Protosequences in brain organoids model intrinsic brain states Authors

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Neuronal firing sequences are fundamental to neural coding and information processing.
• The developmental timing of sequence emergence during neurodevelopment is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the emergence of structured neuronal firing sequences during early neurodevelopment.
• To determine if these sequences are experience-dependent or innate.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of spontaneous neuronal activity in human and murine brain organoids.
• Electrophysiological recordings from ex vivo neonatal murine somatosensory cortex brain slices.
• Comparison with primary dissociated cortical cultures.

Main Results:

• Structured firing sequences were identified in human and murine brain organoids and neonatal murine brain slices.
• A balance of temporally rigid and flexible firing patterns was observed as emergent phenomena.
• These patterns were absent in primary dissociated cortical cultures.

Conclusions:

• Temporal neuronal sequences appear to be innate, constrained by early neurogenesis and preconfigured architecture.
• Brain organoids offer a valuable model for studying early brain development and circuit assembly.
• Further research can explore how external inputs refine neuronal circuits during development.