Biology subjects

Panti, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Panti, K..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Distinct In Vivo Electrophysiological Profiles of Mediodorsal Thalamus Subdivisions

The mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) plays a key role in complex cognitive processes, and its dysfunction is linked to various neurological and psychiatric conditions. The MD is divided into three parts that vary in anatomical connectivity, molecular expression, and ex vivo electrophysiology. Here, we describe in vivo single-neuron electrophysiological recordings across the three MD subdivisions in head-fixed, behaving, adult, wildtype mice. We report large differences in extracellular waveforms, spiking activity, and burst firing characteristics across MD subdivisions. Specifically, central MD subdivision (MDc) neurons showed markedly increased waveform amplitude, higher spontaneous firing rate, and increased burst firing compared to medial (MDm) and lateral (MDl) subdivision neurons. Single-neuron electrophysiology features were sufficient to classify neurons into respective anatomical subdivisions. Hierarchical clustering revealed MDc is distinct from MDl and MDm and more akin to other, non-MD thalamic nuclei. Together, these data suggest distinct in vivo electrophysiological profiles of MD subdivisions, posing implications for investigating MD thalamus in health and disease.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

It is not just about the science - the impact of undergraduate research projects and COVID-19 on graduate attributes and employability.

Over the past two decades, Higher Education Institutions have increasingly prioritised transferrable skills to enhance graduate employability. Graduate Attributes (GAs) now act as key indicators of student competencies for both learners and employers. Final-year research projects, typically high in credit value, represent capstone experiences that promote subject expertise and GA development through research, written work, and oral presentations. This study analyses pre- and post-project survey data from RQF Level 6 biomedical and biomolecular science students at a Russell Group University over four years (2019-2023). Most projects were laboratory-based, though the 2020-2021 cohort completed theirs remotely due to COVID-19. Students reflected on expectations and experiences of GA development, subject knowledge, and employability. Initial responses revealed anxiety and uncertainty, particularly among the 2020-2021 cohort, but most anticipated gains in skills and employability. Post-project feedback confirmed this, identifying critical thinking, confidence, resilience, collaboration, and future focus as key outcomes. Digital capability was notably strengthened, especially during remote delivery. The findings emphasise the importance of a shared understanding of GAs in bioscience education and the value of embedding structured reflection and preparatory support to help students recognise and articulate their evolving skills.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2026

Higher-Order Thalamus is Pivotal in Schizophrenia-Associated Pathophysiology

Synaptic dysfunction has been proposed as cellular pathophysiology underlying schizophrenia, yet the brain-wide distribution of dysfunctional circuits at single-neuron resolution has remained unknown. Here, we perform comprehensive multi-probe electrophysiological investigations in vivo in the Grin2a+/- preclinical model for schizophrenia and control animals, recording across [~]45 brain regions spanning cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and thalamus. Mutants displayed distributed and graded alterations across regions, with prominent activity reductions in higher-order thalamus and cross-parameter alterations across prefrontal cortices, striatum, and hippocampus. Restoration of higher-order thalamic activity in mutants was sufficient to normalize alterations in connected prefrontal cortices and striatum and unexpectedly cascaded to hippocampus and sensory cortices. Thus, higher-order thalamus plays a pivotal role in schizophrenia pathophysiology and restoration of a single informed locus could present a potent therapeutic strategy.

neuroscience↗