Encoding, storing and recall of information depend on intricate interactions of excitatory principal cells and a small but heterogeneous set of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in cortical networks. In our project we will characterize the morphological, physiological and moleuclare diversity as well as the functional inhibitory connectivity of different interneuron types in the human neocortex.

Therefore, we will combine whole-cell patch-clamp recordings with neuroanatomical examination and investigate synaptic input and output of interneurons, including their mutual inhibitory synapses, in brain slices.

Transcriptomic analysis will complement our investigations and enable us to better define the identify and roles of the different interneuron types in microcircuit of the human temporal cortex. Results of our project will, thus, help us to better understand the organization of the human brain, and facilitate the generation of refined network models of cortical function in health and disease.