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Novel Models of Visual Topographic Map Alignment in the Superior Colliculus
- Source :
- PLoS Computational Biology, Vol 12, Iss 12, p e1005315 (2016), PLoS Computational Biology
- Publication Year :
- 2016
- Publisher :
- Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2016.
-
Abstract
- The establishment of precise neuronal connectivity during development is critical for sensing the external environment and informing appropriate behavioral responses. In the visual system, many connections are organized topographically, which preserves the spatial order of the visual scene. The superior colliculus (SC) is a midbrain nucleus that integrates visual inputs from the retina and primary visual cortex (V1) to regulate goal-directed eye movements. In the SC, topographically organized inputs from the retina and V1 must be aligned to facilitate integration. Previously, we showed that retinal input instructs the alignment of V1 inputs in the SC in a manner dependent on spontaneous neuronal activity; however, the mechanism of activity-dependent instruction remains unclear. To begin to address this gap, we developed two novel computational models of visual map alignment in the SC that incorporate distinct activity-dependent components. First, a Correlational Model assumes that V1 inputs achieve alignment with established retinal inputs through simple correlative firing mechanisms. A second Integrational Model assumes that V1 inputs contribute to the firing of SC neurons during alignment. Both models accurately replicate in vivo findings in wild type, transgenic and combination mutant mouse models, suggesting either activity-dependent mechanism is plausible. In silico experiments reveal distinct behaviors in response to weakening retinal drive, providing insight into the nature of the system governing map alignment depending on the activity-dependent strategy utilized. Overall, we describe novel computational frameworks of visual map alignment that accurately model many aspects of the in vivo process and propose experiments to test them.<br />Author Summary In order to process sensory stimuli, precise connections must be established between sensory neurons during development. In the visual system, many connections are organized topographically, such that neighboring neurons monitor adjacent regions of space. In the superior colliculus (SC), converging topographic inputs must be aligned with one another to facilitate integration and preserve the spatial order of the visual scene. In this paper, we propose two novel computational models to describe the alignment of visual inputs in the SC. We demonstrate that both models are able to replicate experimental data obtained from wild type and mutant animals. Interestingly, each model performed differently in response to hypothetical experiments, suggesting they could be differentiated empirically. Thus, we put forth testable models of visual map alignment in the SC and propose experiments to determine which may be used during development.
- Subjects :
- Models, Anatomic
Retinal Ganglion Cells
0301 basic medicine
genetic structures
Vision
Computer science
Motion Perception
Social Sciences
Mice
Nerve Fibers
0302 clinical medicine
Animal Cells
Medicine and Health Sciences
Psychology
Premovement neuronal activity
Computer vision
lcsh:QH301-705.5
Visual Cortex
Neurons
Computational model
Geography
Ecology
Simulation and Modeling
Topographic map
medicine.anatomical_structure
Computational Theory and Mathematics
Modeling and Simulation
Sensory Perception
Cellular Types
Anatomy
Research Article
Cartography
Superior Colliculi
Ganglion Cells
Ocular Anatomy
Models, Neurological
Research and Analysis Methods
Retina
Topographic Maps
03 medical and health sciences
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Ocular System
Genetics
medicine
Animals
Computer Simulation
Visual Pathways
Molecular Biology
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
business.industry
Mechanism (biology)
Superior colliculus
Biology and Life Sciences
Afferent Neurons
Eye movement
Cell Biology
Neuronal Dendrites
Axons
030104 developmental biology
Visual cortex
lcsh:Biology (General)
Cellular Neuroscience
Earth Sciences
Artificial intelligence
business
Neuroscience
030217 neurology & neurosurgery
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 15537358
- Volume :
- 12
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- PLOS Computational Biology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....f5f7051990fa7ea3f2ab6a5b3ab2ef20