Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
10:58
A Procedure for Implanting Organized Arrays of Microwires for Single-unit Recordings in Awake, Behaving Animals
Published on: February 14, 2014
13.7K
Wiring variations that enable and constrain neural computation in a sensory microcircuit
William F Tobin1, Rachel I Wilson1, Wei-Chung Allen Lee1
1Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.
Elife
|May 23, 2017
Summary
Structural variations in neural connections impact brain computation. In Drosophila, olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) to projection neuron (PN) connections show tuned synapse numbers, lateralized input, and imprecision affecting network performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Insect Olfaction
Background:
- Neural network function is modulated by synaptic connection strength.
- Synaptic structure variation is a key mechanism for altering neural computation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how structural variations in synaptic connections affect neural computation.
- To examine primary afferent connections in the Drosophila olfactory system.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale serial section electron microscopy was employed.
- Reconstruction of all olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) axons targeting glomeruli.
- Identification of all postsynaptic projection neurons (PNs).
Main Results:
- A co-variation between synapse number and PN dendrite size was observed, suggesting synaptic conductance tuning.
- Projection neurons receive more synapses from ipsilateral than contralateral ORNs, supporting odor lateralization.
- Evidence of imprecision in ORN-PN connections was found, potentially diminishing network performance.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic structural variations play a significant role in shaping neural network function.
- Drosophila olfactory system exhibits specific structural adaptations for odor processing and lateralization.
- Connection imprecision represents a potential limitation in neural network efficiency.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Neural Circuits
3.0K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
3.0K
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
4.0K
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
4.0K
01:28Neuronal Communication
3.9K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
3.9K
01:28Electrical Synapses
11.3K
Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
11.3K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
6.9K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
6.9K
01:12Synaptic Signaling
80.5K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
80.5K