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Connectomic comparison of mouse and human cortex.

Sahil Loomba1,2, Jakob Straehle1, Vijayan Gangadharan1

  • 1Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.

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Human brains have more neurons than mice, but synaptic circuits differ. Increased inhibition in humans expands interneuron networks, altering neuronal communication and cortical structure.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Comparative neuroanatomy
  • Cellular biology

Background:

  • The human cerebral cortex has significantly more neurons than the mouse cerebral cortex.
  • Understanding differences in synaptic circuits between species is crucial for comprehending cognitive evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the cell type composition and synaptic circuit architecture of the human, macaque, and mouse cerebral cortex.
  • To elucidate how neuronal network alterations contribute to the unique features of the human cortex.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized three-dimensional electron microscopy on cortical samples from mice, macaques, and humans.
  • Analyzed cell type composition and synaptic connectivity patterns.

Main Results:

  • A 2.5-fold increase in interneurons in humans compared to mice was observed.
  • Axonal connection probabilities changed, preventing a proportional increase in inhibitory-excitatory balance on pyramidal cells.
  • Increased inhibition led to an expanded interneuron-to-interneuron network in humans, with specialized interneuron types and enhanced synaptic selectivity.

Conclusions:

  • Key neuronal network alterations in the human cortex involve an expanded interneuron-to-interneuron network.
  • These changes in synaptic selectivity and connectivity represent significant adaptations in human cortical organization.