Michael Stryker

Research

We study the mechanisms responsible for the development and plasticity of precise connections within the central nervous system, focusing on the role of neural activity. Most of our work is on the visual cortex of the mouse. Our experiments manipulate neural signaling and activity using genetics, experience, pharmacology or stimulation in order to discover the cellular mechanisms and changes in cortical circuitry responsible for long lasting changes in neuronal responses. We analyze these changes using microelectrode recordings, novel techniques for measurement of optical and metabolic signals related to neural activity, including 2-photon microscopy and intrinsic signal imaging, and anatomical tracing of connections.