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Liquid–liquid phase separation of CaMKII and glutamate receptor clusters in postsynaptic membranes might mediate trans-synaptic alignment with the presynaptic vesicle release machinery.
Neural firing demonstrates phase precession in human hippocampal complex, allowing representation of spatial and non-spatial information for navigation.
Dendritic spines can be considered to embody algorithms that underlie various brain functions. Here, Kasai et al. review spine dynamics and their roles in various brain functions, compare these dynamics with parallels in machine learning and describe how disrupted dynamics may contribute to mental disorders.
Acute cannabis exposure modulates numerous aspects of neurocognitive function; however, the effects experienced by individuals are highly variable. Ramaekers and colleagues here review the neural basis of cannabis-induced neurocognitive changes and response variability, and consider the legal, therapeutic and societal implications.
Sociopolitical changes regarding cannabis and its potential harm for vulnerable populations raise concern as more pregnant women and teens use cannabis. Hurd and colleagues discuss neurobiological effects of cannabis exposure during development and highlight an epigenetic link for synaptic reprogramming.
A mismatch between cell adhesion proteins at the mossy fibre synapse drives female-specific synaptic and cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 9.
Closure of the critical period of a motor circuit in Drosophila melanogaster larvae is regulated by neuroligin–neurexin signalling between astrocytes and motor neurons.
The neocortex and the thalamus are connected by looping circuits, enabling cortical function. In this Review, Gordon Shepherd and Naoki Yamawaki examine the patterns of connectivity between the major types of cortical and thalamic neurons and how these cortico-thalamo-cortical loops relate to corticocortical circuits.
Evidence suggests that socio-economic status can affect not only the outcome of structural and functional development of the brain but also its rate. Tooley, Bassett and Mackey review this evidence and suggest that the valence and frequency of early experiences interact to influence brain development.
Neuroscience can explain cognition by considering single neurons and their connections (a ‘Sherringtonian’ view) or by considering neural spaces constructed by populations of neurons (a ‘Hopfieldian’ view). In this Perspective, Barack and Krakauer argue that the Hopfieldian view has the conceptual resources to explain cognition more fully the Sherringtonian view.
The impairment of brain fluid homeostasis is a feature of various conditions, highlighting the need to better understand brain water transport for drug development. Here, Nanna MacAulay reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying transmembrane water movement in neurons and glia and across brain barriers, emphasizing the part played by water cotransporters in this process.
Dopamine is often portrayed as a diffuse, slow neuromodulator, yet such signalling cannot explain its broad and sometimes rapid roles. Here, Liu, Goel and Kaeser review recent insights into dopamine release and receptors and present a new framework — the domain-overlap model — for dopamine signalling.
Ion channel dysfunctions contribute significantly to fragile X pathophysiology. In this Review, Deng and Klyachko discuss the mechanisms underlying the effects of these channelopathies in fragile X syndrome, and the therapeutic potential of pharmacological interventions that target ion channels.
