The Synaptic Organization of Layer 6 Circuits Reveals Inhibition as a Major Output of a Neocortical Sublamina

Jaclyn Ellen Frandolig, Chanel Joylae Matney, Kihwan Lee, Juhyun Kim, Maxime Chevée, Su Jeong Kim, Aaron Andrew Bickert, Solange Pezon Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The canonical cortical microcircuit has principally been defined by interlaminar excitatory connections among the six layers of the neocortex. However, excitatory neurons in layer 6 (L6), a layer whose functional organization is poorly understood, form relatively rare synaptic connections with other cortical excitatory neurons. Here, we show that the vast majority of parvalbumin inhibitory neurons in a sublamina within L6 send axons through the cortical layers toward the pia. These interlaminar inhibitory neurons receive local synaptic inputs from both major types of L6 excitatory neurons and receive stronger input from thalamocortical afferents than do neighboring pyramidal neurons. The distribution of these interlaminar interneurons and their synaptic connectivity further support a functional subdivision within the standard six layers of the cortex. Positioned to integrate local and long-distance inputs in this sublayer, these interneurons generate an inhibitory interlaminar output. These findings call for a revision to the canonical cortical microcircuit.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3131-3143.e5
JournalCell Reports
Volume28
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 17 2019

Keywords

  • corticocortical neurons
  • corticothalamic neurons
  • fast-spiking interneurons
  • layer 6
  • neocortex
  • parvalbumin interneurons
  • thalamus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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