How do neurons communicate with each other?
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Neuronal Communication: Mechanisms and Dynamics
Synaptic Transmission: The Core of Neuronal Communication
Neurons communicate primarily through synaptic transmission, a process involving the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft. This release is triggered by membrane depolarization and involves complex interactions between ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and downstream effector molecules6. Synaptic communication is essential for learning and memory, as it allows for the transmission of neural spike trains through electrical or chemical synapses, thereby connecting nerve terminals8.
Circuit Motifs and Architectural Plans
Neuronal circuits are organized into specific patterns of synaptic connectivity, which can be likened to words and sentences in a language. Core circuit motifs such as feedforward excitation, feedforward inhibition, and lateral inhibition enable elementary information-processing functions. These motifs work together to build complex signal-processing units, allowing for specialized functions like continuous topographic mapping and discrete parallel processing1.
Oscillations and Synchrony in Neuronal Networks
Communication between neuronal networks can be regulated by the nesting of slow (alpha-band and theta-band) and fast (gamma-band) oscillations. These oscillations create temporal windows for communication, allowing coherently oscillating neuronal groups to interact effectively. This mechanism supports cognitive flexibility by enabling dynamic modulation of communication pathways2 4.
Neuron-Glia Interactions
Neurons do not function in isolation; they interact with glial cells, which play a crucial role in axonal conduction, synaptic transmission, and overall information processing. Glial cells communicate with each other through intracellular calcium waves and intercellular diffusion of chemical messengers. By releasing neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules, glia can modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, thereby coordinating activity across neuronal networks3.
Network Science and Communication Dynamics
Network science approaches have been instrumental in modeling and analyzing the dynamics of communication in brain networks. These approaches help simulate functional brain connectivity and predict emergent network states. By understanding the interactions between network topology and dynamic models, researchers can gain insights into how brain networks transform and process information5.
Electrochemical and Molecular Communication
Neurons utilize both electrochemical and molecular communication paradigms. Electrochemical communication involves the propagation of action potentials within the cell, while molecular synaptic transmission involves the transmission of particles between cells. This dual-mode communication is essential for coordinating voluntary and involuntary actions in the body7.
Conclusion
Neuronal communication is a complex and multifaceted process involving synaptic transmission, circuit motifs, oscillatory dynamics, neuron-glia interactions, and network science principles. Understanding these mechanisms provides valuable insights into the neural basis of behavior and cognitive functions, and may inspire advances in artificial intelligence and neurotechnology.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Architectures of neuronal circuits
Neuronal circuits in the brain communicate with each other through specific patterns of synaptic connectivity, enabling complex signal-processing functions and enabling the brain to function as a powerful computational device.
Highly CitedPortraits of communication in neuronal networks
Neuronal communication can be understood as trajectories in a two-dimensional state space, and the nesting of slow and fast oscillations can serve as a control mechanism for information flow in the brain.
Highly CitedNew insights into neuron-glia communication.
Neuron-glia communication is crucial for normal nervous system functioning, with glia playing a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission.
Highly CitedA mechanism for cognitive dynamics: neuronal communication through neuronal coherence
Neuronal coherence, a flexible communication structure, plays a crucial role in our cognitive flexibility by allowing active neuronal groups to interact effectively and efficiently.
Highly CitedCommunication dynamics in complex brain networks
Communication dynamics in brain networks can serve as generative models of effective connectivity and provide insight into the mechanisms by which brain networks transform and process information.
Highly CitedRegulation of neuronal communication by G protein‐coupled receptors
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in regulating neuronal communication, playing a crucial role in the propagation of information in the brain.
Highly CitedPeer-to-Peer Communication in Neuronal Nano-Network
Neuron-to-neuron communication involves electrochemical and molecular modes, offering potential for nano-networking and intrabody communication design.
A Communication Theoretical Analysis of Synaptic Multiple-Access Channel in Hippocampal-Cortical Neurons
Multiple-access synaptic communication channels in Hippocampal-Cortical Neurons enhance the information rate per spike and improve synaptic transmission performance compared to single-terminal channels.
Highly CitedCommunicating by touch--neurons are not alone.
Non-neuronal cells can also communicate by direct contact, suggesting that contact-mediated signaling is shared by all cells.
Neurons and astrocytes interaction in neuronal network: A game-theoretic approach.
Neuronal networks adjust their synaptic links to environmental changes, potentially affecting memory and learning processes.
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