About this Research Topic
Synaptic transmission and plasticity are key cellular processes that enable the nervous system to adapt to a demanding and changing environment. Structural and functional specializations of neurons and glial cells, and the dynamical nature of their synaptic connections, allow the precise modulation of homeostatic variables to successfully tackle imposing behavioral challenges. In the last few years, the field of synaptic plasticity/modulation has undergone dramatic advances, in particular in the study of the mammalian CNS.
This Research Topic aims to provide a state-of-the-art comprehensive collection of studies focusing on the various mechanisms enabling the modulation of synaptic formation and transmission in the mammalian CNS. We welcome the submission of original and review articles, opinion, hypothesis and perspective contributions for the current endeavor of analyzing the various levels of synaptic plasticity, synaptic scaling, spike-timing dependent plasticity and metaplasticity (both structural and functional), and their impact on network function and on the overall brain activity (e.g., during sleep). We foresee contributions with experimental approaches, including classic techniques (e.g., multi-cell patch clamp recordings), cutting-edge technologies (e.g., optical imaging and stimulation, and genetic tools), computer simulation and modeling approaches, as well as experimental-based hypotheses. The invited studies could span from molecular and cellular level of structural, dynamics and modulation of synaptic transmission up to neural network properties. The Topic includes neurogenesis and neural circuitries formation; neuronal-glial interactions; cell coupling; modulation of neurotransmitter release; neuropeptides and their functional roles; receptor types and dynamics and signal transduction; epigenetic modulation of synaptic transmission; dendritic spine structure and function; tetrapartite synapses; and synaptic modulation of behavioral display. Species of focus could range from rodents to non-human primates to human.
This Research Topic aims to provide a state-of-the-art comprehensive collection of studies focusing on the various mechanisms enabling the modulation of synaptic formation and transmission in the mammalian CNS. We welcome the submission of original and review articles, opinion, hypothesis and perspective contributions for the current endeavor of analyzing the various levels of synaptic plasticity, synaptic scaling, spike-timing dependent plasticity and metaplasticity (both structural and functional), and their impact on network function and on the overall brain activity (e.g., during sleep). We foresee contributions with experimental approaches, including classic techniques (e.g., multi-cell patch clamp recordings), cutting-edge technologies (e.g., optical imaging and stimulation, and genetic tools), computer simulation and modeling approaches, as well as experimental-based hypotheses. The invited studies could span from molecular and cellular level of structural, dynamics and modulation of synaptic transmission up to neural network properties. The Topic includes neurogenesis and neural circuitries formation; neuronal-glial interactions; cell coupling; modulation of neurotransmitter release; neuropeptides and their functional roles; receptor types and dynamics and signal transduction; epigenetic modulation of synaptic transmission; dendritic spine structure and function; tetrapartite synapses; and synaptic modulation of behavioral display. Species of focus could range from rodents to non-human primates to human.
Keywords: synaptic formation and structure, neurotransmitter release, neuron-glia interaction, synaptic plasticity, neural circuit modulation
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