Synaptic Plasticity : Roles, Research and Insights

Synapse formation is the one of the unique features of brain cells (neurons), and synaptic plasticity remains the most pivotal function of the brain in response to synaptic activity by either intrinsic or extrinsic factor. Synaptic plasticity allows the brain to modulate wiring by regulating growth factors or neurotransmitters in response to any internal or external activity. Thus, alteration in synaptic plasticity in many brain regions allows the brain to modify several higher cognitive functions including learning and memory. In recent years, it has been observed that in many brain disorders there is a disruption in the genes as well as pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms which contribute to synaptic plasticity. This book will give an overview of the fundamentals of synaptic plasticity in terms of its function in regulating growth factors, neurotransmitters and various associated receptors. It also summarizes the functional implication of disruption in synaptic plasticity in various disease conditions including neurodevelopmental diseases, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, etc. It also highlights new advancements in terms of tools and techniques to understand synaptic plasticity. The advancement in techniques of microscopy, optogenetic and several electrophysiological techniques will help us in understanding synaptic plasticity in several brain regions, which will better explain the function of synaptic plasticity in different conditions including brain disorders.