Laminar and dorsoventral organization of layer 1 interneuronal microcircuitry in superficial layers of the medial entorhinal cortex

Abstract

Layer 1 (L1) interneurons (INs) participate in various brain functions by gating information flow in the neocortex, but their role in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) is still unknown, largely due to scant knowledge of MEC L1 microcircuitry. Using simultaneous triple-octuple whole-cell recordings and morphological reconstructions, we comprehensively depict L1IN networks in the MEC. We identify three morphologically distinct types of L1INs with characteristic electrophysiological properties. We dissect intra- and inter-laminar cell-type-specific microcircuits of L1INs, showing connectivity patterns different from those in the neocortex. Remarkably, motif analysis reveals transitive and clustered features of L1 networks, as well as over-represented trans-laminar motifs. Finally, we demonstrate the dorsoventral gradient of L1IN microcircuits, with dorsal L1 neurogliaform cells receiving fewer intra-laminar inputs but exerting more inhibition on L2 principal neurons. These results thus present a more comprehensive picture of L1IN microcircuitry, which is indispensable for deciphering the function of L1INs in the MEC.