Grant: Operating Grant

The brain acquires information from the external world, processes it and then induces the appropriate response. This is an automatic learning process based on neural re-wiring within specific neural circuits, and is an everyday occurrence. Sound remodels the brain in this manner. Abnormalities in the processing of sound may result in brain dysfunction and strongly impact the quality of life such as the cognitive deficits seen in Rett syndrome, Down syndrome, autism and Alzheimer disease. This study intends to add to our knowledge of the neural mechanisms involved in sound and how it is processed by the brain. Specifically, this involves examining a fundamental neural circuit in the auditory thalamocortical system that is responsible for learning-induced changes (plasticity) in the brain. Our work may contribute to new clinical measures for the treatment of hearing and/or mental disorders including tinnitus, auditory hallucinations and autism.