Investigation of brainstem neural circuits and their plasticity pertaining to locomotor control

Description

The current project aims to study the neural mechanisms of the brainstem involved in motor and locomotor control.
The multidisciplinary approach includes the use of genetic tools available in mice, in vivo behavioral studies (kinematic recordings), in vitro electrophysiological techniques (patch-clamp recordings combined with calcium imaging), and the mapping of neural circuits using viral tracers and fluorescence microscopy.

Research Field

- Brainstem
- Optogenetics
- ouse genetics
- Electrophysiology
- Neuroanatomy

Research Supervisor

Frédéric Bretzner

Research Environment

CR-CHU de Quebec-Université Laval, CHUL

Combining optogenetic, electrophysiological, kinematic, neuroanatomical and imaging techniques in transgenic mice, Dr. Bretzner's team has identified and characterized the role of different brainstem neuronal populations involved in the initiation, modulation and termination of locomotion in physiological conditions (Josset et al., 2018 Current Biol.; Lemieux and Bretzner, 2019, Plos Biol.). His team has recently demonstrated that it is possible to manipulate these neuronal populations to improve functional motor recovery in experimental models of neurotraumatic injury (Roussel et al., 2023 Cell Reports Medicine; Lemieux et al., 2024, Nature Communications).

The laboratory is located in the neuroscience axis of the CR-CHU de Québec-Université Laval in Quebec City, in a dynamic research environment linking neuroscience, neuroinflammation and neurophotonics.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Neurosciences

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$21000 per year for 4 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $70,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Neurosciences with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$18000 per year for 2 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$17,500 to $40,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biomedical Science
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Neuropathology

Requirements and Conditions

Candidates with a good background in neuroscience/physiology and a solid knowledge in in vitro electrophysiological recordings are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Documentation

- Text about research interests
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Include the names of three references.

Find Out More

Frédéric Bretzner
Professeur titulaire
Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences
Frederic.Bretzner.1@ulaval.ca