Electrical activity in developing brain influences choice of neurotransmitter
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 12:43
in Biology & Nature
Cascades of genetic signals determine which neurotransmitter a brain cell will ultimately use to communicate with other cells. Now a pair of reports have shown for the first time that electrical activity in these developing neurons can alter their chemical fate -- and change an animal's behavior -- by tweaking this genetic program.