In nematode worms, the length of the male refractory period–the time between matings–is regulated by multiple transmitters including dopamine, which both promotes ejaculation and reduces the activity of males post-copulation.
Animal-to-animal variability in neural circuit elements is often hidden under normal conditions, but becomes functionally relevant when the system is challenged by injury.
A few circadian ‘evening’ neurons within the Drosophila brain play a key role in driving activity as well as keeping time, whereas the well-known PDF-containing morning cells are likely involved in integrating and transmitting light information.
Genetic rescue experiments reveal that γ-secretase enzymes containing Aph1b subunits control signalling by type III neuregulin 1, with implications for schizophrenia.
Mice that viewed a visual stimulus whilst running showed recovery of the neuronal responses that had been lost due to early visual deprivation, with potential relevance for amblyopia.
Negative feedback signals within the substantia nigra regulate the output of the basal ganglia, with implications for disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Retrieval enhances fear memory through reconsolidation by activating calcineurin-induced protein degradation and CREB-mediated gene expression in amygdala, hippocampus, and mPFC.
