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Similar network activity from disparate circuit parameters
Astrid A Prinz1, Dirk Bucher, Eve Marder
1Volen Center and Biology Department, Brandeis University, Mail Stop 013, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110, USA. prinz@brandeis.edu <prinz@brandeis.edu>
Nature Neuroscience
|November 24, 2004
Summary
Neuronal network function can be achieved with diverse cellular and synaptic properties. This suggests significant animal-to-animal variability in parameters controlling network activity and performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Cellular and synaptic properties are often assumed to require precise regulation for proper neuronal network function.
- Understanding the degree of this regulation is crucial for interpreting biological variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise tuning required for neuronal properties and synaptic strengths to produce a specific network output.
- To explore the potential for variability in the mechanisms underlying network activity.
Main Methods:
- Simulated over 20 million versions of a three-cell model of the crustacean pyloric network.
- Varied combinations of synapse strengths and intrinsic neuron properties.
Main Results:
- Virtually indistinguishable network activity patterns emerged from widely different sets of underlying parameters.
- Demonstrated that many distinct combinations of synaptic strengths and intrinsic membrane properties can support appropriate network performance.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal network output can be robust to substantial variations in underlying cellular and synaptic parameters.
- Significant animal-to-animal variability in parameters controlling network activity is plausible.
- Multiple configurations of synaptic and intrinsic properties can lead to functional network performance.