Ultrasound-based evaluation of functional connectivity and causal mapping with non-invasive neuromodulation in Parkinson’s Disease

• Applicant: Dr. Jonas Bendig
• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology ; Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases ; Experimental and Theoretical Network Neuroscience
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 523020841

The proposed research project has two main objectives. First, functional ultrasound imaging will be used to map changes in functional connectivity of the brain in a mouse model of PD longitudinally and in comparison to healthy controls. Based on the functional connectivity profiles, we aim to identify new targets for neuromodulation in PD by combining functional ultrasound imaging with focused ultrasound neuromodulation. The combination of these ultrasound modalities allows for a causal mapping approach by modulating a possible target while reporting the functional response on a network level.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professorin Elisa Evgenia Konofagou, Ph.D.