Solange P. Brown, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Brown’s research examines the functional organization of local circuits of the neocortex. She was recently awarded a grant to study the inhibitory cortical circuits in presymptomatic ALS. Her research examines the excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the motor cortex, and their patterns of connectivity, to determine whether functional changes in these circuits represent early events in the development of ALS.

The goal of this research is to identify primary events in the disease process that can suggest new preventative strategies and therapeutic targets in ALS. Furthermore, combining this work with the studies of lower motor neurons will give a fuller picture of why motor neurons are particularly vulnerable in ALS.

The neocortex represents a massive interconnected network of neurons that generates perception and action. Indeed, most synaptic inputs onto neocortical neurons come from other neocortical neurons. Dr. Brown’s laboratory examines how these circuits integrate incoming information and generate the cortical outputs that govern perception, thought and action.

The lab’s strategy is to combine physiological approaches with anatomical and genetic techniques for identifying cell populations and pathways to define the synaptic interactions among different classes of cortical neurons and to understand how long-range feedforward and feedback inputs are integrated within these circuits. By identifying the synaptic partners of functionally identified output neurons of the cortex and characterizing the dynamic properties of their synaptic connections, the lab can begin to understand the computations taking place within the cortex. The long-term goal is to understand how cortical circuits give rise to cortical activity and ultimately generate perception and behavior.