This title appears in the Scientific Report :
2016
Function follows form: Controlling signal propagation by patterning populations of neurons
Function follows form: Controlling signal propagation by patterning populations of neurons
The architecture of the central nervous system is of paramount importance for information processing where numerous functional regions are arranged in different parts of the brain. It is well known that guided neuronal growth on the level of single cells as well as for populations of neurons with we...
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Personal Name(s): | Albers, Jonas |
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Zobel, Kathrin / Offenhäusser, Andreas (Corresponding author) | |
Contributing Institute: |
Bioelektronik; PGI-8 Bioelektronik; ICS-8 |
Imprint: |
2016
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Conference: | The 4th RIEC International Symposium on Brain Functions and Brain Computer, Sendai (Japan), 2016-02-23 - 2016-02-24 |
Document Type: |
Conference Presentation |
Research Program: |
Engineering Cell Function |
Publikationsportal JuSER |
The architecture of the central nervous system is of paramount importance for information processing where numerous functional regions are arranged in different parts of the brain. It is well known that guided neuronal growth on the level of single cells as well as for populations of neurons with well-defined connectivity and polarity is inalienable for the formation of functional networks. To investigate factors that affect the development of networks of neurons, we search for geometric parameters influencing the connectivity among populations within the networks. Our approach is to design small building blocks that facilitate information processing in vitro. Here, we focus on the impact on functionality and signal propagation induced by sculpting populations of neurons. We introduce a method to pattern dissociated embryonic cortical rat neurons in geometrically confined populations. Therefore microstructuring techniques were used to transfer substrate-bound protein patterns consisting of a mixture of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and laminin onto a hydrophobic glass surface. Calcium imaging with Fluo-4 AM enables us to optically investigate signal propagation within and among adjacent neuronal populations after 15 to 24 days in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of geometric constraints on the development of neuronal populations was determined by immunofluorescence experiments. Stainings were performed against MAP2 (somatodendritic marker) and the axon specific marker Anti-200 kD neurofilament Heavy. Additionally, the PLL was FITC labeled to visualize neuronal outgrowth with respect to the pattern. Results from stainings show that the cell density within one population as well as properties of neuronal growth between adjacent populations can be tuned by choosing the right geometric parameters. Our optically recorded spontaneous network activity follows the pattern that was predicted by biomolecular morphology found in the immunofluorescence study. The shape of the junction between two adjacent populations has a major impact on the direction of signal propagation. Controlling the orientation of signal propagation among adjacent populations of neurons provides a multiplicity of applications. These range from insights to network communication up to model systems for research on neurodegenerative disease. |