Reviews & Analysis

Lau and Zukin focus on the contribution of NMDARs to synaptic plasticity, reviewing the molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulation of subunit composition and receptor numbers in the postsynaptic density. They also discuss how these regulatory mechanisms are thought to contribute to addiction and neurological diseases.

Bean discusses how the diversity of ion channels expressed by mammalian central neurons underlies the generation of a variety of action potential shapes, frequencies and firing patterns that allows the nervous system to encode complex information.

The development of the mammalian cortex, with its unique layered and areal complexity, is at the centre of this article. Dehay and Kennedy review our knowledge of the interrelationship between cell-cycle regulation — specifically the G1 phase — and the proliferation and differentiation of cortical precursors.

The formation of complex neuronal circuitry requires precise spatial, temporal and cell-type-specific regulation of the responses of neurons to extracellular guidance and synaptogenic cues. Ghosh and colleagues discuss the key roles of transcription factors in regulating connectivity in the nervous system.

Once neurogenesis is complete, mature neurons do not divide. Herrup and Yang outline the evidence that, in order to achieve this, adult neurons must constantly hold their cell cycle in check, and discuss the pathological consequences of failure of cell cycle regulation.

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression occurs in the developing and the mature brain. Nestler and colleagues review recent evidence that epigenetic mechanisms, by causing stable changes in gene expression, are involved in learning and memory and in several psychiatric disorders.

Keene and Waddell explore evidence from cutting-edge genetic, imaging and physiological studies and review how the genetic model system of the fly has enabled us to identify the neurons involved and the circuitry of olfactory memory formation and consolidation.

Subtle differences between the images formed by each eye enable us to perceive stereoscopic depth. Parker describes examples of the features of stereoscopic vision that have led to revised hypotheses about the roles of different cortical areas in binocular depth perception.

Decades of research have not yet succeeded in definitively characterizing the neuroanatomy of speech processing. Hickok and Poeppel describe a dual-stream model of speech processing and discuss how this model can account for some of the field's paradoxical findings.

Memory reconsolidation theory is the subject of intensive recent research and debate. Tronson and Taylor outline the molecular events implicated in this process and discuss how elucidating its mechanisms could improve our understanding of normal and abnormal memory function.

The basic principles of colour vision have been understood for a long time, but recent studies have revealed the processes underlying it in more detail. Lennie and Solomon review our current understanding of colour processing, from cones to the primary visual cortex.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) shares anatomical and behavioural features with certain neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Providing insight into the developmental and molecular basis of AgCC, Lynn Paul and colleagues explain why AgCC may be a good model for other brain disorders.

TREK1 is the most extensively studied of the mammalian two-pore-forming K⁺channels and is widely expressed in the brain. Honoré reviews the functional properties of TREK1 and describes recent results indicating its important roles in CNS function and disease.

Humans punish selfishly but also altruistically. Seymour, Singer and Dolan propose a neurobiological model of punishment based on our understanding of motivational systems, observational studies that show how punishment mediates cooperation, and brain imaging data from humans playing economic games.

Loss of aligned glial pathways may contribute to the inability of axons to successfully regenerate following CNS injury. Raisman and Li discuss why transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells might be a promising strategy to re-establish these pathways and restore function.

Neuropoietic cytokines are not only important in the immune system. Patterson and colleagues review their wide-ranging functions, in particular their involvement in the control of neuronal, glial and immune responses to injury and disease, and their role in nervous system development.

Ca²⁺ signals in neurons need to be finely tuned in order to trigger the appropriate response. This review discusses the different characteristics and functions of the neuronal calcium sensor protein family members as key components of neuronal Ca²⁺signalling pathways.

Differentiation of neurons is accompanied by the development of axons and dendrites. New evidence fromin vitro and in vivostudies has led to a model of how extra- and intracellular signalling pathways can establish positive and negative feedback loops for neurite outgrowth.

Sleep and wakefulness must occur at appropriate times that are in accordance with our internal and external environments. Sakurai reviews how the orexin (hypocretin) system regulates sleep and wakefulness through interactions with systems that control emotion, reward and energy homeostasis.

Cell adhesion molecules localized at synapses do more than provide a physical link between pre and post-synaptic cells. Dalva and colleagues review the evidence for the roles of these molecules in synaptic development, and in the regulation of synaptic function.