This book demonstrates the power of mathematical thinking in understanding the biological complexity that exists within the brain. It looks at the latest research on modelling of biochemical pathways within synapses, and provides a clear background for the study of mathematical models related to systems biology. Discussion then focusses on developments in computational models based on networks linked to synaptic plasticity. The models are used to understand memory formation and impairment and they provide a mathematical basis for memory research.Computational Systems Biology of Synaptic Plasticity is a valuable source of knowledge to postgraduate students and researchers in computational systems biology, and as a reference book for various techniques that are needed in modelling biological processes.
This book demonstrates the power of mathematical thinking in understanding the biological complexity that exists within the brain. It looks at the latest research on modelling of biochemical pathways within synapses, and provides a clear background for the study of mathematical models related to systems biology. Discussion then focusses on developments in computational models based on networks linked to synaptic plasticity. The models are used to understand memory formation and impairment and they provide a mathematical basis for memory research. Computational Systems Biology of Synaptic Plasticity is a valuable source of knowledge to postgraduate students and researchers in computational systems biology, and as a reference book for various techniques that are needed in modelling biological processes.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and, unfortunately, remains incurable. The social, emotional and financial implications of AD are immeasurable, and about 47 million people worldwide are affected by AD or other forms of dementia. As lifespans are improved by healthcare systems worldwide, age-associated neurodegenerative diseases are imposing an increasing challenge to science. It is becoming imperative for us to understand the causes of these diseases, AD in particular, at molecular and cellular levels. Starting with the broader picture from a biological perspective, this book takes the reader through fascinating dynamics within and outside of neurons in the brain.Alzheimer's Disease: Biology, Biophysics and Computational Models helps the reader to understand AD from mechanistic and biochemical perspectives at intra- and inter-cellular levels. It focuses on biochemical pathways and modeling associated with AD. Some of the recent research on biophysics and computational models related to AD are explained using context-driven computational and mathematical modeling and essential biology is discussed to understand the modeling research.
This is a handbook of methods and protocols for biologists. It aimed at undergraduate, graduate students and researchers originally trained in biological or medical sciences who need to know how to access the data archives of genomes, proteins, metabolites, gene expression profiles and the questions these data and tools can answer. For each chapter, the conceptual and experimental background is provided, together with specific guidelines for handling raw data, including preprocessing and analysis.The content is structured into three parts. Part one introduces basic knowledge about popular bioinformatics tools, databases and web resources. Part two presents examples of omics bioinformatics applications. Part three provides basic statistical analysis skills and programming skills needed to handle and analyze omics datasets.
This fully revised second edition provides the only unified synthesis of available information concerning the mechanisms of higher-order memory formation. It spans the range from learning theory, to human and animal behavioral learning models, to cellular physiology and biochemistry. It is unique in its incorporation of chapters on memory disorders, tying in these clinically important syndromes with the basic science of synaptic plasticity and memory mechanisms. It also covers cutting-edge approaches such as the use of genetically engineered animals in studies of memory and memory diseases. Written in an engaging and easily readable style and extensively illustrated with many new, full-color figures to help explain key concepts, this book demystifies the complexities of memory and deepens the reader's understanding. - More than 25% new content, particularly expanding the scope to include new findings in translational research. - Unique in its depth of coverage of molecular and cellular mechanisms - Extensive cross-referencing to Comprehensive Learning and Memory - Discusses clinically relevant memory disorders in the context of modern molecular research and includes numerous practical examples
The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."
Until about a decade ago, the non-coding part of the genome was considered without function. RNA sequencing studies have shown, however, that a considerable part of the non-coding genome is transcribed and that these non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs) can regulate gene expression. Almost on weekly basis, new findings reveal the regulatory role of nc-RNAs exert in many biological processes. Overall, these studies are making increasingly clear that, both in model organisms and in humans, complexity is not a function of the number of protein-coding genes, but results from the possibility of using combinations of genetic programs and controlling their spatial and temporal regulation during development, senescence and in disease by regulatory RNAs. This has generated a novel picture of gene regulatory networks where regulatory nc-RNAs represent novel layers of regulation. Particularly well-characterized is the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), small nc-RNAs, that bind to mRNAs and regulate gene expression after transcritpion. This message is particularly clear in the nervous system, where miRNAs have been involved in regulating cellular pathways controlling fundamental functions during development, synaptic plasticity and in neurodegenerative disease. It has also been shown that neuronal miRNAs are tightly regulated by electrical activity at the level of transcription, biogenesis, stability and specifically targeted to dendrites and synapses. Deregulation of expression of miRNAs is proposed not only as potential disease biomarker, but it has been implicated directly in the pathogenesis of complex neurodegenerative disease. This so-called RNA revolution also lead to the exploitation of RNA interference and the development of related tools as potential treatment of a vast array of CNS disease that could benefit from regulation of disease-associated genes. In spite of these advancements, the relatively young age of this field together with the inherent high molecular complexity of RNA regulation of biological processes have somewhat hindered its communication to the whole of the neuroscience community. This Research Topic aims at improving this aspect by putting around the same virtual table scientists covering aspects ranging from basic molecular mechanisms of regulatory RNAs in the nervous system to the analysis of the role of specific regulatory RNAs in neurobiological processes of development, plasticity and aging. Furthermore, we included papers analyzing the role of regulatory RNAs in disease models from neuromuscular to higher cognitive functions, and more technically oriented papers dealing with new methodologies to study regulatory RNA biology and its translational potential.
This book focuses on associative memory cells and their working principles, which can be applied to associative memories and memory-relevant cognitions. Providing comprehensive diagrams, it presents the author's personal perspectives on pathology and therapeutic strategies for memory deficits in patients suffering from neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. Associative learning is a common approach to acquire multiple associated signals, including knowledge, experiences and skills from natural environments or social interaction. The identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying associative memory is important in furthering our understanding of the principles of memory formation and memory-relevant behaviors as well as in developing therapeutic strategies that enhance memory capacity in healthy individuals and improve memory deficit in patients suffering from neurological disease and psychiatric disorders. Although a series of hypotheses about neural substrates for associative memory has been proposed, numerous questions still need to be addressed, especially the basic units and their working principle in engrams and circuits specific for various memory patterns. This book summarizes the developments concerning associative memory cells reported in current and past literature, providing a valuable overview of the field for neuroscientists, psychologists and students.
