Neurons dynamically switch identity in response to brain activity

A hitherto unknown form of neuroplasticity discovered by researchers at King's College London helps to resolve a long-standing crisis of neuronal identity

It is often said that the human brain is the most complex object in the known universe, and for good reason. Even the apparently simple task of compiling a census of the different types of cells it contains has proven to be extremely difficult. Researchers still can't agree on the best way to classify the numerous sub-types of neurons, and different methods produce different results, so estimates range from several hundred to over a thousand.

Basket cells illustrate this neuronal identity crisis perfectly. They are currently sub-divided into multiple different types, according to their electrical properties and molecular profiles. After nearly ten years of detective work, researchers at King's College London now reveal them to be masters of disguise. In a surprising new study, they show that these cells can dynamically switch from one identity to another in response to neuronal network activity.