Dendritic spines: from shape to function

Dendritic spines: from shape to function
Author: Nicolas Heck
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2016-02-03
Genre: Cerebral cortex
ISBN: 2889197662

One fundamental requisite for a comprehensive view on brain function and cognition is the understanding of the neuronal network activity of the brain. Neurons are organized into complex networks, interconnected through synapses. The main sites for excitatory synapses in the brain are thin protrusions called dendritic spines that emerge from dendrites. Dendritic spines have a distinct morphology with a specific molecular organization. They are considered as subcellular compartments that constrain diffusion and influence signal processing by the neuron and, hence, spines are functional integrative units for which morphology and function are tightly coupled. The density of spines along the dendrite reflects the levels of connectivity within the neuronal network. Furthermore, the relevance of studying dendritic spines is emphasized by the observation that their morphology changes with synaptic plasticity and is altered in many psychiatric disorders. The present Research Topic deals with some of the most recent findings concerning dendritic spine structure and function, showing that, in order to understand how brain neuronal activity operates, these two factors should be regarded as being intrinsically linked.

Neural Circuit Development and Function in the Healthy and Diseased Brain

Neural Circuit Development and Function in the Healthy and Diseased Brain
Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 849
Release: 2013-05-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0123973465

The genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of neural development are essential for understanding evolution and disorders of neural systems. Recent advances in genetic, molecular, and cell biological methods have generated a massive increase in new information, but there is a paucity of comprehensive and up-to-date syntheses, references, and historical perspectives on this important subject. The Comprehensive Developmental Neuroscience series is designed to fill this gap, offering the most thorough coverage of this field on the market today and addressing all aspects of how the nervous system and its components develop. Particular attention is paid to the effects of abnormal development and on new psychiatric/neurological treatments being developed based on our increased understanding of developmental mechanisms. Each volume in the series consists of review style articles that average 15-20pp and feature numerous illustrations and full references. Volume 3 offers 40 high level articles devoted mainly to anatomical and functional development of neural circuits and neural systems, as well as those that address neurodevelopmental disorders in humans and experimental organisms. - Series offers 144 articles for 2904 full color pages addressing ways in which the nervous system and its components develop - Features leading experts in various subfields as Section Editors and article Authors - All articles peer reviewed by Section Editors to ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and scholarship - Volume 3 sections include coverage of: mechanisms that control the assembly of neural circuits in specific regions of the nervous system, multiple aspects of cognitive development, and disorders of the nervous system arising through defects in neural development

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity
Author: Victor Chaban
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2018-06-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1789231949

This book provides comprehensive and up-to-date insights into emerging research trends on neuroplasticity with current or future treatments for neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases. The authors discuss structural and functional changes associated with cortical remapping, sensory substitution, synaptic and non-synaptic compensatory plasticity due to brain damage, brain training, chronic pain, meditation, music, exercise and related states. Key features include pathogenesis, and existing and new therapies together with a pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach in clinical treatment and management. The authors are established experts that contributed significantly to a better understanding of the etiology of neuroplasticity. This book is recommended to healthcare providers, clinical scientists, students and patients.

Dendrites

Dendrites
Author: Greg Stuart
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 578
Release: 2007
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0198566565

Dendrites form the major receiving part of neurons. This text presents a survey of knowledge on dendrites, from their morphology and development, through to their electrical chemical, and computational properties.

Discovering the Brain

Discovering the Brain
Author: National Academy of Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 195
Release: 1992-01-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309045290

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

Single Neuron Computation

Single Neuron Computation
Author: Thomas M. McKenna
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 663
Release: 2014-05-19
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1483296067

This book contains twenty-two original contributions that provide a comprehensive overview of computational approaches to understanding a single neuron structure. The focus on cellular-level processes is twofold. From a computational neuroscience perspective, a thorough understanding of the information processing performed by single neurons leads to an understanding of circuit- and systems-level activity. From the standpoint of artificial neural networks (ANNs), a single real neuron is as complex an operational unit as an entire ANN, and formalizing the complex computations performed by real neurons is essential to the design of enhanced processor elements for use in the next generation of ANNs.The book covers computation in dendrites and spines, computational aspects of ion channels, synapses, patterned discharge and multistate neurons, and stochastic models of neuron dynamics. It is the most up-to-date presentation of biophysical and computational methods.

Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience

Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience
Author:
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 1819
Release: 2010-06-03
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0080453961

Behavioral Neuroscientists study the behavior of animals and humans and the neurobiological and physiological processes that control it. Behavior is the ultimate function of the nervous system, and the study of it is very multidisciplinary. Disorders of behavior in humans touch millions of people’s lives significantly, and it is of paramount importance to understand pathological conditions such as addictions, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, autism among others, in order to be able to develop new treatment possibilities. Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience is the first and only multi-volume reference to comprehensively cover the foundation knowledge in the field. This three volume work is edited by world renowned behavioral neuroscientists George F. Koob, The Scripps Research Institute, Michel Le Moal, Université Bordeaux, and Richard F. Thompson, University of Southern California and written by a premier selection of the leading scientists in their respective fields. Each section is edited by a specialist in the relevant area. The important research in all areas of Behavioral Neuroscience is covered in a total of 210 chapters on topics ranging from neuroethology and learning and memory, to behavioral disorders and psychiatric diseases. The only comprehensive Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience on the market Addresses all recent advances in the field Written and edited by an international group of leading researchers, truly representative of the behavioral neuroscience community Includes many entries on the advances in our knowledge of the neurobiological basis of complex behavioral, psychiatric, and neurological disorders Richly illustrated in full color Extensively cross referenced to serve as the go-to reference for students and researchers alike The online version features full searching, navigation, and linking functionality An essential resource for libraries serving neuroscientists, psychologists, neuropharmacologists, and psychiatrists

The Theoretical Foundation of Dendritic Function

The Theoretical Foundation of Dendritic Function
Author: Wilfrid Rall
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 484
Release: 1995
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780262193566

This collection of fifteen previously published papers, some of them not widely available, have been carefully chosen and annotated by Rall's colleagues and other leading neuroscientists.

Dendritic Spines

Dendritic Spines
Author: Alberto A. Rasia-Filho
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 511
Release: 2023-12-16
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3031361598

This reference provides detailed coverage of dendritic spines, the fascinating neuronal components that modulate synaptic transmission, development, strength, and plasticity and are involved in the function of multiple areas of the nervous system. The density, shape, and function of spines may indicate the cellular connectivity and synaptic plasticity in normal and pathological conditions. This field has undergone dramatic advances in terms of techniques and experimental findings from in vitro to in vivo data, from animal models to human neurons, and computational models using artificial intelligence. To address these cutting-edge findings, the book provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive coverage with chapters written by the leading international researchers in the field. The authors consider the multiple implications for the study of dendritic spines with broad implications in the neurosciences and related areas.

Drebrin

Drebrin
Author: Tomoaki Shirao
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 397
Release: 2017-08-31
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 4431565507

This book is the first comprehensive review of drebrin, which plays pivotal roles in various cellular events, via forming unique actin cytoskeletons, including synapse formation and in synaptic function. Particularly the loss of drebrin from dendritic spines is used as a marker of dementia in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Since drebrin was first identified by our group in 1985, many studies of drebrin have been done in various fields, including not only molecular biology, biophysics, cell biology, neuroscience, clinical studies, spermatogenesis, immunology, and cancer metastasis, but others as well. The structure of this book facilitates the understanding of the whole picture of studies on drebrin. The volume begins with a general introduction to drebrin, and then the chapters in the second part provide the basic knowledge for further understanding. The third part examines its function in the nervous system, and the fourth part discusses its function in the non-nervous system. This work will appeal to researchers who are interested in cytoskeletal dynamics at membrane-cytoskeletal interface as well as the number of them who use drebrin as a tool, such as a marker of synaptic function or a disease marker. This volume is kept as concise as possible in order to be understood by readers in diverse scientific disciplines.