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Growth-cone migration during neuronal development is guided by dynamic networks of actin filaments. Bamburg and colleagues review how actin-binding proteins influence the formation of these networks and discuss their role in growth-cone pathfinding and potential implications for axonal regeneration.
Neurons might encode information in the timing of action potentials, but evidence for this processingin vivohas been elusive. Sejnowski and colleagues describe how to uncover precise and reliable spike timing and discuss its contribution to cortical computation.
Neuroscientists often refer to brain areas as being 'affective' or 'cognitive'. In this Opinion article, Luiz Pessoa argues that complex behaviours are based on dynamic coalitions of brain networks and that there are no specifically 'affective' or 'cognitive' brain areas.
In 1970 the Boulder Committee met to standardize the nomenclature used to describe the developing human cortex. Bystron and colleagues describe how new insights since that time have led to the need to revise this nomenclature, and provide their recommendations.
The ventral visual pathway contains both category-selective graded maps and distinct modules. The authors discuss the properties that define maps and modules, consider whether modules are parts of maps, and propose that different graded maps might combine to form discrete selective modules.
Glucose uptake in neurons depends on the extracellular concentration of glucose. In this Review, Tomlinson and Gardiner discuss the functional consequences of persistent episodes of hyperglycaemia, such as occur in diabetes, and potential pharmacological targets for alleviating the signs and symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy.
The hippocampus has an undisputed role in memory and has been key in discovering synaptic plasticity as the basis for learning. Bliss and colleagues provide an update on unresolved problems that surround LTP and memory, and propose strategies for finding answers that centre on new technologies.
The functional roles of polysialic acid (PSA) stem from its ability to regulate cell–cell interactions. Urs Rutishauser describes the properties of PSA that underlie this activity and outlines its contribution to the development, function and repair of the nervous system.
Cytokines, produced in response to peripheral infections, act in the brain to cause sickness behaviour. Dantzer and colleagues consider the intriguing hypothesis that prolonged immune signalling in the brain can cause symptoms of depression and discuss the mechanisms that might underlie this phenomenon.
The pregnant female's brain undergoes multiple adaptations that ensure a successful pregnancy, birth and lactation. Brunton and Russell review the mechanisms that regulate these adaptations, focusing on allopregnanolone and opioids, and discuss how these changes might predispose the mother to post-partum mood disorders.
