Structure and Evolution of Visual Cortical Representations

by Michael Sternbach
Doctoral thesis
Date of Examination:2024-06-05
Date of issue:2025-05-28
Advisor:Prof. Dr. Fred Wolf
Referee:Prof. Dr. Fred Wolf
Referee:Prof. Dr. Alexander Ecker
Persistent Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.53846/goediss-11299

 

 

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Abstract

English

Fully understanding the functions and mechanisms of the complex machinery that is our brain requires advanced statistical data analysis and theoretical modelling. In this thesis, I develop and apply statistical tools and theoretical models to enhance our knowledge of the mammalian visual and auditory systems. In the visual system, one of the initial stages of information processing is performed by orientation-selective neurons in the primary visual cortex. When characterised by their preferred stimulus orientation, these neurons exhibit a distinct spatial organisation. Accurately measuring and comparing this organisation across species is key to advancing our understanding of the evolution of the mammalian brain. To address this, I have developed new statistical measures to reliably analyse and compare data from noisy recordings across species. Different spatial arrangements of orientation-selective neurons have been observed across branches of the mammalian evolutionary tree. Experimental data alone cannot fully explain the functional differences in neural organisation associated with these distinct spatial arrangements. To be able to further explore this, I have developed models inspired by condensed matter physics to calculate the size of the solution space governing neuronal organisation in rodents. In the auditory system, sensory hair cells are responsible for converting sound waves into neural signals, a crucial process for hearing. Damage to these cells leads to hearing loss, making it essential to understand their development for potential therapeutic applications. One developmental process, the transport of ribbon precursors, proteins essential for synapse formation, remains poorly understood. In my research, I have developed new methods to differentiate between various transport mechanisms of these proteins within sensory hair cells.
Keywords: orientation preference maps; pattern formation; spin model; pinwheels; sensory neuroscience; sensory hair cells; ribbon precursor transport; Dunnart; quasi-periodic patterns; evolution of the visual system
 
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