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Photonics meets connectomics: case of diffuse, long-range horizontal projections in rat cortex
Brett A Johnson1, Ron D Frostig2
1University of California-Irvine , Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, California 92697, United States.
Neurophotonics
|July 10, 2015
Summary
Rodent brain connectome studies often overlook diffuse, long-range horizontal projections. This research highlights these overlooked pathways, suggesting current methods may obscure important connectivity patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Connectomics
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Characterizing brain connectivity, or connectomes, has advanced significantly in rodents.
- Current connectome efforts focus on dense, specific connections using predefined cortical regions.
- Existing methods may obscure certain spatial relationships, like diffuse horizontal projections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the horizontal projection system in the rat cortex.
- To explore evidence of this system within existing rodent connectome data.
- To analyze how differing methodologies impact the visualization of this connectivity pattern.
Main Methods:
- Systematic data collection and analysis tools for network relationships.
- Comparative analysis of connectome data with studies focusing on horizontal projections.
- Examination of optical and histological methodologies used in connectome generation.
Main Results:
- Diffuse, long-range horizontal axonal projections were identified.
- These projections appear nonspecific and cross cortical borders.
- Evidence suggests these projections relate to horizontal spreads of evoked activity.
- Connectome data may not clearly reveal this projection pattern due to methodological choices.
Conclusions:
- Rodent brain connectome efforts may underrepresent diffuse horizontal projections.
- Methodological differences in data collection and analysis influence the characterization of brain networks.
- Further investigation is needed to fully understand the role of these horizontal projections.
