Self-organizing Neural Maps: The Retinotectal Map and Mechanisms of Neural Development

From Retina to Tectum

John T. Schmidt

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN:
  9780128185797
• eBook ISBN:
  9780128185803
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Self-organizing Neural Maps: From Retina to Tectum describes the underlying processes that determine how retinal fibers self-organize into an orderly visual map. The formation of neural maps is a fundamental organizing concept in neurodevelopment that can shed light on developmental mechanisms and the functions of genes elsewhere. The book presents a summary of research in the retinotectal field with an ultimate goal of synthesizing how underlying mechanisms in neural development harmoniously come together to create life. A broad spectrum of neuroscientists and biomedical scientists with differing backgrounds and varied expertise will find this book useful. - Describes the mechanisms relating to the developmental wiring of the retinotectal system - Brings together the state-of-the-art research in axon guidance and neuronal activity mechanisms in map formation - Focuses on topographical maps and inclusion of multiple animal models, from fish to mammals - Explores the molecular guidance and activity dependent cue components involved in neurodevelopment

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1: Overview and basics of the retinotectal system
• Chapter 2: Early work supports chemoaffinity with one contradictory result
• Chapter 3: The search for chemoaffinity molecules in molecular gradients
• Chapter 4: Plasticity after surgical interventions: Size disparity experiments
• Chapter 5: Growth of the retina and tectum: Implications for the retinotectal map
• Chapter 6: Specification of the retina and tectum
• Chapter 7: Development of the visual pathways
• Chapter 8: Genetic analysis of molecular gradients defining map formation
• Chapter 9: Activity-driven synaptic stabilization
• Chapter 10: Activity: Molecular signaling to growth mechanisms
• Summary of mechanisms generating the retinotectal map
• Index