Introduction to Plasticity in the Visual System: From Genes to Circuits

Abstract

The goal of this 364-page book, entitled ''Plasticity of the Visual System: From Genes to Circuits'', is to assemble and integrate the various levels of analysis required to approach a more complete picture of plasticity in the visual system, and researchers with varying backgrounds present a coherent picture of visual system plasticity in which an array of genetic and molecular processes becomes linked with changes in neuronal connectivity, physiological changes, and ultimately learning behavior. This volume contains 16 individually-authored chapters. The first chapter provides an introduction. The remaining 15 chapters are divided among 3 major thematic parts. Part I focuses on retinal and thalamic plasticity and contains chapters 2-6, inclusive. Topics covered in these 5 chapters include: synaptic plasticity and structural remodeling of rod and cone cells; retinal remodeling; retinal plasticity and interactive cellular remodeling in retinal detachment and reattachment; experience-dependent rewiring of retinal circuitry, and the involvement of immediate early genes; and attention activation of cortico-reticulo-thalamic pathways revealed by Fos imaging. Cortical plasticity is the theme of part II of the book, which contains chapters 7-14, inclusive. Some specific chapter topics covered in this second part include: neuromodulatory transmitters in sensory processing and plasticity in the primary visual cortex; critical calcium-regulated biochemical and gene expression programs involved in experience-dependent plasticity; the molecular biology of sensory map plasticity in adult mammals; investigating higher order cognitive functions in the dorsal stream of visual processing; and dopamine-dependent associative learning of workload predicting cues in the temporal lobe of the monkey. Theoretical considerations are covered in the third and final part of the book, which contains chapters 15 and 16. Chapter 15 focuses on linking visual development and learning to information processing in terms of pre-attentive and attentive brain dynamics. Chapter 16 provides a conclusion and discusses a unified theoretical framework for plasticity in visual circuitry. The final chapter is followed by an index. The text is written in English. Each chapter is independently referenced. The book includes a list of the contributors and their respective institutions. This book will appeal to researchers in molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, perceptual psychology, neuroscience, computational modeling, and molecular genetics.