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PERSPECTIVE article

Front. Cell. Neurosci.
Sec. Cellular Neuropathology
Volume 18 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1479579
This article is part of the Research Topic Interneurons in pathological conditions View all 3 articles

Interneuronal Modulations as a functional switch for cortical computations: Mechanisms and Implication for disease

Provisionally accepted
Yann Zerlaut Yann Zerlaut 1*Alexandra Tzilivaki Alexandra Tzilivaki 2*
  • 1 Institut du Cerveau, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
  • 2 Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Understanding cortical inhibition and its diverse roles remains a key challenge in neurophysiological research. Traditionally, inhibition has been recognized for controlling the stability and rhythmicity of network dynamics, or refining the spatiotemporal properties of cortical representations. In this perspective, we propose that specific types of interneurons may play a complementary role, by modulating the computational properties of neural networks. We review experimental and theoretical evidence, mainly from rodent sensory cortices, that supports this view. Additionally, we explore how dysfunctions in these interneurons may disrupt the network's ability to switch between computational modes, impacting the flexibility of cortical processing and potentially contributing to various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.

    Keywords: interneuron, VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide), NDNF interneurons, cortical computation, Cortex, inhibition

    Received: 12 Aug 2024; Accepted: 27 Dec 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Zerlaut and Tzilivaki. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Yann Zerlaut, Institut du Cerveau, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, 75646, France
    Alexandra Tzilivaki, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.