"Structural, functional, and gene expression changes in cells surrounding electrodes implanted in the brain"

By stimulating or recording electrical activity, microelectrode arrays implanted in the brain have created a renaissance in the treatment of neurological diseases and injuries. Our lab’s goal is to understand the basic science underlying the interaction between implanted electrodes and brain cells, and to provide guiding principles to improve device design and performance. Recently, we have found novel effects of implanted silicon and polyimide-based electrode arrays on the structure and function of local neurons, including alterations in ion channel expression, synaptic transporter expression, dendritic spine density, and excitability. Our results suggest a novel role of local plasticity surrounding devices in chronic signal loss and instability. 

Speaker

Erin Purcell, PhD