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Cracking the Function of Layers in the Sensory Cortex
Hillel Adesnik1, Alexander Naka1
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Neuron
|December 7, 2018
Summary
Researchers are developing a theory of cortical function by examining the roles of specific cell types and circuits within each cortical layer. New technologies will enable detailed study of layer-specific computations and sensory perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding cortical layer function is crucial for explaining sensory perception.
- Current knowledge of cortical layer computation is limited despite anatomical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress toward a theory of cortical function based on cell types and circuit architecture.
- To propose an experimental roadmap for dissecting cortical layer contributions.
Main Methods:
- Discussing all-optical interrogation of cortical layers.
- Correlating in vivo function with transcriptional cell type identification.
- Mapping in vivo activity with synaptic resolution.
Main Results:
- New technologies are emerging to enable detailed investigation of cortical layer function.
- These advancements promise to bridge the gap between circuit architecture and computation.
Conclusions:
- A theory of cortical function requires integrating cell-type-specific and circuit-level details.
- Emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to achieve this integration and understand sensory perception.
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