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@ARTICLE{Feldmeyer:137776,
author = {Feldmeyer, Dirk and Brecht, Michael and Helmchen, Fritjof
and Petersen, Carl C. H. and Poulet, James F. A. and
Staiger, Jochen F. and Luhmann, Heiko J. and Schwarz,
Cornelius},
title = {{B}arrel cortex function},
journal = {Progress in neurobiology},
volume = {103},
issn = {0301-0082},
address = {Amsterdam [u.a.]},
publisher = {Elsevier},
reportid = {FZJ-2013-04092},
pages = {3 - 27},
year = {2013},
abstract = {Neocortex, the neuronal structure at the base of the
remarkable cognitive skills of mammals, is a layered sheet
of neuronal tissue composed of juxtaposed and interconnected
columns. A cortical column is considered the basic module of
cortical processing present in all cortical areas. It is
believed to contain a characteristic microcircuit composed
of a few thousand neurons. The high degree of cortical
segmentation into vertical columns and horizontal layers is
a boon for scientific investigation because it eases the
systematic dissection and functional analysis of intrinsic
as well as extrinsic connections of the column. In this
review we will argue that in order to understand neocortical
function one needs to combine a microscopic view,
elucidating the workings of the local columnar
microcircuits, with a macroscopic view, which keeps track of
the linkage of distant cortical modules in different
behavioral contexts. We will exemplify this strategy using
the model system of vibrissal touch in mice and rats. On the
macroscopic level vibrissal touch is an important sense for
the subterranean rodents and has been honed by evolution to
serve an array of distinct behaviors. Importantly, the
vibrissae are moved actively to touch - requiring intricate
sensorimotor interactions. Vibrissal touch, therefore,
offers ample opportunities to relate different behavioral
contexts to specific interactions of distant columns. On the
microscopic level, the cortical modules in primary
somatosensory cortex process touch inputs at highest
magnification and discreteness - each whisker is represented
by its own so-called barrel column. The cellular
composition, intrinsic connectivity and functional aspects
of the barrel column have been studied in great detail.
Building on the versatility of genetic tools available in
rodents, new, highly selective and flexible cellular and
molecular tools to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity
have been devised. Researchers have started to combine these
with advanced and highly precise behavioral methods, on par
with the precision known from monkey preparations.
Therefore, the vibrissal touch model system is exquisitely
positioned to combine the microscopic with the macroscopic
view and promises to be instrumental in our understanding of
neocortical function.},
cin = {INM-2},
ddc = {610},
cid = {I:(DE-Juel1)INM-2-20090406},
pnm = {331 - Signalling Pathways and Mechanisms in the Nervous
System (POF2-331)},
pid = {G:(DE-HGF)POF2-331},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)16},
UT = {WOS:000318321400002},
pubmed = {pmid:23195880},
doi = {10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.11.002},
url = {https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/137776},
}