Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Cell and Molecular Biology
Session: 2
Lensa Toka - University of Minnesota TC
Co-Author(s): Megan Monko, University of Minnesota TC, MN; Tanya Casta, University of Minnesota TC, MN; Sarah Heilbronner University of Minnesota TC, MN
The objective of this project is to map projections of the posterior cingulate cortex (areas 23 and 31), located within the posteromedial cortex of the brain. This region integrates information from different cortical regions to affect how we behave, learn, and are motivated. Gaining a better understanding of connectivity of the brain allows for further insight into functionality, as well as advances in the precision and effectiveness of many medical treatments and procedures. It is predicted that connectivity patterns between the posterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal regions will follow an interesting pattern of activity presented in previous research. These neural connections are currently being analyzed using non-human primates (Rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta) as models of the human brain. Bidirectional tracers were surgically injected into the posterior cingulate cortex and allowed to incubate for two weeks before harvest. The brains were processed for histology via perfusion and cryo-sectioning. Immunochemical analysis and dark-field microscopy were used to identify and trace injection sites to create a 3D reconstruction of the brain. Controls for immunochemistry include no primary and no secondary antibody conditions. Using regressions, the specificity of each projection will be measured through a grid analysis. Data from this study will have varied application from continued research within functional connectivity to clinical uses such as deep brain stimulation. Future research directions include repeating this experiment in rats and developing homologous maps between rats, non-human primates, and human brains. References: Heilbronner, S. R., Meyer, M. A., Choi, E. Y., & Haber, S. N. (2018). How do cortico-striatal projections impact on downstream pallidal circuitry? Brain Structure and Function, 223(6), 2809-2821. doi:10.1007/s00429-018-1662-9 Parvizi, J., Hoesen, G. W., Buckwalter, J., & Damasio, A. (2006). Neural connections of the posteromedial cortex in the macaque. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(5), 1563-1568. doi:10.1073/pnas.0507729103
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NARSAD Young Investigator Award from Brain & Behavior Research Foundation; MnDrive Brain Conditions Initiative
Faculty Advisor: Sarah Heilbronner, heilb028@umn.edu
Role: My role in this project was to analyze brain sections using computer software and microscopy. I was responsible for tracing brains and cell counting, as well as analyzing the gathered data.