Towards an experimental control of neural activity: The Wilson-Cowan model,

MARTINEZ, SEBASTIAN; SANCHEZ PEÑA, RICARDO SALVADOR; BELLUSCIO, MARIANO; J. PIRIZ; DEMIAN GARCÍA VIOLINI

Bolonia

Workshop; 1st IFAC Workshop on Control of Complex Systems; 2022

IFAC

The prospect of modifying neural activity in a principled way, could facilitate theunderstanding of brain functions and the development of medical treatments. To predict thedynamics that underlie the different brain activities, several neurobiological models have beenproposed, either focusing on individual cells or whole populations. In this context, controlsystems are a powerful tool to provide a correct articulation between inputs, i.e. neural stimuli,and observables, i.e. system outcomes. Based on well-established neurobiological hypotheses, thisstudy presents a control framework to regulate a neural-mass activity, with potential uses forpattern tracking, such as, rhythm evoking and phase synchronisation. Being these mechanismsclosely connected with real brain computations, this study is carried out using a meaningfulperspective in terms of biological interpretation. To this end, the Wilson-Cowan model is used,where the input stimuli is elicited through light signals applied to genetically modified neuronsthat express light-gated actuators. Thus, this study states a crucial proof of concept towards afuture experimental application of the control framework for neurobiological systems.