Activity-Dependent NPAS4 Expression and the Regulation of Gene Programs Underlying Plasticity in the Central Nervous System

Author

Maya-Vetencourt, José Fernando

Source

Neural Plasticity

Issue

Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-12, 12 p.

Publisher

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Publication Date

2013-08-18

Country of Publication

Egypt

No. of Pages

12

Main Subjects

Medicine

Abstract EN

The capability of the brain to change functionally in response to sensory experience is most active during early stages of development but it decreases later in life when major alterations of neuronal network structures no longer take place in response to experience.

This view has been recently challenged by experimental strategies based on the enhancement of environmental stimulation levels, genetic manipulations, and pharmacological treatments, which all have demonstrated that the adult brain retains a degree of plasticity that allows for a rewiring of neuronal circuitries over the entire life course.

A hot spot in the field of neuronal plasticity centres on gene programs that underlie plastic phenomena in adulthood.

Here, I discuss the role of the recently discovered neuronal-specific and activity-dependent transcription factor NPAS4 as a critical mediator of plasticity in the nervous system.

A better understanding of how modifications in the connectivity of neuronal networks occur may shed light on the treatment of pathological conditions such as brain damage or disease in adult life, some of which were once considered untreatable.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Maya-Vetencourt, José Fernando. 2013. Activity-Dependent NPAS4 Expression and the Regulation of Gene Programs Underlying Plasticity in the Central Nervous System. Neural Plasticity،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-490288

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Maya-Vetencourt, José Fernando. Activity-Dependent NPAS4 Expression and the Regulation of Gene Programs Underlying Plasticity in the Central Nervous System. Neural Plasticity No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-490288

American Medical Association (AMA)

Maya-Vetencourt, José Fernando. Activity-Dependent NPAS4 Expression and the Regulation of Gene Programs Underlying Plasticity in the Central Nervous System. Neural Plasticity. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-490288

Data Type

Journal Articles

Language

English

Notes

Includes bibliographical references

Record ID

BIM-490288