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Unveiling Hidden Neural Codes: SIMPL – A Scalable and Fast Approach for Optimizing Latent Variables and Tuning Curves in Neural Population Data

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
This research paper presents SIMPL (Scalable Iterative Maximization of Population-coded Latents), a novel, computationally efficient algorithm designed to refine the estimation of latent variables and tuning curves from neural population activity. Latent variables in neural data represent essential low-dimensional quantities encoding behavioral or cognitive states, which neuroscientists seek to identify to understand brain computations better. Background and Motivation Traditional approaches commonly assume the observed behavioral variable as the latent neural code. However, this assumption can lead to inaccuracies because neural activity sometimes encodes internal cognitive states differing subtly from observable behavior (e.g., anticipation, mental simulation). Existing latent variable models face challenges such as high computational cost, poor scalability to large datasets, limited expressiveness of tuning models, or difficulties interpreting complex neural network-based functio...
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Fine-Tuning Of Neuro-exocytosis by Two Members of The Pi3-Kinase Family: Type-I PI3Kdelta And Type-II PI3K-C2alpha

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Dr. Rishabh Pathak

Fine-tuning of neuroexocytosis by two members of the PI3-kinase family, Type-I PI3Kdelta and Type-II PI3K-C2alpha, involves intricate signaling pathways that regulate various aspects of synaptic vesicle release and neurotransmitter secretion. Here is an overview of how these PI3-kinase isoforms contribute to the fine-tuning of neuroexocytosis:


1.      Type-I PI3Kdelta:

o    Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release: Type-I PI3Kdelta is involved in modulating neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic terminal.

oPhosphoinositide Signaling: PI3Kdelta phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to generate phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), a key signaling molecule.

o    Vesicle Priming: PI3Kdelta activity influences vesicle priming and docking, preparing synaptic vesicles for fusion and exocytosis.

o Calcium Dynamics: PI3Kdelta-mediated signaling pathways interact with calcium-dependent processes that regulate synaptic vesicle release.

2.     Type-II PI3K-C2alpha:

o    Role in Neuroexocytosis: Type-II PI3K-C2alpha plays a specific role in regulating neuroexocytosis and synaptic transmission.

o    Phosphoinositide Metabolism: PI3K-C2alpha is involved in the metabolism of phosphoinositides, including PIP2 and PIP3, at the presynaptic membrane.

o    Synaptic Vesicle Dynamics: PI3K-C2alpha activity influences synaptic vesicle trafficking, endocytosis, and recycling processes.

o    Regulation of Fusion Machinery: PI3K-C2alpha may interact with proteins involved in the fusion machinery of synaptic vesicles, fine-tuning the release of neurotransmitters.

3.     Interplay Between PI3K Isoforms:

o    Complementary Functions: Type-I PI3Kdelta and Type-II PI3K-C2alpha may act synergistically or in parallel to regulate different aspects of neuroexocytosis.

o    Cross-Talk with Signaling Pathways: These PI3K isoforms may cross-talk with other signaling pathways involved in synaptic transmission, such as calcium signaling and protein kinase cascades.

o    Dynamic Regulation: The activity of PI3K isoforms is dynamically regulated in response to neuronal activity and synaptic inputs, allowing for precise control of neurotransmitter release.

4.    Implications for Synaptic Plasticity:

o    Synaptic Strength: Fine-tuning neuroexocytosis by PI3K isoforms contributes to the regulation of synaptic strength and plasticity.

o    Long-Term Potentiation: Modulation of neurotransmitter release by PI3K signaling pathways may impact long-term potentiation (LTP) and other forms of synaptic plasticity.

o    Neuronal Communication: Proper functioning of PI3K isoforms is essential for efficient neuronal communication and synaptic efficacy in neural circuits.

Understanding the roles of Type-I PI3Kdelta and Type-II PI3K-C2alpha in fine-tuning neuroexocytosis provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of PI3K signaling pathways may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of these kinases in maintaining proper neuronal function.

 

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