Computational neuroscience of homeostatic plasticity:
Modelling activity-dependent network
development by neurite outgrowth and synapse formation
Arjen van Ooyen
Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Montag, 18.04.2005, 16 Uhr c.t., H 10
In order to understand the nervous system, we need to bridge many different levels of
investigation, ranging from molecules to cells to neuronal networks and extending all the way up
to cognition and behavior. While the accumulation of facts and data in all these domains has been
rapid and impressive, our depth of insight regarding their meaning and relationships remains much
more limited. In this talk, I will first briefly explain that getting a true insight into the
functioning and development of the nervous system requires the use of computational and
mathematical models (computational neuroscience). Second, I will summarize my modeling work on
homeostatic plasticity. In general, homeostatic plasticity includes changes in neurite outgrowth,
synaptic connectivity, synaptic efficacy, intrinsic neuronal excitability, balance of excitation
and inhibition, etc that contribute to the maintenance of appropriate levels of neuronal
activity. When neuronal activity is too high, connectivity and excitability are modified so as to
decrease activity. When activity is too low, they are modified so as to increase activity. Judging
by the number of recent review papers on homeostatic plasticity, there is an increasing
recognition of the importance of this form of plasticity. My work has focused on one aspect of
homeostatic plasticity, namely activity-dependent neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. I will
show that many seemingly unrelated phenomena observed in neuronal networks -- such as a transient
phase of high connectivity during development, critical periods, compensatory sprouting,
differentiation between excitatory and inhibitory cells, networks prone to epileptiform
activity -- could all be a consequence of activity-dependent neurite outgrowth and synapse
formation.
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