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Mechanism of gain modulation at single neuron and network levels

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Abstract

Gain modulation, in which the sensitivity of a neural response to one input is modified by a second input, is studied at single-neuron and network levels. At the single neuron level, gain modulation can arise if the two inputs are subject to a direct multiplicative interaction. Alternatively, these inputs can be summed in a linear manner by the neuron and gain modulation can arise, instead, from a nonlinear input–output relationship. We derive a mathematical constraint that can distinguish these two mechanisms even though they can look very similar, provided sufficient data of the appropriate type are available. Previously, it has been shown in coordinate transformation studies that artificial neurons with sigmoid transfer functions can acquire a nonlinear additive form of gain modulation through learning-driven adjustment of synaptic weights. We use the constraint derived for single-neuron studies to compare responses in this network with those of another network model based on a biologically inspired transfer function that can support approximately multiplicative interactions.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Gary Gibbons for helpful suggestions and T. Yao and V. Shcherbatyuk for the administrative and technical support. This work was supported by the James G. Boswell Foundation, the National Eye Institute, the Swartz Centers for Theoretical Neurobiology, NSF grant IBN-0235463 and an NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research, through grant number 5-DP1-OD114-02.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biology, Mail Code 216-76, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA

    M. Brozović & R. A. Andersen

  2. Center for Neurobiology and Behavior Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA

    L. F. Abbott

Authors
  1. M. Brozović
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  2. L. F. Abbott
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  3. R. A. Andersen
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Correspondence to M. Brozović.

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Action Editor: Nicolas Brunel

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Brozović, M., Abbott, L.F. & Andersen, R.A. Mechanism of gain modulation at single neuron and network levels. J Comput Neurosci 25, 158–168 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10827-007-0070-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10827-007-0070-6

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