Topic: isocortex

Information about an animal's surroundings reaches the brain through multiple sensory modalities. Multimodal information is integrated at multiple stages, including subcortically, and in primary-sensory and higher-order cortical areas. A basic and functionally important feature of multisensory convergence is its topography. For example, in the superior colliculus, visual, auditory, and tactile information converge in register, producing a two-dimensional map that drives saccades. Many studies have demonstrated multimodal convergence elsewhere in the brain, but beyond the superior colliculus, t

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by inactivation of Fmr1 gene, is the most common cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1KO) mice display a disorganization of perineuronal nets (PNNs), specialized forms of extracellular matrix which form around neurons during postnatal development in many brain areas. These nets are preferentially established around Parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons (PVIs), and their presence reduces brain plasticity. PNN and PVI expression is altered in various neuropsychiatric disorders and in some cases their manipulation