Neuronal Communications – NC
The Neuronal Communications (NC) Study Section reviews neuroscience applications on the cell biology of neuronal communication and circuits. Specific areas include synaptic structure, function, modulation and mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms of neuronal function and communication including those relevant to disease processes involving central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Studies include protein and organelle trafficking, cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules in cell recognition and function, and cytoskeletal functions across the life span as they relate to neural circuits. Also considered are studies on electrical coupling, signal transduction and quantitative modeling of synaptic integration. Both hypothesis- and non-hypothesis-driven research are considered, as well as a wide range of techniques and model systems including vertebrates and invertebrates.
Review Dates
Topics
- Synaptic assembly and function, mechanisms of endocytosis, exocytosis, membrane recycling, axonal and dendritic transport, neuronal polarity, growth cones, structural plasticity, homeostasis, and mRNA localization in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Alterations of synaptic integrity and function associated with central and peripheral nervous system disorders; cytoskeletal pathology as it relates to neurodegenerative diseases, disruption of transport
- Studies that incorporate emerging ‘-omics’ data as they relate to synaptic structure, function and plasticity
- Molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD) and paired pulse facilitation; modulation of neuronal excitability
- Signal transduction molecules in neurons, glia, muscle and excitable cells including sensory transducers and modulators
- Modulators of synaptic function including growth factors, neurotrophins, neuropeptides and neurosteroids.
- The neurophysiology of neurotransmitter, neuropeptide, and neuromodulator signaling, and regulation as they relate to neuronal communication and circuits.
- Electrical coupling and calcium as a second messenger, including calcium storage, homeostasis and buffering in the context of neuronal communication and circuits.
- The regulation and modulation of ion channels, transporters and receptors, sensory transduction machinery, and second messenger systems, including localization, assembly, trafficking, turnover and degradation in the context of neuronal communication and circuits.
- Biophysical integration of neural function including quantitative modeling of neural function such as synaptic integration and spike coding.
Shared Interests and Overlaps
There are shared interests in synapse formation and plasticity with Neurodifferentiation, Plasticity, and Regeneration (NDPR). Applications with a greater emphasis on adult synaptic function and underlying mechanisms such as vesicular trafficking, exocytosis or cytoskeletal dynamics are reviewed in NC. Applications with an emphasis on development, regeneration, or circadian rhythms are reviewed in NDPR.
There are shared interests in neurodegenerative processes with Cellular and Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration (CMND). Neurodegenerative applications with a significant emphasis on synaptic mechanisms, cytoskeleton regulation, or intracellular trafficking machinery are reviewed in NC. Applications involving synapses, the cytoskeleton or trafficking but focused on the neurodegenerative processes are reviewed in CMND.
There are shared interests in the use of the molecular biological and genetic tools in studies of the nervous system with Molecular Neurogenetics (MNG). Applications using molecular biology and genetic techniques with a focus on synaptic plasticity are reviewed in NC. Applications focused on the genetics, genetic tools or genetic discovery are reviewed in MNG.
There are shared interests in neurobiological mechanisms and neural plasticity with Learning, Memory and Decision Neuroscience (LMDN). Applications that emphasize the cellular level of neuronal communications and plasticity are reviewed in NC. Applications that emphasize organismal/systems level of plasticity, learning, memory, and decision making are reviewed in LMDN.
There are shared interests in endocytosis, exocytosis, membrane recycling, and second messenger systems with Cell Structure and Function-1 (CSF-1) Study Section. Applications studying cell biology of protein targeting, trafficking, and cellular metabolism are reviewed in CSF1. Applications that emphasize role of these in neuronal communication and neural circuitry are reviewed in NC.
There are shared interests in signaling molecules and signal transduction mechanisms, in neural cell types with Cellular Signaling and Regulatory Systems (CSRS) study section. Applications with emphasis on neuronal communication and neural circuitry are reviewed in NC. Applications focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms of receptor mediated and intracellular signaling are reviewed in CSRS.
There are shared interests in in signaling molecules and signal transduction mechanisms, neuromodulation, sensory transduction, and second messengers in neural cell types with Biochemistry and Biophysics of Membranes (BBM). Applications that emphasize the role of these in neuronal communications and neural circuitry are reviewed in NC. Applications that emphasize structure-function relationships and biophysical mechanisms of receptors and other transmembrane signaling complexes and second messenger system components are reviewed in BBM.
There are shared interests in electrical coupling and neurophysiology with Molecular Cellular Neuropharmacology (MCNP). Applications that emphasize the role of these in neuronal communication and neural circuitry are reviewed in NC. Applications that emphasize the role of these in normal neuronal physiology and circuit function and dysfunction are reviewed in MNCP.
