The origins of dendritic computation within mammalian neural circuits

Projektinformationen

DENDRITECIRCUITS

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 695709

DOI 10.3030/695709

Abgeschlossenes Projekt

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 24 Juni 2016

Startdatum 1 Juli 2016

Enddatum 31 Dezember 2022

Finanziert unter

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Gesamtkosten € 2 495 563,00

EU-Beitrag € 2 495 563,00

Koordiniert durch

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
United Kingdom

Ziel

This proposal aims to address a simple question: what is the fundamental unit of computation in the brain? Answering this question is crucial not only for understanding how the brain works, but also if we are to build accurate models of brain function, which require abstraction based on identification of the essential elements for carrying out computations relevant to behaviour. In this proposal, we will build on recent work demonstrating that dendrites are highly electrically excitable to test the possibility that single dendritic branches may act as individual computational units during behaviour, challenging the classical view that the neuron is the fundamental unit of computation. We will address this question using a combination of electrophysiolgical, anatomical, imaging, molecular, and modeling approaches to probe dendritic integration in pyramidal cells and Purkinje cells in mouse cortex and cerebellum.

We will first define the computational rules for integration of synaptic input in single and multiple dendrites by examining the somatic and dendritic responses to different spatiotemporal patterns of excitatory and inhibitory inputs in brain slices. Next, we will determine how these rules are engaged by patterns of sensory stimulation in vivo, by using various strategies to map the spatiotemporal patterns of synaptic inputs onto single dendrites. To understand how physiological patterns of activity in the circuit engage these dendritic computations, we will use anatomical approaches to map the wiring diagram of synaptic inputs to individual dendrites. Finally, we will perturb the dendritic computational rules by manipulating dendritic function using molecular and optogenetic tools, in order to provide causal links between specific dendritic computations and sensory processing relevant to behaviour.

These experiments will provide us with deeper insights into how single neurons act as computing devices.

Wissenschaftliches Gebiet

• natural sciences › biological sciences › neurobiology
• engineering and technology › materials engineering › fibers
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › metalloids

Programm/Programme

• H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme

Thema/Themen

• ERC-ADG-2015 - ERC Advanced Grant

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

ERC-2015-AdG

Finanzierungsplan

ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant

Gastgebende Einrichtung

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

• Netto-EU-Beitrag: € 2 495 563,00
• Adresse: GOWER STREET ; WC1E 6BT London ; Vereinigtes Königreich
• Region: London › Inner London — West › Camden and City of London
• Aktivitätstyp: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Gesamtkosten: € 2 495 563,00

Begünstigte (1)

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

Vereinigtes Königreich

• Netto-EU-Beitrag: € 2 495 563,00
• Adresse: GOWER STREET ; WC1E 6BT London
• Region: London › Inner London — West › Camden and City of London
• Aktivitätstyp: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Gesamtkosten: € 2 495 563,00