Articles in 2010

Three proteins associated with different developmental disorders interact at the same subset of imprinted genes in the mouse brain, suggesting overlapping molecular mechanisms for these diseases.

Positive modulation of α1 subunit-containing GABA_Areceptors in the ventral tegmental area underlies the addictive nature of benzodiazepines.

Ensheathing glia are essential for the long-term survival of axons; however, the mechanisms by which they contribute to neuronal viability are unclear. Here, Nave proposes that long axons require continuous support from glia to meet their metabolic needs, especially when insulated by myelin.

Epidemiological and pathological evidence points to a link between traumatic brain injury and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in later life. Smith and colleagues consider the mechanisms underlying this link, with a focus on axonal injury and amyloid-β accumulation after injury.

The putative role of the parieto-frontal mirror circuit in action understanding is hotly debated. Reviewing studies in monkeys and humans, Rizzolatti and Sinigaglia describe what parieto-frontal mirror neurons encode, discuss the cognitive functions this circuit might support and address outstanding issues of controversy.

A prion-like protein may be a key mediator of long-term changes in the synapse.

DAGLα is essential for 2-AG synthesis and endocannabinoid signalling in the brain.

The use of neuroimaging in product marketing has received considerable business and media attention. Ariely and Berns consider the possibilities and limitations of neuromarketing, arguing that, although not generally cost-effective, it might be useful in specific aspects of marketing. An interview with Gregory S. Berns for Neuropod is available for download.

Correlated firing in cortical circuits may be weaker than was previously thought.

DAPK1 is a specific cell death signal that is recruited to NMDA receptors and mediates brain damage in stroke.

A population of neurons in the somatosensory cortex responds specifically to the direction of a moving tactile stimulus.

D-serine release from astrocytes induces LTP in hippocampal slices.

High-throughput screens have been developed to assess the effects of drugs on behaviour in zebrafish.

Palmitoylation is the most frequently observed lipid modification of neuronal proteins. Here, the authors review the roles and regulation of this reversible and highly dynamic post-translational modification in neurophysiological and neuropathological contexts.