Public lecture
Deep control - Layer 6b as a gatekeeper of conscious processing
When
Tuesday, 17 June
18:30-20:00
Where
University of Oslo,
campus Blindern
Sophus Lies hus, Sophus Lies auditorium
Speaker:
Matthew Larkum, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
Abstract
We have recently shown that Layer 6b (L6b), the deepest and most understudied layer of the neocortex, plays a pivotal role in regulating thalamocortical loops critical for conscious processing. Positioned at the convergence of intracortical feedback and neuromodulatory input, L6b acts as a key node in the arousal system, integrating volitional signals with brain-state dependent modulation. By exerting fast and targeted control over corticothalamic circuits, it enables both sustained and flexible attention. These properties align closely with the predictions of Dendritic Integration Theory, which posits that conscious experience arises from the selective coupling of cortical pyramidal neurons and their role in the corticothalamic loops. We argue that L6b is uniquely positioned to initiate and maintain this coupling, effectively acting as a gatekeeper for conscious access.
18:30 - 19:30 - Lecture
19:30 - 20:00 - Questions and discussion
To register, send an e-mail with “LARKUM June 17” in the subject field to: j.f.storm@medisin.uio.no
Bio
Matthew Larkum is an eminent neuroscientist studying the computational properties of neurons and their impact on higher brain functions such as attention and consciousness. Larkum’s findings has led him to propose that the computational properties of single neurons are far more complex than commonly assumed. His discoveries of single neuron’s computational complexityhas far-reaching implications for our understanding of the brain, including perception, attention, learning, and consciousness, leading to the Dendritic Integration Theory of Consciousness (DIT) and multiple publications in Science, Nature, Cell, Neuron, TINS, and TICS.
Some articles by Matthew Larkum
Aru, J., Drüke, M., Pikamäe, J., & Larkum, M. E. (2023). Mental navigation and the neural mechanisms of insight. Trends in Neurosciences.
Gidon, A., Aru, J., & Larkum, M. E. (2022). Does brain activity cause consciousness? A thought experiment. Plos Biology, 20(6), e3001651.
Aru, J., Suzuki, M., & Larkum, M. E. (2020). Cellular Mechanisms of Conscious Processing. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
Suzuki M, Larkum ME (2020) General Anesthesia Decouples Cortical Pyramidal Neurons. Cell 180, 666-676.
Doron G, … Larkum ME (2020) Perirhinal input to neocortical layer 1 controls learning. Science, 370, 1435-1444.
Takahashi N, … Larkum ME (2020) Active dendritic currents gate descending cortical outputs in perception. Nat Neurosci 23(10):1277-1285
Takahashi N, … Larkum ME (2016) Active cortical dendrites modulate perception. Science, 2016 Dec 23;354(6319):1587-1590.
Larkum, M. (2013) A cellular mechanism for cortical associations: an organizing principle for the cerebral cortex. Trends in Neurosciences36: 141-151.