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Dopamine released in the rodent prefrontal cortex increases the signal-to-noise ratio of responses to aversive stimuli that are transmitted to the periaqueductal grey.
Necroptosis is a form of cell death mediated by receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), and is observed in several CNS disorders. Here, Yuan, Amin and Ofengeim give an overview of necroptosis in the CNS and explain its relationship with inflammation in CNS disorders.
Neural stem and progenitor cells can be regulated through mitochondrial signalling mechanisms and this has major implications in physiological and pathological conditions. In this Review, Khacho and colleagues discuss how mitochondria can serve as signalling organelles that modify the fate of stem cells in the brain.
Many neurobiological processes are regulated on a circadian basis. Circadian rhythms change during development, into adulthood and with ageing, when certain disorders typically emerge. Here, Logan and McClung give an overview of the relationship between the circadian system and brain disorders across various life stages.
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay — a highly selective and conserved RNA turnover pathway — is shown to have roles in both brain development and function. In this Review, Jaffrey and Wilkinson discuss how this pathway affects the nervous system.
Astrocytes display widespread functional diversity that translates into distinct regulation of synaptic circuits. In this Review, Dallérac and colleagues discuss the determinants of these divergent regulations throughout life focusing on astroglial intrinsic heterogeneity, developmental changes and activity-dependent processes.
Animals may adopt an active-sampling strategy to assess their environment. In this Review, Jacqueline Gottlieb and Pierre-Yves Oudeyer explore the emerging neuroscientific literature examining active sampling and how it relates to attention and curiosity.
Sharp wave–ripples (SWRs) are specific neural activity patterns in the hippocampus that are thought to support memory. In this Review, Hannah Joo and Loren Frank explore where and when SWRs are generated and propose a revised view of the role of these activity patterns in memory functions.
Traditionally, the CNS is described to have immune privilege, largely because of its immunological barriers. Here, Forrester, McMenamin and Dando describe how this immune privilege may sometimes not be beneficial, as it enables invading pathogens to exist as latent CNS infections.
Age-related changes in cognitive ability are the focus of a growing field of research. Cabeza, Rajah and colleagues aim to promote clarity in the field by agreeing upon consensual definitions for three widely discussed concepts: maintenance, compensation and reserve.
Recent research advances have yielded fresh insights into the fundamental neural processes underlying pair bonding. In this Review, Walum and Young discuss how neural representations of a partner become inherently rewarding, providing intriguing insights into the neural origins of love.
