This study section reviews applications concerned with the initial formation, 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 of abuse. Areas of technical competency of this committee include: biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, embryology, transgenic models, genetic analysis, electrophysiology, immunochemistry, and imaging/microscopy.

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, leading to cell specializations such as myelin, and the development of specialized structures like the blood-brain barrier.

BDCN (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience). Initial mapping and cloning of human disease genes that affect the nervous system are more appropriately reviewed by study sections in the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience study sections. Analysis of cloned gene products involved in neural induction, specification, or differentiation are appropriate for DN-1. Studies using stem cells where the primary focus is to advance understanding of neural induction, specification, or differentiation are appropriate for DN-1. Studies whose primary focus is a restorative/therapeutic outcome may be more appropriate for DN-2 or the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience study sections.

CBY-1 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-1) . This study section has responsibility if the processes of cellular development is the focus of the application. If the nervous system is the focus of the application, DN-1 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 DN-1.

CMN-5 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 5). Genetic screens (e.g., in invertebrates) that initially involve screening of non-developmental characteristics (such as the organization, function or behavior of the mature nervous systems), are appropriate for DN-2 if as principal aim is to relate recovered mutations to fundamental processes of neural induction specification and differentiation. When the main focus is on basic mechanisms of gene regulation and expression review should be in CMN-5.

DN-1 and DN-2 (Developmental Neuroscience 1 and 2). These study sections have overlapping responsibility in review of studies of axonal projection patterns. Studies in which projection patterns are used as a markers of cell identity or of nervous system regionalization are more appropriate for DN-1. Studies of mechanisms of axonal growth or establishment of connectivity per se are more appropriate for DN-2. DN-1 and DN-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 DN-1. Studies of mechanisms of cell death per se are more appropriate for DN-3. Studies of signaling molecules (e.g., growth factors) that affect multiple aspects of development are appropriate for DN-1 when the principal focus is the role of these molecules in neural induction, specification or differentiation.

GEN (Genetics) . If genetics is the primary focus of the application, review should be done in GEN. Applications dealing with neurogenetics to address fundamental issues of neurodevelopment should be reviewed by the neurodevelopmental study sections.

HAR (Hearing Research) . Applications that focus on fundamental aspect of neural development of the neural substrates of the auditory and vestibular systems should be reviewed by Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections. Applications that focus on the auditory or vestibular systems should be reviewed by HAR.

HED-2 (Human Embryology-2). Applications with a 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 Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections.

HUD-2 and 3 (Human Development and Aging 2 and 3). HUD-2 and -3 review applications dealing with behavioral aspects of neural development, aging and injury.

IFN (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience). 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 Integrative and Functional Neuroscience Study Sections

MBY (Molecular Biology). DN-1 and MBY have some overlap. Applications that focus solely on transcription should be assigned to MBY.

MGN (Mammalian Genetics). DN-1 and DN-2 should review applications involving the molecular bases of neurogenetic development. If the focus of the application is basic genetics with the nervous system as a model, but neuroscience expertise is not necessary, the application is best reviewed by MGN.

VISB (Visual Sciences-B). Applications studying the visual system, but focusing on fundamental aspects of nervous system development should be reviewed in DN study sections. If the focus of application is on aspects of the visual system it should be reviewed in VISB.

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, developmental biologists with expertise in invertebrate and vertebrate systems, 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 of abuse. The study section also reviews studies on 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. Areas of technical competency of this study section include: biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, embryology, transgenic models, genetic analysis, electrophysiology, immunochemistry, and imaging/microscopy.

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., stimulators 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 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience). Initial mapping and cloning of human disease genes that affect the nervous system are more appropriately reviewed by study sections in the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience Study Sections. Analyses of cloned gene products involved in migratory events or the establishment or modification of connectivity are appropriate for DN-2.

CBY-1 (Cellular Biology and Physiology-1) . CBY-1 has responsibility if the processes of cellular development is the focus of the application. If the nervous system is the focus of the application, DN-2 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 DN-2. If the main focus is cellular biology and physiology, review is more appropriately done by CBY-2.

CMN-1 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 1). CMN-1 reviews fundamental mechanisms of neuroplasticity. Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are more appropriate for DN-2

CN-1 (Cognitive Neuroscience 1). 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 CN-1. Studies of plasticity associated with the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections are more appropriate for DN-2.

DN-1 (Developmental Neuroscience 1). DN-1 and DN-2 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 DN-1. Studies of mechanisms of axonal growth or establishment of connectivity per se are more appropriate for DN-2. Studies of signaling molecules (e.g., growth factors) that affect multiple aspects of development are appropriate for DN-2 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 DN-2 if the principal aim is to relate recovered mutations to fundamental processes that regulate migratory events or the establishment or modification of connectivity.

GEN (Genetics) . If genetics is the primary focus of the application, review should be done in GEN. Applications dealing with neurogenetics to address fundamental issues of neurodevelopment should be reviewed by Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections.

HAR (Hearing Research). Applications that focus on fundamental aspect of neural development of the neural substrates of the auditory and vestibular systems should be reviewed by Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections. Applications that focus on the auditory or vestibular systems should be reviewed by HAR.

HED-2 (Human Embryology-2) . Applications with a 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 Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections.

HUD-2 and 3 (Human Development and Aging 2 and 3). HUD-2 and -3 review applications dealing with behavioral aspects of neural development, aging and injury.

IFN (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience). 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 that regulate migratory events or the establishment or modification of connectivity, are more appropriate for Integrative and Functional Neuroscience Study Sections.

IFN-4 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 4). DN-2 reviews applications where a sensory system is used as a model to study principles of nervous system development, as contrasted with applications where the focus is on the sensory system in which case they should be reviewed by IFN-4.

IFN-5 (Integrative and Functional Neuroscience 5). DN-2 reviews applications where a motor system is used as a model to study principles of nervous system development. Where the focus is on the motor system IFN-5 should review the application.

MGN (Mammalian Genetics). DN-1 and DN-2 should review applications involving the molecular bases of neurogenetic development. If the focus of the application is basic genetics with the nervous system as a model, but neuroscience expertise is not necessary, the application is best reviewed by MGN.

VISB (Visual Sciences-B). Applications studying the visual system, but focusing on fundamental aspects of nervous system development should be reviewed in Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections. If the focus of application is on aspects of the visual system it should be reviewed in VISB.

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 systems including transgenic models, cellular and systems response to trauma, transplantation

This study section reviews applications on cell survival and cell death in the nervous system, focusing on normal development and aging, and on pathological mechanisms. The emphasis is on fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell survival and cell death, rather than on the establishment of clinical models of disease. 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. Areas of technical competency of this committee include: biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, embryology, transgenic models, genetic analysis, electrophysiology, immunochemistry, and imaging/microscopy.

I. Cell survival and Naturally-Occurring Cell Death. 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.

II. Pathological Cell Death. Mechanisms involved in cell death due to aging, injury and environmental or genetic factors, including 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.

BDCN (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience). 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. Analysis of cloned gene products involved in cell survival or cell death are appropriate for DN-3.

CMN-2 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 2). Mechanisms of growth arrest and apoptosis may also be reviewed by CMN-2.

DN-1 (Developmental Neuroscience 1). DN-1 and DN-3 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 DN-1. Studies of mechanisms of cell death per se are more appropriate for DN-3. Studies of signaling molecules (e.g., growth factors) that affect multiple aspects of development can be appropriate for DN-3 when the principal focus is the role of these molecules in regulating cell survival.

GEN (Genetics). If genetics is the primary focus of the application, review should be done in GEN. Applications dealing with neurogenetics to address fundamental issues of neurodevelopment should be reviewed by Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections.

HAR (Hearing Research). Applications that focus on fundamental aspect of neural development of the neural substrates of the auditory and vestibular systems should be reviewed by Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections. Applications that focus on the auditory or vestibular systems should be reviewed by HAR.

HED-2 (Human Embryology-2) . Applications with a 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 Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections.

HUD-2 and 3 (Human Development and Aging 2 and 3). HUD-2 and -3 review applications dealing with behavioral aspects of neural development, aging and injury.

IFN (Integrative and Functional Neurobiology). Studies that focus on the consequences of cell death during development of the organization, function or behavior of mature nervous systems, rather than on mechanisms of cell death, are more appropriate for the Integrative and Functional Neuroscience Study Sections.

MGN (Mammalian Genetics). DN-3 should review applications involving the molecular bases of neurogenetic cell death. If the focus of the application is basic genetics with the nervous system as a model, but neuroscience expertise is not necessary, the application is best reviewed by MGN.

VISB (Visual Sciences-B). Applications studying the visual system, but focusing on fundamental aspects of nervous system development should be reviewed in Developmental Neuroscience Study Sections. If the focus of application is on aspects of the visual system it should be reviewed in VISB.

Areas of technical competency of this committee include: biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology particularly in the areas cell survival and cell death, cell and tissue culture, trophic factors and signal transduction pathways, excitotoxicity, embryology, teratology, mechanisms of aging, genetic analysis, electrophysiology, immunochemistry, imaging/microscopy, and vertebrate, invertebrate and transgenic models.

DRAFT VERSION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Last update: May 30, 1997