Perspectives in 2015

There is growing realization that glia actively signal with neurons and influence synaptic development, transmission and plasticity through an array of secreted and contact-dependent signals. We propose that disruptions in neuron-glia signaling contribute to synaptic and cognitive impairment in disease.

In their Perspective, Hariri & Holmes consider unique features of translational research on stress-related disorders that have helped fuel a productive dialogue from bench to bedside and back, as well as sparked important advances in identifying novel risk biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

The amyloid cascade is perhaps the most dominant hypothesis in the field of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis but it is also one of the most controversial. Here, we present two Perspective articles which argue both for and against the amyloid hypothesis. In this piece, Drs. Musiek and Holtzman argue that, despite sometimes conflicting data, there is ample evidence to suggest that Aβ accumulation is a key initiator of AD-related pathology and may act as a trigger of downstream effects such as tau aggregation.

The amyloid cascade is perhaps the most dominant hypothesis in the field of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, but it is also one of the most controversial. Here we present two Perspective articles that argue both for and against the amyloid hypothesis. In this opinionated piece, Dr. Herrup challenges the Alzheimer's field to re-examine the complex biochemical, clinical and epidemiological evidence and reassess its over-reliance on this proposed pathogenic mechanism.

In this Perspective article, Brian Grone and Scott Baraban examine some of the numerous nonhuman animal models of epilepsy. The authors outline how traditional animal models have advanced our understanding of seizure initiation and epileptogenesis and also describe how the use of more 'non-traditional' model systems may further improve insight into both disease mechanisms as well as potential therapeutic avenues.

Current treatment options are, for many patients with epilepsy, either insufficient or ineffective and, thus, new therapeutic methodologies are necessary. In this Perspective, Esther Krook-Magnuson and Ivan Soltesz look at recent advances in optogenetic-based modulation of circuit activity and seizures with an eye toward the prospect - and challenges - of utilizing these technologies for the treatment of epilepsy.

Temporally coordinated signals at gamma frequencies and higher are often used to study inter-regional communication in brain networks, but interpreting mechanisms from population measures can be troublesome. The authors discuss the physiological origins of gamma coherence and suggest ways to decipher its roles in neural function.