Thalamic subnetworks as units of function

The thalamus engages in various functions including sensory processing, attention, decision making and memory. Classically, this diversity of function has been attributed to the nuclear organization of the thalamus, with each nucleus performing a well-defined function. Here, we highlight recent studies that used state-of-the-art expression profiling, which have revealed gene expression gradients at the single-cell level within and across thalamic nuclei. These gradients, combined with anatomical tracing and physiological analyses, point to previously unappreciated heterogeneity and redefine thalamic units of function on the basis of unique input-output connectivity patterns and gene expression. We propose that thalamic subnetworks, defined by the intersection of genetics, connectivity and computation, provide a more appropriate level of functional description; this notion is supported by behavioral phenotypes resulting from appropriately tailored perturbations. We provide several examples of thalamic subnetworks and suggest how this new perspective may both propel progress in basic neuroscience and reveal unique targets with therapeutic potential. Roy, Zhang et al. discuss how modern neuroscience is revealing underappreciated heterogeneity in thalamic cell types, which leads to the idea that 'thalamic subnetworks' provide a more appropriate level of functional description than thalamic nuclei.

Automated summary

Recent studies using advanced expression profiling have revealed gene expression gradients within and across thalamic nuclei, redefining functional units of the thalamus. Thalamic subnetworks, defined by the intersection of genetics, connectivity, and computation, provide a more appropriate level of functional description.