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Computer simulation of cerebellar information processing

Nature Neuroscience volume 3, pages 1205–1211 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

Although many functions have been ascribed to the cerebellum, the uniformity of its synaptic organization suggests that a single, characteristic computation may be common to all. Computer simulations are useful in examining this cerebellar computation, as they inherently address function at the level of information processing. Progress is facilitated by factors that make the cerebellum particularly amenable to such analysis. We review progress from two contrasting approaches. Top-down simulations begin with hypotheses about computational mechanisms and then ask how such mechanisms might operate within the cerebellum. Bottom-up simulations attempt to build a representation of the cerebellum that reflects known cellular and synaptic components as accurately as possible. We describe recent advances from these two approaches that are leading to an understanding of what information the cerebellum processes and how its neurons and synapses accomplish this task.

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Figure 1: Time-dependent properties of eyelid conditioning.
Figure 2: Top-down mechanisms for timing.
Figure 3: Factors contributing to response timing in the simulations.
Figure 4: Partial lesions of the cerebellar cortex.
Figure 5: Competition between acquisition and extinction contributes to the ISI effect in the simulations.

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Acknowledgements

Supported by MH57051 and MH46904.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical School, 6431 Fannin, Houston, 77030, Texas, USA

    Javier F. Medina & Michael D. Mauk

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  1. Javier F. Medina
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Correspondence to Michael D. Mauk.

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Medina, J., Mauk, M. Computer simulation of cerebellar information processing. Nat Neurosci 3 (Suppl 11), 1205–1211 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/81486

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