New insights into the classification and nomenclature of cortical GABAergic interneurons

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2013 Mar;14(3):202-16. doi: 10.1038/nrn3444. Epub 2013 Feb 6.

Abstract

A systematic classification and accepted nomenclature of neuron types is much needed but is currently lacking. This article describes a possible taxonomical solution for classifying GABAergic interneurons of the cerebral cortex based on a novel, web-based interactive system that allows experts to classify neurons with pre-determined criteria. Using Bayesian analysis and clustering algorithms on the resulting data, we investigated the suitability of several anatomical terms and neuron names for cortical GABAergic interneurons. Moreover, we show that supervised classification models could automatically categorize interneurons in agreement with experts' assignments. These results demonstrate a practical and objective approach to the naming, characterization and classification of neurons based on community consensus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Animals
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / classification*
  • Interneurons / cytology*
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Terminology as Topic*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid