title: Dynamic Network Connectivity: A new form of neuroplasticity.
abstract: Prefrontal cortical (PFC) working memory functions depend on pyramidal cell networks that interconnect on dendritic spines. Recent research has revealed that the strength of PFC network connections can be rapidly and reversibly increased or decreased by molecular signaling events within slender, elongated spines: a process we term Dynamic Network Connectivity (DNC). This newly discovered form of neuroplasticity provides great flexibility in mental state, but also confers vulnerability and limits mental capacity. A remarkable number of genetic and/or environmental insults to DNC signaling cascades are associated with cognitive disorders such as schizophrenia and age-related cognitive decline. These insults can dysregulate network connections and erode higher cognitive abilities, leading to symptoms such as forgetfulness, susceptibility to interference, and disorganized thought and behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department Neurobiology, Yale Medical School, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA. amy.arnsten@yale.edu
authors.forename: Amy F T
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Arnsten
authors.forename: Constantinos D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Paspalas
authors.forename: Nao J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Gamo
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000166:cytology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D004298:Dopamine