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Plasticity in single neuron and circuit computations

Nature volume 431, pages 789–795 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Plasticity in neural circuits can result from alterations in synaptic strength or connectivity, as well as from changes in the excitability of the neurons themselves. To better understand the role of plasticity in the brain, we need to establish how brain circuits work and the kinds of computations that different circuit structures achieve. By linking theoretical and experimental studies, we are beginning to reveal the consequences of plasticity mechanisms for network dynamics, in both simple invertebrate circuits and the complex circuits of mammalian cerebral cortex.

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Figure 1: Plasticity of circuit dynamics can arise from modifications of synaptic strength or of intrinsic membrane currents.
Figure 2: Different types of modulation of neuronal responsiveness.
Figure 3: The type of transformations realized by synaptic plasticity.
Figure 4: Computing with network complexity.

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Acknowledgements

We thank M. Rudolph and Y. Fregnac for comments on the manuscript. The authors' research was supported by the NIH (E.M.), CNRS, HFSP and the European Union (Future and Emerging Technologies).

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  1. Integrative and Computational Neuroscience Unit (UNIC), CNRS, Gif-sur Yvette, 91198, France

    Alain Destexhe

  2. Volen Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, 02454, Massachusetts, USA

    Eve Marder

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Destexhe, A., Marder, E. Plasticity in single neuron and circuit computations. Nature 431, 789–795 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03011

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