Crcns US-german research proposal: computational models of representation and inter-areal communication in mouse visual cortex

The Allen Institute received a $660,000 project grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Information and Intelligent Systems under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070) to develop computational models of neural representation and inter-areal communication in mouse visual cortex. Awarded June 1, 2025, with completion targeted for May 31, 2030, this collaborative U.S.-German research initiative integrates large-scale neuroscience datasets from the Allen Institute with simulation expertise from Jülich Research Center to construct progressively refined multi-area neural network models. The project will produce detailed system-wide models that test three primary hypotheses regarding how cell-type-specific connectivity patterns, functional specificity of inter-areal connections, and single-cell property variations influence neural responses across different stimulus conditions and behavioral states.

The deliverables include a suite of computational models designed to mechanistically explain how different brain areas coordinate to represent perceived stimuli and implement state-dependent inter-areal communication using fixed neural circuits. By combining the Allen Institute's extensive experimental datasets and data-based neural network modeling expertise with Jülich's large-scale simulation capabilities, this project will advance scientific understanding of multi-area neural interactions and generate detailed models made available to support further neuroscience research.

Abstract

Large neuroscience datasets have been produced that characterize the properties of individual neurons and their connections, and neural activity during behavior. Even with this wealth of data, mechanistic understanding of how function arises from the brain is still extremely limited. How do different brain areas work together to represent the world that is perceived? How are communications among different areas -- which depend on stimuli in the environment and the state of the observer -- implemented by a circuit which is fixed? This project will integrate vast datasets into a set of models which will be probed to address mechanistic questions involving multi-area interactions such as these. More specifically, a set of models which are similar in nature will be constructed. This set will start simple, but gradually simplifying assumptions about model parameters will be replaced by optimizations based on dynamical and functional data. The models will be used to test the hypotheses that: 1. The cell-type specific patterns of connectivity between areas are important in determining temporal responses to simple stimuli and observed frequency-specific inter-area interactions. 2. The functional specificity of inter-areal connections is important in determining the responses and inter-area communication in response to complex stimuli. 3. Variations in single-cell properties explain arousal-related changes in visual responses and oscillations. This project combines the unique experimental datasets and expertise of the allen institute with the j?lich expertise and resources for large-scale simulation, and the expertise of both partners in data-based neural network modeling. To facilitate further scientific inquiry, the project will construct a set of detailed system-wide models to study how properties of inter-area connectivity influence inter-area interactions, communication, and stimulus representations. Beyond the specific results for the visual system, addressing the mechanisms of inter-area communication is likely important for a mechanistic understanding of cognition. A companion project is being funded by the federal ministry of education and research, germany (bmbf). This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.