This study section reviews applications in basic neuronal cell biology including synaptic plasticity, protein and organelle trafficking, and cytoskeletal interactions. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell function, including those relevant to disease processes.

I. Synaptic Plasticity. Formation, regulation, maintenance, and dynamics of synaptic structure and function.

II. Trafficking. Molecular mechanisms of endocytosis, exocytosis and membrane recycling; protein assembly, folding and targeting; organelle and mRNA localization.

III. Cytoskeleton. Structure, function, modification, assembly and regulation of cytoskeletal proteins and molecular motors; axonal and dendritic transport; neuronal polarity, growth cones, and structural plasticity; cytoskeletal pathology.

Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Study Sections. These study sections review applications with a focus on a disease or disease process. Studies of disease processes may also be reviewed in CMN-1 if they are largely focused on basic cellular or molecular mechanisms.

CBY-1, CBY-2, and CTY (Cellular Biology and Physiology-1, Cellular Biology and Physiology-2 and Molecular Cytology). These study sections have overlapping responsibilities in general aspects of cell biology. Studies that address molecules and processes unique to the nervous system should be addressed in CMN-1

DN-2 (Developmental Neuroscience 2). Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are appropriate for DN-2. Fundamental mechanisms of neuroplasticity should be reviewed in CMN-1.

IFN-5 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 5). There is overlap in the area of synaptic function at the neuromuscular junction.

PHY (Physiology). Overlap exists between CMN-1 and PHY in the review of applications proposing research on channels.

Areas of technical competence of this committee include: molecular biology, cell biology, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, protein, polysaccharide, and lipid biochemistry, cellular and biophysical mechanisms of secretion and endocytosis, and structural biology.

This study section reviews applications involving cell-surface and extracellular matrix molecules in cell recognition and function; regulation of cell cycle and programmed cell death; aspects of oxidative metabolism; glial-neuronal interactions (Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia); mechanisms of glial differentiation, metabolism, and myelination; neuroimmune function. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms, including those relevant to disease processes.

I. Cell Surface and Extracellular Components. Controlling and regulating extracellular space, cell recognition, transmembrane components and function.

II. Regulation of Cell Cycle and Cell Death. Mechanisms of growth arrest and re-initiation of cell division and differentiation, cellular mechanism of apoptosis (extrinsic triggers, commitment, molecular cascades, associated membrane and nuclear alterations).

III. Oxidative Metabolism. Special metabolic and energy demands of neurons and glia; relevant aspects of mitochondrial function; localization and coordination of mitochondria within the cell.

IV. Glial Cell Biology, Neuroglial Interactions and Myelination. Growth factor molecules and receptors involved in neuroglial function; synthesis, regulation and degradation of myelin; inductive signals for the initiation, maintenance, and degradation of myelin, remyelination processes.

V. Neuroglial Response to Injury and Immune Function. Inductive signals, phagocytosis (microglia), cross-reactivity of neuroimmune molecules and the immune response (e.g., cytokines, interleukins).

CBY-2 and HED-2 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-2 and Human Embryology-2). Overlap exists in the areas of cell cycle and cell death. Assignment is to Neuronal and Glial Cell Biology when the focus is on neurons and glia.

EI (Experimental Immunology). Overlap exists in the area of immune function. Neuronal and Glial Cell Biology is appropriate when the emphasis is on neuroimmune interactions.

IFN-2 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 2). Overlap exists in that both address interactions between the nervous and immune systems. IFN-2 also addresses hormonal influences over genetics and encompasses cellular and molecular analyses.

DN-3 (Developmental Neuroscience-3). Overlap exists in that both study sections address mechanisms of cell death. DN-3 considers the role of cell death in normal developmental.

Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience. These study sections may be more appropriate for studies on pathogenesis, injury, and neuroimmune function; however, applications should be assigned to Neuronal and Glial Cell Biology if the primary focus is on basic cellular and molecular mechanisms.

CMN-5 (Cellular and Molecular neuroscience 5). CMN-5 reviews applications on mitochondrial genetics, while metabolic aspects of mitochondrial function should be reviewed in CMN-2.

IFN-5 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 5). In general Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Study Sections focus on diseases and pathological processes, while IFN-5 reviews applications dealing normal sensory/motor function.

Areas of technical competence of this committee include: cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, neuroimmunology, growth factors, electron and light microscopy.

This study section reviews applications on the signal transduction molecules of neurons and glia. This includes basic studies of primary structure, function, regulation, ion selectivity and subunit composition. General approaches may include molecular biology, pharmacology, biophysics, electrophysiology, imaging and labeling techniques. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms, including those relevant to disease processes.

I. Signal Transduction Molecules. Includes voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, gap junctions, ion pumps, and molecular transporters; pharmacological studies (e.g., neuroactive drugs); proteins found in plasma membrane and in the membranes of cellular organelles.

II.Neurons, Glia, and Expression Systems, and Artificial Systems. Includes studies in situ, tissue slices, primary cell culture, cell lines, transgenic cells, and artificial lipid bilayers.

III. Synaptic and Intercellular Communication. Studies may investigate voltage dependence, ligand-gating, subunit composition, transport through the membrane; synaptic function and plasticity; intercellular interactions.

CMN-5 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 5). Studies of RNA processing and regulation should be reviewed by CMN-3 when the focus is on the regulation of signal transduction molecules. More general studies of RNA processing should be reviewed by CMN-5.

IFN-1 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 1). Integrative Neuroscience study sections are more appropriate for studies of multi-neuronal pathways and behavioral consequences. CMN-3 focuses on cellular mechanisms while IFN-1 focuses on the role of molecules as expressed in integrated circuits and behavior.

IFN-3 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 3). CMN-3 focuses on cellular mechanisms while IFN-3 focuses on molecules from the perspective of integrative circuits and systems.

IFN-5 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 5). There is overlap in the area of synaptic function at the neuromuscular junction.

PHY (Physiology). Considerable overlap in the area of ion channels and synaptic function. Where the emphasis is on the function of ion channels in neurons and glia, the applications should go to CMN-3, although PHY may also be appropriate.

Areas of technical competence of this committee include: electrophysiology, biophysics, physical chemistry, structural biology, biochemistry, neuropharmacology, molecular biology, neuroanatomic and cellular imaging.

This study section reviews studies of neuronal signal transduction pathways, with particular emphasis on G protein-coupled receptors and second messenger cascades. This includes receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, growth factors, steroids, and sensory transduction. Studies may integrate molecular, cellular, physiological, and pharmacological approaches to examine receptor regulation and function, second messenger pathways, cellular targets, and functional consequences. This committee also reviews studies of neurotransmitter metabolism. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms, including those relevant to disease processes.

I. Receptor Interactions. Interaction of receptors with neurotransmitters, neuropeptides or other natural ligands; pharmacological studies (e.g., neuroactive drugs); studies of structural domains and receptor regulation; mechanisms of sensory transduction; protein dynamics and membrane interactions with receptors; coupling to second messenger components.

II. Messengers and Effectors. Biochemical aspects of signal transduction and second messenger pathways important in the nervous system; studies may include G proteins, kinases, phosphatases, cyclic nucleotides, phospholipases, and phosphoinositide metabolites.

III. Cellular Physiology of Calcium. Intracellular regulation of calcium; calcium as a second messenger.

IV. Neurotransmitter metabolism. Enzyme function and regulation; regulation of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide processing enzymes; metabolic plasticity within the cell.

V. Modulators. Modulators of synaptic function, including growth factors, neurotrophins, neuropeptides, neurosteroids; neurophysiology and neuropharmacology of modulatory mechanisms.

BDCN-7 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 7). CMN-4 focuses on basic cellular mechanisms of signal transduction while BDCN-7 focuses on the role of signal transduction molecules as expressed in integrated circuits and behavior.

BIO (Biochemistry). There is some overlap in the areas of enzyme pathways and protein kinase cascades.

BNP (Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry). There is overlap in the area of receptor agonist/antagonist studies. If the focus is on chemical synthesis, BNP is more appropriate. If the focus is on receptor activation/inactivation, CMN-4 or END is more appropriate.

CBY-2 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-2). Studies of signal transduction and second messenger pathways are areas of overlap. Kinase/Phosphatase applications dealing with MAPK pathways and regulation of cell growth generally would be reviewed in CBY-2. Where the focus is on phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of brain specific proteins or where the focus is on the role of pathways in neuronal/glial function applications generally would be reviewed in CMN-4. Aspects of cell growth stimulation by growth factors which are primarily localized to the nervous system (e.g., NGF, neurotrophins) or where the particular aspect of growth factor action is neuronal (e.g., synaptic function), would generally be reviewed in CMN-4.

CMN-5 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 5). Studies of RNA processing and regulation should be reviewed by CMN-4 when the focus is on receptor regulation. More general studies of RNA processing should be reviewed by CMN-5.

CN-1 and CN-2 (Cognitive Neuroscience 1 and 2). CN-1 and 2 are appropriate for most studies of long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) in learning, but applications on the intracellular and molecular mechanism of LTP/LTD should be reviewed in CMN-4.

END (Endocrinology). Broad overlap exists between CMN-4 and END in the areas of neuropeptide/receptor interactions, second messengers and effectors, and neuropeptide processing enzymes. Studies of receptors for hypothalamic releasing or inhibiting factors should generally be assigned to END unless the focus is on some aspect of signaling specific to neurons/glia. Studies of neuropeptide processing could go to either END of CMN-4.

GMA2 (General Medicine-A2). Studies on signal transduction by gut-neuroendocrine peptides (e.g., gastrin, CCK, somatostatin) should be assigned to GMA-2 when the focus is on gut-specific actions.

IFN-1 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 1). CMN-4 focuses on basic cellular mechanisms of signal transduction while IFN-1 focuses on the role of signal transduction molecules as expressed in integrated circuits and behavior.

IFN-3 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 3). CMN-4 focuses on cellular mechanisms while IFN-3 focuses on molecules from the perspective of integrating circuits and systems.

IFN-5 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 5). There is overlap in the area of synaptic function at the neuromuscular junction.

PHRA (Pharmacology). Some overlap in the area of neuroactive drugs.

PHY (Physiology). Considerable overlap exists in the area of intracellular calcium signaling. The role of calcium in regulation of intracellular kinases would be appropriate to Signal Transduction 2, CBY-2 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-2). Studies of calcium flux/imaging would be appropriate to CMN-4 when the focus is on neuron/glia specific aspects of calcium signaling.

Areas of technical competence of this committee include: cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, neurochemistry, medicinal chemistry, neuropharmacology, neuroendocrinology, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy and cellular histochemistry, and preclinical and clinical expertise in addictive and psychiatric disorders.

This study section reviews applications on genetic approaches to understanding nervous system function, basic studies of gene expression and model systems. This includes studies on transcriptional and translational regulation, gene mapping, gene characterization, and transgenic animal systems. Emphasis is on activity-dependent gene regulation and cell plasticity in neurons and glia, rather than development or differentiation.

I. Regulation of Transcription. Cis-acting genetic elements (enhancers, promoters, repressors); trans-acting factors (e.g., RNA and protein factors, chromatin structure), second messenger regulation of transcription; in vitro approaches; cellular and animal models

II. RNA Processing and Regulation. Alternative splicing, polyadenylation, RNA editing, RNA stability, RNA transport; methylation; translational regulation

III. Genomics and Neurogenetics. Generation of transgenic models, isolation and cloning of neurogenetic loci; isolation of genes relevant to neural function; chromosome mapping, genomic scanning; mutagenesis (generation and selection of mutant phenotypes)

IV. Other Genetic Mechanisms. Mitochondrial genetics; development of expression vectors; infection, replication and integration of viral genetic material; relevant aspects of DNA repair, chromosome structure (e.g., centrosome, telomere)

Studies of involving genes of known function should be reviewed elsewhere, as appropriate for the particular gene product; however studies addressing broader or more fundamental neurogenetic issues should be reviewed here especially if they involve model systems

Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Study Sections, Developmental Neuroscience, and Integrative and Functional Neuroscience. These study sections also review applications involving neurogenetics. However, where the focus is on basic mechanisms of gene regulation and expression applications should be reviewed by CMN-5.

CMN-3 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 3). Studies of RNA processing and regulation should be reviewed by CMN-3 when the focus is on the regulation of signal transduction molecules. More general studies of RNA processing should be reviewed by CMN-5.

CMN-4 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 4). Studies of RNA processing and regulation should be reviewed by CMN-4 when the focus is on receptor regulation. More general studies of RNA processing should be reviewed by CMN-5.

GEN (Genetics). Considerable overlap exists in all aspects; where the genetics under analysis is unique to the nervous system, the assignment should be to CMN-5.

MBY (Molecular Biology). Overlap exists in transcription mechanisms and function of the gene. The focus in Neurogenetics and Genomics is on these processes in relationship to nervous system function and disease.

MGN (Mammalian Genetics). Some overlap exists, especially in the area of gene mapping; in general, CNN-5 reviews more basic studies of gene function.

Areas of technical competence of this committee include: molecular biology, genetics, gene structure, genomics, chromatin structure, transgenic animals, and mitochondrial genetics.

DRAFT VERSION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Last update: May 30, 1997