Interneuron Diversity series: Interneuron research--challenges and strategies

The field of interneuron research has come of age. An influx of new data has shed light on many areas, but has also highlighted major challenges. The articles in this review series will address several of these challenges, including developing a standardized classification scheme, defining how the integrative properties of interneurons shape their functional roles (including the generation of oscillatory activity), and identifying molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. New technologies can help us address these problems in ways not previously possible. To coordinate the vast amount of data being generated, we propose the creation of a world-wide-web Interneuron Database that will facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons and collaborative studies. A well-crafted database has the potential to bring new insight by standardizing and organizing data collected in physiological, anatomical and molecular studies.