Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates

As nervous systems mature, neural circuit connections are reorganized to optimize the performance of specific functions in adults. This reorganization of connections is achieved through a remarkably conserved phase of developmental circuit remodeling that engages neuron-intrinsic and neuron-extrinsi...

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Main Authors: Samuel Liu, Kellianne D. Alexander, Michael M. Francis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Journal of Developmental Biology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2221-3759/12/4/27
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author Samuel Liu
Kellianne D. Alexander
Michael M. Francis
author_facet Samuel Liu
Kellianne D. Alexander
Michael M. Francis
author_sort Samuel Liu
collection DOAJ
description As nervous systems mature, neural circuit connections are reorganized to optimize the performance of specific functions in adults. This reorganization of connections is achieved through a remarkably conserved phase of developmental circuit remodeling that engages neuron-intrinsic and neuron-extrinsic molecular mechanisms to establish mature circuitry. Abnormalities in circuit remodeling and maturation are broadly linked with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Here, we aim to provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the molecular processes that govern neural circuit remodeling and maturation. In particular, we focus on intriguing mechanistic insights gained from invertebrate systems, such as the nematode <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> and the fruit fly <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>. We discuss how transcriptional control mechanisms, synaptic activity, and glial engulfment shape specific aspects of circuit remodeling in worms and flies. Finally, we highlight mechanistic parallels across invertebrate and mammalian systems, and prospects for further advances in each.
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spelling doaj-art-17cc9532ad4440cead80bb05ecb8fc3d2024-12-27T14:31:57ZengMDPI AGJournal of Developmental Biology2221-37592024-10-011242710.3390/jdb12040027Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from InvertebratesSamuel Liu0Kellianne D. Alexander1Michael M. Francis2Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USADepartment of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USADepartment of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USAAs nervous systems mature, neural circuit connections are reorganized to optimize the performance of specific functions in adults. This reorganization of connections is achieved through a remarkably conserved phase of developmental circuit remodeling that engages neuron-intrinsic and neuron-extrinsic molecular mechanisms to establish mature circuitry. Abnormalities in circuit remodeling and maturation are broadly linked with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Here, we aim to provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the molecular processes that govern neural circuit remodeling and maturation. In particular, we focus on intriguing mechanistic insights gained from invertebrate systems, such as the nematode <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> and the fruit fly <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>. We discuss how transcriptional control mechanisms, synaptic activity, and glial engulfment shape specific aspects of circuit remodeling in worms and flies. Finally, we highlight mechanistic parallels across invertebrate and mammalian systems, and prospects for further advances in each.https://www.mdpi.com/2221-3759/12/4/27<i>C. elegans</i><i>Drosophila</i>neural circuitsremodelingsynapse eliminationtranscriptional regulation
spellingShingle Samuel Liu
Kellianne D. Alexander
Michael M. Francis
Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates
Journal of Developmental Biology
<i>C. elegans</i>
<i>Drosophila</i>
neural circuits
remodeling
synapse elimination
transcriptional regulation
title Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates
title_full Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates
title_fullStr Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates
title_full_unstemmed Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates
title_short Neural Circuit Remodeling: Mechanistic Insights from Invertebrates
title_sort neural circuit remodeling mechanistic insights from invertebrates
topic <i>C. elegans</i>
<i>Drosophila</i>
neural circuits
remodeling
synapse elimination
transcriptional regulation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2221-3759/12/4/27
work_keys_str_mv AT samuelliu neuralcircuitremodelingmechanisticinsightsfrominvertebrates
AT kelliannedalexander neuralcircuitremodelingmechanisticinsightsfrominvertebrates
AT michaelmfrancis neuralcircuitremodelingmechanisticinsightsfrominvertebrates