Affirmative action at the NIH - p1351

doi:10.1038/nn1109-1351

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) have funded an increasing number of grants from young investigators with merit scores below the payline. This policy is critical for retaining and encouraging our future scientific base.

Full Text - Affirmative action at the NIH | PDF (111 KB) - Affirmative action at the NIH

Learning to see in stereo - p1353

Donald Mitchell, Dennis Levi and Daphne Bavelier review Fixing My Gaze: A Scientist's Journey Into Seeing in Three Dimensions by Susan R Barry

doi:10.1038/nn1109-1353

Full Text - Learning to see in stereo | PDF (101 KB) - Learning to see in stereo

Any kind of mother in a storm - pp1355 - 1356

Robert Sapolsky

doi:10.1038/nn1109-1355

During early development, rats show the unlikely behavior of becoming attracted to the very stimulus that they should avoid. A new study shows that this occurs as a result of a complex interplay of glucocorticoid secretion and dopaminergic tone in the amygdala.

Full Text - Any kind of mother in a storm | PDF (444 KB) - Any kind of mother in a storm

See also: Brief Communication by Barr et al.

How to button a bouton with ₂s - pp1357 - 1358

Stephan J Sigrist & Andrew J R Plested

doi:10.1038/nn1109-1357

The ₂-3 auxiliary subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels promotes the formation of synaptic boutons in Drosophila neuromuscular junction independently of its role in channel localization.

Full Text - How to button a bouton with 2s | PDF (993 KB) - How to button a bouton with 2s

See also: Article by Kurshan et al.

Optimizing brain processing - pp1359 - 1360

Alexander Thiele

doi:10.1038/nn1109-1359

Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain enable alert and attending brain states. A study now shows how basal forebrain activity increases coding abilities of cortical neurons and at what stages these changes occur.

Full Text - Optimizing brain processing | PDF (175 KB) - Optimizing brain processing

See also: Article by Goard & Dan

Formation and maintenance of Alzheimer's disease -amyloid plaques in the absence of microglia - pp1361 - 1363

Stefan A Grathwohl, Roland E Kälin, Tristan Bolmont, Stefan Prokop, Georg Winkelmann, Stephan A Kaeser, Jörg Odenthal, Rebecca Radde, Therese Eldh, Sam Gandy, Adriano Aguzzi, Matthias Staufenbiel, Paul M Mathews, Hartwig Wolburg, Frank L Heppner & Mathias Jucker

doi:10.1038/nn.2432

Contrary to previous findings, this study finds that ablation of microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain, does not affect amyloid plaque or neuritic pathology in two mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract - Formation and maintenance of Alzheimer's disease [beta]-amyloid plaques in the absence of microglia | Full Text - Formation and maintenance of Alzheimer's disease -amyloid plaques in the absence of microglia | PDF (409 KB) - Formation and maintenance of Alzheimer's disease -amyloid plaques in the absence of microglia | Supplementary information

Unmasking the tonic-aversive state in neuropathic pain - pp1364 - 1366

Tamara King, Louis Vera-Portocarrero, Tannia Gutierrez, Todd W Vanderah, Gregory Dussor, Josephine Lai, Howard L Fields & Frank Porreca

doi:10.1038/nn.2407

Tonic pain, a chief clinical problem, is difficult to study in rodent models that measure threshold changes of evoked reactions to acutely applied stimuli. These authors used conditioned place preference to assess tonic pain in rats and measure the efficacy of agents that relieve it.

Abstract - Unmasking the tonic-aversive state in neuropathic pain | Full Text - Unmasking the tonic-aversive state in neuropathic pain | PDF (227 KB) - Unmasking the tonic-aversive state in neuropathic pain | Supplementary information

Transitions in infant learning are modulated by dopamine in the amygdala - pp1367 - 1369

Gordon A Barr, Stephanie Moriceau, Kiseko Shionoya, Kyle Muzny, Puhong Gao, Shaoning Wang & Regina M Sullivan

doi:10.1038/nn.2403

The instinctual attachment of young animals to their mothers is crucial for survival. Demonstrating the overriding importance of attachment, very young rat pups learn to prefer an odor coupled to electrical shock if the mother is present. This paper shows that low amygdalar dopamine signaling in very young pups is essential for their paradoxical response to odor/shock conditioning.

Abstract - Transitions in infant learning are modulated by dopamine in the amygdala | Full Text - Transitions in infant learning are modulated by dopamine in the amygdala | PDF (205 KB) - Transitions in infant learning are modulated by dopamine in the amygdala | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Sapolsky

Training induces changes in white-matter architecture - pp1370 - 1371

Jan Scholz, Miriam C Klein, Timothy E J Behrens & Heidi Johansen-Berg

doi:10.1038/nn.2412

Although previous work has shown that extensive training in the complex visuo-motor skills involved in juggling results in adult gray-matter changes, it is unclear whether such practice can produce similar changes in adult white matter. This paper now uses diffusion tensor imaging to demonstrate structural white-matter changes when adults practice juggling.

Abstract - Training induces changes in white-matter architecture | Full Text - Training induces changes in white-matter architecture | PDF (290 KB) - Training induces changes in white-matter architecture | Supplementary information

Sip1 regulates sequential fate decisions by feedback signaling from postmitotic neurons to progenitors - pp1373 - 1380

Eve Seuntjens, Anjana Nityanandam, Amaya Miquelajauregui, Joke Debruyn, Agata Stryjewska, Sandra Goebbels, Klaus-Armin Nave, Danny Huylebroeck & Victor Tarabykin

doi:10.1038/nn.2409

Smad-interacting protein 1 (Sip1) is a transcriptional repressor that acts in the TGF- signaling pathway. This study finds that Sip1 is involved in a feedback signaling mechanism in which newly generated postmitotic cells in neocortical layers instruct progenitor cells for proper cell-fate switch and proliferation.

Abstract - Sip1 regulates sequential fate decisions by feedback signaling from postmitotic neurons to progenitors | Full Text - Sip1 regulates sequential fate decisions by feedback signaling from postmitotic neurons to progenitors | PDF (1,272 KB) - Sip1 regulates sequential fate decisions by feedback signaling from postmitotic neurons to progenitors | Supplementary information

Lhx2 specifies regional fate in Emx1 lineage of telencephalic progenitors generating cerebral cortex - pp1381 - 1389

Shen-Ju Chou, Carlos G Perez-Garcia, Todd T Kroll & Dennis D M O'Leary

doi:10.1038/nn.2427

The authors show that the LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lhx2 is responsible for the fate decision of cortical progenitors to generate neocortex or olfactory cortex. Conditional deletion of Lhx2 in telencephalic progenitors refated them to generate three-layer cortex resembling olfactory cortex, rather than lateral neocortex.

Abstract - Lhx2 specifies regional fate in Emx1 lineage of telencephalic progenitors generating cerebral cortex | Full Text - Lhx2 specifies regional fate in Emx1 lineage of telencephalic progenitors generating cerebral cortex | PDF (1,381 KB) - Lhx2 specifies regional fate in Emx1 lineage of telencephalic progenitors generating cerebral cortex | Supplementary information

GSK-3 is a master regulator of neural progenitor homeostasis - pp1390 - 1397

Woo-Yang Kim, Xinshuo Wang, Yaohong Wu, Bradley W Doble, Satish Patel, James R Woodgett & William D Snider

doi:10.1038/nn.2408

The authors report the conditional deletion of the alpha and beta forms of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) in mouse neural progenitors. This deletion is associated with dysregulations in -catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch and fibroblast growth factor signaling pathways and leads to markedly increased proliferation of neural progenitors.

Abstract - GSK-3 is a master regulator of neural progenitor homeostasis | Full Text - GSK-3 is a master regulator of neural progenitor homeostasis | PDF (1,737 KB) - GSK-3 is a master regulator of neural progenitor homeostasis | Supplementary information

The oligodendrocyte-specific G protein–coupled receptor GPR17 is a cell-intrinsic timer of myelination - pp1398 - 1406

Ying Chen, Heng Wu, Shuzong Wang, Hisami Koito, Jianrong Li, Feng Ye, Jenny Hoang, Sabine S Escobar, Alexander Gow, Heather A Arnett, Bruce D Trapp, Nitin J Karandikar, Jenny Hsieh & Q Richard Lu

doi:10.1038/nn.2410

Here, Chen et al. describe the role of the G protein–coupled receptor GPR17 in oligodendrocytes and show that it acts as a negative regulator of oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination.

Abstract - The oligodendrocyte-specific G protein-coupled receptor GPR17 is a cell-intrinsic timer of myelination | Full Text - The oligodendrocyte-specific G protein–coupled receptor GPR17 is a cell-intrinsic timer of myelination | PDF (2,340 KB) - The oligodendrocyte-specific G protein–coupled receptor GPR17 is a cell-intrinsic timer of myelination | Supplementary information

Mst3b, an Ste20-like kinase, regulates axon regeneration in mature CNS and PNS pathways - pp1407 - 1414

Barbara Lorber, Mariko L Howe, Larry I Benowitz & Nina Irwin

doi:10.1038/nn.2414

This study shows that the kinase Mst3b is required cell-autonomously for axon regeneration of both retinal ganglion cells and peripheral sensory neurons in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract - Mst3b, an Ste20-like kinase, regulates axon regeneration in mature CNS and PNS pathways | Full Text - Mst3b, an Ste20-like kinase, regulates axon regeneration in mature CNS and PNS pathways | PDF (1,328 KB) - Mst3b, an Ste20-like kinase, regulates axon regeneration in mature CNS and PNS pathways | Supplementary information

Presynaptic ₂-3 is required for synaptic morphogenesis independent of its Ca²⁺-channel functions - pp1415 - 1423

Peri T Kurshan, Asli Oztan & Thomas L Schwarz

doi:10.1038/nn.2417

The main function of the ₂-3 calcium channel subunit is thought to be facilitation of the pore-forming subunit delivery to presynaptic terminals. Kurshan et al. now show that this subunit has other, independent synaptogenic functions and that it is important for shaping the architecture of the synapse.

Abstract - Presynaptic [alpha]: 2: [delta]-3 is required for synaptic morphogenesis independent of its Ca: 2+: -channel functions | Full Text - Presynaptic 2-3 is required for synaptic morphogenesis independent of its Ca2+-channel functions | PDF (1,824 KB) - Presynaptic 2-3 is required for synaptic morphogenesis independent of its Ca2+-channel functions | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Sigrist & Plested

Functional consequences of animal-to-animal variation in circuit parameters - pp1424 - 1430

Jean-Marc Goaillard, Adam L Taylor, David J Schulz & Eve Marder

doi:10.1038/nn.2404

The authors found considerable preparation-to-preparation variability in the strength of two identified synapses, the amplitude of a modulator-evoked current and the expression of six ion channel genes in the pyloric circuit of the crab stomatogastric ganglion. These parameters correlated with circuit performance. Circuits produced similar outputs because of compensatory and coordinated changes among the parameters.

Abstract - Functional consequences of animal-to-animal variation in circuit parameters | Full Text - Functional consequences of animal-to-animal variation in circuit parameters | PDF (1,467 KB) - Functional consequences of animal-to-animal variation in circuit parameters | Supplementary information

PDF-modulated visual inputs and cryptochrome define diurnal behavior in Drosophila - pp1431 - 1437

Paola Cusumano, André Klarsfeld, Elisabeth Chélot, Marie Picot, Benjamin Richier & François Rouyer

doi:10.1038/nn.2429

Using endogenous circadian oscillators, Drosophila can anticipate diurnal light on/off transition and behave accordingly. Here, the authors show that the fly evening oscillator circuit can synchronize to light cycle through the visual system and the molecular components of morning oscillator.

Abstract - PDF-modulated visual inputs and cryptochrome define diurnal behavior in : Drosophila | Full Text - PDF-modulated visual inputs and cryptochrome define diurnal behavior in Drosophila | PDF (1,102 KB) - PDF-modulated visual inputs and cryptochrome define diurnal behavior in Drosophila | Supplementary information

CREB regulates excitability and the allocation of memory to subsets of neurons in the amygdala - pp1438 - 1443

Yu Zhou, Jaejoon Won, Mikael Guzman Karlsson, Miou Zhou, Thomas Rogerson, Jayaprakash Balaji, Rachael Neve, Panayiota Poirazi & Alcino J Silva

doi:10.1038/nn.2405

Silva et al. show that CREB modulates allocation of fear memory to specific cells in the lateral amygdala. Reversibly inactivating a subset of CREB-expressing neurons disrupted memory for tone conditioning. Neurons with higher CREB levels were more excitable than their neighbors and showed larger synaptic efficacy changes following tone conditioning.

Abstract - CREB regulates excitability and the allocation of memory to subsets of neurons in the amygdala | Full Text - CREB regulates excitability and the allocation of memory to subsets of neurons in the amygdala | PDF (597 KB) - CREB regulates excitability and the allocation of memory to subsets of neurons in the amygdala | Supplementary information

Basal forebrain activation enhances cortical coding of natural scenes - pp1444 - 1449

Michael Goard & Yang Dan

doi:10.1038/nn.2402

The nucleus basalis is thought to regulate arousal and attention via release of acetylcholine in the cortex. Here the authors report that nucleus basalis stimulation in rats results in a decorrelation between visual cortical neurons as a result of activation of cortical muscarinic receptors and an increase in the reliability of responses to natural scenes as a result of more distributed changes along the visual pathway.

Abstract - Basal forebrain activation enhances cortical coding of natural scenes | Full Text - Basal forebrain activation enhances cortical coding of natural scenes | PDF (1,110 KB) - Basal forebrain activation enhances cortical coding of natural scenes | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Thiele

Behavioral choice by presynaptic inhibition of tactile sensory terminals - pp1450 - 1457

Quentin Gaudry & William B Kristan Jr

doi:10.1038/nn.2400

A feeding leech ignores incoming stimuli that would normally cause an avoidance response. This study found that synaptic transmission from mechanosensory neurons to postsynaptic partners was reduced in feeding leeches. This presynaptic depression by feeding could be mimicked by serotonin and was antagonized by a blocker of an unusual serotonin-gated chloride channel.

Abstract - Behavioral choice by presynaptic inhibition of tactile sensory terminals | Full Text - Behavioral choice by presynaptic inhibition of tactile sensory terminals | PDF (1,378 KB) - Behavioral choice by presynaptic inhibition of tactile sensory terminals | Supplementary information

Frontal eye field neurons signal changes in decision criteria - pp1458 - 1462

Vincent P Ferrera, Marianna Yanike & Carlos Cassanello

doi:10.1038/nn.2434

Monkeys were trained to switch rapidly between two category boundaries when classifying the speed of a moving dot pattern. Neurons in the frontal eye field changed their activity when the boundary changed and a subset of these neurons were used to classify the stimuli nearly as accurately as the monkeys' behavioral performance.

Abstract - Frontal eye field neurons signal changes in decision criteria | Full Text - Frontal eye field neurons signal changes in decision criteria | PDF (537 KB) - Frontal eye field neurons signal changes in decision criteria | Supplementary information

Persistent neural activity in the human frontal cortex when maintaining space that is off the map - pp1463 - 1468

Kyeong-Jin Tark & Clayton E Curtis

doi:10.1038/nn.2406

Activity in the frontal eye fields (FEF) is important for visuospatial processing and is thought to code information in retinal coordinates. This fMRI study finds FEF activity even for auditory locations behind the head, suggesting that extra-retinal space is also coded in this area.

Abstract - Persistent neural activity in the human frontal cortex when maintaining space that is off the map | Full Text - Persistent neural activity in the human frontal cortex when maintaining space that is off the map | PDF (953 KB) - Persistent neural activity in the human frontal cortex when maintaining space that is off the map | Supplementary information

Neural activity predicts attitude change in cognitive dissonance - pp1469 - 1474

Vincent van Veen, Marie K Krug, Jonathan W Schooler & Cameron S Carter

doi:10.1038/nn.2413

When our actions conflict with our prior attitudes, we often change our attitudes to be more consistent with our actions, a phenomenon that is known as cognitive dissonance. Here the authors report that activity during cognitive dissonance in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula predicts subsequent attitude changes.

Abstract - Neural activity predicts attitude change in cognitive dissonance | Full Text - Neural activity predicts attitude change in cognitive dissonance | PDF (443 KB) - Neural activity predicts attitude change in cognitive dissonance | Supplementary information