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The molecular basis of trans-synaptic signalling by Neurexins plays an important role in synapse organization. In this Review, Scheiffele and colleagues link cell type-specific alternative splicing to the combinatorial action of Neurexin isoforms, and provide a mechanistic framework for Neurexin functions in synapse organization.
A substantial burden of neurological disease is related to mutations in three sodium channel genes: SCN1A, SCN2A and SCN8A. In this Review, Meisler and colleagues discuss the neurological disorders associated with these mutations and also the therapeutic opportunities that are being investigated as a result of these recent mechanistic insights.
Flexibility is critical for the optimal adaptation of thoughts and actions under changing circumstances. In this Review, Uddin summarizes research that has identified cognitive processes and neural systems supporting flexibility and discusses ways to improve flexibility across the lifespan.
The role of the default mode network (DMN) is unclear. In this Perspective, Yeshurun, Nguyen and Hasson review evidence that the DMN integrates extrinsic inputs with intrinsic information over long timescales, enabling it to represent meaning in a way that can be shared between individuals.