Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
08:48
Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: August 16, 2018
[Formation of cortical cell assemblies--synaptic plasticity and beyond].
Tomoki Fukai1, Siu Kang, Katsunori Kitano
1RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|July 24, 2008
Summary
Brain circuitry self-organizes via spike-timing-dependent plasticity and membrane potential fluctuations. This study proposes a novel stochastic rule for neuronal wiring in large cortical populations, enhancing information processing models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Context:
- Brain information processing relies on complex neuronal networks.
- Understanding neural circuit structure and computation is key to cognitive function and engineering applications.
- Neocortical and hippocampal circuit information representation remains incompletely understood.
Purpose:
- To discuss the structure of cortical circuits that self-organize via spike-timing-dependent plasticity.
- To explore the influence of two-state membrane potential fluctuations on neural circuits.
- To propose a stochastic rule for synapse generation (neuronal wiring) in large cortical neuron populations.
Summary:
- Cortical circuits exhibit self-organization driven by spike-timing-dependent plasticity and membrane potential dynamics.
- A novel stochastic rule for neuronal wiring is proposed for large-scale cortical networks.
- Efficient information processing by large neuronal assemblies likely involves parallel processing mechanisms.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the computational principles of brain circuitry.
- Offers a foundation for developing more sophisticated computational models of the brain.
- Contributes to understanding how neural networks efficiently process vast amounts of information.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
01:25Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
01:35Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
01:18Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
02:47The Synapse
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.