Discriminating neural ensemble patterns through dendritic computations in randomly connected feedforward networks

Somashekar,, Bhanu Priya and Bhalla,, Upinder Singh (2025) Discriminating neural ensemble patterns through dendritic computations in randomly connected feedforward networks. [Publications (Pre-joining)]

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Abstract

Co-active or temporally ordered neural ensembles are a signature of salient sensory, motor, and cognitive events. Local convergence of such patterned activity as synaptic clusters on dendrites could help single neurons harness the potential of dendritic nonlinearities to decode neural activity patterns. We combined theory and simulations to assess the likelihood of whether projections from neural ensembles could converge onto synaptic clusters even in networks with random connectivity. Using rat hippocampal and cortical network statistics, we show that clustered convergence of axons from three to four different co-active ensembles is likely even in randomly connected networks, leading to representation of arbitrary input combinations in at least 10 target neurons in a 100,000 population. In the presence of larger ensembles, spatiotemporally ordered convergence of three to five axons from temporally ordered ensembles is also likely. These active clusters result in higher neuronal activation in the presence of strong dendritic nonlinearities and low background activity. We mathematically and computationally demonstrate a tight interplay between network connectivity, spatiotemporal scales of subcellular electrical and chemical mechanisms, dendritic nonlinearities, and uncorrelated background activity. We suggest that dendritic clustered and sequence computation is pervasive, but its expression as somatic selectivity requires confluence of physiology, background activity, and connectomics.

Item Type:	Publications (Pre-joining)
Authors:	Somashekar,, Bhanu Priya and Bhalla,, Upinder Singh
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology Technology > Medicine & health > Human anatomy, cytology, histology > Nervous system
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Arts and Sciences
Full Text Status:	Restricted
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/6546
Publisher URL:	https://elifesciences.org/

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