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Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy
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The Integrative Function of Silent Synapses on Subplate Neurons in Cortical Development and Dysfunction
Patrick O Kanold1, Rongkang Deng1, Xiangying Meng1
1Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy
|May 2, 2019
Summary
Subplate neurons (SPNs) are crucial for thalamocortical circuit development. Their changing synaptic function, particularly NMDA-receptor synapses, may link early brain injury to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Circuitry
Background:
- Subplate neurons (SPNs) are vital early-born cortical neurons in the developing thalamocortical pathway.
- SPNs initially excite cortical plate neurons and shape thalamocortical connections.
- Recent findings reveal SPNs also receive cortical inputs and project to the thalamus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of subplate neuron circuits in brain development.
- To discuss the changing integrative functions of SPNs throughout development.
- To explore the potential link between SPN function and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on subplate neuron circuits.
- Analysis of synaptic plasticity and receptor dynamics (NMDA and AMPA).
- Discussion of the impact of early brain insults on SPN function.
Main Results:
- SPNs exhibit a feed-forward circuit topology, influencing thalamocortical plasticity.
- SPN synaptic inputs transition from NMDA-receptor only to AMPA-receptor presence.
- NMDA-receptor synapses on SPNs are sensitive to depolarizing insults like hypoxia.
Conclusions:
- The changing integrative function of SPNs is critical for normal brain development.
- Early brain insults affecting SPN NMDA-receptor synapses may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Understanding SPN circuits offers insights into developmental brain disease mechanisms.
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