Matching the modules: cortical maps and long-range intrinsic connections in visual cortex during development.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Visual System Research

Background:

• Visual cortical neurons display high response selectivity and are organized into feature-selective columns.
• This modular arrangement is believed to arise from intracortical and thalamocortical network interactions.
• Understanding visual cortex development offers insights into environmental information processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the ontogenesis of the visual cortex's complex structure.
• To investigate the roles of intrinsic and experience-dependent mechanisms in cortical development.
• To gain new insights into visual information processing.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing data on the development of connections and response properties in the visual cortex.
• Hypothesizing the involvement of molecular cues and spontaneous neural activity.
• Examining the role of visual experience in refining neural networks.

Main Results:

• Visual cortex maturation occurs in two distinct phases.
• Phase 1: Intrinsic mechanisms establish an immature framework of interconnected neural modules.
• Phase 2: Visual experience refines this layout, leading to mature response properties.

Conclusions:

• The visual cortex develops through intrinsic processes followed by experience-dependent refinement.
• Spontaneous neural activity and molecular cues are crucial in early development.
• Visual experience is essential for fine-tuning the visual cortex's functional architecture.