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Modification of Neural Circuits
with Experience
Experience gained…
• In utero
• Development
• Adulthood
– By experience, we mean changes in the
chemical and external environments
– Really hot research area (epigenetics)
Changes to Neuron Diversity in Utero
• Cellular Interaction Model
– Neuron diversity reliant on the extent and type
of intracellular signaling
– These signaling cascades are sensitive to
changes in pH, calcium levels, and other
molecular factors that could be modified by
environmental stressors
– This, in turn, can influence where these
neurons migrate to in the cortex , for example
Imprinting After Birth
Even in humans
During adolescence
The Importance of Time During Development
The Importance of Length During the Critical
Period
Whole System Changes During the
Critical Period
Complementary Changes in Neuronal
Architecture
Hebbian Theory
• Neurons that wire together, fire together
Somatosensory Cortex of An Amputee
Genetic Changes Due to Environmental
Stressors (Epigenetics)
• affects DNA transcription and translation
which can have a HUGE impact on neuron
function
• How? adding of DNA methyl groups,
preventing or enabling unwinding of DNA
around chromatin, to name a few
• Hugely popular in psychiatric research
Optional Reading
• From my blog “Dormivigilia”
– www.dormivigilia.com
• Basic review of epigenetic factors and the
effects of early-life stress on subsequent
development and social relationships