Decoding how astrocyte–neuron circuits regulate sleep
We investigate how glial and neuronal networks shape sleep dynamics and cognition
using in vivo electrophysiology and imaging.
Published Work
GHerrera Lab Findings
Our Science Lab follows an organized schedule regarding the publication of our findings. Explore our list of published works below and contact us to receive further information about the work that we do.
Optical Ministroke Reveals Dual-Role Frontal Thalamocortical Networks in Sleep Quality and Memory
15 July 2026
Nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) supports neural plasticity, memory consolidation, and recovery after brain injury through thalamocortical slow waves (0.5-4 Hz) and spindles (10-16 Hz). Thalamic strokes, though rare, often disrupt sleep architecture, NREMS oscillations, and cognition. Conventional rodent stroke models cannot reach deep brain structures and require anesthesia, limiting the study of thalamic dysfunction after injury. We developed an optically guided photothrombotic model that produces focal, anesthesia-free lesions of the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) in freely behaving mice. We tested whether MD stroke impairs thalamocortical oscillations and cognition, and whether sleep-targeted auditory stimulation rescues these deficits.
Read more here
Alterations in TRN-anterodorsal thalamocortical circuits affect sleep architecture and homeostatic processes in oxidative stress vulnerable Gclm−/− mice
July 28th, 2022
Our paper on thalamic network deficits and the recovery of their dynamics in a model relevant to Schizophrenia.
Read here!
Decrease in frontal thalamo-cortical networks connectivity impairs wake-sleep stability, oscillatory topography and cognition after optically targeted stroke.
October 20 2022
New work from Letzi et al in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of sleep disorders and memory in thalamic stroke.
She provides a new model of stroke in mice that allow access to precise subcortical lesions in freely moving mice.
