Current Issue
December 2009 Vol 10 No 12
From the editors
p831 | doi:10.1038/nrn2772
Research Highlights
Learning and memory: Dopamine drives the circuit | PDF (192 KB)
p832 | doi:10.1038/nrn2764
Neurogenesis: A mother–daughter relationship | PDF (125 KB)
p833 | doi:10.1038/nrn2767
Development: Initiation of a new connection | PDF (213 KB)
p833 | doi:10.1038/nrn2769
Neuroimmunology: Crawling into the brain | PDF (180 KB)
p834 | doi:10.1038/nrn2765
Neural coding: Oscillations help to decode spike patterns | PDF (150 KB)
p834 | doi:10.1038/nrn2766
In brief
Pain | Language | Repair | Neurodegenerative disease | PDF (105 KB)
p834 | doi:10.1038/nrn2770
In brief
Place cells | Learning and memory | Language | Neural coding | PDF (105 KB)
p835 | doi:10.1038/nrn2771
Neurodegenerative disease: APP: what's on the inside matters | PDF (187 KB)
p836 | doi:10.1038/nrn2760
Epigenetics: Stressed for life | PDF (121 KB)
p836 | doi:10.1038/nrn2768
Progress
Understanding microRNAs in neurodegeneration
Stephen M. Eacker, Ted M. Dawson & Valina L. Dawson
p837 | doi:10.1038/nrn2726
Multiple roles for microRNA-mediated regulation of mRNA translation in the nervous system have emerged in recent years. Dawson and colleagues discuss the mechanisms by which microRNAs might influence neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and outline key questions for future research.
Reviews
microRNAs at the synapse
Gerhard Schratt
p842 | doi:10.1038/nrn2763
MicroRNAs are emerging as key modulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation in the synaptodendritic compartment. Here, Schratt reviews recent studies showing that neural activity controls microRNA transcription, subcellular localization, processing and function, and discusses the relevance of microRNAs for synapse development and plasticity.
TrkB signalling pathways in LTP and learning
Liliana Minichiello
p850 | doi:10.1038/nrn2738
In recent years, a role has been proposed for the neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Liliana Minichiello discusses the signalling pathways downstream of TrkB activation that might contribute to this function.
Plasticity during stroke recovery: from synapse to behaviour
Timothy H. Murphy & Dale Corbett
p861 | doi:10.1038/nrn2735
Evidence suggests that a time-limited window of plasticity exists following a stroke, during which most behavioural recovery occurs. Murphy and Corbett describe advances in our understanding of plasticity and recovery after stroke and highlight parallels with developmental plasticity.
Plasticity and stability of visual field maps in adult primary visual cortex
Brian A. Wandell & Stelios M. Smirnakis
p873 | doi:10.1038/nrn2741
Primary visual cortex (V1) is often used as a prime example of cortical plasticity both during development and in adulthood. In this provocative Review, Wandell and Smirnakis reassess the literature and discuss the evidence for and against plasticity in adult V1.
Perspectives
Opinion
A new perspective on the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in adaptive behaviour
Geoffrey Schoenbaum, Matthew R. Roesch, Thomas A. Stalnaker & Yuji K. Takahashi
p885 | doi:10.1038/nrn2753
The orbitofrontal cortex has a role in flexible behaviour. schoenbaum and colleagues discuss recent data suggesting that it signals expected outcomes and propose that this role also explains how it can mediate flexible behaviour in the face of unexpected outcomes.
