation

MISSION National Center of Competence in Research

Uncover pathogenic neurobiological mechanisms underlying mental disorders Encourage academic careers for junior researchers/clinicians and women Contribute to destigmatize mental disorders Catalyze cutting-edge research to provide new approaches for patient care

NCCR SYNAPSY aims to discover the synaptic mechanisms from the molecular to network and integrative aspects underlying mental and cognitive diseases, such as depression, addiction, anxiety disorders or development disorders. From a longterm perspective, scientific advances should benefit directly to the patient, by elaborating novel therapeutic approaches and eventually curative treatments, in order to improve his quality of life.

PARTICIPATING BMI RESEARCHERS Blanke, Olaf: Herzog, Michael: patients Markram, Henry: Schneggenburger, Ralf: Magistretti, Pierre: Petersen, Carl: Sandi, Carmen:

Virtual reality in 22Q11 syndrome Visual processing in schizophrenic Animal models of autism Auditory networks in autism Glial plasticity Dopamine neuromodulation of sensory processing Developmental stress in animal models

http://www.nccr-synapsy.ch

ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

The equal opportunities office of the EPFL participates in the objectives of the NCCR in organizing workshops, summer camps, and other regular activities on Wednesday afternoons for young girls aged 7-13. Other events are specially developed for female undergraduate, master and PhD students.

NCCR is taking part in: Brain Awareness Week Brain Bus Festival Hérissons-sous-gazon Permanence du cerveau, Espace des Inventions Journées de la schizophrénie

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

EDUCATION

A KTT Symposium is organized every year to sensitize the NCCR Synapsy members to the importance of intellectual property.

Synapsy KTT Officer: sylvain.lengacher@epfl.ch

Available courses on: Statistical Parametric Mapping (B. Draganski) Neurosciences psychiatriques (M. Schaer, P. Klauser) Measuring Behaviour (F. Magara)

20 affiliated groups

Prof. Aude Billard / Learning Algorithms and Systems Laboratory (LASA), EPFL Research at the Learning Algorithms and Systems Laboratory (LASA) pushes the barriers that hinder robots from evolving from the fully predetermined industrial world to the unpredictable, humaninhabited world. Interacting with humans and acting in our daily environment requires robots to display a flexibility and compliance that industrial robots lack, but which is core to the way humans control their movements.

Research at LASA develops means by which humans can teach robots to perform skills with the level of dexterity displayed by humans in similar tasks. Our robots move seamlessly with smooth motions.

They adapt adequately and on-the-fly to the presence of obstacles and to sudden perturbations, hence mimicking humans’ immediate response in the presence of danger. We posit that, if robots react as humans do when facing un-expected situations, their reactions would be more predictable to humans, and lead to safer human-robot interactions. http://lasa.epfl.ch

Prof. Rolf Gruetter / Laboratory for functional and metabolic imaging (LIFMET) Metabolic reactions are the end-product of protein and gene expression and often at the heart of many diseases. LIFMET is mainly interested in the non-invasive measurement of metabolic processes and function. We are applying novel approaches (metabolic modeling, among others) allowing to measure metabolic reactions in vivo hitherto inaccessible, in the context of biomedical problems of interest in rodent models of health and disease (a particular focus on in vivo neurochemistry, among others), as well as with human volunteer subjects. http://lifmet.epfl.ch

Prof. Auke Ijspeert / Biorobotics Laboratory, EPFL EPFL BIOROB research interests are at the intersection between robotics, computational neuroscience, nonlinear dynamical systems, and machine learning. We carry out research projects in the following areas: numerical simulations of locomotion and movement control, models of spinal central pattern generators, adaptive dynamical systems as movement primitives, design and control of amphibious articulated robots, control of humanoid robots, design and control of reconfigurable robots. http://biorob.epfl.ch/

Prof. Silvestro Micera / Translational neural engineering Laboratory, EPFL The main research interests of Dr Micera are in the development of technologies and methods for the analysis and restoration of upper and lower limb motor function.

In particular: • Invasive cortical and peripheral neural interfaces for the control of neuro-robotic artefacts (hand prostheses, exoskeletons, tele-operated robotic systems) • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for upper and lower limb function restoration • Neural control of movement • Aging biomechanics • Robotic systems for assessment and restoration of functions http://tne.epfl.ch

21 affiliated groups

Prof. José del R. Millán / Defitech Foundation, Chair in non-invasive brain-machine interface, EFPL The Chair in Non-Invasive Brain-Machine Interface laboratory (CNBI) carries out research on the direct use of human brain signals to control devices and interact with our environment. In this multidisciplinary research, we are bringing together our pioneering work on the two fields of brain-machine interfaces and adaptive intelligent robotics. Our approach to design intelligent neuroprostheses balances the development of prototypes —where robust real-time operation is critical— and the exploration of new interaction principles and their associated brain correlates.

A key element at each stage is the design of efficient machine learning algorithms for real-time analysis of brain activity that allow users to convey their intents rapidly, on the order of hundred milliseconds. Our neuroprostheses are explored in cooperation with clinical partners and disabled volunteers for the purpose of motor restoration, communication, entertainment and rehabilitation. http://cnbi.epfl.ch/

Prof. Miguel Nicolelis / Duke University Dr. Nicolelis is best known for his pioneering studies of Brain Machine Interfaces (BMI) and neuroprosthetics in human patients and non-human primates, he has also developed an integrative approach to studying neurological and psychiatric disorders including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and attention deficit disorder. He has also made fundamental contributions in the fields of sensory plasticity, gustation, sleep, reward and learning. Dr. Nicolelis believes that this approach will allow the integration of molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral data in the same animal, producing a more complete understanding of the nature of the neurophysiological alterations associated with these disorders. http://www.nicolelislab.net/

Prof. Philippe Renaud / Microsystems laboratory, LMIS4, EPFL The research at LMIS4 is focusing of three areas: cell chips, bioelectronic devices and nanofluidics.

We pioneered a new microfluidics label-free cytometry method based on the measurement of electrical impedance of single cells. We further developed the new concept multi-frequency dielectrophoretic. In our recent projects, we develop new approaches for environmental toxicology and drug screening based on microfluidic cell chips and continuous monitoring of cell status by impedance measurements. We are working on microfluidics chips for 3D neural cell culture and creation of in-vitro models of brain structures.

We are developing microelectrode arrays for bioelectronic implants and cell studies. We have been among the first to use polyimide for implantable microelectrode arrays for neurostimulation.

Based on the same technology we developed a bioelectronic contact lens for measurement of intraocular pressure. http://lmis4.epfl.ch

24 22 affiliated groups Prof. Daniel Schorderet / EPFL, Institut de Recherche en Ophtalmologie and EPFL SSV Research done at the Institute for Research in Ophthalmology (IRO) in Sion, is centered on 4 axes: identification of new genes involved in ophthalmic disorders, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms triggered by these genes, develop new animal models that recapitulate the disease, including mouse and zebrafish, and finally, identify new molecular therapy to treat these diseases.

Although we are interested in all inherited eye diseases, we currently focus on genes implicated in disorders such as anophthalmia and other developmental disorders, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Previously, new genes were identified from the analysis of large families. Currently, such families are very rare and we have switched to approaches like high-throughput exome or genome sequencing to find these genes. We also have a strong program on understanding retinoblastoma and identify new therapeutic molecules and on the metabolism of retinal cells at low glucose and in hypoxia. http://www.irovision.ch/fr/bio_dschorde.html/ Prof. Jean-Philippe Thiran / EPFL, Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5) Jean-Philippe Thiran is Associate Professor at EPFL, director of the Signal Processing Lab (LTS5) at the Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEL) of the School of Engineering (STI). He also holds a 20% Associate Professor position with the Department of Radiology of the University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL). Dr Thiran’s current scientific interests include: image segmentation, prior knowledge integration in image analysis, partial Differential Equations and Variational Methods in image analysis, multimodal signal processing, with application to many domains including medical image analysis (multimodal image registration, segmentation, computerassisted surgery, brain connectivity analysis by diffusion MR image processing, etc.), remote sensing imagery and facial image processing (facial expression recognition, eye tracking). http://lts5www.epfl.ch/ Prof. Dimitri Van De Ville / EPFL, Medical Image Processing Lab (MIPLab) MIPLab wants to contribute to the new emerging discipline of computational brain function; i.e., advance our understanding of brain function in health and disorder using computational approaches for non-invasive imaging techniques such as fMRI and EEG. Therefore, we pursue the development and integration of innovative methodological tools from signal and image processing at various stages of the acquisition, processing, and analysis pipeline of neuroimaging data. One highlight of our research is on temporal dynamics of spontaneous brain activity; e.g., we showed fractal organization of the rapid switching between scalp topographies in spontaneous EEG and how it interlinks with fMRI that is governed by slow hemodynamics. A second highlight is on the analysis of functional brain networks using multi-scale graph models and techniques from pattern recognition to interpret and predict cognitive and clinical conditions based on signatures of functional connectivity. http://miplab.epfl.ch/ ADJUNCT PROFESSOR Prof. Gregor Rainer / University of Fribourg Gregor Rainer is a EURYI young investigator, associate professor at the University of Fribourg and adjunct professor at EPFL. His research interests center on the study of cognitive functions in the tree shrew and primate visual system, with particular focus on short-term memory, attention and visual learning and the impact of neuromodulation on these processes. Together with his team he employs a number of techniques to study the neural basis of cognitive functions, including multi-channel neuron recording, optical methods, time-resolved in vivo direct-sampling based neurochemical and neuropeptide analyses and biomedical imaging. He has received a number of awards including an APART scholarship from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, an award for outstanding teaching from the Tßbingen graduate school in Neurosciences and the Otto Hahn Medal from the Max Planck Society. http://www.unifr.ch/inph/vclab/home

TEACHING - MASTER

23

The Brain Mind Institute Faculty organizes a curriculum in Neuroscience and Neuroengineering as part of the master in Life Sciences and Technology. The curriculum includes a systematic introduction to the neurosciences ranging from molecular neuroscience (Neuroscience I) to electrophysiology and cellular neuroscience (Neuroscience II) and cognitive neuroscience (Neuroscience III); students can choose from a long list of optional courses related to the neurosciences (Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging, Biological Modeling of Neural Networks, Neuroprosthetics) taught by the BMI faculty, as well as Theory and Signal Processing related courses. There is also a range of optional lab work. The master program finishes with a master thesis in one of the laboratories of the BMI. The BMI also organizes a minor in Computational Neuroscience and is involved in the minor in Neuroprosthetics.

For further information see: Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Curriculum Master in Life Sciences and Technology

Minor Computational Neuroscience

http://bmi.epfl.ch/education http://ssv.epfl.ch/page-25109-en.html http://bmi.epfl.ch/minor_computational_neuroscience

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WHERE TO FIND US

CAMPUS EPFL SV - AAB - AI BUILDINGS Search engine http://search.epfl.ch

WHERE TO FIND US First Floor........................................................................................................................................................

Admin. Office

Phone (+41 21 693 -- --)

AAB118

9569

Laboratory of neural microcircuitry - Henry Markram

AAB135

1896

Laboratory of computational neuroscience - Wulfram Gerstner

AI1240

0762

IRP Chair in Spinal Cord Repair - Grégoire Courtine

Second Floor...................................................................................................................................................

Admin. Office

Phone (+41 21 693 -- --)

AI2149 AI2149

0792 Laboratory of molecular neurobiology and functional neuroproteomics - Hilal Lashuel 0742 Laboratory of molecular neurodegenerative research - Darren Moore

AI2145 AI2145

1820 Laboratory of molecular and cellular biology of Alzheimer’s disease - Patrick Fraering 1820 Laboratory of neuroenergetics and cellular dynamics - Pierre J. Magistretti

AI2241

9505 Neurodegenerative studies laboratory - Patrick Aebischer

SV2513 SV2513

0332 NCCR SYNAPSY - Pierre Magistretti 9695 Brain Mind Institute - Carmen Sandi

SV2805 SV2805 SV2805 SV2805 SV2805

1822 1812 1817 1762 1812

Laboratory of cognitive neurosciences - Olaf Blanke Laboratory of psychophysics - Michael Herzog Laboratory of sensory processing - Carl Petersen Laboratory of behavioral genetics - Carmen Sandi Laboratory of synaptic mechanisms - Ralf Schneggenburger

How to get to EPFL - Orientation tools: http://map.epfl.ch..........................................................................

By plane and train Genève-Cointrin is the nearest airport (40-60 minutes). The train from Zürich Unique Airport takes approximately 2h30 to go to Lausanne. From these airports, take a train to Lausanne By public transportation (metro, M1) Line M1 of the TL (transports lausannois) from the centre of Lausanne (Flon) or from Renens station to the EPFL. By car By car, on the motorway, follow direction “Lausanne-Sud”, exit “EPFL”.

Once on the campus, the EPFL “orientation tools” helps you to locate a building, place or person on the site.

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CONTACT US

Brain Mind Institute......................................................................................................................................

Brain Mind Institute Office EPFL SV BMI SV 2513 Station 19 CH-1015 LAUSANNE +4121 693 9695 or +4121 693 0332 +4121 693 5350 (fax) brain_mind@epfl.ch http://bmi.epfl.ch

Produced and edited by the EPFL - Brain Mind Institute November, 2012 Editor: BMI / Emilie Pralong Printed at EPFL “Atelier de Reprographie�

With many thanks to Egizia Carbone, Igor Allaman, Gabriele Grenningloh and all Professors for their help and support!