Cognitive neurogenetics

Research

Our research focuses on the study of human genetic diversity and how individual genetic differences underlie observed differences in cognitive traits. Among others, we have a special interest in the genetic underpinnings of mechanisms involved in auditory processing, and its relevance in domains such as music and language. To characterize these cognitive traits, we combine genetic information with data collected at different levels of complexity: EEG recordings, pupillometry, behavioral tasks, neuropsychological assessments, and peripheral biomarkers. We have also recently started pilot studies on the epigenetics of auditory processing.

Current projects

GEPLEM: Role of genes and epigenetic factors in modulating brain potentials associated to speech and musical processing

In this project, we aim at establishing the role of genetic and epigenetic variants in the auditory encoding and perception of sounds. In particular, we collect EEG recordings from young healthy participants while conducting experiments on sound processing and behavioral data to measure the musical, linguistic and audiological abilities of participants. We are interested in identifying the genetic and epigenetic influences associated to measures of neural encoding through the analysis of subcortical responses to acoustic stimuli, and assess the functional relevance that these (epi)genetic influences have on cognitive abilities.

Team

PhD theses (defended)

Giannina Puddu-Gallardo

Senior postdoc

NORAMP: The locus-coeruleus norepinephrine system at the interface between motor and auditory processing

Our current project, NORAMP, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology aims at studying the role of the locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system in auditory processing. By fusing with the Motor-Sensory Interactions research line, we (PIs: Iria San Miguel and Marc Via) aim at clarifying the contribution of LC-mediated noradrenergic neuromodulation to the tracking of dynamic, continuous sounds such as speech and music, and to the action-driven modulation of auditory processing. Further, we will evaluate these neuromodulation effects in abnormal auditory processing along the continuum of psychosis and identify genetic variants contributing to the observed interindividual differences.