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Published on: February 14, 2014
Beyond the wiring diagram: signalling through complex neuromodulator networks
1Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. vladimir.brezina@mssm.edu
Summary
The nervous system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The nervous system's function relies on a complex network of neurons and synaptic connections.
- Neuromodulators dynamically alter neural circuitry, forming intricate biochemical networks.
- The 'wiring diagram' alone is insufficient to understand nervous system computation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the operation of neuromodulatory networks.
- To discuss challenges in studying and understanding neural computation due to neuromodulation.
- To propose a framework for understanding neural computation by analyzing modulatory networks.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neuromodulation and neural computation.
- Conceptual analysis of the interplay between neuronal and biochemical networks.
- Exploration of the structural and functional logic of modulatory systems.
Main Results:
- Neuromodulatory networks are integral to nervous system computation, acting as a biochemical layer.
- Understanding neural computation requires integrating the effects of neuromodulators.
- The complexity of neuromodulation poses significant challenges for traditional experimental approaches.
Conclusions:
- The neuronal wiring diagram is insufficient for a complete understanding of nervous system computation.
- Considering the logic of modulatory networks is crucial for deciphering neural computations.
- A new conceptual framework integrating neuronal and neuromodulatory systems is needed.
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