Module 12: Functional Annotation and Synapse Typing

Explore how functional roles of synapses and neurons are assigned through morphology and location.

🧰 Synapse Features and Functions

Different synapse types can be inferred from structural features such as size, vesicle count, and shape. This section introduces inhibitory vs. excitatory markers.

  • Pre- and post-synaptic structures
  • Active zone characteristics
  • Neurotransmitter vesicle morphologies

🤸️‍♂️ Cell Type and Functional Mapping

Neuronal identity and location help interpret the roles of different synapses in a network.

  • Inferred excitatory/inhibitory types
  • Comparison with known circuit motifs
  • Labeling by functional markers

🌟 COMPASS Integration

  • Knowledge: Neuroanatomy, cell types, neurotransmission
  • Skills: Functional labeling, inference from structure
  • Character: Curiosity, attention to biological meaning
  • Meta-Learning: Bridging structure and function iteratively

📚 References & Resources

  • Harris & Weinberg, 2012. Ultrastructure of synapses. Brain Res.
  • Scheffer et al., 2020. A connectome and analysis of the adult Drosophila central brain. eLife.
  • Colab: "Synapse Type Classification from Morphology"
  • Notebook: Dash Synapse Explorer (source)

✅ Assessment

  • Label synapse types from EM snapshots
  • Correlate synapse positions with known neuron roles
  • Describe confidence level and biological rationale