神经科学
丘脑
表达式(计算机科学)
功能(生物学)
感觉系统
生物
透视图(图形)
系统神经科学
计算机科学
认知科学
心理学
人工智能
进化生物学
中枢神经系统
程序设计语言
少突胶质细胞
髓鞘
作者
Dheeraj S. Roy,Ying Zhang,Michael M. Halassa,Guoping Feng
标识
DOI:10.1038/s41593-021-00996-1
摘要
The thalamus engages in various functions including sensory processing, attention, decision making and memory. Classically, this diversity of function has been attributed to the nuclear organization of the thalamus, with each nucleus performing a well-defined function. Here, we highlight recent studies that used state-of-the-art expression profiling, which have revealed gene expression gradients at the single-cell level within and across thalamic nuclei. These gradients, combined with anatomical tracing and physiological analyses, point to previously unappreciated heterogeneity and redefine thalamic units of function on the basis of unique input-output connectivity patterns and gene expression. We propose that thalamic subnetworks, defined by the intersection of genetics, connectivity and computation, provide a more appropriate level of functional description; this notion is supported by behavioral phenotypes resulting from appropriately tailored perturbations. We provide several examples of thalamic subnetworks and suggest how this new perspective may both propel progress in basic neuroscience and reveal unique targets with therapeutic potential.
科研通智能强力驱动
Strongly Powered by AbleSci AI