Robust variability of grid cell properties within individual grid modules enhances encoding of local space.

ABSTRACT: Although grid cells are one of the most well-studied functional classes of neurons in the mammalian brain, whether there is a single orientation and spacing value per grid module has not been carefully tested. We analyze a recent large-scale recording of medial entorhinal cortex to characterize the presence and degree of heterogeneity of grid properties within individual modules. We find evidence for small, but robust, variability and hypothesize that this property of the grid code could enhance the encoding of local spatial information. Performing analysis on synthetic populations of grid cells, where we have complete control over the amount heterogeneity in grid properties, we demonstrate that grid property variability of a similar magnitude to the analyzed data leads to significantly de

SUBMITTER: Redman WT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11841986 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature