The calcium binding protein parvalbumin is expressed in interneurons of two main morphologies, the basket and chandelier cells, which target perisomatic domains on principal cells and are extensively interconnected in laminar networks by synapses and gap junctions. Beyond its utility as a convenient cellular marker, parvalbumin is an unambiguous identifier of the key role that these interneurons play in the fundamental functions of the cortex. They provide a temporal framework for principal cell activity by propagating gamma oscillation, providing coherence for cortical information processing and the basis for timing-dependent plasticity processes. As these parvalbumin networks mature, they are physically and functionally stabilised by axonal myelination and development of the extracellular matrix structure termed the perineuronal net. This maturation correlates with the emergence of high-speed, highly energetic activity and provides a coherent foundation for the unique ability of the cortex to cross-correlate activity across sensory modes and internal representations.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	cortex, interneuron, parvalbumin, perineuronal nets, myelin
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Neurosciences
Research Field:	Central nervous system
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Prevention of human diseases and conditions
UTAS Author:	Bucher, EA (Miss Ellie Bucher)
UTAS Author:	Collins, JM (Dr Jessica Collins)
UTAS Author:	King, AE (Professor Anna King)
UTAS Author:	Vickers, JC (Professor James Vickers)
UTAS Author:	Kirkcaldie, MTK (Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie)
ID Code:	145253
Year Published:	2021
Web of Science® Times Cited:	1
Deposited By:	Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2021-07-13
Last Modified:	2022-01-12
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