Cited by 297Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeural dynamics and brain functionIon channel regulation and function

Enhanced Dendritic Compartmentalization in Human Cortical Neurons

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Beaulieu-Laroche, Lou, Toloza, Enrique H.S., van der Goes, Marie-Sophie, Lafourcade, Mathieu, Barnagian, Derrick, Williams, Ziv M., Eskandar, Emad N., Frosch, Matthew P. +2 more·2018·Cell

Abstract

The biophysical features of neurons shape information processing in the brain. Cortical neurons are larger in humans than in other species, but it is unclear how their size affects synaptic integration. Here, we perform direct electrical recordings from human dendrites and report enhanced electrical compartmentalization in layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Compared to rat dendrites, distal human dendrites provide limited excitation to the soma, even in the presence of dendritic spikes. Human somas also exhibit less bursting due to reduced recruitment of dendritic electrogenesis. Finally, we find that decreased ion channel densities result in higher input resistance and underlie the lower coupling of human dendrites. We conclude that the increased length of human neurons alters their input-output properties, which will impact cortical computation. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.cell.2018.08.045

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  • By 10 MPT, the neurons displayed sustained firing and mature-looking APs that closely resemble those of mature human pyramidal neurons.

    “By 10 MPT, the neurons displayed sustained firing and mature-looking APs that closely resemble those of mature human pyramidal neurons”

    From Xenotransplanted human cortical neurons reveal species-specific development and functional integration into mouse visual circuits (2019) · cites this paper as Beaulieu-Laroche et al., 2018

    The Results section (‘Reduced burst firing in human neurons’; page unavailable) reports action-potential recordings from human layer 5 pyramidal neurons, supporting their use as a reference for human firing properties. It does not study neurons at 10 MPT or establish that those neurons sustained firing or closely resembled the recorded human neurons. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Transplanted human neurons integrating the mouse cortex display protracted physiological maturation over months, until 11 MPT, at which stage their properties resemble those of adult cortical neurons.

    “Thus, transplanted human neurons integrating the mouse cortex display protracted physiological maturation over months, until 11 MPT, at which stage their properties resemble those of adult cortical neurons”

    From Xenotransplanted human cortical neurons reveal species-specific development and functional integration into mouse visual circuits (2019) · cites this paper as Beaulieu-Laroche et al., 2018

    The STAR Methods (Experimental Model and Subject Details; no page given) describe human tissue from adult neurosurgical patients and experiments using rats. The Discussion describes differences between human and rat neurons ex vivo. Searches for transplantation, mouse cortex, and 11 months post-transplantation found no passage addressing the claimed maturation timeline. (LLM, conf=0.76)

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Authors
Beaulieu-Laroche, L., Toloza, E. H. S., van der Goes, M.-S., Lafourcade, M., Barnagian, D., Williams, Z. M., Eskandar, E. N., Frosch, M. P., Cash, S. S., & Harnett, M. T.
Affiliations
  • McGovern Institute for Brain Research (US)
  • Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
  • Harvard University (US)
Corresponding author
  • Cash, Sydney S.
  • Harnett, Mark T.
Venue
Cell
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2018-10
Volume
175
Issue
3
Pages
643-651.e14
ISSN
0092-8674 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2897058286
Cited by
296
References
59
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 39 · 2024: 50 · 2023: 50 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 1
FWCI
11.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cell (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • DSpace@MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PMC
Funders
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (PGSD2-517068-2018)
  • Dana Foundation David Mahoney Neuroimaging Grant Program
  • NIH (RO1NS106031)
  • Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Awards in Neuroscience
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion channel regulation and function
Keywords
dendritic compartmentalization, layer 5 pyramidal neurons, dendritic spikes, ion channel density, neuron size, synaptic integration, neuronal bursting, human-rat comparison
MeSH terms
Action Potentials, Adult, Animals, Dendrites, Female, Humans, Ion Channels, Male, Species Specificity, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Pyramidal Cells, Rats, Synaptic Potentials

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