Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Why context matters? Divisive normalization and canonical microcircuits in psychiatric disorders
Georg Northoff1, Hajime Mushiake2
1University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Canada; The Center for Brain and Consciousness and Depts. of Radiology and Psychiatry, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University (TMU), Taipei, Taiwan; The College for Humanities and Medicine, Taipei Medical University (TMU), Taipei, Taiwan; The Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China; The ITAB, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
Context-dependence in neural activity arises from divisive normalization (DN), a process involving input summation and output normalization within canonical microcircuits (CM). This mechanism is disrupted in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neural activity exhibits context-dependence across cellular, regional, and behavioral levels.
- Understanding the computational mechanisms underlying context-dependence is crucial for neuroscience and psychiatry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose divisive normalization (DN) as a computational mechanism explaining neural context-dependence.
- To investigate the role of canonical microcircuits (CM) in mediating DN.
- To explore the implications of altered DN/CM in psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- The study suggests a theoretical framework based on input-output relationships.
- It posits divisive normalization (DN) involving input summation and output normalization.
- It links these processes to canonical microcircuits (CM).
Main Results:
- Divisive normalization (DN) is proposed as a key mechanism for context-dependence in neural processing.
- Input summation and output normalization within canonical microcircuits (CM) mediate this process.
- Abnormalities in DN/CM are implicated in psychiatric conditions.
Conclusions:
- Divisive normalization within canonical microcircuits provides a computational basis for neural context-dependence.
- Dysregulation of this mechanism may underlie symptoms in schizophrenia and depression.
- This framework offers insights into the neural basis of psychiatric disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Bipolar Disorder

