Cracking the Function of Layers in the Sensory Cortex

Hillel Adesnik; Alexander Naka

doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.032

Cracking the Function of Layers in the Sensory Cortex

Neuron. 2018 Dec 5;100(5):1028-1043. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.032.

Authors

Hillel Adesnik¹, Alexander Naka²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA. Electronic address: hadesnik@berkeley.edu.
² Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.

Abstract

Understanding how cortical activity generates sensory perceptions requires a detailed dissection of the function of cortical layers. Despite our relatively extensive knowledge of their anatomy and wiring, we have a limited grasp of what each layer contributes to cortical computation. We need to develop a theory of cortical function that is rooted solidly in each layer's component cell types and fine circuit architecture and produces predictions that can be validated by specific perturbations. Here we briefly review the progress toward such a theory and suggest an experimental road map toward this goal. We discuss new methods for the all-optical interrogation of cortical layers, for correlating in vivo function with precise identification of transcriptional cell type, and for mapping local and long-range activity in vivo with synaptic resolution. The new technologies that can crack the function of cortical layers are finally on the immediate horizon.

Keywords: cortex; cortical layers; cortical microcircuits; inhibitory circuits; neural circuits; neural codes; neural computation; neurotechnology; optogenetics.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
Electrophysiology / instrumentation
Electrophysiology / methods*
Humans
Models, Neurological*
Neurons / physiology*
Perception / physiology
Thalamus / physiology

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding