Research article summary (published 26 Mar 2007):

Formation of feedforward networks and frequency synchrony by spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

Full Abstract

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) with asymmetric learning windows is commonly found in the brain and useful for a variety of spike-based computations such as input filtering and associative memory. A natural consequence of STDP is establishment of causality in the sense that a neuron learns to fire with a lag after specific presynaptic neurons have fired. The effect of STDP on synchrony is elusive because spike synchrony implies unitary spike events of different neurons rather than a causal delayed relationship between neurons. We explore how synchrony can be facilitated by STDP in oscillator networks with a pacemaker. We show that STDP with asymmetric learning windows leads to self-organization of feedforward networks starting from the pacemaker. As a result, STDP drastically facilitates frequency synchrony. Even though differences in spike times are lessened as a result of synaptic plasticity, the finite time lag remains so that perfect spike synchrony is not realized. In contrast to traditional mechanisms of large-scale synchrony based on mutual interaction of coupled neurons, the route to synchrony discovered here is enslavement of downstream neurons by upstream ones. Facilitation of such feedforward synchrony does not occur for STDP with symmetric learning windows.

Author information

Author/s: Masuda, Naoki (N); Kori, Hiroshi (H);

Affiliation: Amari Research Unit, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan. masuda(-atsign-)mist.i.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of computational neuroscience (J Comput Neurosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jun; vol 22 (issue 3) : pp 327-45

Dates: Created 2007/05/23; Completed 2007/08/10;

PMID: 17393292, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Action Potentials - physiology Animals Biological Clocks - physiology Brain - physiology Cortical Synchronization Feedback - physiology Humans Learning - physiology

Nerve Net - physiology Neural Networks (Computer) Neural Pathways - physiology Neuronal Plasticity - physiology Neurons - physiology Reaction Time - physiology Synaptic Transmission - physiology Time Factors

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Related articles

These are the most related articles currently in our database:

• Synchrony detection and amplification by silicon neurons with STDP synapses. 30 Aug 2004
• Spike timing and synaptic plasticity in the premotor pathway of birdsong. 8 Sep 2004
• Unsupervised learning and adaptation in a model of adult neurogenesis. 30 Aug 2001

See 100+ related articles.

Related Article Map

Legend: - FREE Full text Article. - Abstract only. - Title only. More help.

See a larger map of 100+ related articles.