Cannabinoid receptors in cortical visual encoding – CaCoVi

In the neocortex, sensory-evoked activity is sculpted by synaptic inhibition originating from a rich diversity of GABAergic interneurons. In particular, cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive basket cells are a prominent type of perisomatic targeting interneurons, whose synaptic plasticity relies on their high expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). Yet, the function of this cell type within cortical circuits is elusive. Similarly, the role of CB1-dependent plasticity of GABAergic transmission in visual perception is poorly understood. Here we will combine mouse genetics, synaptic physiology, in vivo neurophysiology, Ca imaging and behavioral analysis to study how CB1-dependent synaptic plasticity in different visual areas plays a crucial role in the integration of sensory stimuli that dictate innate mouse behavior. This research has also therapeutic insights, given the role of CB1 receptors and cortical interneurons in the emergence of several brain diseases.