Neuro-X seminar: Engineering brain activity patterns for therapeutics

Brain networks are disrupted in numerous disorders. We first show that aberrant brain-wide activity patterns can be corrected by targeting distinct network motifs with multiple neuromodulators using a zebrafish mutant model of human epilepsy and autism. This network based approach also improves behaviour unlike any other treatment. Using rodent models, we next demonstrate a non-invasive technology that can target brain networks with millimetre precision and molecular specificity by 1’300x focally enhanced drug delivery. Using this non-invaisve technology, we target specifically mPFC circuits with anxiolytics to reduce anxiety drastically without the usual motor side effects of systemic anxiolytics. Finally, we will discuss large-scale recording technologies with 1-3k channel custom electronics and penetrating brain-wide soft-electrode arrays, where we are able to track single units with year-long stability across multiple brain networks.