Promotes Cognitive Function through Regulation of Cortical Sensorimotor Dynamics.

Perception, a cognitive construct, emerges through sensorimotor integration (SMI). The genetic mechanisms that shape SMI required for perception are unknown. Here, we demonstrate in mice that expression of the autism/intellectual disability gene, , in cortical excitatory neurons is required for formation of somatomotor networks that promote SMI-mediated perception.

Neuron-Specific FMRP Roles in Experience-Dependent Remodeling of Olfactory Brain Innervation during an Early-Life Critical Period.

Critical periods are developmental windows during which neural circuits effectively adapt to the new sensory environment. Animal models of fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common monogenic autism spectrum disorder (ASD), exhibit profound impairments of sensory experience-driven critical periods. However, it is not known whether the causative fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) acts uniformly across neurons, or instead manifests neuron-specific functions.

Activity-Dependent Remodeling of Olfactory Sensory Neuron Brain Innervation during an Early-Life Critical Period.

Critical periods are windows of development when the environment has a pronounced effect on brain circuitry. Models of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia, are linked to disruption of critical period remodeling. Critical periods open with the onset of sensory experience; however, it remains unclear exactly how sensory input modifies brain circuits.

Neural Circuits: Reduced Inhibition in Fragile X Syndrome.

The Drosophila Fragile X Syndrome model has long generated insights into this devastating neurological disease state. A recent study of olfactory neural circuitry shows that decreased lateral inhibition onto projection neurons relaying sensory input into higher brain centers causes impaired behavior.

Developmental experience-dependent plasticity in the first synapse of the Drosophila olfactory circuit.

Evidence accumulating over the past 15 years soundly refutes the dogma that the Drosophila nervous system is hardwired. The preponderance of studies reveals activity-dependent neural circuit refinement driving optimization of behavioral outputs. We describe developmental, sensory input-dependent plasticity in the brain olfactory antennal lobe, which we term long-term central adaption (LTCA).