Learning populations with hubs govern the initiation and propagation of spontaneous bursts in neuronal networks after learning

Abstract

Spontaneous bursts in neuronal networks with propagation involving a large number of synchronously firing neurons are considered to be a crucial feature of these networks both in vivo and in vitro. Recently, learning has been shown to improve the association and synchronization of spontaneous events in neuronal networks by promoting the firing of spontaneous bursts. However, little is known about the relationship between the learning phase and spontaneous bursts. By combining high-resolution measurement with a 4,096-channel complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) microelectrode array (MEA) and graph theory, we studied how the learning phase influenced the initiation of spontaneous bursts in cultured networks of rat cortical neurons in vitro. We found that a small number of selected populations carried most of the stimulus information and contributed to learning. Moreover, several new burst propagation patterns appeared in spontaneous firing after learning. Importantly, these “learning populations” had more hubs in the functional network that governed the initiation of spontaneous burst activity. These results suggest that changes in the functional structure of learning populations may be the key mechanism underlying increased bursts after learning. Our findings could increase understanding of the important role that synaptic plasticity plays in the regulation of spontaneous activity.

PPy/SWCNTs-Modified Microelectrode Array for Learning and Memory Model Construction through Electrical Stimulation and Detection of In Vitro Hippocampal Neuronal Network

“…To study learning and memory function of the cultured neuronal network through our MEA, we used electrical stimulation as a learning paradigm with similar procedures to those previously reported to induce learning , (see the Materials and Methods for more details). The electrophysiological recording of neuronal networks included three phases: spontaneous discharge, learning phase, and test phase.…”

JNK and PI3K signaling pathways mediate synapse formation and network spontaneous activities in primary neurons

“…MEA tools provide valuable insights into neuronal network phenotypes (22). The relationship between network plasticity and spontaneous NBs in cultured neuronal networks have been identi ed in our antecedent studies (23). MEA technology enables robust monitoring of extracellular network activities, uniformly sampled over several months, which fabricates opportunities for precise pharmacological manipulations combined with long-term activity recordings in vivo (24).…”

JNK and PI3K signaling pathways mediate synapse formation and network spontaneous activities in primary neurons

“…The copyright holder for this preprint (which this version posted April 23, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.23.590713 doi: bioRxiv preprint MEA tools provide valuable insights into neuronal network phenotypes (22). The relationship between network plasticity and spontaneous NBs in cultured neuronal networks have been identified in our antecedent studies (23). MEA technology enables robust monitoring of extracellular network activities, uniformly sampled over several months, which fabricates opportunities for precise pharmacological manipulations combined with long-term activity recordings in vivo (24).…”

“…; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04. 23.590713 doi: bioRxiv preprint pathways involved in assembly of pre-/post-synaptic specializations, the potential existence of different signaling pathways for these specializations, and the organization of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Synapses exhibit the classic characteristic that neurotransmitters are rapidly and transiently released from the presynaptic side and recognized by the postsynaptic side (1).…”