Neuronal and Brain Maturation

Neural plasticity can be seen as an extension of 'immaturity,' with many forms representing retained 'embryonic' aptitudes. Brain 'immaturity' generally decreases with age, but plasticity varies across brain regions and species. This special edition focuses on brain structural plasticity and 'protracted immaturity,' which allows the nervous system to grow postnatally and adapt neural circuits based on individual experiences. The discovery of adult neurogenesis has highlighted how neurons can maintain immaturity and plasticity, with multifaceted aspects embracing a wide range of 'types and scales,' affecting both individual cells and entire brain regions.

• 1
  The maturation of specific cell types and neuronal populations is highlighted, including principal neurons of the primary motor cortex layer V, 'immature' neurons in the piriform cortex, and GABA-expressing inhibitory neurons of the cerebral cortex.
• 2
  The functional modulation of neural precursors and their maturation has been addressed, including the neurogenic response of meningeal niche neural precursors after exposure to an enriched environment.
• 3
  Molecular mechanisms underlying plasticity and maturation are explored, with a focus on guidance cues from Semaphorin and Plexin protein families and the roles of Perineuronal nets in refining neuronal circuits.