About this Research Topic
A neuron receives thousands of synaptic inputs along its dendritic branches, integrates them, and sends output to downstream neurons through its axon terminals. This process is highly active: the morphology of dendritic branches and channel expression patterns modify the somatic impact of each synaptic input. The spatiotemporal pattern of synaptic inputs further modulates their integration and efficiency in evoking somatic action potentials. Recently, it has been suggested that axonal output is also locally regulated along its arbors contrary to the conventional idea of the digital-like uniformity.
However, we still do not know much about the type/logic of subcellular computations conducted in a single neuron, as well as their functional significance, mainly due to technical limitations. Recent development of genetic tools (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics, viral vectors, and labelling systems), genetically encoded sensors for calcium, voltage, and various neurotransmitters, and recording techniques (e.g., two-photon microscopy and super-resolution imaging technique) allow us to approach the complexity of dendrite and axonal information processing. In this Research topic, we focus on how single neuron integrates multiple synaptic inputs from upstream neuron assemblies and sends a variety of output to downstream neuron assemblies. We welcome to discuss how spatiotemporal pattern of synaptic inputs and outputs are organized and modified by the network activity. The impact of neuromodulators and other non-synaptic forms of signal transmissions on subcellular information processing are also an important issue.
In this article collection, we aim to gather Original Research articles and Reviews related but not limited to the following themes:
• How dendrites integrate excitatory and inhibitory inputs from presynaptic neurons?
• What kind of synaptic inputs, or pattern of synaptic inputs, are efficient to induce an action potential?
• Does the sequential synaptic input itself have any functional significance? Or is it a secondary product?
• What determines the location of synaptic connections? How are precise connections organized and stabilized?
• How do neuromodulators affect the subcellular computations?
• Under which assumptions do theoretical and mathematical models explain experimentally observed subcellular computations and which predictions do they generate in turn?
We welcome any research papers related to subcellular computation using experimental, theoretical, and methodological approaches. We hope this Research topic will encourage exciting and inspiring discussion.
However, we still do not know much about the type/logic of subcellular computations conducted in a single neuron, as well as their functional significance, mainly due to technical limitations. Recent development of genetic tools (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics, viral vectors, and labelling systems), genetically encoded sensors for calcium, voltage, and various neurotransmitters, and recording techniques (e.g., two-photon microscopy and super-resolution imaging technique) allow us to approach the complexity of dendrite and axonal information processing. In this Research topic, we focus on how single neuron integrates multiple synaptic inputs from upstream neuron assemblies and sends a variety of output to downstream neuron assemblies. We welcome to discuss how spatiotemporal pattern of synaptic inputs and outputs are organized and modified by the network activity. The impact of neuromodulators and other non-synaptic forms of signal transmissions on subcellular information processing are also an important issue.
In this article collection, we aim to gather Original Research articles and Reviews related but not limited to the following themes:
• How dendrites integrate excitatory and inhibitory inputs from presynaptic neurons?
• What kind of synaptic inputs, or pattern of synaptic inputs, are efficient to induce an action potential?
• Does the sequential synaptic input itself have any functional significance? Or is it a secondary product?
• What determines the location of synaptic connections? How are precise connections organized and stabilized?
• How do neuromodulators affect the subcellular computations?
• Under which assumptions do theoretical and mathematical models explain experimentally observed subcellular computations and which predictions do they generate in turn?
We welcome any research papers related to subcellular computation using experimental, theoretical, and methodological approaches. We hope this Research topic will encourage exciting and inspiring discussion.
Keywords: Synapse, Dendrite, Axon, Subcellular computations, Neurotransmitters
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
