From Neurons to Brain: Adaptive Self-Wiring of Neurons

TL;DR

This paper proposes a chemical signaling-based navigational strategy for neurite growth cones, suggesting that chemical waves in the embryonic environment facilitate adaptive self-wiring of neurons during development.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model of neuron self-wiring involving chemical wave communication and a new navigational strategy for growth cones.

Findings

Chemical waves form in the embryonic environment.

The proposed navigation strategy guides neurite growth.

Chemical signaling enables adaptive neural network formation.

Abstract

During embryonic morpho-genesis, a collection of individual neurons turns into a functioning network with unique capabilities. Only recently has this most staggering example of emergent process in the natural world, began to be studied. Here we propose a navigational strategy for neurites growth cones, based on sophisticated chemical signaling. We further propose that the embryonic environment (the neurons and the glia cells) acts as an excitable media in which concentric and spiral chemical waves are formed. Together with the navigation strategy, the chemical waves provide a mechanism for communication, regulation, and control required for the adaptive self-wiring of neurons.