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Ever since Santiago Ramón y Cajal sketched his captivating panels of the microscopic structure of the brain with its vast diversity of neuronal morphology over a century ago, scientists have been drawn to this seemingly chaotic network of neurites and processes to uncover how structure relates to function. During the course of a century, we have moved from merely describing neuronal and glial morphology to furthering our understanding of such intricate processes as organelle and factor transport, cellular compartmentalization, neuronal polarity, cytoskeleton dynamics, neurite pathfinding, and the impact of pathophysiological insult on these structures and events. Yet to this day, and likely for the foreseeable future, much work remains to be done to fully grasp the exceptional role of neurites for the function of larger neuronal ensembles and networks. While the somatodendritic domain of neurons has been in the focus of attention for many years, mostly because of its great dynamic remodeling capacity during events of plasticity (e.g. learning), the axonal domain has somehow remained in the background despite the fact that especially recent comprehensive studies from various fields of research underline the axon’s contribution to dynamic plasticity processes. Consequently, this Research Topic focuses on the many exciting aspects of axonal neurobiology – ranging from membrane composition and molecular determination during development to axonal domain specialization and physiology in health and disease. In Chapter 1 “Axons in the PNS”, Bombeiro et al. use immunodeficient mice to study the role of lymphocytes during the regeneration of peripheral nerves, showing that the modulation of immune responses after injury can be an efficient approach to enhance nerve regeneration in the PNS. Using a DRG model, Berbusse et al. identify the onset of damage to mitochondrial structure and dynamics as a key event during early axon degeneration and provide evidence that Nmnat1, a member of the family of nicotinamide-nucleotide adenylyltransferases, can have protective effects by preserving normal mitochondrial integrity and dynamics. In another study of PNS nerve regeneration, Law et al. use proteomics approaches via Mass Spectrometry to provide evidence that rosovitine, a synthetic purine nucleoside analog, can successfully promote PNS axon regeneration. In Chapter 2 “Axonal development in the central nervous system”, Yoshimura et al. analyze specialized axonal domains, namely the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier, with regards to their expression profiles of the major scaffolding protein ßIV-spectrin. Super resolution microscopy reveals a potential developmental switch of spectrin isoforms at both axonal domains. In a related study, also using super resolution microscopy, Leterrier et al. examine a potential reciprocal role of membrane partners in ankyrin-G targeting and stabilization at the axonal membrane during development. The authors demonstrate a tight and precocious association of ankyrin-G with its membrane partners. Höfflin et al. address the question of axon initial segment morphology across different cell classes in cortical organotypic slice cultures and find a surprising heterogeneity especially between pyramidal cells and interneurons in primary visual cortex. In a major step towards establishing a successful live label of the axon initial segment, Dumitrescu et al. report the development of a genetically-encoded construct consisting of a voltage-gated sodium channel intracellular domain fused to yellow fluorescent protein (YFP-NaVII-III). Nelson and Jenkins then provide a comprehensive Review article on the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier with a special focus on the various scaffolding protein isoforms and their role in human disease. In Chapter 3 “Axonal physiology and plasticity”, Nikitin et al. investigate fast onset dynamics of action potentials during neuronal development in vitro, showing that encoding of high frequencies improves upon culture maturation, accompanied by the development of passive electrophysiological properties and action potential generation. Using pharmacological and RNA interference approaches, Tapia et al. provide evidence that cannabinoid receptors and their ligands can modulate dendritic morphology and thus, indirectly, also affect ankyrin-G accumulation at the axon initial segment. A Mini Review by Zbili et al. discusses the potential impact of subthreshold changes in presynaptic membrane potential before action potential initiation on neurotransmitter release, and which significant impact such mechanisms could have on information processing in neuronal circuits. Yamada and Kuba close this chapter with a Mini Review on axon initial segment plasticity with a particular focus on ion channels and the biophysics of excitability. In Chapter 4 “Axon degeneration and regeneration”, Hamada et al. investigate the often overlooked question to which extent myelin loss affects action potential propagation along distal branch points and axon collaterals. Using the cuprizone demyelination model and optical voltage-sensitive dye imaging, the authors uncover functional consequences of demyelination that reach well beyond the main axon. In a model of mild traumatic brain injury, Vascak et al. demonstrate complex aspects of this injury type on neocortical circuit function, including changes in inhibitory perisomatic input and axon initial segment-driven output in affected layer V neurons. In a Mini Review, Grosch et al. discuss recent advances in the field of Parkinson’s disease with a focus on early degeneration in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons of the basal ganglia. The last two articles cover the topic of axonal regeneration. Li et al. investigate the role of activated astrocytes in spinal cord lesion and how their functional downregulation via an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission, Mdivi-1, could potentially have positive impact on lesion scar formation and axonal regeneration. In a final Review, Liu et al. highlight recent advances in the development of biomaterial scaffolds and cell transplantation strategies to combine two promising therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."
How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant source of death and permanent disability, contributing to nearly one-third of all injury related deaths in the United States and exacting a profound personal and economic toll. Despite the increased resources that have recently been brought to bear to improve our understanding of TBI, the developme
In this, the post-genomic age, our knowledge of biological systems continues to expand and progress. As the research becomes more focused, so too does the data. Genomic research progresses to proteomics and brings us to a deeper understanding of the behavior and function of protein clusters. And now proteomics gives way to neuroproteomics as we beg
Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.
"This volume is a very valuable and much needed contribution." –Quarterly Review of Biology AT LAST - A comprehensive, accessible textbook on glial neurobiology! Glial cells are the most numerous cells in the human brain but for many years have attracted little scientific attention. Neurophysiologists concentrated their research efforts instead, on neurones and neuronal networks because it was thought that they were the key elements responsible for higher brain function. Recent advances, however, indicate this isn’t exactly the case. Not only are astroglial cells the stem elements from which neurones are born, but they also control the development, functional activity and death of neuronal circuits. These ground-breaking developments have revolutionized our understanding of the human brain and the complex interrelationship of glial and neuronal networks in health and disease. Features of this book: an accessible introduction to glial neurobiology including an overview of glial cell function and its active role in neural processes, brain function and nervous system pathology an exploration of all the major types of glial cells including: the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia of the ACNS and Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system; the book also presents a broad overview of glial receptors and ion channels an investigation into the role of glial cells in various types of brain diseases including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Alexander's disease, brain oedema, multiple sclerosis and many more a wealth of illustrations, including unique images from the authors' own libraries of images, describing the main features of glial cells Written by two leading experts in the field, Glial Neurobiology provides a concise, authoritative introduction to glial physiology and pathology for undergraduate/postgraduate neuroscience, biomedical, medical, pharmacy, pharmacology, and neurology, neurosurgery and physiology students. It is also an invaluable resource for researchers in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology and pharmaceutics.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the nervous system, affecting about 1 million people worldwide. Even though it has been known for over a hundred years, no cause or cure has yet been discovered-but now there is hope. New therapies have been shown to slow the disease progress in some patients, and the pace of discoveries about the cellular machinery of the brain and spinal cord has accelerated. This book presents a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis today, as researchers seek to understand its processes, develop therapies that will slow or halt the disease and perhaps repair damage, offer relief for specific symptoms, and improve the abilities of MS patients to function in their daily lives. The panel reviews existing knowledge and identifies key research questions, focusing on: Research strategies that have the greatest potential to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery and to translate findings into specific strategies for therapy. How people adapt to MS and the research needed to improve the lives of people with MS. Management of disease symptoms (cognitive impairment, depression, spasticity, vision problems, and others). The committee also discusses ways to build and financially support the MS research enterprise, including a look at challenges inherent in designing clinical trials. This book will be important to MS researchers, research funders, health care advocates for MS research and treatment, and interested patients and their families.
"The aim of this book is to provide the clinician with a comprehensive and clinical relevant survey of emerging concepts on the organization and function of the nervous system and neurologic disease mechanisms, at the molecular, cellular and system levels. The content of is based on the review of information obtained from recent advances in genetic, molecular and cell biology techniques, electrophysiological recordings, brain mapping, and mouse models, emphasizing the clinical and possible therapeutic implications. Many chapters of this book contain information that will be relevant not only clinical neurologists but also to psychiatrists and physical therapists. The scope includes the mechanisms and abnormalities of DNA/RNA metabolism, proteostasis, vesicular biogenesis, and axonal transport and mechanisms of neurodegeneration; the role of the mitochondria in cell function and death mechanisms; ion channels, neurotransmission and mechanisms of channelopathies and synaptopathies; the functions of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia and their involvement in disease; the local circuits and synaptic interactions at the level of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord transmission regulating sensory processing, behavioral state and motor functions; the peripheral and central mechanisms of pain and homeostasis; and networks involved in emotion, memory, language, and executive function"--
This book has brought together leading investigators who work in the new arena of brain connectomics. This includes ‘macro-connectome’ efforts to comprehensively chart long-distance pathways and functional networks; ‘micro-connectome’ efforts to identify every neuron, axon, dendrite, synapse, and glial process within restricted brain regions; and ‘meso-connectome’ efforts to systematically map both local and long-distance connections using anatomical tracers. This book highlights cutting-edge methods that can accelerate progress in elucidating static ‘hard-wired’ circuits of the brain as well as dynamic interactions that are vital for brain function. The power of connectomic approaches in characterizing abnormal circuits in the many brain disorders that afflict humankind is considered. Experts in computational neuroscience and network theory provide perspectives needed for synthesizing across different scales in space and time. Altogether, this book provides an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities in deciphering brain circuits in health and disease.