Decoding neuronal networks: A Reservoir Computing approach for predicting connectivity and functionality.

Journal: Neural networks : the official journal of the International Neural Network Society
PMID:

Abstract

In this study, we address the challenge of analyzing electrophysiological measurements in neuronal networks. Our computational model, based on the Reservoir Computing Network (RCN) architecture, deciphers spatio-temporal data obtained from electrophysiological measurements of neuronal cultures. By reconstructing the network structure on a macroscopic scale, we reveal the connectivity between neuronal units. Notably, our model outperforms common methods such as Cross-Correlation, Transfer-Entropy, and a recently developed related algorithm in predicting the network's connectivity map. Furthermore, we experimentally validate its ability to forecast network responses to specific inputs, including localized optogenetic stimuli.

Authors

  • Ilya Auslender
    Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento, 38123, TN, Italy. Electronic address: ilya.auslender@unitn.it.
  • Giorgio Letti
    Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, TN, Italy.
  • Yasaman Heydari
    Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 31, Rovereto, 38068, TN, Italy.
  • Clara Zaccaria
    Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento, 38123, TN, Italy.
  • Lorenzo Pavesi
    Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento, 38123, TN, Italy.