The seven Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience (MDCN) Study Sections have in common an interest in the basic mechanisms by which structure and function of neuronal, glial, and other excitable cells are determined as well as applications that focus on aspects of both central and peripheral nervous system development. Excitable cells, in addition to neural cells, include endocrine and neuroendocrine cells, pancreatic beta-cells, chromaffin cells, muscle cells, neuromuscular junctions, etc. Areas of interest include the functional characteristics of ion channels, the mechanisms by which extra- and intracellular signals are transduced and the functional characteristics of the transducers themselves, general mechanisms underlying the process of cell death, analyses of neural cell lineage, factors that specify or influence neuronal migration pathways or axonal pathfinding, processes that involve the maturation of neurons and glia, the formation of patterns and boundaries that lead to the development of adult brain regions and nuclei, and other aspects of the basic cellular and molecular physiology of neurons and glia. Any of the lines of investigation reviewed in the MDCN Study Sections may be relevant to disorders or injuries, but the emphasis lies less in gaining an understanding of the disorder or its manifestations than on revealing the basic biological processes that underlie or may be altered in disorder.
This study section reviews applications in the basic cell biology of nerve, muscle and other excitable cells. Including synaptic plasticity, protein and organelle trafficking, and cytoskeletal functions across the life span. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms of excitable cell function, including those relevant to disease processes.
I. Synaptic Plasticity. Formation, regulation, maintenance, and dynamics of synaptic structure and function in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
II. Trafficking. Molecular neuronal 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.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN Study Sections review applications with a focus on a disease or disease process. Studies of disease processes may also be reviewed in MDCN-1 if they are largely focused on the basic underlying cellular or molecular mechanisms.
CBY-1, and -2, and CTY (Cellular Biology and Physiology 1 and 2, and Molecular Cytology). These study sections have overlapping responsibilities in general aspects of cell biology. Studies that address molecules and processes characteristic of the nervous system should be addressed in MDCN-1.
IFCN-1 through -6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1 through 6). IFCN-1 through -6 review cellular interactions in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior, with particular expertise in neuronal basis of behavior (IFCN-1), neuroendocrine and neuroimmune function (IFCN-2), rhythms and oscillatory behavior (IFCN-3), sensory systems (IFCN-4 and -6), or motor function (IFCN-5). MDCN-1 is more appropriate for studies of cellular and molecular phenomena within the context of a single cell.
MDCN-3 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 3). There is overlap with respect to synaptic function. MDCN-3 has particular expertise in the structure and function of signal transduction molecules, but MDCN-1 is more appropriate for more general studies of synaptic function.
MDCN-4 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 4). There is overlap with respect to the cellular regulation of transducer molecules. MDCN-4 is more appropriate if the focus is on the transduction pathway and electrophysiology, but MDCN-1 should be considered for studies relating to cellular neurobiology.
MDCN-5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 5). There is overlap with respect to neurochemical and pharmacological aspects of cell physiology. MDCN-5 is more appropriate if the focus is on neurotransmitter function and regulation, but MDCN-1 should be considered for studies relating to cell trafficking and cytoskeletal interactions.
MDCN-6 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 6). Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are appropriate for MDCN-6. Fundamental mechanisms of neuroplasticity should be reviewed in MDCN-1.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: molecular biology, cell biology, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, cellular imaging, protein, glycolipid and glycoprotein biochemistry, 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; mapping novel transcripts and functional analysis of cloned gene products involved in cell survival or death; aspects of oxidative metabolism; glial-neuronal interactions (Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia); mechanisms of glial differentiation, metabolism, and myelination; neuroimmune function across the life span. The roles of genetic factors, trophic molecules and extrinsic influences (including toxins and addictive substances) in these processes, and aspects of disease, injury, repair and interventive strategies are considered.
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. Functions and mechanisms of action of signaling molecules (such as neurotrophic factors, growth factors, cytokines) and electrical activity in regulating cell survival. Intracellular signaling pathways leading to apoptosis, and their intersection with the signal transduction pathways of survival factors.
III. Pathological Cell Death. Mechanisms involved in cell death due to aging, injury and environmental or genetic factors; these could include excitotoxins, free radicals, and neurodegenerative disease genes. Elucidation of mechanisms relevant to the development of neuroprotective strategies, such as the administration of exogenous growth factors.
IV. Oxidative Metabolism. Special metabolic and energy demands of neurons and glia; relevant aspects of mitochondrial function and localization.
V. 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.
VI. Glial Response to Injury or Infection; and Immune Function. Inductive signals, phagocytosis (microglia), cross-reactivity of neuroimmune molecules and the immune response (e.g., cytokines, interleukins).
VII. Circadian Rhythm and Other Oscillatory Processes. Cell and molecular genetics producing rhythmicity, genomic mechanisms, pathways, transcripts, intracellular pathways, cell cultures, mutagenesis, regulation of clock-controlled genes, and the modulation of oscillatory functions.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN Study Sections may be more appropriate for studies on pathogenesis, injury, and neuroimmune function; however, applications should be assigned to MDCN-2 if the primary focus is on basic cellular and molecular mechanisms. Initial mapping and cloning of human disease genes that affect the nervous system should be reviewed by the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Study Sections. MDCN-2 and BDCN-3 overlap in the analysis of cloned gene products involved in cell survival or cell death.
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. MDCN-2 should review applications when the focus is on neurons and glia.
EI (Experimental Immunology). Overlap exists in the area of immune function. MDCN-2 is more appropriate when the emphasis is on neuroimmune interactions.
IFCN-1 through -6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1 through 6). IFCN-1 through -6 review cellular interactions in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior, with particular expertise in neuronal basis of behavior (IFCN-1), neuroendocrine and neuroimmune function (IFCN-2), rhythms and oscillatory behavior (IFCN-3), sensory systems (IFCN-4 and -6), or motor function (IFCN-5). MDCN-2 is more appropriate for studies of cellular interaction involving cell-surface and extracellular matrix molecules.
MDCN-6 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 6). MDCN-6 and MDCN-2 have overlapping responsibility in review of studies of cell death. Studies that focus on the involvement of cell death in lineage restriction or patterning in the developing nervous system are more appropriate for MDCN-6. Studies of mechanisms of cell death per se are more appropriate for MDCN-2. Studies of signaling molecules (e.g., growth factors) that affect multiple aspects of development can be appropriate for MDCN-2 when the principal focus is the role of these molecules in regulating cell survival.
MGN (Mammalian Genetics). If the focus of the application is on genetics with the nervous system as a model, the application is best reviewed by MGN. Studies of genomic screening, linkage analysis, and molecular genetic regulation should be reviewed in MGN, unless the primary focus is on neural mechanisms or outcomes.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, biophysics, neuroimmunology, growth factors, embryology, teratology, circadian biology, pharmacology, genetics, electron and light microscopy, and (vertebrate, invertebrate, and transgenic) modeling.
This study section reviews applications on signal transduction in nerve, muscle, and other excitable cells. The primary focus is on the structure and function of the transducers themselves. This includes basic studies of subunit structure, molecular dynamics, gating and selectivity, and second-messenger cascades. General approaches may include molecular and structural biology, pharmacology, biophysics, electrophysiology, and protein chemistry, imaging and labeling techniques. Emphasis is on fundamental molecular mechanisms, including those relevant to disease processes.
I. Signal Transduction Molecules. Voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels; neuromodulators; gap junctions and connexins; sensory transducers; transduction molecules in muscle, glia, and other non-neuronal cells.
II. Model Systems. Relevant studies in vivo, tissue slices, tissue culture; molecular function in transgenic cells, cell lines, oocytes, and other expression systems; relevant approaches using in vitro systems; artificial lipid bilayers.
III. Protein Structure and Function. Patch-clamp and whole-cell electrophysiology; structural biology; molecular modeling; constructs altered through molecular genetic and chemical means; membrane interactions.
IV. Electrophysiological Analysis. Voltage dependence and ligand-gating, ionic selectivity; activation, inactivation, pharmacology, and other aspects of molecular regulation.
V. Coupling to Second Messenger Pathways. Coupling to G-proteins and other enzymatic effectors; cyclic nucleotides and lipid metabolites; relevant enzyme pathways (kinases, phosphatases, phospholipases).
BDCN 1-6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN Study Sections review basic and clinical research in neurological disorders and injury, but if the study involves fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms in signal transduction, MDCN-3 may have more appropriate expertise.
CBY-2. (Cellular Biology and Physiology-2). There is overlap with respect to second messenger pathways. CBY-2 reviews studies of kinase/phosphatase pathways and the regulation of cell growth, but MDCN-3 is more appropriate for studies where signal transducers lead to changes in phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of nervous system-specific proteins or other second-messenger functions unique to the nervous system.
CTY (Molecular Cytology). CTY reviews studies of muscle structure and contractile proteins; MDCN-3 is more appropriate for biophysical studies of signal transduction in neurons and synapses.
CVA (Cardiovascular A). CVA reviews clinical aspects of cardiac muscle especially in the context of heart disease, but MDCN-3 is more appropriate for biophysical studies of the signal transduction molecules.
GM-A2 (General Medicine-A2). Studies on signal transduction by gut-neuroendocrine peptides should be assigned to GMA2 when the focus is on gut-specific actions.
IFCN-1 through 6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1 through 6). IFCN study sections review signal transduction in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior, with particular expertise in neuronal basis of behavior (IFCN-1), neuroendocrine and neuroimmune function (IFCN-2), rhythms and oscillatory behavior (IFCN-3), and sensory (IFCN-4 and -6) and motor function (IFCN-5). MDCN-3 is more appropriate for studies of transduction molecules at the structural and cellular level, including second messenger pathways.
IFCN-7 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7). IFCN-7 is more appropriate for most studies of long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) in learning, but applications on the biophysics of ion channels in LTP/LTD should be reviewed in MDCN-3.
MDCN-1 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1). There is overlap with respect to synaptic function. MDCN-3 has particular expertise in the structure and function of signal transduction molecules, but MDCN-1 is more appropriate for more general studies of synaptic function.
MDCN-4 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 4). There is significant overlap in the area of signal transduction. MDCN-3 is more appropriate for molecular, structural, and biophysical studies, while MDCN-4 is more appropriate for studies of cellular electrophysiology, synthesis and regulation of the transduction molecules, and most studies involving calcium pathways.
MDCN-5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 5). There is significant overlap in the area of signal transduction, especially with respect to second messenger pathways. MDCN-3 is more appropriate for molecular, structural, and biophysical studies, while MDCN-5 is more appropriate for neurochemical and pharmacological studies.
PHRA (Pharmacology). Applications on neuroactive drugs should be assigned to MDCN-3 if the primary focus is on neurotransduction mechanisms.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: electrophysiology, biophysics, protein chemistry, physical chemistry, structural biology, protein biochemistry and pharmacology, molecular genetic manipulations, membrane biochemistry and biophysics, molecular modeling, and cell imaging.
This study section reviews studies on signal transduction pathways in neurons, muscles, and other excitable cells with particular emphasis on cellular regulation and physiology. This includes studies on calcium physiology, regulation of ionic gradients, ion pumps and molecular transporters, and synthesis and regulation of transduction molecules. Studies may integrate molecular, cellular, electrophysiological, and imaging approaches to examine molecular regulation, transduction, biochemical changes, cellular physiology, and functional consequences. Emphasis is on fundamental cellular mechanisms, including those relevant to disease processes.
I. Cellular Physiology of Calcium. Intracellular regulation of calcium; calcium storage, homeostasis, and buffering; calcium as a second messenger; electrophysiology; calcium imaging.
II. Cellular Electrophysiology. Ion pumps and molecular transporters; electrochemical coupling; maintenance of ionic gradients; role of cell structure, morphology, and cytoskeletal interactions; membrane properties and electrodynamics; imaging studies.
III. Synthesis, Insertion and Regulation of Transduction Molecules. Genetic regulation, transcription/translation, protein modification, localization, assembly, turnover, and degradation; local regulation of synaptic structure and function (i.e., insertion, accumulation, localization).
IV. Muscle Electrophysiology. Muscle cell electrophysiology; E-C coupling, and propagation of electrical signals.
BDCN 1-6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN Study Sections review basic and clinical research in neural disorders and injury; however, if the study involves fundamental cellular mechanisms in signal transduction, MDCN-4 may have more appropriate expertise.
CTY (Molecular Cytology). CTY reviews studies of muscle structure and contractile proteins; MDCN-4 is more appropriate for electrophysiological studies of signal transduction.
CVA (Cardiovascular A). CVA reviews clinical aspects of cardiac muscle especially in the context of heart disease, but MDCN-4 is more appropriate for basic electrophysiological studies.
GM-A2 (General Medicine-A2). Studies on signal transduction by gut-neuroendocrine peptides should be assigned to GM-A2 when the focus is on gut-specific actions.
IFCN-1 through -6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1 through 6). IFCN study sections review signal transduction in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior, with particular expertise in neuronal basis of behavior (IFCN-1), neuroendocrine and neuroimmune function (IFCN-2), rhythms and oscillatory behavior (IFCN-3), and sensory (IFCN-4 and -6) and motor function (IFCN-5). MDCN-4 is more appropriate for studies of transduction molecules at the cellular electrophysiological level.
IFCN-7 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7). IFCN-7 is more appropriate for most studies of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in learning, but applications on the cellular and molecular basis of LTP/LTD should be reviewed in MDCN-4 especially if they involve calcium physiology.
MDCN-1 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1). If the focus is on fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell function, the application should be reviewed in MDCN-1. MDCN-4 is more appropriate for studies focusing on electrophysiology and transduction.
MDCN-3 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 3). There is significant overlap in the area of signal transduction. MDCN-3 is more appropriate for molecular, structural, and biophysical studies, while MDCN-4 is more appropriate for studies of cellular electrophysiology, synthesis and regulation of the transduction molecules, and most studies involving calcium pathways.
MDCN-5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 5). There is significant overlap in the area of signal transduction, especially with respect to second messenger pathways. MDCN-4 is more appropriate for studies of cellular electrophysiology (especially involving calcium), while MDCN-5 is more appropriate for neurochemical and pharmacological studies.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: cell physiology, calcium physiology, electrophysiology, biophysics, protein chemistry, physical chemistry, structural biology, protein biochemistry and pharmacology, membrane biochemistry and biophysics, cell imaging.
This study section reviews projects on neuronal and muscle signal transduction and neurotransmitters with a particular focus on neurochemical and pharmacological mechanisms. This includes studies of ligand interactions, neuromodulator interactions, neurotransmitter metabolism, and the development of therapeutic compounds. Emphasis is on fundamental cellular mechanisms, including those relevant to disease processes.
I. Ligand Interactions. Pharmacological studies of receptor agonists and antagonists; development of experimental and therapeutic approaches.
II. Neurotransmitter and Neuromodulator Pathways. Enzyme function and regulation; regulatory mechanisms; metabolic plasticity within the cell; synaptic dynamics (release, diffusion, inactivation, re-uptake).
III. Modulators. Modulators of synaptic function, including growth factors, neurotrophins, neuropeptides, neurosteroids; neurophysiology and neuropharmacology of modulatory mechanisms.
IV. Ligand Activation of Second Messenger Pathways. Pharmacological and neurochemical studies of ligand activation of G-proteins and other effectors.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN Study Sections review basic and clinical research in neural disorders and injury, but if the study involves fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms, MDCN-5 may have more appropriate expertise.
BIO (Biochemistry). There is some overlap in the areas of enzyme pathways; MDCN-5 is more appropriate for neurochemical pathways.
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 in neural systems, MDCN-5 is more appropriate.
CBY-2. (Cellular Biology and Physiology-2). There is overlap with respect to studies of signal transduction and second messenger pathways. CBY-2 reviews studies of kinase/phosphatase pathways and the regulation of cell growth, but MDCN-5 is more appropriate when the focus is on phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of brain-specific proteins or functions unique to the nervous system.
CVA (Cardiovascular A). CVA reviews clinical aspects of cardiac muscle especially in the context of heart disease, but MDCN-5 is more appropriate for neurochemical and pharmacological studies of the signal transduction molecules.
END (Endocrinology). Broad overlap exists between MDCN-5 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 or neuropeptide processing should generally be assigned to END unless the focus is on some aspect of signaling specific to neurons/glia.
GM-A2 (General Medicine-A2). Studies on signal transduction by gut-neuroendocrine peptides should be assigned to GM-A2 when the focus is on gut-specific actions.
IFCN-1 through -6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1 through 6). IFCN study sections review signal transduction in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior, with particular expertise in neuroendocrine and neuroimmune function (IFCN-2), rhythms and oscillatory behavior (IFCN-3), and sensory (IFCN-4 and -6) and motor function (IFCN-5). MDCN-5 is more appropriate for cellular studies of transduction molecules with particular emphasis on neurochemical and pharmacological approaches.
IFCN-7 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7). IFCN-7 is more appropriate for most studies of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in learning, but applications on the pharmacological basis of LTP/LTD could be reviewed in MDCN-5.
MDCN-1 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1). MDCN-1 is more appropriate for studies of exocytosis and cellular trafficking. MDCN-5 is more appropriate for studies focusing on neurotransmitter regulation and function.
MDCN-3 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 3). There is significant overlap in the area of signal transduction, especially with respect to second messenger pathways. MDCN-3 is more appropriate for molecular, structural, and biophysical studies, while MDCN-5 has particular expertise in neurochemical and pharmacological studies of signal transduction.
MDCN-4 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 4). There is significant overlap in the area of signal transduction. MDCN-4 is more appropriate for studies of cellular electrophysiology, synthesis and regulation of the transduction molecules, and most studies involving calcium pathways. MDCN-5 has particular expertise in neurochemical and pharmacological aspects of signal transduction.
PHRA (Pharmacology). There is overlap in the area of neuroactive drugs; MDCN-5 is more appropriate for studies involving signal transduction in neural systems.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: biochemistry; neurotransmitter metabolism; enzymology; molecular biology; cell physiology; medicinal chemistry; neuropharmacology; neuroendocrinology, neurological, addictive and psychiatric disorders.
This study section reviews applications concerned with the initial formation of, as well as cell specification and differentiation in the developing nervous system. Areas to be included are induction of neural tissue; brain region specification and patterning; stem cell and progenitor cell proliferation and phenotypic determination, and neuronal and glial differentiation. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms underlying these processes in normal development, and in response to disease, injury, and extrinsic factors, including prenatal exposure to drugs.
I. Neural Induction and Regionalization. The fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of neural induction in normal development, including transcriptional regulation and signaling pathways; the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which the embryonic neural ectoderm acquires the characteristics of adult brain regions, including regionalization of gene transcription, cell-cell interactions and secreted signals that influence these events; effects of extrinsic factors, such as teratogens and drugs on these processes.
II. Neuronal and Glial Progenitors. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of stem cell and progenitor cell induction, proliferation, and phenotypic restriction; the influence of aging, extrinsic factors, disease and injury on these processes; characterization of stem cells for the purpose of repair following developmental and degenerative disease and injury.
III. Cell Fate Specification. Effects of cell lineage, cell-intrinsic components (such as transcription factors), cell-cell interactions, secreted factors (such as growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and neurotransmitters), and drugs on the phenotypic determination of neurons and non-neuronal cells, particularly glia.
IV. Neuronal and Glial Cell Differentiation and Specialization. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the acquisition of the differentiated cellular and molecular characteristics of neurons and glia, including cell morphology, excitability, growth factor responsiveness and expression of specific neurotransmitters and their receptors. Cell-cell interactions, among neurons and non-neuronal cells, such as glia and other cells participating in the development of the nervous system, leading to cell specializations such as myelin, and the development of specialized structures like the blood-brain barrier.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). Initial mapping and cloning of human disease genes that affect the nervous system are more appropriately reviewed by study sections in the BDCN Study Sections. Analysis of cloned gene products involved in neural induction, specification, or differentiation are appropriate for MDCN-6. Studies using stem cells where the primary focus is to advance understanding of neural induction, specification, or differentiation are appropriate for MDCN-6. Studies whose primary focus is a restorative/therapeutic outcome may be more appropriate for MDCN-7 or the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Study Sections. BDCN-5 would be more appropriate when the primary focus is on pathological mechanisms, while BDCN-6 would be more appropriate when the primary focus is on the effects of psychoactive drugs.
CBY-1 (Cellular Biology and Physiology 1). CBY-1 has responsibility if the processes of non-neuronal cellular development are the focus of the application. If the development of cell types contributing to the formation of the nervous system is the focus of the application, MDCN-6 is appropriate.
CBY-2 (Cellular Biology and Physiology 2). If the application deals with general issues of the specification of cell fate or cellular biology, then it should be reviewed in CBY-2. If the specific system is CNS or PNS based, then it should be reviewed in MDCN-6.
GEN (Genetics). If genetics is the primary focus of the application, review should be done in GEN. Applications dealing with genetics and genetic screening that address fundamental issues of neurodevelopment should be reviewed by MDCN-6 or MDCN-7.
HED-2 (Human Embryology-2). Applications with an emphasis on general aspects of embryogenesis or morphogenesis may be more appropriate for HED-2. Applications with a specific focus on nervous system development should be reviewed in MDCN-6 or -7.
HUD-1 through -3 (Human Development and Aging 1 through 3). HUD Study Sections review applications for which the emphasis is the behavioral aspects of neural development, aging and injury.
IFCN-1 through 6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1 through 6). Studies on the effects of exposure to exogenous agents, disease or trauma during development, that focus on analysis of the organization, function or behavior of mature nervous systems rather than on fundamental processes involved in neural induction, specification, or differentiation are more appropriate for IFCN Study Sections. Applications dealing with the functionality of the developing chemosensory, auditory or vestibular system and where specific knowledge of the systems is essential for review should be assigned to IFCN-4 (chemosensation) or IFCN-6 (hearing or balance).
MBY (Molecular Biology). MDCN-6 and MBY have some overlap. Applications that focus solely on transcription should be assigned to MBY.
MDCN-1 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1). Applications dealing with fundamental mechanisms of neuroplasticity should be reviewed in MDCN-1. Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are appropriate for MDCN-6.
MDCN-2 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 2). Studies of mechanisms of neuronal cell death per se are more appropriate for MDCN-2. Studies of signaling molecules (e.g., growth factors) that affect multiple aspects of development are appropriate for MDCN-6 when the principal focus is the role of these molecules in neural induction, specification or differentiation.
MDCN-7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 7). MDCN-6 and MDCN-7 have overlapping responsibility in review of studies of axonal projection patterns. Studies in which projection patterns are used as markers of cell identity or of nervous system regionalization are more appropriate for MDCN-6. Studies of mechanisms of axonal growth or establishment of connectivity per se are more appropriate for MDCN-7. MDCN-6 and MDCN-7 also have overlapping responsibility in review of studies of cell death. Studies that focus on the involvement of cell death in lineage restriction or patterning in the developing nervous system are more appropriate for MDCN-6.
MGN (Mammalian Genetics). MDCN-6 should review applications involving the molecular bases of neurogenetic development. If the focus of the application is genetics, with the nervous system being used as a model, the application is best reviewed by MGN.
VIS-B (Visual Sciences-B). Applications studying the visual system, but focusing on fundamental aspects of nervous system development should be reviewed in MDCN-6 or -7. If the focus of application is on developmental aspects especially characteristic of the visual system it should be reviewed in VIS-B.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, cell lineage analysis, embryology, transgenic models, genetic analysis, electrophysiology, immunochemistry, imaging/microscopy, invertebrate and vertebrate developmental biology, and teratology.
This study section reviews applications focused on migratory events; and the development, aging, and regeneration of neuronal connectivity. This area includes neuronal and glial migration, process outgrowth, axon guidance, selection of synaptic targets, establishment of neural maps, and formation and elimination of synaptic connections. Emphasis is on fundamental mechanisms underlying these processes in normal development and aging, and in response to disease, injury, and extrinsic factors, including prenatal exposure to drugs. The study section also reviews studies of the reestablishment of connectivity in aging, disease, and following injury, but with a focus on the analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms that stimulate, inhibit, or otherwise perturb process growth and synapse formation.
I. Cell Migration. The substrates for neuronal and glial cell migration, including glial and other scaffolds. Permissive and directional cues, and mechanisms through which they control cell motility and directed migration.
II. Process Outgrowth, Navigation, and Target Selection. The cellular and molecular mechanisms, including signal transduction pathways, that regulate axonal and dendritic outgrowth, fasciculation, branching and guidance. Mechanisms regulating the selection of synaptic partners, including formation of topographic and laminar-specific projections.
III. Synapse Formation and Developmental Plasticity. Initial formation and maturation of pre- and postsynaptic elements. Mechanisms regulating the elaboration of arbors and retraction of processes, including the role of growth factors, cell-cell recognition molecules, electrical activity, and experience.
IV. Regeneration of Connections. Positive factors (e.g., simulators of growth, directional cues, cell grafts [including stem cell grafts] and prosthetics) that can promote or direct axon sprouting, axon regrowth, and reestablishment of appropriate connections following injury. Factors that inhibit these processes, and development of tools to overcome their effects.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). Initial mapping and cloning of human disease genes that affect the nervous system are more appropriately reviewed by study sections in the BDCN Study Sections. Analyses of cloned gene products involved in migratory events or the establishment or modification of connectivity are appropriate for MDCN-7.
CBY-1 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-1). CBY-1 has responsibility if the processes of cellular development other than those specific to neurons and/or glia are the focus of the application. If the nervous system is the focus of the application, MDCN-7 is appropriate.
CBY-2 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-2). If the system under study is CNS or PNS based, the application should be reviewed in MDCN-7. If the main focus is cellular biology and physiology, review is more appropriately done by CBY-2.
GEN (Genetics). If genetics is the primary focus of the application, review should be done in GEN. Applications dealing with genetics and genetic screening to address fundamental issues of neurodevelopment should be reviewed by Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections.
HED-2 (Human Embryology-2). Applications with an emphasis on general aspects of embryogenesis or morphogenesis may be more appropriate for HED-2. Applications with a specific focus on nervous system development should be reviewed in MDCN-6 or -7.
HUD-1 through -3 (Human Development and Aging 1 through 3). HUD Study Sections review applications for which the focus is on behavioral aspects of neural development, aging and injury.
IFCN-1 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1). Studies of the neural basis of motivation and emotion should be reviewed in IFCN-1 unless the emphasis is on development, in which case MDCN-7 is more appropriate.
IFCN-2 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 2). Studies of the regulation of brain activity and behavior by neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems should be reviewed in IFCN-2 unless the emphasis is on development, in which case MDCN-7 is more appropriate.
IFCN-3 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 3). Studies of the regulatory and integrative activity on sleep, biorhythms, and the autonomic nervous system should be reviewed in IFCN-3 unless the emphasis is on development, in which case MDCN-7 is more appropriate.
IFCN-4 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 4). MDCN-7 reviews applications where a sensory system is used as a model to study principles of nervous system development, where specific knowledge of the sensory system is required for review the application should be reviewed by IFCN-4.
IFCN-5 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 5). MDCN-7 reviews applications where a motor system is used as a model to study principles of nervous system development. Where the focus is specifically directed toward the motor system, IFCN-5 should review the application.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). Applications that focus on fundamental aspects of the development of neural substrates of the auditory and vestibular systems should be reviewed by MDCN-7. Applications, for which a specific knowledge of auditory or vestibular systems is essential for review, should be reviewed by IFCN-6.
IFCN-7 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7). Studies of functional synaptic plasticity (such as synaptic efficacy, receptive field organization) associated with cognitive processes such as learning and memory are more appropriate for IFCN-7. Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are more appropriate for MDCN-7.
MDCN-1 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1). MDCN-1 reviews fundamental mechanisms of neuroplasticity. Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are more appropriate for MDCN-7.
MDCN-6 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 6). MDCN-6 and MDCN-7 have overlapping responsibility in review of studies of axonal projection patterns. Studies in which axonal projection patterns are used as markers of cell identity or of nervous system regionalization are more appropriate for MDCN-6. Studies of mechanisms of axonal growth or establishment of connectivity per se are more appropriate for MDCN-7. Studies of signaling molecules (e.g., growth factors) that affect multiple aspects of development are appropriate for MDCN-7 when the principal focus is the role of these molecules in migratory events or in the establishment or modification of connectivity. Genetic screens (e.g., in invertebrate) that initially involve screening of non-developmental characteristics (such as the organization, function or behavior of the mature nervous systems), are appropriate for MDCN-7 if the principal aim is to relate mutations to fundamental processes that regulate migratory events or the establishment or modification of connectivity.
MGN (Mammalian Genetics). MDCN-7 should review applications involving the molecular bases of neurogenetic development. If the focus of the application is on genetics with the nervous system as a model the application is best reviewed by MGN.
VIS-B (Visual Sciences B). Applications studying the visual system, but focusing on fundamental aspects of nervous system development, should be reviewed in MDCN-6 or -7. If the focus of application is on aspects of the visual system, it should be reviewed in VIS-B.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, embryology, genetic analysis, electrophysiology, biophysics, immunochemistry, imaging/microscopy (particularly as related to pathway tracing), vertebrate and invertebrate developmental biology, transgenic modeling, pathology, and transplantation.