MECHANISMS OF AUDITORY ADAPTIVE PLASTICITY

我将使用一个模型系统来研究细胞机制 神经映射依赖于经验的可塑性是基础。在光学系统中 谷仓顶盖、听觉空间图和视觉空间图 相互协调和集成，以提供统一的 太空。如果视觉地图通过将棱镜安装在 年幼的猫头鹰，听觉映射会做出反应，恢复 对齐。这种形式的适应性可塑性可能涉及轴突 新电路的产生和形成；然而，人们对此知之甚少 关于潜在的分子机制。这其中的第一个目标是 建议将生理、解剖学和分子生物学特征 在可塑性诱导过程中发生的变化。神经营养因子 (NTS)是导致轴突生长和突触的细胞外信号 稳定性，此外，NT的产生受神经元的调节 活动。因此，NTS可能是触发适应性反应的分子链。 可塑性。为了测试这一点，我将在体内操纵 发育中猫头鹰的神经营养因子及其同源受体。这就做 评估这些操作对重新对齐 听觉和视觉空间图，由电生理和 解剖学方法。如果成功，这些实验将提供 对年轻大脑独特能力的重要机械论见解 学习、存储和处理信息。

I will use a model system to investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie experience-dependent plasticity of neural maps. In the optic tectum of the barn, the auditory space map and visual space map are mutually aligned and integrated, to provide a unified representation of space. If the visual map is displaced by mounting prismatic glasses on young owls, the auditory map shifts in response, restoring the alignment. This form of adaptive plasticity likely involves axonal outgrowth and formation of new circuitry; however, very little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. The first goal of this proposal is to characterize the physiological, anatomical and molecular changes that occur during the induction of plasticity. Neurotrophins (NTs) are extracelluar signals that cause axonal outgrowth and synapse stabilization, and in addition NT production is regulated by neuronal activity. Thus, NTs could be the molecular links that trigger adaptive plasticity. To test this, I will manipulate in vivo the activity of neurotrophins and their cognate receptors in developing owls. I will assess the effects of these manipulations on the re-alignment of the auditory and visual space maps by both electrophysiological and anatomical methods. If successful, these experiments will provide important mechanistic insights into the unique capacity of young brains to learn, store and process information.