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Neural activity may dynamically tune the properties of a group of fast-spiking interneurons in the adult mouse cortex through a transcription-mediated mechanism.
The cortical distribution of Cajal–Retzius cells is regulated by the vesicular trafficking protein VAMP3 and contributes to the specification of higher-order cortical areas.
Parental care of offspring involves a complex array of innate behaviours and is influenced by a dopaminergic circuit within the hypothalamus that regulates circulating oxytocin levels.
The brain is particularly sensitive to changes in cell number, which can acutely affect neural function. Here, Knoblich and colleagues describe the proliferation control mechanisms that exist inDrosophila melanogasterand mammals, and their regulation by developmental age and by metabolic and nutritional status.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer disease. In this Review, Biessels and Reagan discuss findings from human studies and animal models which suggest that hippocampal insulin resistance is one of the mechanisms underlying the links between these disorders.
Ageing leads to the gradual loss of brain function and is a key risk factor for most late-onset neurological disease. In this Review, Chow and Herrup explore how the loss of DNA integrity drives brain ageing and contributes to the pathogenesis of many seemingly unrelated conditions.
Classical theories, such as cable theory, can only successfully model signal propagation in neurons on a macroscopic scale. Holcman and Yuste argue that, as the functional importance of neuronal compartments such as dendritic spines becomes apparent, it is important to develop models that can account for the effects of their size and geometry on electrical current flow.
Various brain regions have been implicated in emotion regulation, although this process remains poorly understood. In this Opinion article, Etkin and colleagues bring together neuroimaging findings and ideas from value-based decision-making and reinforcement learning to propose a conceptual framework for emotion regulation.