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Author Spotlight: Modular Neuronal Networks for Analyzing Brain Functions
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Synchronization, Stochasticity, and Phase Waves in Neuronal Networks With Spatially-Structured Connectivity
Anirudh Kulkarni1,2, Jonas Ranft1,2, Vincent Hakim1
1Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
|November 16, 2020
Summary
This study models brain oscillations using spiking neuron networks, finding that neuron variability can both enhance and disrupt synchronization. These findings explain traveling brain waves observed in cortical beta oscillations.
Area of Science:
- Computational Neuroscience
- Neural Oscillations
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Beta/low gamma oscillations (10-45 Hz) are prevalent in neural structures.
- These oscillations are modeled by excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) neuron interactions.
- Synchronization of distant spiking E-I modules is less understood than rate models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively describe spiking E-I modules using modified rate models.
- To analyze synchronization dynamics in connected E-I modules of spiking neurons.
- To explain stochastic effects on synchronization and phase waves.
Main Methods:
- Simulations of Exponential Integrate-and-Fire (EIF) neuron modules.
- Analysis of sparsely synchronized oscillatory E-I modules.
- Development of stochastic equations for oscillator phases and amplitude modes.
Main Results:
- Modified rate models quantitatively describe spiking EIF neuron modules.
- Large modules (>10^5 neurons) match deterministic rate model results.
- Moderate modules (~10^4 neurons) show stochastic effects influencing synchronization.
- Stochastic dephasing leads to transient phase waves, explaining cortical traveling waves.
Conclusions:
- Spiking neuron models provide quantitative descriptions of neural oscillations.
- Stochasticity in moderate-sized neural modules impacts synchronization dynamics.
- Stochastically-induced phase waves offer a framework for understanding cortical traveling waves during beta oscillations.
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