Encouraging science outreach - p665

doi:10.1038/nn0609-665

President Obama recently called for more scientist involvement in education. Science outreach programs are very welcome, but to be effective, they must include incentives for teachers and better training for scientist volunteers.

Full Text - Encouraging science outreach | PDF (150 KB) - Encouraging science outreach

The motor cortex re-imagined - p667

Reza Shadmehr reviews The Intelligent Movement Machine: An Ethological Perspective on the Primate Motor System by Michael S A Graziano

doi:10.1038/nn0609-667

Full Text - The motor cortex re-imagined | PDF (138 KB) - The motor cortex re-imagined

Neurogenesis in G minor - pp669 - 671

Anne-Marie Marzesco, Felipe Mora-Bermudez & Wieland B Huttner

doi:10.1038/nn0609-669

The orientation of the mitotic spindle determines whether divisions of the polarized neural progenitors in the ventricular zone cause their expansion or lead to neurogenesis. A guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase RhoA is now shown to tip this balance in favor of neurogenesis.

Full Text - Neurogenesis in G minor | PDF (2,343 KB) - Neurogenesis in G minor

See also: Article by Gauthier-Fisher et al.

Pool rules - pp671 - 673

Jane M Sullivan

doi:10.1038/nn0609-671

A study in this issue uses a new technique to show that synaptic vesicles released spontaneously and those released in response to action potentials are drawn from distinct, non-overlapping pools that coexist in presynaptic terminals.

Full Text - Pool rules | PDF (4,921 KB) - Pool rules

See also: Article by Fredj & Burrone

How serotonin gates olfactory information flow - pp673 - 675

Guillaume P Dugué & Zachary F Mainen

doi:10.1038/nn0609-673

The olfactory bulb is densely innervated by serotonergic fibers. A study now shows that serotonin activates periglomerular interneurons, which release GABA to reduce transmitter release from olfactory sensory neurons.

Full Text - How serotonin gates olfactory information flow | PDF (357 KB) - How serotonin gates olfactory information flow

See also: Article by Petzold et al.

The rhythms of learning - pp675 - 676

Brian Lau & C Daniel Salzman

doi:10.1038/nn0609-675

Projections from the amygdala to the ventral striatum are important for learning. A study finds that fleeting epochs of coherent gamma oscillations between these brain areas may be important for reinforcement learning.

Full Text - The rhythms of learning | PDF (167 KB) - The rhythms of learning

See also: Article by Popescu et al.

Focus on hearing

Focus on hearing - p677

doi:10.1038/nn0609-677

Full Text - Focus on hearing | PDF (136 KB) - Focus on hearing

Focus on hearing

Quo vadis, hair cell regeneration? - pp679 - 685

John V Brigande & Stefan Heller

doi:10.1038/nn.2311

Whereas birds can generate new auditory neurons even in adulthood, mammals cannot. This perspective suggests that factors such as increasing life span expose a deficit in cochlear self-regeneration that was irrelevant for most of mammalian evolution, resulting in hearing loss. Authors discuss various approaches aimed at regenerating hair cells to ameliorate such hearing loss.

Abstract - | Full Text - Quo vadis, hair cell regeneration? | PDF (296 KB) - Quo vadis, hair cell regeneration?

Focus on hearing

Beyond cochlear implants: awakening the deafened brain - pp686 - 691

David R Moore & Robert V Shannon

doi:10.1038/nn.2326

In this perspective, the authors discuss recent advances in the development of cochlear implants and elucidate the implications of implant-induced plasticity for future technology.

Abstract - | Full Text - Beyond cochlear implants: awakening the deafened brain | PDF (499 KB) - Beyond cochlear implants: awakening the deafened brain

Focus on hearing

On hearing with more than one ear: lessons from evolution - pp692 - 697

Jan W H Schnupp & Catherine E Carr

doi:10.1038/nn.2325

This perpective offers an evolutionary perspective on the advantages of binaural hearing, and discusses the many different strategies for such hearing that animals have evolved. Authors discuss how these strategies might inform future work on auditory prosthetics.

Abstract - | Full Text - On hearing with more than one ear: lessons from evolution | PDF (470 KB) - On hearing with more than one ear: lessons from evolution

Focus on hearing

Unraveling the principles of auditory cortical processing: can we learn from the visual system? - pp698 - 701

Andrew J King & Israel Nelken

doi:10.1038/nn.2308

Primary auditory cortex is usually thought to be directly analogous to primary visual cortex, with stimulus physical properties being represented at this level. This perspective argues that the auditory system has unique operating principles that make it different from the visual system, such as considerably greater subcortical processing.

Abstract - | Full Text - Unraveling the principles of auditory cortical processing: can we learn from the visual system? | PDF (146 KB) - Unraveling the principles of auditory cortical processing: can we learn from the visual system?

Focus on hearing

Linking genes underlying deafness to hair-bundle development and function - pp703 - 710

Christine Petit & Guy P Richardson

doi:10.1038/nn.2330

This review describes how the genetic causes of the many forms of human deafness have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms of auditory transduction. In combination with mouse models, these genetic studies have elucidated the mechanisms behind the formation and functioning of the hair bundle as a mechanical transducer.

Abstract - | Full Text - Linking genes underlying deafness to hair-bundle development and function | PDF (512 KB) - Linking genes underlying deafness to hair-bundle development and function

Focus on hearing

Tonotopic reorganization of developing auditory brainstem circuits - pp711 - 717

Karl Kandler, Amanda Clause & Jihyun Noh

doi:10.1038/nn.2332

This review summarizes recent work in auditory brainstem nuclei to demonstrate that developing brain stem circuits are subject to experience-dependent synaptic refinement. This is in contrast to the traditional view, which interprets the early development of brain stem tonotopy as indicative of a 'hard-wired' mechanism.

Abstract - | Full Text - Tonotopic reorganization of developing auditory brainstem circuits | PDF (701 KB) - Tonotopic reorganization of developing auditory brainstem circuits

Focus on hearing

Maps and streams in the auditory cortex: nonhuman primates illuminate human speech processing - pp718 - 724

Josef P Rauschecker & Sophie K Scott

doi:10.1038/nn.2331

As language is unique to humans, it is usually thought that work in other animals has made limited contributions to understanding it. Authors here review work on species-specific vocalizations in nonhuman primates to arrive at a new model for how human speech is processed.

Abstract - | Full Text - Maps and streams in the auditory cortex: nonhuman primates illuminate human speech processing | PDF (451 KB) - Maps and streams in the auditory cortex: nonhuman primates illuminate human speech processing | Supplementary information

Intracellular zinc inhibits KCC2 transporter activity - pp725 - 727

Michal Hershfinkel, Karl Kandler, Megan E Knoch, Michal Dagan-Rabin, Mandar A Aras, Chen Abramovitch-Dahan, Israel Sekler & Elias Aizenman

doi:10.1038/nn.2316

Potassium-chloride co-transporter 2 (KCC2) activity is known to be attenuated by neural injury. Hershfinkel et al. show that KCC2 activity is inhibited by intracellular free zinc, a component of neuronal injury signaling pathways. Oxygen-glucose deprivation results in attenuation of KCC2 activity that is reversible by intracellular zinc chelation.

Abstract - | Full Text - Intracellular zinc inhibits KCC2 transporter activity | PDF (231 KB) - Intracellular zinc inhibits KCC2 transporter activity | Supplementary information

Adult neurogenesis promotes synaptic plasticity in the olfactory bulb - pp728 - 730

Antoine Nissant, Cedric Bardy, Hiroyuki Katagiri, Kerren Murray & Pierre-Marie Lledo

doi:10.1038/nn.2298

Lledo and colleagues report that one subset of excitatory synapses onto adult-born granule cells in the mouse olfactory bulb shows long-term potentiation. This property, however, fades as the newborn neurons mature.

Abstract - | Full Text - Adult neurogenesis promotes synaptic plasticity in the olfactory bulb | PDF (467 KB) - Adult neurogenesis promotes synaptic plasticity in the olfactory bulb | Supplementary information

Long-term plasticity of excitatory inputs to granule cells in the rat olfactory bulb - pp731 - 733

Yuan Gao & Ben W Strowbridge

doi:10.1038/nn.2319

Using two photon–guided stimulation, the authors demonstrate spike timing–dependent plasticity of cortical feedback inputs to olfactory bulb granule cells.

Abstract - | Full Text - Long-term plasticity of excitatory inputs to granule cells in the rat olfactory bulb | PDF (746 KB) - Long-term plasticity of excitatory inputs to granule cells in the rat olfactory bulb | Supplementary information

Lfc and Tctex-1 regulate the genesis of neurons from cortical precursor cells - pp735 - 744

Andrée Gauthier-Fisher, Dan C Lin, Melissa Greeve, David R Kaplan, Robert Rottapel & Freda D Miller

doi:10.1038/nn.2339

Neurogenesis requires a switch of progenitor divisions from symmetrical and self-renewing to asymmetrical. This study shows that the Rho-activating protein Lcf is required for neurogenesis in the murine cortex and that its negative regulator Tctex-1 conversely acts to allow self-renewing symmetrical progenitor division.

Abstract - | Full Text - Lfc and Tctex-1 regulate the genesis of neurons from cortical precursor cells | PDF (1,379 KB) - Lfc and Tctex-1 regulate the genesis of neurons from cortical precursor cells | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Marzesco et al.

Na⁺-activated K⁺ channels express a large delayed outward current in neurons during normal physiology - pp745 - 750

Gonzalo Budelli, Travis A Hage, Aguan Wei, Patricio Rojas, Yuh-Jiin Ivy Jong, Karen O'Malley & Lawrence Salkoff

doi:10.1038/nn.2313

Budelli et al. show that a sodium-dependent potassium current is a major component of the delayed rectifier outward current in neurons. This current is carried by Slack channels encoded by the Slo2.2 gene and activated by a persistent sodium current.

Abstract - | Full Text - Na+-activated K+ channels express a large delayed outward current in neurons during normal physiology | PDF (601 KB) - Na+-activated K+ channels express a large delayed outward current in neurons during normal physiology | Supplementary information

A resting pool of vesicles is responsible for spontaneous vesicle fusion at the synapse - pp751 - 758

Naila Ben Fredj & Juan Burrone

doi:10.1038/nn.2317

The existence of physically distinct synaptic vesicle populations with different functional properties has been debated. Here, Fredj and Burrone use a new method of labeling the synaptic vesicle protein VAMP to demonstrate that vesicles labeled during spontaneous fusion are from a different population than those labeled during evoked fusion.

Abstract - | Full Text - A resting pool of vesicles is responsible for spontaneous vesicle fusion at the synapse | PDF (780 KB) - A resting pool of vesicles is responsible for spontaneous vesicle fusion at the synapse | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Sullivan

Synaptotagmin-1 functions as a Ca²⁺ sensor for spontaneous release - pp759 - 766

Jun Xu, Zhiping P Pang, Ok-Ho Shin & Thomas C Südhof

doi:10.1038/nn.2320

The authors show that spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release in cortical neurons use the same Ca²⁺-dependent release mechanism. Their data suggest that synaptotagmin-1 controls both evoked and spontaneous release, acting as a simultaneous Ca²⁺-dependent activator and clamp of exocytosis.

Abstract - | Full Text - Synaptotagmin-1 functions as a Ca2+ sensor for spontaneous release | PDF (4,766 KB) - Synaptotagmin-1 functions as a Ca2+ sensor for spontaneous release | Supplementary information

Synaptotagmin-IV modulates synaptic function and long-term potentiation by regulating BDNF release - pp767 - 776

Camin Dean, Huisheng Liu, F Mark Dunning, Payne Y Chang, Meyer B Jackson & Edwin R Chapman

doi:10.1038/nn.2315

Unlike the involvement of the synaptotagmin (syt) family of proteins in calcium-triggered membrane fusion, the precise function and localization of syt-IV are not clear. Here the authors demonstrate that syt-IV is present in BDNF-containing vesicles and regulates axonal/dendritic release of BDNF, which in turn modulates long-term potentiation in hippocampal neurons.

Abstract - | Full Text - Synaptotagmin-IV modulates synaptic function and long-term potentiation by regulating BDNF release | PDF (1,830 KB) - Synaptotagmin-IV modulates synaptic function and long-term potentiation by regulating BDNF release | Supplementary information

Ube3a is required for experience-dependent maturation of the neocortex - pp777 - 783

Koji Yashiro, Thorfinn T Riday, Kathryn H Condon, Adam C Roberts, Danilo R Bernardo, Rohit Prakash, Richard J Weinberg, Michael D Ehlers & Benjamin D Philpot

doi:10.1038/nn.2327

The authors test whether experience-dependent neocortical modifications need Ube3a, an ubiquitin ligase implicated in autism and Angelman syndrome, using a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. They find that experience-dependent maturation of excitatory circuits in the visual cortex is impaired in these mice and that there are deficits in plasticity. This loss of plasticity was reversible with visual deprivation.

Abstract - | Full Text - Ube3a is required for experience-dependent maturation of the neocortex | PDF (1,497 KB) - Ube3a is required for experience-dependent maturation of the neocortex | Supplementary information

Serotonergic modulation of odor input to the mammalian olfactory bulb - pp784 - 791

Gabor C Petzold, Akari Hagiwara & Venkatesh N Murthy

doi:10.1038/nn.2335

Petzold and colleagues show that serotonergic innervation of the olfactory bulb functions to attenuate odor-evoked transmitter release from olfactory sensory neurons (ORNs). This effect is indirect, as serotonin stimulates 5-HT2C receptors on juxtaglomerular interneurons, whose release of GABA inhibits glutamate release from ORN terminals via GABAB receptors.

Abstract - | Full Text - Serotonergic modulation of odor input to the mammalian olfactory bulb | PDF (771 KB) - Serotonergic modulation of odor input to the mammalian olfactory bulb | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Dugué & Mainen

Sparse temporal coding of elementary tactile features during active whisker sensation - pp792 - 800

Shantanu P Jadhav, Jason Wolfe & Daniel E Feldman

doi:10.1038/nn.2328

During active tactile sensation in rodents, whisker movements across surfaces generate complex whisker micro-motion. Here, the authors find that these micro-motions are a tactile feature encoded by sparse, temporally precise, synchronous spiking in rodent somatosensory cortex.

Abstract - | Full Text - Sparse temporal coding of elementary tactile features during active whisker sensation | PDF (4,401 KB) - Sparse temporal coding of elementary tactile features during active whisker sensation | Supplementary information

Coherent gamma oscillations couple the amygdala and striatum during learning - pp801 - 807

Andrei T Popescu, Daniela Popa & Denis Paré

doi:10.1038/nn.2305

It has been suggested that the basolateral amygdala mediates emotional enhancement of memory. Here, the authors suggest a potential mechanism for this process, showing that coherent gamma oscillations coordinate amgydalostriatal interactions during learning. This coupling could facilitate synaptic plasticity.

Abstract - | Full Text - Coherent gamma oscillations couple the amygdala and striatum during learning | PDF (686 KB) - Coherent gamma oscillations couple the amygdala and striatum during learning | Supplementary information

See also: News and Views by Lau & Salzman

Erratum: A dual leucine kinase–dependent axon self-destruction program promotes Wallerian degeneration - p808

Bradley R Miller, Craig Press, Richard W Daniels, Yo Sasaki, Jeffrey Milbrandt & Aaron DiAntonio

doi:10.1038/nn0609-808a

Full Text - Erratum: A dual leucine kinase–dependent axon self-destruction program promotes Wallerian degeneration | PDF (150 KB) - Erratum: A dual leucine kinase–dependent axon self-destruction program promotes Wallerian degeneration

Erratum: A precise form of divisive suppression supports population coding in the primary visual cortex - p808

Sean P MacEvoy, Thomas R Tucker & David Fitzpatrick

doi:10.1038/nn0609-808b

Full Text - Erratum: A precise form of divisive suppression supports population coding in the primary visual cortex | PDF (150 KB) - Erratum: A precise form of divisive suppression supports population coding in the primary visual cortex

Erratum: Selective regulation of long-form calcium-permeable AMPA receptors by an atypical TARP, -5 - p808

David Soto, Ian D Coombs, Massimiliano Renzi, Marzieh Zonouzi, Mark Farrant & Stuart G Cull-Candy

doi:10.1038/nn0609-808c

Full Text - Erratum: Selective regulation of long-form calcium-permeable AMPA receptors by an atypical TARP, -5 | PDF (150 KB) - Erratum: Selective regulation of long-form calcium-permeable AMPA receptors by an atypical TARP, -5

Corrigendum: Links from complex spikes to local plasticity and motor learning in the cerebellum of awake-behaving monkeys - p808

Javier F Medina & Stephen G Lisberger

doi:10.1038/nn0609-808d

Full Text - Corrigendum: Links from complex spikes to local plasticity and motor learning in the cerebellum of awake-behaving monkeys | PDF (129 KB) - Corrigendum: Links from complex spikes to local plasticity and motor learning in the cerebellum of awake-behaving monkeys