Frontiers in Neuroscience – serie

Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective is the result of a collaborative effort by parents, therapists, clinicians, and researchers from all disciplines in science including physics, engineering, and applied mathematics. This book poses questions regarding the current conceptualization and approach to the study of autism, providing an alternative unifying data-driven framework grounded in physiological factors. This book reaches beyond subjective descriptions of autistic phenomena and embraces a new era of objective measurements, analyses, and statistical inferences. The authors harness activities from the nervous systems across the brain and body (often in tandem), and introduce a platform for the comprehensive personalized phenotyping of individuals with autism. The impact of this approach is discussed to advance the development of tailored treatments options, enhance the ability to longitudinally track symptomatology, and to fundamentally empower affected individuals and their families. This book encompasses a new era for autism research and treatments, and our continuous effort to collectively empower and embrace the autistic community.

During the last two decades, there has been an explosion of research pertaining to the molecular mechanisms that allow for organisms to detect different stimuli that is an essential feature for their survival. Among these mechanisms, living beings need to be able to respond to different temperatures as well as chemical and physical stimuli. Thermally activated ion channels were proposed to be present in sensory neurons in the 1980s, but it was not until 1997 that a heat- and capsaicin- activated ion channel, TRPV1, was cloned and its function described in detail. This groundbreaking discovery led to the identification and characterization of several more proteins of the family of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels. Intensive research has provided us with the atomic structures of some of these proteins, as well as understanding of their physiological roles, both in normal and pathological conditions. With chapters contributed by renowned experts in the field, Neurobiology of TRP Channels contains a state- of- the- art overview of our knowledge of TRP channels, ranging from structure to their functions in organismal physiology. Features:• Contains chapters on the roles of several TRP ion channels with a diversity of physiological functions, providing a complete picture of the widespread importance of these proteins.• Presents an overview of the structure of TRP channels, including the roles of these proteins in different physiological processes.• Discusses the roles of TRP channels in pathophysiological processes, further highlighting their importance.• Features several full color illustrations to allow the reader better comprehension of TRP channels.A volume in the Frontiers in Neuroscience series

Traumatic injuries of the spinal cord continue to be the most common cause of permanent paralysis in young adults in the United States. New information has emerged on the response of spinal neurons to injury of either the spinal cord or peripheral nerves demonstrating that dendrites of injured motoneurons take on characteristics of axons. These and other new developments have helped to promote an exciting new era in the study of spinal cord neurobiology.Motor Neurobiology of the Spinal Cord provides a description of the recent conceptual and technical advances in the field. It provides a description of the new experimental tools available for investigating the neuronal properties that allow populations of spinal cord neurons to control muscles responsible for limb movements and posture. It covers topics ranging from genetics to kinematics and examines cells, tissues, or whole animals in species ranging from fish to humans that are normal, injured, or diseased.By integrating data derived from many new approaches, you'll learn about how spinal cord circuits operate under a variety conditions and about new and exciting inroads being made in motor neurobiology of the spinal cord. Motor Neurobiology of the Spinal Cord elucidates concepts and principles relevant to function and structure throughout the nervous system and presents information about changes induced by injury and disease.

Approximately half a million Americans suffer brain ischemic episodes every year. These brain strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and the number-one cause of permanent disability. Over the past decade, we have made extensive attempts to understand the biological mechanisms that underlie stroke-induced neuronal injury. Providing a detailed description of the techniques and theories employed in both basic and clinical research, New Concepts in Cerebral Ischemia delineates the mechanisms underlying neuronal damage induced by ischemia. The book covers methods to elucidate the pathogenesis of ischemia, technologies used in the design of specific strategies to protect neurons from further injury, and new approaches to treat patients with acute ischemic episodes. It includes methods and therapeutic approaches for neuronal protection against acute and chronic ischemic episodes and describes new animal models for ischemia research including the application of transgenic animals.

Understanding temporal integration by the brain is expected to be among the premier topics to unite systems, cellular, computational, and cognitive neuroscience over the next decade. The phenomenon has been studied in humans and animals, yet until now, there has been no publication to successfully bring together the latest information gathered from this exciting area of research. For the first time, Functional and Neural Mechanisms of Interval Timing synthesizes the current knowledge of both animal behavior and human cognition as related to both technical and theoretical approaches in the study of duration discrimination.Chapters written by the foremost experts in the field integrate the fields of time quantum and psychophysics, rhythmic performance and synchronization, as well as attentional effort and cognitive strategies through the linkage of time as information in brain and behavior. This cutting-edge scientific work promotes a concerted view of timing and time perception for those on both sides of the behavior-biology divide. With Functional and Neural Mechanisms of Interval Timing neuroscientists, ethologists, and psychologists will gain the necessary background to understand the psychophysics and neurobiology of this crucial behavior.

The last 20 years of research have been marked by exceptional progress in understanding the organization and functions of the primate visual system. This understanding has been based on the wide application of traditional and newly emerging methods for identifying the functionally significant subdivisions of the system, their interconnections, the response properties of their neurons, and the population responses to stimulus events.While primates vary greatly in morphology and behavioral adaptations, all primates share certain features of the visual system. Although there are several books on vision in the market, until now no book has provided a comprehensive overview of the primate visual system. This book synthesizes the current knowledge on the anatomical and functional organization of the primate visual system and proposes new directions for research. Contributed by a multidisciplinary group of leading researchers, chapters consider a range of topics concerning various primates, including humans, and cover processing from the eye to neural codes for action, and from basic perception to memory.

Focusing on how increased understanding of brain function affects clinical neuroscience, this incisive text explores the interface between neuroscience and clinical neuroscience advances by examining the hypotheses that drive this evolution. The author reviews the relevant underpinnings of new neurosurgical techniques, treatments, and conceptual approaches, which are likely to shape clinical neuroscience over the next decade. A critical aspect of this rational approach is to underscore what needs to be done in each field, potentially leading to further study and improvements.

Designed primarily as an introduction to realistic modeling methods, Computational Neuroscience: Realistic Modeling for Experimentalists focuses on methodological approaches, selecting appropriate methods, and identifying potential pitfalls. The author addresses varying levels of complexity, from molecular interactions within single neurons to the processing of information by neural networks. He avoids theoretical mathematics and provides just enough of the basic math used by experimentalists.What makes this resource unique is the inclusion of downloadable resources that furnish interactive modeling examples. It contains tutorials and demos, movies and images, and the simulation scripts necessary to run the full simulation described in the chapter examples. Each chapter covers: the theoretical foundation; parameters needed; appropriate software descriptions; evaluation of the model; future directions expected; examples in text boxes linked to the downloadable resources; and references.The first book to bring you cutting-edge developments in neuronal modeling. It provides an introduction to realistic modeling methods at levels of complexity varying from molecular interactions to neural networks. The book and downloadable resources combine to make Computational Neuroscience: Realistic Modeling for Experimentalists the complete package for understanding modeling techniques.

Taking a comprehensive approach in which all aspects of the vagal afferent system are considered, from the terminals in the visceral tissues to the neural pathways within the central nervous system, this extensive text reviews the development, neurochemistry, anatomy, biophysics, pharmacology, and physiology of the vagal afferent nerves. The authors present experimental techniques used to investigate the development, morphology, electrophysiology and reflex function of the vagal afferent nerves, and include state-of-the-art reviews of vagal afferent neurobiology by some of the world's leading experts in these fields.

Written by world experts in the field of neuronal chemoreception, Methods in Chemosensory Research describes new molecular, electrophysiological, genetic, behavioral, psychophysical, and imaging techniques that have recently been adapted to investigate the basic neuronal mechanisms underlying chemoreception: taste, olfaction and chemical-induced irritation. This unique book includes a wide variety of new and innovative imaging methods, electrophysiological methods, methods to investigate development, and various aspects of behavioral testing.Covering the entire spectrum of chemoreception, each section not only describes what information can be obtained by using each method, but also shows how to apply each method to obtain reliable results. The book presents a comprehensive view of how the brain uses information about chemical stimuli that interact with receptors in the nose and tongue. Methods in Chemosensory Research gives you the new tools to learn how chemicals affect activity from the genetic to the behavioral levels.

The field of drug addiction and substance abuse, which was initially confined to behavioral studies, has broadened dramatically. It now includes a vast array of cellular and molecular approaches as well as sophisticated electrophysiological and neurochemical methodologies that bridge the gap between cellular/molecular events and behavior. In many cases, these techniques are used to clarify and characterize specific dimensions of the addictive process or actions of potential abuse.Methods of Drug Abuse Research: Cellular and Circuit Level Analyses assembles this information in one volume. It bridges the gap between cellular and molecular studies of drug actions and behavioral approaches to questions in drug abuse research. The book presents state-of-the-art technical information and critical reviews of the experimental strategies used to dissect the problem of compulsive drug use and addiction at the systems or whole brain level. Chapters provide examples of the use of neurochemical and delectrophysiological the techniques in drug studies, as well as insight into the pros and cons of these various experimental strategies.Focusing on neurochemical and neurophysiological techniques that assess drug actions on neural circuits and neural networks in intact animals, this state-of-the-art reference provides detailed descriptions of procedures as well as methods and equipment used in experiments that often employ multiple technical approaches. Methods of Drug Abuse Research brings together pertinent issues in drug abuse research and systems level investigative techniques, thus allowing you to effectively grasp the critical conceptual and technical issues associated with modern drug abuse studies.

The rapid growth of the study of apoptosis-mechanism-driven, regulated cell death-has created an urgent need for reliable documentation of the different approaches to and methods of studying the various aspects of the field. Apoptosis in Neurobiology is an important resource for researchers in this emerging frontier of biomedical study. This volume allows the uninitiated neuroscientist intellectual and practical access to the study of apoptosis, with special consideration to the nervous system. The first section concentrates on conceptual approaches to the study of apoptosis in neurobiology and its significance to the nervous system. The second section provides a user-friendly approach to methods and techniques in the study of apoptosis as applied to neurobiology.

A number of developments spanning a multitude of techniques makes this an exciting time for research in serotonin receptors. A comprehensive review of the subject from a multidisciplinary perspective, Serotonin Receptors in Neurobiology is among the first books to include information on serotonin receptor knockout studies. With contributions from leading experts in their fields, the book explores serotonin receptors from a broad-based, multidisciplinary approach. The approaches described vary from molecular biological techniques to fluorescence microscopy and imaging, to genetic manipulation in animal models, providing a wide range of tools to study serotonergic phenomena.While each of these approaches has its own advantages and limitations, the synthesis of information and knowledge achieved from studies using multiple approaches will result in a comprehensive understanding of the underlying complex phenomena involved in serotonergic signaling and its implications in health and disease. The book provides an overall understanding of these receptors based on currently used methodologies and techniques. It describes specific experimental procedures that will be of use to researchers interested in addressing similar problems involving other G-protein-coupled receptor signaling systems.

Since the first TRP ion channel was discovered in Drosophila melanogaster in 1989, the progress made in this area of signaling research has yielded findings that offer the potential to dramatically impact human health and wellness. Involved in gateway activity for all five of our senses, TRP channels have been shown to respond to a wide range of stimuli from both within and outside the cell body. How we sense heat and cold, how we taste food, how eggs are fertilized, how the heart expands and contracts is each dependent on the function of these channels.While no single book could possibly cover all the research being undertaken, TRP Ion Channel Function in Sensory Transduction and Cellular Signaling Cascades presents the most advanced compilation of work in this area to date. All 31 chapters are written by international pioneers working at the vanguard of TRP ion channel research. They explain much about the pivotal function and behavior of these channels, which are most exquisitely tuned to their specific tasks, and delve into how researchers are putting this knowledge to use in the development of novel pharmaceuticals, which may well prove effective in ameliorating treatment-resistant conditions including cancer, heart disease, inflammation, and immune system dysfunctions.Individual chapters shed light on selected topics of interest in the TRP arena, such as signal transduction in axonal path-finding, and in vascular, renal, and auditory functions, as well as pain. The text also covers subjects as diverse as mating and fertilization, inflammatory pain, and mechanisms of pheromone detection in mammals. While the book presents much new insight and explores findings that will be of interest to those involved with advanced research, it also includes significant background material for those looking to familiarize themselves with this exceptionally promising path of inquiry.

In the last ten years neural ensemble recording grew into a well-respected and highly data-lucrative science. New experimental paradigms, including the fabrication of high-density microelectrodes, new surgical implantation techniques, multi-channel signal processing, and the establishment of direct real-time brain-machine interfaces, hold promise not just for neurophysiology research, but also for new-generation prosthetic devices aimed at restoring mobility and communication skills in severely disabled patients.Extensively updated and expanded, Methods for Neural Ensemble Recording, Second Edition distills the current state-of-the-science and provides the nuts and bolts foundation from which to advance the field for the next ten years. With contributions from pioneering researchers, this second edition begins with an overview of microwire array design for chronic neural recordings. Demonstrating the diversity now enjoyed in the field, the book reviews new surgical techniques for chronic implantation of microwire arrays in not just rodents, but primates as well. It explores microelectrode microstimulation of brain tissue, discusses multielectrode recordings in the somatosensory system and during learning, and analyzes neural ensemble recordings from the central gustatory-reward pathways in awake and behaving animals.An exploration of new strategies for neural ensemble data analysis for Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) applications foreshadows an investigation into employing BMI to restore neurological function. Using multielectrode field potential recordings, contributions define global brain states and propose conceptual and technical approaches to human neural ensemble recordings in the future.

In 1993, the genetic mutation responsible for Huntington’s disease (HD) was identified. Considered a milestone in human genomics, this discovery has led to nearly two decades of remarkable progress that has greatly increased our knowledge of HD, and documented an unexpectedly large and diverse range of biochemical and genetic perturbations that seem to result directly from the expression of the mutant huntingtin gene. Neurobiology of Huntington’s Disease: Applications to Drug Discovery presents a thorough review of the issues surrounding drug discovery and development for the treatment of this paradigmatic neurodegenerative disease. Drawing on the expertise of key researchers in the field, the book discusses the basic neurobiology of Huntington’s disease and how its monogenic nature confers enormous practical advantages for translational research, including the creation of robust experimental tools, models, and assays to facilitate discovery and validation of molecular targets and drug candidates for HD. Written to support future basic research as well as drug development efforts, this volume: Covers the latest research approaches in genetics, genomics, and proteomics, including high-throughput and high-content screening Highlights advances in the discovery and development of new drug therapies for neurodegenerative disorders Examines the practical realities of preclinical testing, clinical testing strategies, and, ultimately, clinical usage While the development of effective drug treatments for Huntington's disease continues to be tremendously challenging, a highly interactive and cooperative community of researchers and clinical investigators now brings us to the threshold of potential breakthroughs in the quest for therapeutic agents. The impressive array of drug discovery resources outlined in the text holds much promise for treating this devastating disease, providing hope to long-suffering Huntington’s disease patients and their families.

Advances in neuroscience research are rapidly redefining what it means to be human. The absence of the brain/mind dichotomy has, in turn, removed the separation between our brain biology and our sociocultural experiences, raising questions for social sciences to address. How responsible are we, as individuals, for our actions? Do we have free will? Is it ethical for us to peer into others’ brains? How are our collective social cultural norms influenced by our brain function? At the same time, neuroscientists need to develop better intuition about the ethical, legal, and social implications of their research. Close collaboration between neuroscience and social sciences is the best way forward.This book acts as an introduction to these and other issues that lie at the interface of neuroscience and social sciences, using the physiological underpinnings of our decision-making processes as a framework. Examples of topics addressed here are:Neuroscience and economicsNeuroscience and lawNeuroscience and ethicsNeuroscience and mental healthNeuroscience of religion and humourThe book is intended for students of neuroscience and social sciences, as well as readers generally interested in the human condition. It is hoped that the book will stimulate cross-disciplinary thinking and inspire a new generation of thinkers who are willing to look at both social sciences and neuroscience research with a different lens. Such bridge builders will be the pioneers of the next level of interrogation at this emerging interface.

Advances in neuroscience research are rapidly redefining what it means to be human. The absence of the brain/mind dichotomy has, in turn, removed the separation between our brain biology and our sociocultural experiences, raising questions for social sciences to address. How responsible are we, as individuals, for our actions? Do we have free will? Is it ethical for us to peer into others’ brains? How are our collective social cultural norms influenced by our brain function? At the same time, neuroscientists need to develop better intuition about the ethical, legal, and social implications of their research. Close collaboration between neuroscience and social sciences is the best way forward.This book acts as an introduction to these and other issues that lie at the interface of neuroscience and social sciences, using the physiological underpinnings of our decision-making processes as a framework. Examples of topics addressed here are:Neuroscience and economicsNeuroscience and lawNeuroscience and ethicsNeuroscience and mental healthNeuroscience of religion and humourThe book is intended for students of neuroscience and social sciences, as well as readers generally interested in the human condition. It is hoped that the book will stimulate cross-disciplinary thinking and inspire a new generation of thinkers who are willing to look at both social sciences and neuroscience research with a different lens. Such bridge builders will be the pioneers of the next level of interrogation at this emerging interface.

This is a second edition of a book that provides an overview of the most current findings on the diverse roles played by astrocytes in the function and dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), with emphasis on their cellular connections. Astrocytes are highly elaborated cells and likely the only neural cells that simultaneously establish associations with different cellular types. The fine processes of astrocytes are found in practically all nearby cellular types in the CNS, including astrocytes themselves, neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and brain endothelial cells. Such close morphological associations, together with the fact that astrocytes express a multitude of ion channels, transporters, and membrane receptors, endow these cells with the unique capability to sense and influence diverse CNS functions. Disruption of these elaborated connections and altered astrocyte polarization are implicated in numerous pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, stroke, leukodystrophies, Alzheimer’s, and autism, and also certain psychiatric disorders, major depression, and schizophrenia.

Intraspecific communication involves the activation of chemoreceptors and subsequent activation of different central areas that coordinate the responses of the entire organism—ranging from behavioral modification to modulation of hormones release. Animals emit intraspecific chemical signals, often referred to as pheromones, to advertise their presence to members of the same species and to regulate interactions aimed at establishing and regulating social and reproductive bonds. In the last two decades, scientists have developed a greater understanding of the neural processing of these chemical signals. Neurobiology of Chemical Communication explores the role of the chemical senses in mediating intraspecific communication. Providing an up-to-date outline of the most recent advances in the field, it presents data from laboratory and wild species, ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates, from insects to humans.The book examines the structure, anatomy, electrophysiology, and molecular biology of pheromones. It discusses how chemical signals work on different mammalian and non-mammalian species and includes chapters on insects, Drosophila, honey bees, amphibians, mice, tigers, and cattle. It also explores the controversial topic of human pheromones.An essential reference for students and researchers in the field of pheromones, this is also an ideal resource for those working on behavioral phenotyping of animal models and persons interested in the biology/ecology of wild and domestic species.

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain.Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer.Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as:Neuropathic itchPeripheral neuronal mechanism of itchThe role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itchMrgprs as itch receptorsThe role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communicationSpinal coding of itch and painSpinal microcircuits and the regulation of itchExamining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.

Statistical Techniques for Neuroscientists introduces new and useful methods for data analysis involving simultaneous recording of neuron or large cluster (brain region) neuron activity. The statistical estimation and tests of hypotheses are based on the likelihood principle derived from stationary point processes and time series. Algorithms and software development are given in each chapter to reproduce the computer simulated results described therein.The book examines current statistical methods for solving emerging problems in neuroscience. These methods have been applied to data involving multichannel neural spike train, spike sorting, blind source separation, functional and effective neural connectivity, spatiotemporal modeling, and multimodal neuroimaging techniques. The author provides an overview of various methods being applied to specific research areas of neuroscience, emphasizing statistical principles and their software. The book includes examples and experimental data so that readers can understand the principles and master the methods.The first part of the book deals with the traditional multivariate time series analysis applied to the context of multichannel spike trains and fMRI using respectively the probability structures or likelihood associated with time-to-fire and discrete Fourier transforms (DFT) of point processes. The second part introduces a relatively new form of statistical spatiotemporal modeling for fMRI and EEG data analysis. In addition to neural scientists and statisticians, anyone wishing to employ intense computing methods to extract important features and information directly from data rather than relying heavily on models built on leading cases such as linear regression or Gaussian processes will find this book extremely helpful.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant source of death and permanent disability, contributing to nearly one-third of all injury related deaths in the United States and exacting a profound personal and economic toll. Despite the increased resources that have recently been brought to bear to improve our understanding of TBI, the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches has been disappointingly slow. Translational Research in Traumatic Brain Injury attempts to integrate expertise from across specialties to address knowledge gaps in the field of TBI. Its chapters cover a wide scope of TBI research in five broad areas:EpidemiologyPathophysiologyDiagnosisCurrent treatment strategies and sequelaeFuture therapiesSpecific topics discussed include the societal impact of TBI in both the civilian and military populations, neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of axonal and neuronal injury, biomarkers of traumatic brain injury and their relationship to pathology, neuroplasticity after TBI, neuroprotective and neurorestorative therapy, advanced neuroimaging of mild TBI, neurocognitive and psychiatric symptoms following mild TBI, sports-related TBI, epilepsy and PTSD following TBI, and more. The book integrates the perspectives of experts across disciplines to assist in the translation of new ideas to clinical practice and ultimately to improve the care of the brain injured patient.

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direc

One of the Most Rapidly Advancing Fields in Modern Neuroscience The success of molecular biology and the new tools derived from molecular genetics have revolutionized pain research and its translation to therapeutic effectiveness. Bringing together recent advances in modern neuroscience regarding genetic studies in mice and humans and the practicality of clinical trials, Translational Pain Research: From Mouse to Man effectively bridges the gap between basic research and patient care by humanely examining rodent models for pain associated with bone cancer, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and cardiac episodes.Distinguished Team of International ContributorsIn addition to addressing the groundbreaking technical advances in tract tracing, endocannabinoids, cannabis, gene therapy, siRNA gene studies, and the role of glia, cytokines, P2X receptors and ATP, this book also presents cutting-edge information on: Nociceptor sensitizationMuscle nociceptors and metabolite detectionVisceral afferents in diseaseInnovative rodent model for bone cancer pain Highly specific receptor cloningModular molecular mechanisms relevant to painful neuropathiesThis sharply focused work also discusses unexpected discoveries derived from brain-imaging studies related to thalamic pain. Translational Pain Research covers the progress made toward bringing laboratory science (much of it at the molecular level) to our understanding of pain phenomena in humans, with the ultimate goal of reducing the suffering that often accompanies pain and its indirect consequences.

Understanding the phenomenon of long-lasting vulnerability to addiction is essential to developing successful treatments. Written by an international team of authorities in their respective fields, Advances in the Neuroscience of Addiction provides an excellent overview of the available and emerging approaches used to investigate the biologic mechanisms of drug addiction. It also delineates the promising research discoveries being made in relapse prevention.The book begins with current animal models of addiction, which mimic the state of humans entering treatment: recently-abstinent animals that receive common triggers for relapse (classical conditioning, stress, and neuroadaptive dysregulation). Coverage then shifts to the use of electrophysiologic approaches, which enable researchers to characterize the discharge patterns of single neurons during drug self-administration. After exploring advances in voltammetry and enzyme-linked biosensors for measuring glutamate, the book discusses the theoretical background and results of neuroimaging studies related to neuronal networks that are activated by drug-specific cues. It then describes modern genetic approaches to manipulate target proteins that influence addictive behavior.The book rounds out its coverage by illustrating how a neuroeconomic approach can inform studies of reward processing in general and addiction in particular. It is a comprehensive introduction to the methodologies of the field for students and beginning researchers and an essential reference source for established investigators.

In 1993, the genetic mutation responsible for Huntington’s disease (HD) was identified. Considered a milestone in human genomics, this discovery has led to nearly two decades of remarkable progress that has greatly increased our knowledge of HD, and documented an unexpectedly large and diverse range of biochemical and genetic perturbations that seem to result directly from the expression of the mutant huntingtin gene. Neurobiology of Huntington’s Disease: Applications to Drug Discovery presents a thorough review of the issues surrounding drug discovery and development for the treatment of this paradigmatic neurodegenerative disease. Drawing on the expertise of key researchers in the field, the book discusses the basic neurobiology of Huntington’s disease and how its monogenic nature confers enormous practical advantages for translational research, including the creation of robust experimental tools, models, and assays to facilitate discovery and validation of molecular targets and drug candidates for HD. Written to support future basic research as well as drug development efforts, this volume: Covers the latest research approaches in genetics, genomics, and proteomics, including high-throughput and high-content screening Highlights advances in the discovery and development of new drug therapies for neurodegenerative disorders Examines the practical realities of preclinical testing, clinical testing strategies, and, ultimately, clinical usage While the development of effective drug treatments for Huntington's disease continues to be tremendously challenging, a highly interactive and cooperative community of researchers and clinical investigators now brings us to the threshold of potential breakthroughs in the quest for therapeutic agents. The impressive array of drug discovery resources outlined in the text holds much promise for treating this devastating disease, providing hope to long-suffering Huntington’s disease patients and their families.

Astrocytes play diverse roles in central nervous system (CNS) function and dysfunction, and the connections that the astrocyte makes with other cells of the brain are essential for a variety of important neural tasks. Bringing together contributions from international experts at the top of their field, Astrocytes: Wiring the Brain emphasizes cellular connections and surveys the most current findings on astrocyte activity.The first section of the book identifies major astrocyte biomarkers and describes how they define the different connectivity domains. Next, the book examines the role of these connections. It explains how their function can be manipulated under physiological conditions and how dysfunction of the connectivity leads to aberrant brain performance. The final section explores the alterations of glia that have been observed in specific diseases of the brain. These include epilepsy, autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and major depression. The book identifies key mechanisms responsible for these alterations.An important and emerging field, astrocytes and their functions are critical to neuroscientists and neurologists, both in academia and in industry, particularly in the search for and development of new drugs to combat a variety of diseases affecting the CNS. As research continues to grow in this area, this volume will spur heightened advances and understanding into the effects of these neural cells on a range of pathologies.

Behavioral techniques used in animals to model human diseases and predict effects of novel drugs are as varied as the numbers of scientists who use them. Consequently, behavioral analysis is becoming an increasingly indispensable tool for the neuroscientist as information gained at the molecular and cellular level is put into practice in fully behaving animal subjects. Uses Animal Behavior Models to Examine Effects of Therapeutic Treatments on Human Cognition With contributions from more than 40 field specialists, Methods of Behavioral Analysis in Neuroscience reflects six years worth of updates to its first bestselling edition and elucidates new behavioral approaches that are quickly becoming field standards. This edition features new material on the relevance of transgenic mouse models for Alzheimer’s disease, behavioral methods for assessing the cognitive impairment associated with major psychotic disorders, the revival of the scopolamine reversal model for assessing the clinical relevance of AD drugs, and approaches to assessing cognitive impairment in aged mice. Each chapter presents theoretical background, methodology, and data interpretation, and many chapters include real-world examples of experiments that incorporate the models. With step-by-step, easy-to-reproduce methodologies, this sharply focused work covers well-studied behavioral approaches that provide a better understanding of the effects of disease and allow for better predictability of the effects of therapeutic treatments on the human cognition. It takes the guesswork out of designing the methodology for many of the most widely used animal behavioral approaches developed for the study of brain disorders, drug abuse, toxicology, and cognitive drug development.