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Fabian Kloosterman

NERF Principal Investigator

M.Sc.: University of Amsterdam, 1998
Ph.D.: University of Amsterdam, 2003
Postdoc: MIT, 2003-2011

fabian.kloosterman@nerf.be

Research Interests:

  • Memory processing
  • Spatial navigation
  • Hippocampal-cortical circuits

PhD students: Davide Ciliberti, Frédéric Michon
Laboratory web page: http://kloostermanlab.org [External website]

Decoding memories

We are interested in the functional and structural organization of brain circuits that support the storage, expression and use of memories during behavior. In our research we use rodent models and focus on brain areas in the medial temporal lobe (e.g. hippocampus and entorhinal cortex) that are known to be critical for spatial and episodic memory. As animals learn novel associations or perform a memory-guided task, we observe the communication between large numbers of neurons using arrays of wires (‘tetrodes’) or specially designed neural probes. This allows us to study how populations represent the sensory world and to analyze the expression and use of memories during wakefulness or sleep. Combining the monitoring of neural activity with selective (opto)genetic or pharmacological perturbations we can tease apart the role of specific brain areas or cell types in memory processing. Finally, by reading out (‘decoding’) memories in real-time we may selectively alter and control the effect of these memories during behavior. The results of our work will not only shed light on the basic operation of memory systems in the brain, but also provide us with clues on where these systems fail under pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders and epilepsy.

Open positions: We have open PhD and postdoctoral positions. Candidates are expected to have a degree in life sciences or physcial sciences, with a strong interest in systems neuroscience. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, independent and has strong quantitative and experimental skills. Prior experience in electrophysiology, animal behavior or signal processing is an advantage. Interested applicants should send 1) a statement of skills and research interests, 2) a curriculum vitae and 3) the names and contacts information of 2-3 references to fabian.kloosterman@nerf.be.

Publications:

  1. TJ Davidson, F Kloosterman, MA Wilson, “Hippocampal replay of extended experience”. Neuron 63(4): 497-507 (2009).
  2. F Kloosterman, TJ Davidson, SN Gomperts, SP Layton, G Hale, DP Nguyen, MA Wilson, “Micro-drive array for chronic in vivo recording: drive fabrication”. J. Vis. Exp. (26). pii: 1094. doi: 10.3791/1094 (2009).
  3. DP Nguyen, F Kloosterman, R Barbieri, EN Brown, MA Wilson, “Characterizing the dynamic frequency structure of fast oscillations in the rodent hippocampus”. Front. Integr. Neurosci. 3:11. doi:10.3389/neuro.07.011.2009 (2009).
  4. F Kloosterman, T van Haeften, FH Lopes da Silva, “Two reentrant pathways in the hippocampal-entorhinal system”. Hippocampus 14(8): 1026-1039 (2004).
  5. F Kloosterman, T van Haeften, MP Witter, FH Lopes da Silva, “Electrophysiological characterization of interlaminar entorhinal connections: an essential link for reentrance in the hippocampal-entorhinal system”. Eur. J. Neurosci. 18(11): 3037-3052 (2003).
  6. F Kloosterman, MP Witter, T van Haeften, “Topographical and laminar organization of subicular projections to the parahippocampal region of the rat”. J. Comp. Neurology 455(2): 156-171 (2003).