Abstract
Complex network topologies represent the necessary substrate to support complex brain functions. In this work, we reviewed in vitro neuronal networks coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) as biological substrate. Networks of dissociated neurons developing in vitro and coupled to MEAs, represent a valid experimental model for studying the mechanisms governing the formation, organization and conservation of neuronal cell assemblies. In this review, we present some examples of the use of statistical Cluster Coefficients and Small World indices to infer topological rules underlying the dynamics exhibited by homogeneous and engineered neuronal networks.
Highlights
One of the most fundamental features of a neural circuit is its connectivity since the single neuron activity is not due only to its intrinsic properties but especially to the direct or indirect influence of other neurons (Makarov et al, 2005)
Functional connectivity refers to the correlation between time series from different neurons without any underlying causal model; by contrast, the effective connectivity refers to the direct influences that one neuronal system exerts on another, relying on a network model in which different populations appear structurally connected
To help the reader understanding the results provided in Section Applications, we briefly introduce two widely used algorithms belonging to the family of the correlation methods: Cross-Covariance (CCov) and CrossCorrelation (CC)
Summary
Complex network topologies represent the necessary substrate to support complex brain functions. We reviewed in vitro neuronal networks coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) as biological substrate. Networks of dissociated neurons developing in vitro and coupled to MEAs, represent a valid experimental model for studying the mechanisms governing the formation, organization and conservation of neuronal cell assemblies. We present some examples of the use of statistical Cluster Coefficients and Small World indices to infer topological rules underlying the dynamics exhibited by homogeneous and engineered neuronal networks. Reviewed by: Jaap Van Pelt, VU University Amsterdam Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Netherlands Gregory J.
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