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Synchronized, high-frequency gamma oscillations contribute to successful decision making in a working-memory task in mice and may, therefore, reflect content in working memory entering the animal's 'awareness'.
Two studies show that epidermal Merkel cells actively influence touch-evoked activity in sensory neurons and that the transduction of sustained light touch is dependent on PIEZO2 expressed by Merkel cells.
Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area co-release GABA in the striatum that is not synthesizedde novobut rather is taken up by presynaptic GABA transporters.
A new study shows that reducing mutant huntingtin expression in both striatal and cortical neurons is required to prevent disease pathogenesis in a mouse model of Huntington's disease.
Astrocytes in dorsal and ventral regions of the spinal cord differentially express semaphorin 3A, which mediates the proper development of sensorimotor circuits.
The auditory system is finely tuned to the unique statistical structure of natural sounds. In this Review, Theunissen and Elie discuss how specific neurons found at the higher levels of the auditory system respond selectively to perceptually salient sounds such as vocalizations used in communication.
The energy homeostasis system maintains stability of body fat stores over time but can be overridden by activation of feeding neurocircuits during emergent or stressful conditions. In this Review, Schwartz and colleagues highlight crosstalk between homeostatic and emergency feeding circuits in the regulation of energy balance.
Cortical spreading depressions and spreading depolarizations are associated with migraines and stroke, respectively. In this Review, Pietrobon and Moskowitz discuss recent data that provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the initiation and propagation of cortical spreading depressions and spreading depolarizations, and highlight the therapeutic potential of pharmacological targeting of these mechanisms.
Recent work has identified novel modifiers of axon degeneration following injury, known as Wallerian degeneration, and new examples of convergence between this mechanism and axon degeneration occurring in some neurodegenerative diseases. Coleman and colleagues outline our current understanding of the Wallerian degeneration pathway and consider its links to disease mechanisms.
Obsessive–compulsive disorder has been scrutinized in many genetic, neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies. Pauls and colleagues provide an overview of our current understanding of the vulnerability factors, triggers and mechanisms underlying this devastating condition.
