Functional connectivity in in vitro neuronal assemblies.
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.
Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova Genova, Italy.
Daniele
D
Poli
Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova Genova, Italy.
Vito P
VP
Pastore
Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova Genova, Italy.
Paolo
P
Massobrio
D000818:Animals; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*
correlation; functional connectivity; graph theory; in vitro; micro-electrode arrays; neuronal network dynamics