1
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Wolcott NS, Redman WT, Karpinska M, Jacobs EG, Goard MJ. The estrous cycle modulates hippocampal spine dynamics, dendritic processing, and spatial coding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.02.606418. [PMID: 39131375 PMCID: PMC11312567 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.02.606418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Histological evidence suggests that the estrous cycle exerts a powerful effect on CA1 neurons in mammalian hippocampus. Decades have passed since this landmark observation, yet how the estrous cycle shapes dendritic spine dynamics and hippocampal spatial coding in vivo remains a mystery. Here, we used a custom hippocampal microperiscope and two-photon calcium imaging to track CA1 pyramidal neurons in female mice over multiple cycles. Estrous cycle stage had a potent effect on spine dynamics, with heightened density during periods of greater estradiol (proestrus). These morphological changes were accompanied by greater somatodendritic coupling and increased infiltration of back-propagating action potentials into the apical dendrite. Finally, tracking CA1 response properties during navigation revealed enhanced place field stability during proestrus, evident at the single-cell and population level. These results establish the estrous cycle as a driver of large-scale structural and functional plasticity in hippocampal circuits essential for learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora S Wolcott
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - William T Redman
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Dynamical Neuroscience, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Intelligent Systems Center, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Marie Karpinska
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Ann S. Bowers Women's Brain Health Initiative, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Michael J Goard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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2
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Regele-Blasco E, Palmer LM. The plasticity of pyramidal neurons in the behaving brain. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230231. [PMID: 38853566 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons are plastic. That is, they change their activity according to different behavioural conditions. This endows pyramidal neurons with an incredible computational power for the integration and processing of synaptic inputs. Plasticity can be investigated at different levels of investigation within a single neuron, from spines to dendrites, to synaptic input. Although most of our knowledge stems from the in vitro brain slice preparation, plasticity plays a vital role during behaviour by providing a flexible substrate for the execution of appropriate actions in our ever-changing environment. Owing to advances in recording techniques, the plasticity of neurons and the neural networks in which they are embedded is now beginning to be realized in the in vivo intact brain. This review focuses on the structural and functional synaptic plasticity of pyramidal neurons, with a specific focus on the latest developments from in vivo studies. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Regele-Blasco
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne , Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Lucy M Palmer
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne , Victoria 3052, Australia
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3
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Ford AN, Czarny JE, Rogalla MM, Quass GL, Apostolides PF. Auditory Corticofugal Neurons Transmit Auditory and Non-auditory Information During Behavior. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1190232023. [PMID: 38123993 PMCID: PMC10869159 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1190-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Layer 5 pyramidal neurons of sensory cortices project "corticofugal" axons to myriad sub-cortical targets, thereby broadcasting high-level signals important for perception and learning. Recent studies suggest dendritic Ca2+ spikes as key biophysical mechanisms supporting corticofugal neuron function: these long-lasting events drive burst firing, thereby initiating uniquely powerful signals to modulate sub-cortical representations and trigger learning-related plasticity. However, the behavioral relevance of corticofugal dendritic spikes is poorly understood. We shed light on this issue using 2-photon Ca2+ imaging of auditory corticofugal dendrites as mice of either sex engage in a GO/NO-GO sound-discrimination task. Unexpectedly, only a minority of dendritic spikes were triggered by behaviorally relevant sounds under our conditions. Task related dendritic activity instead mostly followed sound cue termination and co-occurred with mice's instrumental licking during the answer period of behavioral trials, irrespective of reward consumption. Temporally selective, optogenetic silencing of corticofugal neurons during the trial answer period impaired auditory discrimination learning. Thus, auditory corticofugal systems' contribution to learning and plasticity may be partially nonsensory in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Ford
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Jordyn E Czarny
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Meike M Rogalla
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Gunnar L Quass
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Pierre F Apostolides
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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4
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Gillon CJ, Pina JE, Lecoq JA, Ahmed R, Billeh YN, Caldejon S, Groblewski P, Henley TM, Kato I, Lee E, Luviano J, Mace K, Nayan C, Nguyen TV, North K, Perkins J, Seid S, Valley MT, Williford A, Bengio Y, Lillicrap TP, Richards BA, Zylberberg J. Responses to Pattern-Violating Visual Stimuli Evolve Differently Over Days in Somata and Distal Apical Dendrites. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1009232023. [PMID: 37989593 PMCID: PMC10860604 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1009-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientists have long conjectured that the neocortex learns patterns in sensory data to generate top-down predictions of upcoming stimuli. In line with this conjecture, different responses to pattern-matching vs pattern-violating visual stimuli have been observed in both spiking and somatic calcium imaging data. However, it remains unknown whether these pattern-violation signals are different between the distal apical dendrites, which are heavily targeted by top-down signals, and the somata, where bottom-up information is primarily integrated. Furthermore, it is unknown how responses to pattern-violating stimuli evolve over time as an animal gains more experience with them. Here, we address these unanswered questions by analyzing responses of individual somata and dendritic branches of layer 2/3 and layer 5 pyramidal neurons tracked over multiple days in primary visual cortex of awake, behaving female and male mice. We use sequences of Gabor patches with patterns in their orientations to create pattern-matching and pattern-violating stimuli, and two-photon calcium imaging to record neuronal responses. Many neurons in both layers show large differences between their responses to pattern-matching and pattern-violating stimuli. Interestingly, these responses evolve in opposite directions in the somata and distal apical dendrites, with somata becoming less sensitive to pattern-violating stimuli and distal apical dendrites more sensitive. These differences between the somata and distal apical dendrites may be important for hierarchical computation of sensory predictions and learning, since these two compartments tend to receive bottom-up and top-down information, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J Gillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mila, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jason E Pina
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Timothy M Henley
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Eric Lee
- Allen Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Kyla Mace
- Allen Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Kat North
- Allen Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Sam Seid
- Allen Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Yoshua Bengio
- Mila, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département d'informatique et de recherche opérationnelle, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Learning in Machines and Brains Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy P Lillicrap
- DeepMind, Inc., London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computation, Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and Experimental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Blake A Richards
- Mila, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Learning in Machines and Brains Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Joel Zylberberg
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Learning in Machines and Brains Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Francioni V, Tang VD, Brown NJ, Toloza EH, Harnett M. Vectorized instructive signals in cortical dendrites during a brain-computer interface task. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.03.565534. [PMID: 37961227 PMCID: PMC10635122 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Backpropagation of error is the most widely used learning algorithm in artificial neural networks, forming the backbone of modern machine learning and artificial intelligence1,2. Backpropagation provides a solution to the credit assignment problem by vectorizing an error signal tailored to individual neurons. Recent theoretical models have suggested that neural circuits could implement backpropagation-like learning by semi-independently processing feedforward and feedback information streams in separate dendritic compartments3-7. This presents a compelling, but untested, hypothesis for how cortical circuits could solve credit assignment in the brain. We designed a neurofeedback brain-computer interface (BCI) task with an experimenter-defined reward function to evaluate the key requirements for dendrites to implement backpropagation-like learning. We trained mice to modulate the activity of two spatially intermingled populations (4 or 5 neurons each) of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the retrosplenial cortex to rotate a visual grating towards a target orientation while we recorded GCaMP activity from somas and corresponding distal apical dendrites. We observed that the relative magnitudes of somatic versus dendritic signals could be predicted using the activity of the surrounding network and contained information about task-related variables that could serve as instructive signals, including reward and error. The signs of these putative teaching signals both depended on the causal role of individual neurons in the task and predicted changes in overall activity over the course of learning. These results provide the first biological evidence of a backpropagation-like solution to the credit assignment problem in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Francioni
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vincent D Tang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Norma J. Brown
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Enrique H.S. Toloza
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark Harnett
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
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6
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Kastellakis G, Tasciotti S, Pandi I, Poirazi P. The dendritic engram. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1212139. [PMID: 37576932 PMCID: PMC10412934 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1212139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence from a wide range of studies, including behavioral, cellular, molecular and computational findings, support a key role of dendrites in the encoding and recall of new memories. Dendrites can integrate synaptic inputs in non-linear ways, provide the substrate for local protein synthesis and facilitate the orchestration of signaling pathways that regulate local synaptic plasticity. These capabilities allow them to act as a second layer of computation within the neuron and serve as the fundamental unit of plasticity. As such, dendrites are integral parts of the memory engram, namely the physical representation of memories in the brain and are increasingly studied during learning tasks. Here, we review experimental and computational studies that support a novel, dendritic view of the memory engram that is centered on non-linear dendritic branches as elementary memory units. We highlight the potential implications of dendritic engrams for the learning and memory field and discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kastellakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Simone Tasciotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Pandi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panayiota Poirazi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Greece
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7
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Fişek M, Herrmann D, Egea-Weiss A, Cloves M, Bauer L, Lee TY, Russell LE, Häusser M. Cortico-cortical feedback engages active dendrites in visual cortex. Nature 2023; 617:769-776. [PMID: 37138089 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Sensory processing in the neocortex requires both feedforward and feedback information flow between cortical areas1. In feedback processing, higher-level representations provide contextual information to lower levels, and facilitate perceptual functions such as contour integration and figure-ground segmentation2,3. However, we have limited understanding of the circuit and cellular mechanisms that mediate feedback influence. Here we use long-range all-optical connectivity mapping in mice to show that feedback influence from the lateromedial higher visual area (LM) to the primary visual cortex (V1) is spatially organized. When the source and target of feedback represent the same area of visual space, feedback is relatively suppressive. By contrast, when the source is offset from the target in visual space, feedback is relatively facilitating. Two-photon calcium imaging data show that this facilitating feedback is nonlinearly integrated in the apical tuft dendrites of V1 pyramidal neurons: retinotopically offset (surround) visual stimuli drive local dendritic calcium signals indicative of regenerative events, and two-photon optogenetic activation of LM neurons projecting to identified feedback-recipient spines in V1 can drive similar branch-specific local calcium signals. Our results show how neocortical feedback connectivity and nonlinear dendritic integration can together form a substrate to support both predictive and cooperative contextual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fişek
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Dustin Herrmann
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander Egea-Weiss
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matilda Cloves
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Bauer
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tai-Ying Lee
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lloyd E Russell
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Häusser
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
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8
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Moore JJ, Rashid SK, Johnson CD, Codrington N, Chklovskii DB, Basu J. Sub-cellular population imaging tools reveal stable apical dendrites in hippocampal area CA3. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2733660. [PMID: 37131789 PMCID: PMC10153397 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2733660/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Anatomically segregated apical and basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons receive functionally distinct inputs, but it is unknown if this results in compartment-level functional diversity during behavior. Here we imaged calcium signals from apical dendrites, soma, and basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons in area CA3 of mouse hippocampus during head-fixed navigation. To examine dendritic population activity, we developed computational tools to identify dendritic regions of interest and extract accurate fluorescence traces. We identified robust spatial tuning in apical and basal dendrites, similar to soma, though basal dendrites had reduced activity rates and place field widths. Across days, apical dendrites were more stable than soma or basal dendrites, resulting in better decoding of the animal's position. These population-level dendritic differences may reflect functionally distinct input streams leading to different dendritic computations in CA3. These tools will facilitate future studies of signal transformations between cellular compartments and their relation to behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Moore
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Shannon K Rashid
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Cara D. Johnson
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Naomi Codrington
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dmitri B Chklovskii
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Jayeeta Basu
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
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9
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Moore JJ, Robert V, Rashid SK, Basu J. Assessing Local and Branch-specific Activity in Dendrites. Neuroscience 2022; 489:143-164. [PMID: 34756987 PMCID: PMC9125998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Dendrites are elaborate neural processes which integrate inputs from various sources in space and time. While decades of work have suggested an independent role for dendrites in driving nonlinear computations for the cell, only recently have technological advances enabled us to capture the variety of activity in dendrites and their coupling dynamics with the soma. Under certain circumstances, activity generated in a given dendritic branch remains isolated, such that the soma or even sister dendrites are not privy to these localized signals. Such branch-specific activity could radically increase the capacity and flexibility of coding for the cell as a whole. Here, we discuss these forms of localized and branch-specific activity, their functional relevance in plasticity and behavior, and their supporting biophysical and circuit-level mechanisms. We conclude by showcasing electrical and optical approaches in hippocampal area CA3, using original experimental data to discuss experimental and analytical methodology and key considerations to take when investigating the functional relevance of independent dendritic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Moore
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Vincent Robert
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shannon K Rashid
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jayeeta Basu
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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10
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Keijser J, Sprekeler H. Optimizing interneuron circuits for compartment-specific feedback inhibition. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009933. [PMID: 35482670 PMCID: PMC9049365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical circuits process information by rich recurrent interactions between excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons. One of the prime functions of interneurons is to stabilize the circuit by feedback inhibition, but the level of specificity on which inhibitory feedback operates is not fully resolved. We hypothesized that inhibitory circuits could enable separate feedback control loops for different synaptic input streams, by means of specific feedback inhibition to different neuronal compartments. To investigate this hypothesis, we adopted an optimization approach. Leveraging recent advances in training spiking network models, we optimized the connectivity and short-term plasticity of interneuron circuits for compartment-specific feedback inhibition onto pyramidal neurons. Over the course of the optimization, the interneurons diversified into two classes that resembled parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) expressing interneurons. Using simulations and mathematical analyses, we show that the resulting circuit can be understood as a neural decoder that inverts the nonlinear biophysical computations performed within the pyramidal cells. Our model provides a proof of concept for studying structure-function relations in cortical circuits by a combination of gradient-based optimization and biologically plausible phenomenological models. The brain contains billions of nerve cells—neurons—that can be classified into different types depending on their shape, connectivity and activity. A particularly diverse group of neurons is that of inhibitory neurons, named after their suppressive effect on neural activity. Presumably, their diverse properties allow inhibitory neurons to fulfil different functions, but what these functions are is currently unclear. In this paper, we investigated if a particular function can explain the existence and properties of the two most common inhibitory cell classes: The need to regulate activity in different physical parts (compartments) of the neurons they target. We investigated this function in a computer model, using optimization to find the neuron properties best-suited for compartment-specific inhibition. Our key result is that after the optimization, model neurons largely fell into two classes that resembled the two types of biological neurons. In particular, the optimized neurons were connected to only one compartment of other neurons. This suggests that the diversity of inhibitory neurons is well suited for compartment-specific inhibition. In the future, our approach of optimizing neural properties might be used to investigate other functions (or dysfunctions) of neuron diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joram Keijser
- Modelling of Cognitive Processes, Institute of Software Engineering and Theoretical Computer Science, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Henning Sprekeler
- Modelling of Cognitive Processes, Institute of Software Engineering and Theoretical Computer Science, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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11
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d'Aquin S, Szonyi A, Mahn M, Krabbe S, Gründemann J, Lüthi A. Compartmentalized dendritic plasticity during associative learning. Science 2022; 376:eabf7052. [PMID: 35420958 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf7052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Experience-dependent changes in behavior are mediated by long-term functional modifications in brain circuits. Activity-dependent plasticity of synaptic input is a major underlying cellular process. Although we have a detailed understanding of synaptic and dendritic plasticity in vitro, little is known about the functional and plastic properties of active dendrites in behaving animals. Using deep brain two-photon Ca2+ imaging, we investigated how sensory responses in amygdala principal neurons develop upon classical fear conditioning, a form of associative learning. Fear conditioning induced differential plasticity in dendrites and somas regulated by compartment-specific inhibition. Our results indicate that learning-induced plasticity can be uncoupled between soma and dendrites, reflecting distinct synaptic and microcircuit-level mechanisms that increase the computational capacity of amygdala circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon d'Aquin
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andras Szonyi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mathias Mahn
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Krabbe
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Gründemann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Lüthi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Otor Y, Achvat S, Cermak N, Benisty H, Abboud M, Barak O, Schiller Y, Poleg-Polsky A, Schiller J. Dynamic compartmental computations in tuft dendrites of layer 5 neurons during motor behavior. Science 2022; 376:267-275. [PMID: 35420959 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tuft dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons form specialized compartments important for motor learning and performance, yet their computational capabilities remain unclear. Structural-functional mapping of the tuft tree from the motor cortex during motor tasks revealed two morphologically distinct populations of layer 5 pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) that exhibit specific tuft computational properties. Early bifurcating and large nexus PTNs showed marked tuft functional compartmentalization, representing different motor variable combinations within and between their two tuft hemi-trees. By contrast, late bifurcating and smaller nexus PTNs showed synchronous tuft activation. Dendritic structure and dynamic recruitment of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-spiking mechanism explained the differential compartmentalization patterns. Our findings support a morphologically dependent framework for motor computations, in which independent amplification units can be combinatorically recruited to represent different motor sequences within the same tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Otor
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Shay Achvat
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Nathan Cermak
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Hadas Benisty
- Yale University School of Medicine; Bethany, CT, USA
| | - Maisan Abboud
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Omri Barak
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Yitzhak Schiller
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Alon Poleg-Polsky
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics; University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 East 19th Avenue MS8307, Aurora, CO 8004, USA
| | - Jackie Schiller
- Department of Physiology, Technion Medical School, Bat-Galim, Haifa 31096, Israel
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13
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Landau AT, Park P, Wong-Campos JD, Tian H, Cohen AE, Sabatini BL. Dendritic branch structure compartmentalizes voltage-dependent calcium influx in cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal cells. eLife 2022; 11:76993. [PMID: 35319464 PMCID: PMC8979587 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Back-propagating action potentials (bAPs) regulate synaptic plasticity by evoking voltage-dependent calcium influx throughout dendrites. Attenuation of bAP amplitude in distal dendritic compartments alters plasticity in a location-specific manner by reducing bAP-dependent calcium influx. However, it is not known if neurons exhibit branch-specific variability in bAP-dependent calcium signals, independent of distance-dependent attenuation. Here, we reveal that bAPs fail to evoke calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in a specific population of dendritic branches in mouse cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal cells, despite evoking substantial VGCC-mediated calcium influx in sister branches. These branches contain VGCCs and successfully propagate bAPs in the absence of synaptic input; nevertheless, they fail to exhibit bAP-evoked calcium influx due to a branch-specific reduction in bAP amplitude. We demonstrate that these branches have more elaborate branch structure compared to sister branches, which causes a local reduction in electrotonic impedance and bAP amplitude. Finally, we show that bAPs still amplify synaptically-mediated calcium influx in these branches because of differences in the voltage-dependence and kinetics of VGCCs and NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Branch-specific compartmentalization of bAP-dependent calcium signals may provide a mechanism for neurons to diversify synaptic tuning across the dendritic tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Landau
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Pojeong Park
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - J David Wong-Campos
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - He Tian
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Adam E Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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14
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Almeida VN. The neural hierarchy of consciousness. Neuropsychologia 2022; 169:108202. [PMID: 35271856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The chief undertaking in the studies of consciousness is that of unravelling "the minimal set of neural processes that are together sufficient for the conscious experience of a particular content - the neural correlates of consciousness". To this day, this crusade remains at an impasse, with a clash of two main theories: consciousness may arise either in a graded and cortically-localised fashion, or in an all-or-none and widespread one. In spite of the long-lasting theoretical debates, neurophysiological theories of consciousness have been mostly dissociated from them. Herein, a theoretical review will be put forth with the aim to change that. In its first half, we will cover the hard available evidence on the neurophysiology of consciousness, whereas in its second half we will weave a series of considerations on both theories and substantiate a novel take on conscious awareness: the levels of processing approach, partitioning the conscious architecture into lower- and higher-order, graded and nonlinear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N Almeida
- Faculdade de Letras, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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15
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Kirchner JH, Gjorgjieva J. Emergence of synaptic organization and computation in dendrites. NEUROFORUM 2022; 28:21-30. [PMID: 35881644 PMCID: PMC8887907 DOI: 10.1515/nf-2021-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Single neurons in the brain exhibit astounding computational capabilities, which gradually emerge throughout development and enable them to become integrated into complex neural circuits. These capabilities derive in part from the precise arrangement of synaptic inputs on the neurons' dendrites. While the full computational benefits of this arrangement are still unknown, a picture emerges in which synapses organize according to their functional properties across multiple spatial scales. In particular, on the local scale (tens of microns), excitatory synaptic inputs tend to form clusters according to their functional similarity, whereas on the scale of individual dendrites or the entire tree, synaptic inputs exhibit dendritic maps where excitatory synapse function varies smoothly with location on the tree. The development of this organization is supported by inhibitory synapses, which are carefully interleaved with excitatory synapses and can flexibly modulate activity and plasticity of excitatory synapses. Here, we summarize recent experimental and theoretical research on the developmental emergence of this synaptic organization and its impact on neural computations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan H. Kirchner
- Computation in Neural Circuits Group, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, 85354Freising, Germany
| | - Julijana Gjorgjieva
- Computation in Neural Circuits Group, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, 85354Freising, Germany
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16
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Larkum ME, Wu J, Duverdin SA, Gidon A. The guide to dendritic spikes of the mammalian cortex in vitro and in vivo. Neuroscience 2022; 489:15-33. [PMID: 35182699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Half a century since their discovery by Llinás and colleagues, dendritic spikes have been observed in various neurons in different brain regions, from the neocortex and cerebellum to the basal ganglia. Dendrites exhibit a terrifically diverse but stereotypical repertoire of spikes, sometimes specific to subregions of the dendrite. Despite their prevalence, we only have a glimpse into their role in the behaving animal. This article aims to survey the full range of dendritic spikes found in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, compare them in vivo versus in vitro, and discuss new studies describing dendritic spikes in the human cortex. We focus on dendritic spikes in neocortical and hippocampal neurons and present a roadmap to identify and understand the broader role of dendritic spikes in single-cell computation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Larkum
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiameng Wu
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah A Duverdin
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Gidon
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Barnes SJ, Keller GB, Keck T. Homeostatic regulation through strengthening of neuronal network-correlated synaptic inputs. eLife 2022; 11:81958. [PMID: 36515269 PMCID: PMC9803349 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic regulation is essential for stable neuronal function. Several synaptic mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity have been described, but the functional properties of synapses involved in homeostasis are unknown. We used longitudinal two-photon functional imaging of dendritic spine calcium signals in visual and retrosplenial cortices of awake adult mice to quantify the sensory deprivation-induced changes in the responses of functionally identified spines. We found that spines whose activity selectively correlated with intrinsic network activity underwent tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-dependent homeostatic increases in their response amplitudes, but spines identified as responsive to sensory stimulation did not. We observed an increase in the global sensory-evoked responses following sensory deprivation, despite the fact that the identified sensory inputs did not strengthen. Instead, global sensory-evoked responses correlated with the strength of network-correlated inputs. Our results suggest that homeostatic regulation of global responses is mediated through changes to intrinsic network-correlated inputs rather than changes to identified sensory inputs thought to drive sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Barnes
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUnited Kingdom,UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial CollegeLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Georg B Keller
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Tara Keck
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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18
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Suzuki M, Aru J, Larkum ME. Double-μPeriscope, a tool for multilayer optical recordings, optogenetic stimulations or both. eLife 2021; 10:e72894. [PMID: 34878406 PMCID: PMC8654370 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intelligent behavior and cognitive functions in mammals depend on cortical microcircuits made up of a variety of excitatory and inhibitory cells that form a forest-like complex across six layers. Mechanistic understanding of cortical microcircuits requires both manipulation and monitoring of multiple layers and interactions between them. However, existing techniques are limited as to simultaneous monitoring and stimulation at different depths without damaging a large volume of cortical tissue. Here, we present a relatively simple and versatile method for delivering light to any two cortical layers simultaneously. The method uses a tiny optical probe consisting of two microprisms mounted on a single shaft. We demonstrate the versatility of the probe in three sets of experiments: first, two distinct cortical layers were optogenetically and independently manipulated; second, one layer was stimulated while the activity of another layer was monitored; third, the activity of thalamic axons distributed in two distinct cortical layers was simultaneously monitored in awake mice. Its simple-design, versatility, small-size, and low-cost allow the probe to be applied widely to address important biological questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mototaka Suzuki
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Jaan Aru
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of BerlinBerlinGermany
- Institute of Computer Science, University of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Matthew E Larkum
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of BerlinBerlinGermany
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19
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Goetz L, Roth A, Häusser M. Active dendrites enable strong but sparse inputs to determine orientation selectivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2017339118. [PMID: 34301882 PMCID: PMC8325157 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2017339118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons are excitable. However, it is unknown how synaptic inputs engage nonlinear dendritic mechanisms during sensory processing in vivo, and how they in turn influence action potential output. Here, we provide a quantitative account of the relationship between synaptic inputs, nonlinear dendritic events, and action potential output. We developed a detailed pyramidal neuron model constrained by in vivo dendritic recordings. We drive this model with realistic input patterns constrained by sensory responses measured in vivo and connectivity measured in vitro. We show mechanistically that under realistic conditions, dendritic Na+ and NMDA spikes are the major determinants of neuronal output in vivo. We demonstrate that these dendritic spikes can be triggered by a surprisingly small number of strong synaptic inputs, in some cases even by single synapses. We predict that dendritic excitability allows the 1% strongest synaptic inputs of a neuron to control the tuning of its output. Active dendrites therefore allow smaller subcircuits consisting of only a few strongly connected neurons to achieve selectivity for specific sensory features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Goetz
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Arnd Roth
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Häusser
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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20
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Stuyt G, Godenzini L, Palmer LM. Local and Global Dynamics of Dendritic Activity in the Pyramidal Neuron. Neuroscience 2021; 489:176-184. [PMID: 34280492 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in the measurement and comparison of activity across compartments of the pyramidal neuron. Dendritic activity can occur both locally, on a single dendritic segment, or globally, involving multiple compartments of the single neuron. Little is known about how these dendritic dynamics shape and contribute to information processing and behavior. Although it has been difficult to characterize local and global activity in vivo due to the technical challenge of simultaneously recording from the entire dendritic arbor and soma, the rise of calcium imaging has driven the increased feasibility and interest of these experiments. However, the distinction between local and global activity made by calcium imaging requires careful consideration. In this review we describe local and global activity, discuss the difficulties and caveats of this distinction, and present the evidence of local and global activity in information processing and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Stuyt
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Luca Godenzini
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Lucy M Palmer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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21
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Duan CA, Pan Y, Ma G, Zhou T, Zhang S, Xu NL. A cortico-collicular pathway for motor planning in a memory-dependent perceptual decision task. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2727. [PMID: 33976124 PMCID: PMC8113349 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival in a dynamic environment requires animals to plan future actions based on past sensory evidence, known as motor planning. However, the neuronal circuits underlying this crucial brain function remain elusive. Here, we employ projection-specific imaging and perturbation methods to investigate the direct pathway linking two key nodes in the motor planning network, the secondary motor cortex (M2) and the midbrain superior colliculus (SC), in mice performing a memory-dependent perceptual decision task. We find dynamic coding of choice information in SC-projecting M2 neurons during motor planning and execution, and disruption of this information by inhibiting M2 terminals in SC selectively impaired decision maintenance. Furthermore, we show that while both excitatory and inhibitory SC neurons receive synaptic inputs from M2, these SC subpopulations display differential temporal patterns in choice coding during behavior. Our results reveal the dynamic recruitment of the premotor-collicular pathway as a circuit mechanism for motor planning. Duan, Pan et al. find that the premotor cortex cooperates with the midbrain superior colliculus via direct projections to implement decision maintenance. These results reveal mechanisms of cortico-collicular interaction during cognition and action in a pathway- and cell-type-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu A Duan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuxin Pan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guofen Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Taotao Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Long Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Doron G, Shin JN, Takahashi N, Drüke M, Bocklisch C, Skenderi S, de Mont L, Toumazou M, Ledderose J, Brecht M, Naud R, Larkum ME. Perirhinal input to neocortical layer 1 controls learning. Science 2021; 370:370/6523/eaaz3136. [PMID: 33335033 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal output influences memory formation in the neocortex, but this process is poorly understood because the precise anatomical location and the underlying cellular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that perirhinal input, predominantly to sensory cortical layer 1 (L1), controls hippocampal-dependent associative learning in rodents. This process was marked by the emergence of distinct firing responses in defined subpopulations of layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurons whose tuft dendrites receive perirhinal inputs in L1. Learning correlated with burst firing and the enhancement of dendritic excitability, and it was suppressed by disruption of dendritic activity. Furthermore, bursts, but not regular spike trains, were sufficient to retrieve learned behavior. We conclude that hippocampal information arriving at L5 tuft dendrites in neocortical L1 mediates memory formation in the neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Doron
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jiyun N Shin
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Naoya Takahashi
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Moritz Drüke
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Bocklisch
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Salina Skenderi
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa de Mont
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Toumazou
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Ledderose
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10115 Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Naud
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.,Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Matthew E Larkum
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. .,NeuroCure Cluster, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Flossmann T, Rochefort NL. Spatial navigation signals in rodent visual cortex. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 67:163-173. [PMID: 33360769 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During navigation, animals integrate sensory information with body movements to guide actions. The impact of both navigational and movement-related signals on cortical visual information processing remains largely unknown. We review recent studies in awake rodents that have revealed navigation-related signals in the primary visual cortex (V1) including speed, distance travelled and head-orienting movements. Both cortical and subcortical inputs convey self-motion related information to V1 neurons: for example, top-down inputs from secondary motor and retrosplenial cortices convey information about head movements and spatial expectations. Within V1, subtypes of inhibitory neurons are critical for the integration of navigation-related and visual signals. We conclude with potential functional roles of navigation-related signals in V1 including gain control, motor error signals and predictive coding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Flossmann
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie L Rochefort
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, United Kingdom; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, United Kingdom.
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24
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Mueller M, Egger V. Dendritic integration in olfactory bulb granule cells upon simultaneous multispine activation: Low thresholds for nonlocal spiking activity. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000873. [PMID: 32966273 PMCID: PMC7535128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitory axonless olfactory bulb granule cells form reciprocal dendrodendritic synapses with mitral and tufted cells via large spines, mediating recurrent and lateral inhibition. As a case in point for dendritic transmitter release, rat granule cell dendrites are highly excitable, featuring local Na+ spine spikes and global Ca2+- and Na+-spikes. To investigate the transition from local to global signaling, we performed holographic, simultaneous 2-photon uncaging of glutamate at up to 12 granule cell spines, along with whole-cell recording and dendritic 2-photon Ca2+ imaging in acute juvenile rat brain slices. Coactivation of less than 10 reciprocal spines was sufficient to generate diverse regenerative signals that included regional dendritic Ca2+-spikes and dendritic Na+-spikes (D-spikes). Global Na+-spikes could be triggered in one third of granule cells. Individual spines and dendritic segments sensed the respective signal transitions as increments in Ca2+ entry. Dendritic integration as monitored by the somatic membrane potential was mostly linear until a threshold number of spines was activated, at which often D-spikes along with supralinear summation set in. As to the mechanisms supporting active integration, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) strongly contributed to all aspects of supralinearity, followed by dendritic voltage-gated Na+- and Ca2+-channels, whereas local Na+ spine spikes, as well as morphological variables, barely mattered. Because of the low numbers of coactive spines required to trigger dendritic Ca2+ signals and thus possibly lateral release of GABA onto mitral and tufted cells, we predict that thresholds for granule cell-mediated bulbar lateral inhibition are low. Moreover, D-spikes could provide a plausible substrate for granule cell-mediated gamma oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Mueller
- Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veronica Egger
- Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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25
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Aru J, Suzuki M, Larkum ME. Cellular Mechanisms of Conscious Processing. Trends Cogn Sci 2020; 24:814-825. [PMID: 32855048 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in neurobiology indicate that the time is ripe to understand how cellular-level mechanisms are related to conscious experience. Here, we highlight the biophysical properties of pyramidal cells, which allow them to act as gates that control the evolution of global activation patterns. In conscious states, this cellular mechanism enables complex sustained dynamics within the thalamocortical system, whereas during unconscious states, such signal propagation is prohibited. We suggest that the hallmark of conscious processing is the flexible integration of bottom-up and top-down data streams at the cellular level. This cellular integration mechanism provides the foundation for Dendritic Information Theory, a novel neurobiological theory of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaan Aru
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mototaka Suzuki
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthew E Larkum
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Neurocure Center for Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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26
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Inhibitory plasticity in layer 1 - dynamic gatekeeper of neocortical associations. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 67:26-33. [PMID: 32818814 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neocortical layer 1 is a major site of convergence for a variety of brain wide afferents carrying experience-dependent top-down information, which are integrated and processed in the apical tuft dendrites of pyramidal cells. Two types of local inhibitory interneurons, Martinotti cells and layer 1 interneurons, dominantly shape dendritic integration, and work from recent years has significantly advanced our understanding of the role of these interneurons in circuit plasticity and learning. Both cell types instruct plasticity in local pyramidal cells, and are themselves subject to robust plastic changes. Despite these similarities, the emerging hypothesis is that they fulfill different, and potentially opposite roles, as they receive different inputs, employ distinct inhibitory dynamics and are implicated in different behavioral contexts.
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27
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Ran Y, Huang Z, Baden T, Schubert T, Baayen H, Berens P, Franke K, Euler T. Type-specific dendritic integration in mouse retinal ganglion cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2101. [PMID: 32355170 PMCID: PMC7193577 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15867-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural computation relies on the integration of synaptic inputs across a neuron’s dendritic arbour. However, it is far from understood how different cell types tune this process to establish cell-type specific computations. Here, using two-photon imaging of dendritic Ca2+ signals, electrical recordings of somatic voltage and biophysical modelling, we demonstrate that four morphologically distinct types of mouse retinal ganglion cells with overlapping excitatory synaptic input (transient Off alpha, transient Off mini, sustained Off, and F-mini Off) exhibit type-specific dendritic integration profiles: in contrast to the other types, dendrites of transient Off alpha cells were spatially independent, with little receptive field overlap. The temporal correlation of dendritic signals varied also extensively, with the highest and lowest correlation in transient Off mini and transient Off alpha cells, respectively. We show that differences between cell types can likely be explained by differences in backpropagation efficiency, arising from the specific combinations of dendritic morphology and ion channel densities. Neurons compute by integrating synaptic inputs across their dendritic arbor. Here, the authors show that distinct cell-types of mouse retinal ganglion cells that receive similar excitatory inputs have different biophysical mechanisms of input integration to generate their unique response tuning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Ran
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tom Baden
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Timm Schubert
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Harald Baayen
- Department of Linguistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Berens
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Franke
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Euler
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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28
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Henschke JU, Dylda E, Katsanevaki D, Dupuy N, Currie SP, Amvrosiadis T, Pakan JMP, Rochefort NL. Reward Association Enhances Stimulus-Specific Representations in Primary Visual Cortex. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1866-1880.e5. [PMID: 32243857 PMCID: PMC7237886 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The potential for neuronal representations of external stimuli to be modified by previous experience is critical for efficient sensory processing and improved behavioral outcomes. To investigate how repeated exposure to a visual stimulus affects its representation in mouse primary visual cortex (V1), we performed two-photon calcium imaging of layer 2/3 neurons and assessed responses before, during, and after the presentation of a repetitive stimulus over 5 consecutive days. We found a stimulus-specific enhancement of the neuronal representation of the repetitively presented stimulus when it was associated with a reward. This was observed both after mice actively learned a rewarded task and when the reward was randomly received. Stimulus-specific enhanced representation resulted both from neurons gaining selectivity and from increased response reliability in previously selective neurons. In the absence of reward, there was either no change in stimulus representation or a decreased representation when the stimulus was viewed at a fixed temporal frequency. Pairing a second stimulus with a reward led to a similar enhanced representation and increased discriminability between the equally rewarded stimuli. Single-neuron responses showed that separate subpopulations discriminated between the two rewarded stimuli depending on whether the stimuli were displayed in a virtual environment or viewed on a single screen. We suggest that reward-associated responses enable the generalization of enhanced stimulus representation across these V1 subpopulations. We propose that this dynamic regulation of visual processing based on the behavioral relevance of sensory input ultimately enhances and stabilizes the representation of task-relevant features while suppressing responses to non-relevant stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia U Henschke
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Evelyn Dylda
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Danai Katsanevaki
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Nathalie Dupuy
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen P Currie
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Theoklitos Amvrosiadis
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Janelle M P Pakan
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
| | - Nathalie L Rochefort
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
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29
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Voigts J, Harnett MT. Somatic and Dendritic Encoding of Spatial Variables in Retrosplenial Cortex Differs during 2D Navigation. Neuron 2020; 105:237-245.e4. [PMID: 31759808 PMCID: PMC6981016 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Active amplification of organized synaptic inputs in dendrites can endow individual neurons with the ability to perform complex computations. However, whether dendrites in behaving animals perform independent local computations is not known. Such activity may be particularly important for complex behavior, where neurons integrate multiple streams of information. Head-restrained imaging has yielded important insights into cellular and circuit function, but this approach limits behavior and the underlying computations. We describe a method for full-featured 2-photon imaging in awake mice during free locomotion with volitional head rotation. We examine head direction and position encoding in simultaneously imaged apical tuft dendrites and their respective cell bodies in retrosplenial cortex, an area that encodes multi-modal navigational information. Activity in dendrites was not determined solely by somatic activity but reflected distinct navigational variables, fulfilling the requirements for dendritic computation. Our approach provides a foundation for studying sub-cellular processes during complex behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Voigts
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mark T Harnett
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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