Auditory Development and Plasticity

Dr. Coffin’s research interests encompass both basic and applied work in auditory neuroscience, from neuroethology research on hearing in fishes to biomedical work on hearing loss and prevention. Her recent research includes work on environmental effects on sensory cell development and plasticity, particularly the role of environmental toxins and how these influence the auditory system. Dr. Cramer’s research addresses the development and plasticity of central auditory pathways in the brainstem. She has identified mechanisms by which families of molecules shape auditory circuitry during normal development and during injury-induced reorganization of neural circuits. She is currently studying the role of glial cells in auditory circuit maturation and has begun to explore auditory function in animal models of autism. Together they bring to the volume unique scientific expertise on auditory development and plasticity and they will ensure the timely progression of the editorial process.

“This is a detailed monograph on the molecular and cellular neurophysiology of the hearing circuitry in animals, avians, zebrafish, and other vertebrates. ... This book is written by well respected experts in the field of auditory neurophysiology.” (Joseph Grenier, Amazon.com, June, 2018)

• ​Introduction and overview - Karina Cramer and Allison Coffin.- 2. Hair cell development and regeneration - Matthew Kelley and Jennifer Stone.- 3 Tuned for speed: developmental refinement of neural properties for processing with extraordinary temporal precision - R. Michael Burger.- 4. Tuning neuronal ion channels to the auditory environment - Leonard Kaczmarek and Maile Brown.-  5. Correlates and determinants of critical periods for experience–dependent plasticity in the auditory forebrain - Dan Polley.- 6. Excitatory signaling in the developing auditory brainstem - Jason Sanchez and Yong Lu.- 7.  Molecular development in the zebrafish lateral line - Alex Nechiporuk and Teresa Nicolson.- 8. Development of the human auditory system - Lynne Werner.- 9. Plasticity of the avian song system - Sarah Woolley​.