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Thalamocortical feedback selectively controls pyramidal neuron excitability

Author

Listed:
  • Federico Brandalise

    (University of Geneva
    University of Cagliari)

  • Ronan Chéreau

    (University of Geneva)

  • I-Wen Chen

    (University of Geneva)

  • David Oorschot

    (University of Geneva)

  • Claudia Raig

    (University of Geneva)

  • Tanika Bawa

    (University of Geneva)

  • Nandkishor Mule

    (University of Geneva)

  • Stéphane Pagès

    (University of Geneva
    WYSS Center, Campus Biotech)

  • Foivos Markopoulos

    (University of Geneva)

  • Anthony Holtmaat

    (University of Geneva)

Abstract

The apical dendrites of layer (L) 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the mouse somatosensory cortex integrate synaptic input from long-range projections. Among those, inputs from the higher-order thalamic posteromedial nucleus may facilitate sensory-evoked cortical activity, but it remains elusive how this role emerges. Here we show using ex vivo dendritic recordings that these projections provide dense synaptic input to broad tufted neurons residing predominantly in L2 and cooperate with other inputs to produce NMDA spikes. They have the unique capacity to block two-pore domain potassium leak channels via group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluRI) signaling, which increases excitability. Slender tufted L2/3 neurons and other long-range projections fail to invoke these mechanisms. In vivo imaging of calcium signals confirms the presence of mGluRI-dependent modulation of feedback-mediated spiking in L2. Our results imply that higher-order thalamocortical projections regulate neuronal excitability in a cell type and input-selective manner through fast NMDAR and mGluRI-dependent mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Federico Brandalise & Ronan Chéreau & I-Wen Chen & David Oorschot & Claudia Raig & Tanika Bawa & Nandkishor Mule & Stéphane Pagès & Foivos Markopoulos & Anthony Holtmaat, 2025. "Thalamocortical feedback selectively controls pyramidal neuron excitability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60835-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60835-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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