A number of interneuron subtypes exist within the brain that inhibit different cellular compartments and cell types and form very different synapses with their post-synaptic targets. My lab is interested in studying the role of these interneuron classes in regulating network activity in neocortical and hippocampal microcircuits, both in physiological and epileptic conditions. To study this, we have developed 2 complementary approaches: (A) In ex-vivo cortical slices, we combine patch-clamp recordings with Cre-Lox technology and a variety of optogenetic tools or fluorescent tags in order to record and manipulate specific groups of interneurons and assess their net inhibitory action on the network. (B) In in vivo awake animals, we apply our findings on interneuron physiology to study their role in epilepsy and design protocols to test whether they can be used to stop seizures. For this, we use a combination of electrocorticogram recordings and either two-photon imaging techniques (GCaMP6, iGluSnFR, iGABASnFR) or closed-loop optogenetic stimulation in animals experiencing experimentally-induced seizures.