  A single neuron receives an extensive array of synaptic inputs through its
dendrites, raising the fundamental question of how these inputs undergo
integration and summation, culminating in the initiation of spikes in the soma.
Experimental and computational investigations have revealed various modes of
integration operations that include linear, superlinear, and sublinear
summation. Interestingly, distinct neuron types exhibit diverse patterns of
dendritic integration contingent upon the spatial distribution of dendrites.
The functional implications of these specific integration modalities remain
largely unexplored. In this study, we employ the Purkinje cell as a model
system to investigate these intricate questions. Our findings reveal that
Purkinje cells (PCs) generally exhibit sublinear summation across their
expansive dendrites. The degree of sublinearity is dynamically modulated by
both spatial and temporal input. Strong sublinearity necessitates that the
synaptic distribution in PCs be globally scattered sensitive, whereas weak
sublinearity facilitates the generation of complex firing patterns in PCs.
Leveraging dendritic branches characterized by strong sublinearity as
computational units, we demonstrate that a neuron can adeptly address the
feature-binding problem. Collectively, these results offer a systematic
perspective on the functional role of dendritic sublinearity, providing
inspiration for a broader understanding of dendritic integration across various
neuronal types.
