Mashtishk Vigyan Anusandhan

A connectome is a comprehensive map of neural connections in the brain, representing the intricate network of structural and functional pathways that facilitate communication between different brain regions.   1. Definition:    - A connectome is a detailed representation of the wiring diagram of the brain, illustrating the complex network of axonal projections, synaptic connections, and communication pathways between neurons and brain regions.    - The connectome encompasses both the structural connectivity, which refers to the physical links between neurons and brain areas, and the functional connectivity, which reflects the patterns of neural activity and information flow within the brain.   2. Structural Connectome:    - The structural connectome provides a map of the anatomical connections in the brain, showing how neurons are physically linked through axonal projections, white matter pathways, and synaptic contacts.    - Techniques ...

Connectomics is a field of neuroscience that focuses on the comprehensive mapping and study of neural connections in the brain at various scales, ranging from the microscale of individual neurons and synapses to the macroscale of functional and structural connectivity between different brain regions.  1. Definition:    - Connectomics is the production and analysis of connectomes, which are detailed maps of neural connections within the nervous system of an organism, including the brain.    - Connectomics aims to understand the structural and functional wiring of the brain, elucidating how neural circuits are organized, how information flows between brain regions, and how connectivity patterns relate to brain function and behavior.   2. Scale:    - Connectomics can be studied at multiple scales, encompassing the microscale of individual neurons and synapses, the mesoscale of neural circuits and brain regions, and the macroscale of large-scale brain...

A brain network refers to the interconnected system of neural pathways and regions in the brain that work together to support various cognitive functions and behaviors.  1. Definition:    - A brain network is a complex web of interconnected brain regions that communicate and collaborate to perform specific functions, such as sensory processing, motor control, memory, emotion regulation, and higher-order cognitive processes.    - These networks consist of both structural connections (anatomical pathways) and functional connections (patterns of neural activity) that enable information processing and integration across different regions of the brain.   2. Functional Brain Networks:    - Functional brain networks are identified using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to map patterns of synchronized neural activity across different brain regions.    - Resting-state networks (RSNs) ar...

Brain network modulation refers to the process of influencing or altering the connectivity and activity patterns within the brain's functional networks.  1. Definition:    - Brain network modulation involves interventions or treatments that target specific brain regions or networks to induce changes in their functional connectivity, activity levels, or communication patterns.    - The goal of brain network modulation is to restore or optimize the balance and coordination of neural activity within and between different brain regions, ultimately leading to improved cognitive or behavioral outcomes.   2. Therapeutic Interventions:    - Various therapeutic interventions, such as pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, neuromodulation techniques (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation), and lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise, mindfulness practices), can modulate brain networks in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders like de...

Multilayer Biophysical Network Models are advanced computational frameworks that integrate functional and structural connectivity patterns of the brain across multiple layers or levels.    1. Integration of Functional and Structural Connectivity:    - These models combine information from functional imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and structural imaging techniques like diffusion MRI (dMRI) to create a comprehensive understanding of brain network organization.    - By incorporating both functional and structural connectivity data, multilayer models can capture the dynamic interactions and relationships between different brain regions and networks.   2. Study of Network Configurations:    - Multilayer biophysical network models allow researchers to study the interactions between different network configurations within the brain.    - These models can provide insights into how changes in network con...

The Rho-linked mental retardation protein Oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1) plays a crucial role in controlling synapse formation and plasticity. Here is an overview of the involvement of OPHN1 in regulating synaptic function: 1.       Role in Synapse Formation : o     Regulation of Dendritic Spine Morphology : OPHN1 is involved in the regulation of dendritic spine morphology, particularly the formation and maintenance of dendritic spines, which are essential for synaptic connectivity and communication between neurons. o     Actin Dynamics : OPHN1 interacts with Rho GTPases and actin cytoskeleton regulatory proteins to modulate actin dynamics in dendritic spines. By regulating actin polymerization and organization, OPHN1 influences spine structure and synaptic contacts. 2.      Control of Synaptic Plasticity : o     Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) : OPHN1 has been implicated in the modulation of long-term potent...

Cell cycle proteins, traditionally associated with regulating cell division and proliferation, have been increasingly recognized for their novel functions in post-mitotic neurons. Here are some key insights into the emerging roles of cell cycle proteins in non-dividing neurons: 1.       Regulation of Neuronal Plasticity : o     Cyclins and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) : Cyclins and CDKs, known for their roles in cell cycle progression, have been implicated in regulating neuronal plasticity and synaptic function in post-mitotic neurons. These proteins can modulate synaptic strength, dendritic spine morphology, and neurotransmitter release, influencing neuronal connectivity and information processing [T42]. o     Cell Cycle Checkpoint Proteins : Proteins involved in cell cycle checkpoints, such as p53 and retinoblastoma protein (Rb), have been shown to participate in neuronal plasticity processes, including dendritic arborizat...

The Rho-linked mental retardation protein Oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1) plays a crucial role in controlling synapse formation and plasticity. Here is an overview of the involvement of OPHN1 in regulating synaptic function: 1.       Role in Synapse Formation : o     Regulation of Dendritic Spine Morphology : OPHN1 is involved in the regulation of dendritic spine morphology, particularly the formation and maintenance of dendritic spines, which are essential for synaptic connectivity and communication between neurons [T34]. o     Actin Dynamics : OPHN1 interacts with Rho GTPases and actin cytoskeleton regulatory proteins to modulate actin dynamics in dendritic spines. By regulating actin polymerization and organization, OPHN1 influences spine structure and synaptic contacts [T35]. 2.      Control of Synaptic Plasticity : o     Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) : OPHN1 has been implicated in the modulati...