Reviews & Analysis

Lupo and colleagues review the crucial molecular pathways that regulate ventral patterning of the telencephalon, eye and spinal cord, and show that ventral patterning can be explained by a few basic molecular mechanisms that are conserved along the anterioposterior axis.

Ludwig and Leng review evidence that dendrites are a major source of peptides released in the brain, and that dendritically released peptides can act at distant targets to functionally reorganize neuronal networks, providing a substrate for long-lasting behaviours.

Notch signalling has a key role in many aspects of vertebrate nervous system development. Louvi and Artavanis-Tsakonas review the pleiotropic activity of Notch signalling and discuss challenges in defining the complex genetic circuitry into which Notch is integrated.

The left hemisphere is traditionally thought to be dominant for motor control. However, Serrien and colleagues highlight specialized functions for the right hemisphere and dynamic cross-hemispheric interactions in action processing, particularly emphasizing task- and performer-related demands and time scales.

Calcium signals have profound and varied effects on growth cone motility and growth. Gomez and Zheng review recent evidence on intracellular calcium signalling pathways, providing fresh insight into how this 'simple' ion can have diverse effects on growth cone behaviours.

All antidepressants in use today act via the monoamine neurotransmitters. However, only ∼50% of individuals with depression show full remission. Berton and Nestler review recent development of alternative, non-monoamine-based antidepressants, highlighting the obstacles and some of the most promising strategies.

Markram describes the impressive aims of the Blue Brain Project, in which the enormous computing power of IBM's Blue Gene supercomputer is being harnessed to build biologically accurate models of the neocortical column and, ultimately, the whole brain.

Abbott, Rönnbäck and Hansson describe interactions between brain endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons that regulate blood–brain barrier function, and consider how disturbances of these interactions could be minimized or prevented in various pathological conditions.

The developmental origin of oligodendrocytes has been a contentious issue for years. Richardson and colleagues review the complexity of the debate, and show that oligodendrocyte development results from competition among precursors from dorsal and ventral parts of the ventricular zone.

Cochlear hair cells detect sound vibrations and generate force to enhance auditory sensitivity and frequency selectivity. Fettiplace and Hackney describe proteins involved in the sensory and motor functions of outer hair cells, presenting evidence for two types of force production.

A decline in learning, memory and executive functions frequently occurs with advanced age. Barnes and Burke evaluate recent progress in our understanding of subtle changes affecting plasticity in medial temporal and prefrontal regions that contribute to age-related cognitive decline.

LaBar and Cabeza review the powerful effects of emotion on memory. These influences are mediated by the amygdala and its interactions with medial temporal and prefrontal regions, and affect memory from the encoding and consolidation stages through to long-term retrieval.

Nanotechnology holds great promises in all scientific disciplines. Silva discusses the basic concepts of nanotechnology, its current applications in basic and clinical neuroscience, and the conceptual and technical challenges it faces in tackling the complexities of the nervous system.

There has been considerable speculation about the possibilities of exploiting neural stem cells as delivery vehicles in gene therapy. Müller, Snyder and Loring discuss the potential applications of this approach and obstacles to the clinical development of such strategies.