Mechanisms of developmental plasticity

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The fundamental goal of this research is to understand how using our brain early in life helps it to operate better throughout the lifespan.  We, and others have found that pathways that are exercised heavily during early development become stronger, while conversely brain pathways that for one reason or another are not used extensively during early development tend to weaken and atrophy.  If corrective strategies are not applied early in life during which brain plasticity is possible, then it is extremely difficult to reverse early deficits.  The goal of this proposal is to understand what goes on in the brain during the critical period, to try to increase our knowledge of this issue.  We hope to understand the biochemistry of the process, the patterns of gene expression that are associated with strengthening of connections, and pathways within the brain, and ultimately to be able to improve on the naturally occurring learning process.