Immediate early genes in the central nervous system

Immediate-early genes play a crucial role in a neuron's capacity to convert short-term synaptic stimulation into enduring responses, contributing to neuronal plasticity. These genes exhibit structural similarities to certain viral oncogenes. Recent advancements in cellular biology have revealed that the activation and deactivation of immediate-early genes are key molecular mechanisms regulating growth, differentiation, and development. They may act as third messengers in a transcription cascade, relaying extracellular signals to modify target gene transcription and alter neuronal phenotypes. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the latest methodologies in immediate-early gene research, covering various neurobiological topics, including regeneration, memory formation, epilepsy, and nociception. The contributors are leading experts in their respective fields, providing insights into the mechanisms of immediate-early gene activation and its implications in the nervous system. Topics include the significance of immediate-early genes, their activation as a window into nervous system mechanisms, and their differential expression during synaptic plasticity, seizures, and brain injury, highlighting their specific functions in brain neurons.