A synaptic mechanism for network synchrony

Abstract

Within neural networks, synchronization of activity is dependent upon the synaptic connectivity of embedded microcircuits and the intrinsic membrane properties of their constituent neurons. Synaptic integration, dendritic Ca2+ signaling, and non-linear interactions are crucial cellular attributes that dictate single neuron computation, but their roles promoting synchrony and the generation of network oscillations are not well understood, especially within the context of a defined behavior. In this regard, the lamprey spinal central pattern generator (CPG) stands out as a well-characterized, conserved vertebrate model of a neural network (Smith et al., 2013a), which produces synchronized oscillations in which neural elements from the systems to cellular level that control rhythmic locomotion have been determined. We review the current evidence for the synaptic basis of oscillation generation with a particular emphasis on the linkage between synaptic communication and its cellular coupling to membrane processes that control oscillatory behavior of neurons within the locomotor network. We seek to relate dendritic function found in many vertebrate systems to the accessible lamprey central nervous system in which the relationship between neural network activity and behavior is well understood. This enables us to address how Ca2+ signaling in spinal neuron dendrites orchestrate oscillations that drive network behavior.

Shed CNTNAP2 ectodomain is detectable in CSF and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and network synchrony via PMCA2/ATP2B2

“…Importantly, neuronal network synchrony alterations occur in NDDs, including ASD, SZ, and epilepsy (Mathalon and Sohal, 2015;McCormick and Contreras, 2001). Although the exact mechanisms remain obscure, synchronized network events are thought to arise from the interplay between synaptic connectivity, intrinsic excitability, and cell-type composition of the network (Alford and Alpert, 2014;Iida et al, 2018;Wong et al, 1984). We show that the effect of CNTNAP2-ecto on network activity depends on PMCA2.…”

Dependence of Generation of Hippocampal CA1 Slow Oscillations on Electrical Synapses

“…Hippocampus-dependent brain functions rely on neuronal oscillations in hippocampal networks [1][2][3][4]. To understand the neural mechanism underlying the generation of oscillation, previous studies have extensively investigated the roles of various types of chemical synapses and ion channels [5][6][7][8][9]. More recently, growing attention has also been paid to the contribution of electrical synapses, i.e., Cx36 (connexin 36) gap junctions, which bridge neuronal membranes and allow electrical coupling and the transfer of small molecules between neurons [10].…”

Investigations into hydrogen sulfide-induced suppression of neuronal activityin vivoand calcium dysregulationin vitro

“…Calcium homeostasis is important for virtually all neuronal functions. Synchronous calcium oscillations (SCOs) are ubiquitous signaling mechanisms whose frequency and amplitude encode information in both individual neurons (eg, regulating physiologic metabolic and transcriptional responses) and at the level of networks (eg, regulating synaptic connectivity and circadian rhythms) ( Alford and Alpert, 2014 ; Cavieres-Lepe and Ewer, 2021 ; Tokumitsu and Sakagami, 2022 ). SCO patterns encode frequency and amplitude signals that provide a means to control a wide range of cellular physiological functions ( Smedler and Uhlen, 2014 ; Sneyd et al , 2017 ).…”