Noise-based rules govern neural circuit assembly
by
Victor Luria
Columbia University, Department of Genetics and Development

Sensory-motor circuits are assembled by neurons whose axons execute discrete, binary decisions at sequential trajectory selection points. Motor axon trajectory selection is controlled by guidance cues composed of ligands and receptors whose expression levels are variable. Some cues direct axons to opposite trajectories. Genetic inactivation of cues results in inaccurate trajectories that are also variable, suggesting genetic variability is translated into phenotypic variability. Quantitative modeling shows the total number of cues is limited by expression noise and energetic cost constraints. I propose this model applies to trajectory choices and generally to discrete decisions controlled by noisy and competing cues.

Date received: May 15, 2008

Copyright © 2008 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # caxj-29.