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Memories are thought to be represented in the brain by the 'memory trace' — altered levels of activity in specific neurons and synapses in a neural network. In this Review, Silva and colleagues discuss emerging evidence that the neurons and synapses involved in encoding a particular memory are not random but are specifically 'allocated' based on complex molecular signatures that are determined by the recent activity history of the neuron.
The roles of melanocortins extend well beyond the regulation of energy homeostasis. In this article, the authors review their involvement in different pathophysiological states, which could lead to the development of improved therapeutics for pain and mood disorders, and cognitive impairments.
In vivointracellular recordings and imaging of synaptic activity are revealing how sensory information is conveyed and processed in the brain. This article explores how dynamic interactions between evoked synaptic inputs and their integration within individual neurons generates sensory signalling in the cerebellar and cerebral cortices.
Since their discovery in 2002, inflammasomes have been shown to be crucial mediators of caspase 1 activation, interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 release, and pyroptotic cell death. This Review describes our current understanding of the functions of different inflammasomes in the CNS and their roles in neurological diseases.
