Description
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
1. Overview and Basics of the Retinotectal Projection2. Early Work Supports, but Also Contradicts, Rigid Chemoaffinity3. The search for chemoaffinity molecules - verification of molecular gradients4. Plasticity after surgical ablations shows the limits of chemoaffinity5. Natural Plasticity - Analysis of the effects of divergent retinal and tectal growth on the projection6. Specification and developmental genetics of Eph/ephrin gradients7. Growth of retinal axons along the visual pathway8. Genetic Analysis of the molecular gradients defining map formation9. Activity mechanisms shape central retinal projections10. Activity: Molecular signaling to growth mechanisms
