Hippocampome.org: a knowledge base of neuron types in the rodent hippocampus.

Journal: eLife
Published Date:

Abstract

Hippocampome.org is a comprehensive knowledge base of neuron types in the rodent hippocampal formation (dentate gyrus, CA3, CA2, CA1, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex). Although the hippocampal literature is remarkably information-rich, neuron properties are often reported with incompletely defined and notoriously inconsistent terminology, creating a formidable challenge for data integration. Our extensive literature mining and data reconciliation identified 122 neuron types based on neurotransmitter, axonal and dendritic patterns, synaptic specificity, electrophysiology, and molecular biomarkers. All ∼3700 annotated properties are individually supported by specific evidence (∼14,000 pieces) in peer-reviewed publications. Systematic analysis of this unprecedented amount of machine-readable information reveals novel correlations among neuron types and properties, the potential connectivity of the full hippocampal circuitry, and outstanding knowledge gaps. User-friendly browsing and online querying of Hippocampome.org may aid design and interpretation of both experiments and simulations. This powerful, simple, and extensible neuron classification endeavor is unique in its detail, utility, and completeness.

Authors

  • Diek W Wheeler
    Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States.
  • Charise M White
    Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States.
  • Christopher L Rees
    Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States.
  • Alexander O Komendantov
    Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States.
  • David J Hamilton
    Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States.
  • Giorgio A Ascoli
    Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. Electronic address: ascoli@gmu.edu.