Structured synaptic connectivity between hippocampal regions

Neuron. 2014 Feb 5;81(3):629-40. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.11.026. Epub 2014 Jan 9.

Abstract

The organization of synaptic connectivity within a neuronal circuit is a prime determinant of circuit function. We performed a comprehensive fine-scale circuit mapping of hippocampal regions (CA3-CA1) using the newly developed synapse labeling method, mGRASP. This mapping revealed spatially nonuniform and clustered synaptic connectivity patterns. Furthermore, synaptic clustering was enhanced between groups of neurons that shared a similar developmental/migration time window, suggesting a mechanism for establishing the spatial structure of synaptic connectivity. Such connectivity patterns are thought to effectively engage active dendritic processing and storage mechanisms, thereby potentially enhancing neuronal feature selectivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Dendrites / ultrastructure
  • Electroporation
  • Hippocampus / anatomy & histology
  • Hippocampus / cytology*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Plant Lectins / metabolism
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Synapses / physiology*

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Plant Lectins
  • tomato lectin