Although the importance of synaptic connectivity for neuronal network function has long been recognized in theoretical and applied neuroscience, it was only recently that the critical role of neuronal geometry in the patterns of synaptic connections started attracting general attention. While activity dynamics in the brain essentially depends on neuronal interconnectivity, the latter is intrinsically related to the geometrical and spatial features of the constituting neurons. At the same time, the history of neuronal activations has influenced, through activity-dependent mechanisms, neuronal shape and synaptic efficacy, and thus overall connectivity in the network. In brief, it has become clear that the three key factors: i) activity dynamics; ii) synaptic connectivity; and iii) neuronal geometry, are intricately related to each other and are to be studied in mutual relation to understand neuronal network structure and function. For instance, the position and shape properties of the neuronal cells determine - to a great extent -the respective interconnectivity, and therefore dynamics. The current issue is dedicated to addressing the fundamental interplay between activity dynamics, synaptic connectivity, and neuronal and network geometry. Submissions are sought which either provide a particularly comprehensive and updated contribution in any of these three areas, or which report on their relationships.
Although the importance of synaptic connectivity for neuronal network function has long been recognized in theoretical and applied neuroscience, it was only recently that the critical role of neuronal geometry in the patterns of synaptic connections started attracting general attention. While activity dynamics in the brain essentially depends on neuronal interconnectivity, the latter is intrinsically related to the geometrical and spatial features of the constituting neurons. At the same time, the history of neuronal activations has influenced, through activity-dependent mechanisms, neuronal shape and synaptic efficacy, and thus overall connectivity in the network. In brief, it has become clear that the three key factors: i) activity dynamics; ii) synaptic connectivity; and iii) neuronal geometry, are intricately related to each other and are to be studied in mutual relation to understand neuronal network structure and function. For instance, the position and shape properties of the neuronal cells determine - to a great extent -the respective interconnectivity, and therefore dynamics. The current issue is dedicated to addressing the fundamental interplay between activity dynamics, synaptic connectivity, and neuronal and network geometry. Submissions are sought which either provide a particularly comprehensive and updated contribution in any of these three areas, or which report on their relationships.
