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Published on: November 11, 2017
Harnessing plasticity to understand learning and treat disease
1The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Richardson, TX 75080, USA. kilgard@utdallas.edu
Trends in Neurosciences
|October 2, 2012
Summary
Neural plasticity, crucial for learning and disease, can be harnessed to reset brain circuits. A new model views map expansion as a Darwinian process for selecting useful neural circuits, offering therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Neural plasticity is fundamental to learning and neurological disorders.
- Cortical map plasticity is often a temporary phase enhancing task-specific learning.
- Existing models do not fully explain the adaptive mechanisms of plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel perspective on neural plasticity.
- To introduce a model where map expansion acts as a Darwinian selection mechanism.
- To explore the therapeutic targeting of neural plasticity for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual modeling of neural plasticity.
- Review of recent evidence on cortical map changes.
- Discussion of evolutionary principles applied to neural circuit selection.
Main Results:
- A new model is proposed where cortical map expansion facilitates 'replication with variation'.
- This process supports a Darwinian-like selection of behaviorally advantageous neural circuits.
- Targeted neural plasticity offers a potential strategy for treating brain disorders.
Conclusions:
- Neural plasticity, particularly map expansion, can be understood through a Darwinian framework.
- Precisely targeted plasticity presents a novel therapeutic avenue for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
- This perspective provides a powerful tool for investigating the neural basis of learning and memory.
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