Computational Neuroscience of Timing, Plasticity and Function in Cerebellum Microcircuits

Abstract

Cerebellum has been known to show homogeneity in circuit organization and hence the “modules” or various circuits in the cerebellum are attributed to the diversity of functions such as timing, pattern recognition, movement planning and dysfunctions such as ataxia related to the cerebellum. Ataxia-like conditions, induced by intrinsic excitability changes, disable spiking or bursts and thereby limit the quanta of downstream information. Understanding timing, plasticity and functional roles of cerebellum involve large-scale and microcircuit reconstructions validating molecular mechanisms in population activity. Using mathematical modelling, we attempted to reconstruct information transmission at the granular layer of the cerebellum, a circuit whose role in dysfunctions remain yet to be fully explored. We have employed spiking models to reconstruct timing roles and detailed biophysical models for extracellular activity and local field population response. The roles of inhibition, induced plasticity and their implications in information transmission were evaluated. Modulatory roles of Golgi inhibition and pattern abstraction via optimal storage were estimated. An abstraction of the granular and Purkinje layer circuit for neurorobotic roles such as pattern recognition and spike encoding via two new methods was developed. Simulations suggest plasticity at cerebellar relays may be an important element of tremendous storage capacity reliable in the learning of coordination of actions, sensorimotor or cognitive, in which the cerebellum participates.