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The role of dimensionality in neuronal network dynamics
Francesco Paolo Ulloa Severino1, Jelena Ban1, Qin Song2
1Neurobiology Sector, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
Scientific Reports
|July 13, 2016
Summary
Dimensionality significantly impacts neuronal network synchronization. Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures exhibit higher synchrony with distinct dynamic regimes compared to 2D cultures, mimicking brain activity patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Network Theory
- Biophysics
Background:
- Network complexity influences dynamical properties, particularly synchronization.
- Neuronal network synchronization is crucial for brain function.
- Dimensionality is a key factor in network organization and dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of dimensionality on neuronal network synchronization.
- To compare synchronization properties between 2D and 3D neuronal cultures.
- To explore the relationship between network topology and brain dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Culturing dissociated hippocampal neurons on 2D substrates and 3D graphene foam scaffolds.
- Maintaining comparable glia-to-neuron ratios and GABAergic neuron percentages in both cultures.
- Utilizing calcium imaging to assess neuronal activity and synchrony over two weeks.
Main Results:
- 3D cultures formed small-world networks with higher synchrony than 2D cultures.
- 3D networks displayed two synchronization regimes: highly synchronized (HS) and moderately synchronized (MS).
- The HS regime was absent in 2D networks; MS regime showed dynamic neuronal assemblies, similar to mammalian brains. Synchrony in 3D networks decreased after two weeks, mirroring in vivo observations.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal network dimensionality fundamentally determines synchronization properties and dynamics.
- 3D network topology supports complex dynamics, including distinct synchronization regimes.
- Features of brain dynamics, such as changing neuronal assemblies, arise from its 3D structure.
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