Dissecting the cortical mechanisms of selective attention using multi-photon imaging in non-human primates – PrimateSelectiveAttention

Imagine trying to navigate through a busy city, you can be a bit overwhelmed by all the traffic around you, the smell from a bakery or the sounds of a construction site. Still, from this stream of sensory input you're able to select an item that is relevant for you, for example a street sign. This powerful capacity is called selective attention, and although it is crucial in daily life, the cortical mechanisms of it are still largely unclear. We here propose to apply unique imaging technologies that will allow us to image thousands of neurons, while the animals are involved in well-controlled tasks. Moreover, by using novel histological methods we will be able to establish the cell-types of these neuronal populations as well. This will allow us to investigate the microcircuit of selective attention at unprecedented detail, helping us to understand how this cognitive functions could be impaired in mental diseases like schizophrenia and autism.