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Subplate neurons (SPNs) are thought to play a role in nascent sensory processing in neocortex. To better understand how heterogeneity within this population relates to emergent function, we investigated the synaptic connectivity of Lpar1-EGFP SPNs through the first postnatal week in whisker somatosensory cortex (S1BF). These SPNs comprise of two morphological subtypes: fusiform SPNs with local axons and pyramidal SPNs with axons that extend through the marginal zone. The former receive translaminar synaptic input up until the emergence of the whisker barrels, a timepoint coincident with significant cell death. In contrast, pyramidal SPNs receive local input from the subplate at early ages but then - during the later time window - acquire input from overlying cortex. Combined electrical and optogenetic activation of thalamic afferents identified that Lpar1-EGFP SPNs receive sparse thalamic innervation. These data reveal components of the postnatal network that interpret sparse thalamic input to direct the emergent columnar structure of S1BF.

Original publication

DOI

10.7554/eLife.60810

Type

Journal article

Journal

Elife

Publication Date

12/07/2021

Volume

10

Keywords

laser scanning photostimulation, mouse, neocortex, neural circuits, neural development, neuroscience, optogenetics, subplate, Animals, Animals, Newborn, Axons, Electric Stimulation, GABA Agents, Green Fluorescent Proteins, Mice, Neurons, Optogenetics, Receptors, Lysophosphatidic Acid, Somatosensory Cortex, Thalamus, Vibrissae