Corticothalamic pathways from layer 5: emerging roles in computation and pathology

Large portions of the thalamus receive strong driving input from cortical layer 5 (L5) neurons but the role of this important pathway in cortical and thalamic computations is not well understood. L5-recipient “higher-order” thalamic regions participate in cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuits that...

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Hauptverfasser: Mease, Rebecca A. (VerfasserIn) , Gonzalez, Antonio J. (VerfasserIn)
Dokumenttyp: Article (Journal)
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 09 September 2021
In: Frontiers in neural circuits
Year: 2021, Jahrgang: 15, Pages: 1-21
ISSN:1662-5110
DOI:10.3389/fncir.2021.730211
Online-Zugang:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.3389/fncir.2021.730211
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fncir.2021.730211
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Verfasserangaben:Rebecca A. Mease and Antonio J. Gonzalez
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:Large portions of the thalamus receive strong driving input from cortical layer 5 (L5) neurons but the role of this important pathway in cortical and thalamic computations is not well understood. L5-recipient “higher-order” thalamic regions participate in cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuits that are increasingly recognized to be (1) anatomically and functionally distinct from better-studied “first-order” CTC networks, and (2) integral to cortical activity related to learning and perception. Additionally, studies are beginning to elucidate the clinical relevance of these networks, as dysfunction across these pathways have been implicated in several pathological states. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding L5 CTC networks across sensory modalities and brain regions, particularly studies leveraging cell-type-specific tools that allow precise experimental access to L5 CTC circuits. We aim to provide a focused and accessible summary of the anatomical, physiological, and computational properties of L5-originating CTC networks, and outline their underappreciated contribution in pathology. We particularly seek to connect single-neuron and synaptic properties to network (dys)function and emerging theories of cortical computation, and highlight information processing in L5 CTC networks as a promising focus for computational studies.
Beschreibung:Gesehen am 12.10.2021
Beschreibung:Online Resource
ISSN:1662-5110
DOI:10.3389/fncir.2021.730211