About this Research Topic
BDNF mediates long-lasting activity-modulated synaptic changes on excitatory and inhbitiory neurons and thereby plays a critical role in circuit development and modulation. In addition to BDNF, many studies now indicate other “growth” factors that play important roles in the development, maturation and maintenace and modulation of synaptic function. However, details of the cytoplamic signaling sytems downstream of these events are frequently unexplored. The goal of this Reseach Topic is to collect papers in both intact and cultured neurons examining the cellular signaling pathways within neurons downstream of growth factor activation that control the expression, post-traslational function, or trafficking of key synaptic components such as excitatory and inhibitory receptors, ion channels, adhesion molecules, synaptic release mechanism and scaffolding proteins. Papers can approach these questions using combinations of genetics, physiology, biochemistry and behavoir as they apply to development, aging, learning, drug abuse or disease. However the work should emphasize the cellular and molecular pathways involved.
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