Novel Regulators of Learning and Plasticity in Motor System Circuits

Novel Regulators of Learning and Plasticity in Motor System Circuits
Author: Eddy Albarran
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN:

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Motor learning is the process by which animals integrate sensorimotor information from the world in order to update future motor actions and improve desired outcomes. Neuroscience research in the past decades has identified brain structures and neuronal circuits involved in this process, and revealed that motor learning is a highly distributed process that involves precise spatiotemporal coordination and refinement throughout the corticobasal ganglia network. Reflecting this widespread involvement of brain circuitry, experimental approaches to study motor learning encompass a wide array of scope and techniques including in vivo electrical recordings or imaging, synaptic-level electrophysiology, genetic pathway analyses, and more. The work presented in this dissertation focuses on understanding two key activity-dependent mechanisms by which the synapses of circuits involved in motor control and motor learning change. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the motor learning field, with particular focus on the literature surrounding functional and structural synaptic plasticity of the synapses that I primarily focused on for my PhD work: (a) the synapses on neurons in primary motor cortex and (b) their projections into the striatum. In Chapter 2, I show that the stability of newly formed dendritic spines in motor cortex is the greatest predictor of motor learning, and that artificially increasing their stability in wildtype mice is sufficient to enhance the acquisition of motor skills. To do this, I studied PirB-/- mice and used chronic in vivo two-photon imaging of dendritic spine dynamics (in M1) while training mice on a reaching task. I showed that pharmacologically increasing the stability of newly formed spines in M1 (by selectively blocking PirB function genetically or with a decoy receptor) during training is sufficient to improve their learning of this task. In Chapter 3, I show that mice lacking all 3 isoforms of Synuclein (Syn-tKOs) exhibit an abolishment of endocannabinoid (eCB) plasticity in the striatum. Combining electrophysiological recordings with pharmacology and viral strategies, I dissected this synaptic phenotype and found that synucleins are required postsynaptically for eCB release, where activity-dependent membrane interaction of synucleins (likely with SNAREs) is needed for retrograde eCB signaling. In Chapter 4, I touch on conclusions and future directions based on this work. I place my findings in the context of the larger fields of motor learning and synaptic plasticity, and end with implications for promising translational therapeutic science.

Motor System and Motor Diseases: From Molecules to Circuits

Motor System and Motor Diseases: From Molecules to Circuits
Author: Jing-Ning Zhu
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 355
Release: 2020-06-04
Genre:
ISBN: 2889637344

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Movement is the basis for many forms of behaviors, and is tightly controlled by a hierarchical system containing cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. Each level of this hierarchy contributes to motor planning, motor initiation, motor execution, and motor coordination, respectively. However, they all receive continuous sensory inputs and generate accurate sensorimotor integrations that are necessary for both predictive and reflexive/servo controls of movements. The motor system contains various types of neurons with different morphological, neurochemical and electrophysiological properties, which are significantly dependent on many intracellular signaling molecules. Interestingly, these neurons are interconnected by intricate neuronal circuits for motor control, and even interacted with other non-motor systems to orchestrate somatic-nonsomatic integration. Furthermore, synaptic and neural plasticity endows motor system with amazing abilities for not only motor learning but also compensation and recovery from motor diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, ataxias, motion sickness and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. Therefore, the motor system is of great importance for understanding information processing, integrative function, and neural plasticity of the central nervous system. The aim of this Research Topic is to discuss the latest advances in our understanding of motor system, motor control, motor learning and motor diseases from molecular, cellular, synaptic, circuit, and behavioral levels, especially in an integrative perspective.

Toward a Theory of Neuroplasticity

Toward a Theory of Neuroplasticity
Author: Christopher A. Shaw
Publisher: Psychology Press
Total Pages: 500
Release: 2013-03-07
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1134949413

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This book provides a broad survey of many of the major areas in neuroplasticity research by leading investigators in the field. The topics considered range across all levels of nervous system organization from the molecular to behavioral levels for species ranging from C. elegans to humans. In addition, the effects of development and neuropathological events are discussed. A final summary chapter synthesizes the data gathered in this volume in order to provide the basis for a general theory of neuroplasticity.

Motor Learning and Synaptic Plasticity in the Cerebellum

Motor Learning and Synaptic Plasticity in the Cerebellum
Author: Paul J. Cordo
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 208
Release: 1997-11-28
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780521592864

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This book is concerned with the involvement of the cerebellum in learning and remembering certain motor tasks such as walking, riding a bicycle, and speaking. Processes of plasticity have been identified at the cellular level in the cerebellum that could underlie the learning of motor tasks, but whether these processes actually have such a role is a controversial topic. This book is unique in bringing together studies of plasticity at the cellular level with studies of plasticity or learning at the behavioral level, and in attempting to build bridges between these two fields of discourse. The book will appeal to neuroscientists and physiologists interested in the neural control of movement.

Translational Research in Traumatic Brain Injury

Translational Research in Traumatic Brain Injury
Author: Daniel Laskowitz
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2016-04-21
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1498766579

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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

Neural Plasticity and Memory

Neural Plasticity and Memory
Author: Federico Bermudez-Rattoni
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 368
Release: 2007-04-17
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1420008412

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A comprehensive, multidisciplinary review, Neural Plasticity and Memory: From Genes to Brain Imaging provides an in-depth, up-to-date analysis of the study of the neurobiology of memory. Leading specialists share their scientific experience in the field, covering a wide range of topics where molecular, genetic, behavioral, and brain imaging techniq

Discovering the Brain

Discovering the Brain
Author: National Academy of Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 195
Release: 1992-01-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309045290

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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."

Fundamental Neuroscience

Fundamental Neuroscience
Author: Larry Squire
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 1277
Release: 2008-04-02
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0080561020

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Fundamental Neuroscience, Third Edition introduces graduate and upper-level undergraduate students to the full range of contemporary neuroscience. Addressing instructor and student feedback on the previous edition, all of the chapters are rewritten to make this book more concise and student-friendly than ever before. Each chapter is once again heavily illustrated and provides clinical boxes describing experiments, disorders, and methodological approaches and concepts.Capturing the promise and excitement of this fast-moving field, Fundamental Neuroscience, 3rd Edition is the text that students will be able to reference throughout their neuroscience careers! 30% new material including new chapters on Dendritic Development and Spine Morphogenesis, Chemical Senses, Cerebellum, Eye Movements, Circadian Timing, Sleep and Dreaming, and Consciousness Additional text boxes describing key experiments, disorders, methods, and concepts Multiple model system coverage beyond rats, mice, and monkeys Extensively expanded index for easier referencing

Neural Plasticity in Adult Somatic Sensory-Motor Systems

Neural Plasticity in Adult Somatic Sensory-Motor Systems
Author: Ford F. Ebner
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2005-05-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780849315213

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Synthesizing current information about sensory-motor plasticity, Neural Plasticity in Adult Somatic Sensory-Motor Systems provides an up-to-date description of the dynamic processes that occur in somatic sensory-motor cortical circuits or somatic sensory pathways to the cortex due to experience, learning, or damage to the nervous system. The book emphasizes changes in the cortex that are linked to shifts in movement or behavior and demonstrates the potential for direct brain-based interventions to improve the quality of life for people with sensory-motor disabilities. Following initial chapters that cover issues relevant to modifications in sensory processing, the text deals with the motor side of sensory-motor transformations, and includes studies that document the dynamic changes in system properties that occur with normal experience or in recovery from brain damage. Edited by a recognized world authority on neural plasticity, this book provides important insight into the mechanisms of neural plasticity. It is an essential link to understanding the dynamics of learning in the hopes of improving perceptual and motor skills after brain damage.