Many IB cells do not receive direct VPM inputs whereas most RS ce

Many IB cells do not receive direct VPM inputs whereas most RS cells do (Agmon and Connors,

1992 and Baranyi et al., 1993), which is consistent with the greatest changes click here in the initial component of the wPSP occurring in RS cells. VPM inputs (Wimmer et al., 2010) may also underlie the LVb depression observed in vivo 3 days after trimming, when intracortical circuits haven’t yet depressed. Inhibition can also be activated early in the PSP by thalamic input (Gil and Amitai, 1996) and so could also conceivably be involved in modulating the amplitude of the direct thalamic drive to the cells. Inhibition could have a differential impact on RS and IB cells since RS cells are thought to receive more inhibitory control than IB cells (Schubert, Staiger et al., 2001). Testing which of these pathways are involved will require specific further studies. For practical reasons we were obliged to use different methods to classify RS and IB cells in the in vivo and ex vivo aspects of the study. Classically, injection of current at threshold elicits a complex of action potentials in IB cells and a single action potential in RS cells, which is sufficient to classify them (McCormick et al.,

1985) and this method was used in the ex vivo studies. In the in vivo studies, we used this method in addition to identifying the action potential Panobinostat solubility dmso (AP) complexes that are characteristic of IB cells where the APs decrease in amplitude and ride upon a slow depolarization envelope (Baranyi et al., 1993, Connors et al., 1982, either Dégenètais et al., 2002, McCormick et al., 1985 and Nuñez et al., 1993) but see Nowak et al. (2003) for a quantitative analysis. Both methods are judged to be equivalent and indeed,

in support of this view we described in the Experimental Procedures section different post hoc tests confirming that RS and IB cells have comparable properties in both our in vivo and ex vivo studies. However, the following qualifications need to be kept in mind: Schwindt and colleagues have reported high threshold bursting neurons that do not fire bursts at threshold current injections for producing APs (Schwindt et al., 1997 and Steriade et al., 1993); such neurons would likely be included in the bursting neuron population in vivo but not ex vivo. Conversely, while slow depolarizations in vivo can be generated intrinsically they can also result from the activity of synchronized inputs, as occurs during the generation of up-states. Moreover, synaptic activity, release of neuromodulators in vivo or differences in physiological temperature can preclude or obscure the occurrence of bursts in IB cells (Wang and McCormick, 1993, Waters, 2011, Steriade, 2001 and Steriade et al., 1993).

The majority of presynaptic inputs originated from untransfected

The majority of presynaptic inputs originated from untransfected neurons, since virtually no GFP-fluorescent axons innervated transfected neurons due to the minute proportion (<10%) of neurons transfected with GFP-tagged htau. We thus attributed any changes in mEPSCs DAPT supplier to the modulation of postsynaptic activities by the htau in spines. Large mEPSCs (amplitude >20 pA; see arrows in Figures 4E1 and 4E2) occurred more frequently in neurons expressing GFP or WT htau than in neurons expressing P301L htau (∗∗∗p < 0.001 by Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis for P301L versus GFP; Figures 4E3 and 4F). P301L, but not WT, htau significantly reduced the mean amplitude (∗∗∗p < 0.001 by Fisher's PLSD post hoc analysis; Figure 4G) and

frequency of mEPSCs (∗∗∗p < 0.001 by Fisher's PLSD post hoc analysis Figure 4G) compared to GFP-transfected neurons. We found similar P301L htau-mediated changes in the amplitude (∗∗∗p < 0.001 by Fisher's PLSD post hoc analysis for P301L versus rTgWT and TgNeg) and frequency (∗p < 0.05 by Fisher's PLSD post hoc analysis for P301L versus rTgWT and TgNeg) of mEPSCs in neurons cultured from rTgP301L mice, compared to those cultured from Luminespib cost rTgWT and TgNeg mice (Figures 5A–5C). Because the P301L htau-mediated electrophysiological changes in mouse

neurons mimicked the effects seen in htau-expressing rat neurons where the majority of presynaptic inputs originated from untransfected neurons, we attributed the changes in mEPSCs to the modulation of postsynaptic activities by the htau in spines, Thymidine kinase suggesting that axonal tau contributed minimally to the synaptic deficits in our in vitro experimental system and indicating that P301L htau diminished synaptic function whether its expression originated from a genomic or an extragenomic cistron. However, our results cannot exclude possible presynaptic roles of tau in the pathological

development of neurodegenerative diseases. We noted that in both rat and mouse neurons, the expression of WT htau caused a small but significant decrease (∗p < 0.05 by Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis for WT versus GFP [Figure 4F] or WT versus TgNeg [Figure 5B]) in the probability of large mEPSC events (Figure 4F for rat and Figure 5B for mouse), suggesting that WT htau can also impair synaptic function. Presumably, this is related to the small amount of WT htau in spines (Figures 3B, 3D, 4C, and 4D). The reduced amplitude of mEPSCs caused by P301L htau suggests a reduction in the amount of functional AMPA receptors (AMPARs) on the postsynaptic membrane, which has been proposed to be a common mechanism underlying reductions in synaptic strength (Malinow and Malenka, 2002 and Newpher and Ehlers, 2008). The reduced frequency of mEPSCs, in the absence of spine loss (Figures 3E and 4C), suggests either an increase in the number of “silent synapses” or undetected weak synapses due to loss of synaptic AMPARs (Liao et al., 1995 and Isaac et al., 1995).

For half the trials, the SS option was displayed on the left of t

For half the trials, the SS option was displayed on the left of the screen, and the LL option was displayed on the right of the screen, with these positions reversed for the other half of trials. Participants indicated their choices with left- and right-button presses via keyboard (Study 1) or button box (Study 2). In the Willpower task (Figure 1A), we measured the effortful inhibition of impulses to choose the SS. Participants did not make an explicit

choice during the initial phase but pressed a third key to enter the delay phase. Upon entering IOX1 supplier the delay phase, the SS reward became available for selection, remaining so for the duration of the delay. The LL reward was not available for selection until the end of the delay phase. Participants could terminate the delay phase at any time by selecting the SS, at which point they entered

the reward delivery phase, followed by the ITI. In order to select the LL reward, participants Trichostatin A solubility dmso had to resist the temptation to choose the available SS for the duration of the delay until the LL reward became available. In the Choice task (Figure 1B), participants initially made a simple choice between LL and SS during the decision phase. If SS was chosen, participants entered the reward delivery phase, followed by the ITI. If LL was chosen, participants entered the delay phase, followed by the reward delivery phase and the ITI. Critically, the SS was not available during the delay phase of the Choice task. Thus, contrasting neural activity during the delay phase of the Willpower task (in which the SS was available) with neural activity during the delay phase of the Choice task should yield brain regions associated with the effortful inhibition of impulses to choose the SS, controlling for LL reward anticipation (which is matched across conditions). In the Precommitment

task (Figure 1C), which was inspired by the animal literature (Rachlin and Green, 1972 and Ainslie, 1974), during the decision almost phase participants chose whether or not to make a binding choice for the LL (“commit”). If participants chose to commit, they entered a delay phase during which the SS was not available, followed by the reward delivery phase and the ITI. If participants chose not to commit, they entered a delay phase during which the SS was available for the duration of the delay, as in the Willpower task. Thus, by choosing to commit, participants restricted their access to the SS option during the delay period. In the Opt-Out task (Figure 1D), participants made an initial choice between LL and SS during the decision phase. If SS was chosen, participants entered the reward delivery phase, followed by the ITI. If LL was chosen, participants entered the delay phase during which the SS was available for the duration of the delay, as in the Willpower task.

37 ± 0 04, significantly lower than all other graphs) across thre

37 ± 0.04, significantly lower than all other graphs) across thresholds, and the variable structure of the voxelwise graph is reflected in NMI that ranges widely over selleck compound thresholds (0.58–0.86), in contrast to the stable

and high NMI found in the areal (0.72 ± 0.06) and modified voxelwise graphs (0.87 ± 0.15). Importantly, as thresholds rise, NMI between functional systems and subgraphs increases for the modified voxelwise analysis, but decreases for the standard voxelwise analysis. The areal and modified voxelwise graphs best meet our predictions about the correspondence between functional systems and subgraphs within brain-wide networks. The poorer correspondence in the AAL-based and standard voxelwise graphs likely results from coarse, nonfunctionally based nodes in the AAL-based graph, and the effects of millions of artificially high short-range correlations between nearby voxels in the standard voxelwise graph. We turn now from our focus upon confirmatory findings to novel observations LY294002 manufacturer about functional brain organization that can be drawn from the areal and modified voxelwise graphs. We shall continue to focus on the network at the level of subgraphs. We begin by discussing the identities of subgraphs, then examine

the relationships and properties of particular subgraphs, and end with observations about relationships between all subgraphs. The identities of the red (default), yellow (fronto-parietal task control), green (dorsal attention), and teal (ventral attention)

subgraphs are already clear. The remaining major subgraphs are now considered. Several subgraphs correspond to sensory and motor regions (Figure 4, left). A visual system (blue) was identified, spanning most of occipital cortex, often including a small portion of superior parietal cortex Carnitine dehydrogenase and a portion of the postero-lateral thalamus (potentially lateral geniculate nucleus [LGN], see horizontal sections). At moderate thresholds, somatosensory-motor (SSM) cortex (S1, M1, and some pre- and postcentral-gyrus cortex) was divided into dorsal (cyan) and ventral (orange) subgraphs. These subgraphs also included voxels in the parietal operculum that likely correspond to the second somatosensory area (S2) (Burton et al., 2008), as well as a portion of the thalamus possibly corresponding to ventral posterior thalamus (VP). At high thresholds, an auditory subgraph (pink) emerged from the purple cingulo-opercular subgraph. Rather than a division between somatosensory and motor regions, a division between dorsal and ventral SSM regions is found.

Details of the recordings and stimulation can be found in Supplem

Details of the recordings and stimulation can be found in Supplemental Experimental Procedures. Data acquisition was controlled with custom-made software, written in Visual C++. Incoming data were both stored for offline analysis as well as directly processed in an online fashion. After visual inspection of the voltage signals of all available channels, one channel was selected that displayed large, homogeneous spike shapes. For this channel, an amplitude AZD5363 threshold was determined, based on a 1 min recording under stimulation with broadband flickering light intensity, to separate spikes from background

noise (Figure 2B). Only units whose spike amplitudes were well separated from the noise and that showed a clear refractory period were used for further investigation. To

verify that the simple online spike detection and sorting worked well, we occasionally performed additional offline Gefitinib in vitro analysis spike sorting, based on the detailed spike shapes (Pouzat et al., 2002). This confirmed the results obtained directly from the online analysis. To identify the spatial receptive field of a recorded ganglion cell, we first used online analysis to find the midlines of the receptive field in two orthogonal directions. Each midline was determined by dividing the stimulation area by a separation line and comparing responses from stimulation on each side of the line individually. The separation line was then iteratively adjusted until both sides yielded the same response. Finally, receptive field size was determined with blinking spots centered on the crossing point of the two identified midlines. To measure an iso-response 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase curve, we first selected a predefined response (either average spike count or average first-spike latency). The response selection typically aimed at requiring around 30%–70% contrast for the predefined response from stimulation of one receptive field half alone. Using this range largely avoided coming too close to the physical limit of 100% contrast along the iso-response curve and

at the same time provided enough contrast for reliable spike responses. Each data point of an iso-response curve was then obtained by performing a simple line search along a radial direction in stimulus space. Details about the closed-loop experiments and search algorithms are given in Supplemental Experimental Procedures. We quantitatively analyzed the shape of the iso-response curves in two ways. To determine the degree to which curves were convex or nonconvex (Figures 3G–3I), we calculated form factors that compare the central region of the iso-response curve to the linear prediction that is obtained from the two intersection points of the curve with the axes. The form factor is larger or smaller than unity, depending on whether the iso-response curve is convex or nonconvex, respectively.

In summary, analyses of temporal dynamics of BLP correlation reve

In summary, analyses of temporal dynamics of BLP correlation reveal two important temporal properties about resting-state networks. First, cross-network interactions occurs between one network in a state of strong internal correlation, and a subset of nodes of another network that is not strongly coherent at that moment. BMS-777607 supplier It appears that some nodes can break away from their usual RSN and transiently correlate with one of the networks that tend to cross-interact, especially DMN. Second, networks spend a variable fraction of time in a state of high internal correlation, and this property seems to

inversely relate to their tendency to couple with other networks. Interestingly, the DMN, the most interacting network, spends on average less time in a state of high internal correlation (20% in α; 36% in β) than the VAN (53% in α; 56% in β), the least interacting network. This result is remarkable given these two networks are topographic neighbors yet display Selleckchem Bortezomib very different patterns of temporal interaction. We used MEG to examine the nonstationary properties of band limited power (BLP) time series correlation within and across functional networks defined by prior fMRI studies. Six segregated RSNs (DMN, DAN, VAN, visual, somatomotor, and language), showing topography similar to that fMRI RSNs, were recovered by computing voxel-wise BLP temporal correlation maps. Correlation maps for

each network were computed in epochs Rolziracetam of strong within-network correlation (MCWs). The dynamics of network interactions were studied during each network’s MCWs. Of all networks, the DMN showed the highest degree of cross-network interactions and this property was especially pronounced in the β (14–25 Hz) band. Among all DMN nodes, the PCC was the region manifesting the highest degree of cross-network interaction. This interaction involved subsets of nodes from other networks during periods in which their internal correlation was low. More generally, different networks exhibited different degree of temporal nonstationarity that appeared to be inversely related

to the degree of cross-network coupling. The following discussion considers three main issues: (1) the dynamics of functional segregation and integration of RSNs; (2) the DMN, and the PCC in particular, as a functional core of the brain; and (3) the significance of β band rhythms in functional integration. First, we consider some methodological factors that may potentially influence our findings. Studying the covariance structure of spontaneous cortical activity with MEG is challenging for several well-known reasons. MEG data are often contaminated by several artifacts including physiologic noise (respiration, heart), head and eye movements, and environmental noise. The impact of artifacts is important in resting state studies because averaging in phase with events cannot be used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

The GFP fill was then used to trace 20 μm segments along the thre

The GFP fill was then used to trace 20 μm segments along the three most prominent dendrites emanating from the cell body. Each dendritic segment was then outlined in the GRIP1-myc channel and the average fluorescence intensity logged to a spreadsheet. The analysis was repeated at 20 μm steps for each image. Similar analysis was performed to determine the dendritic distribution of transfected DHHC5 (wild-type and mutants) and DHHC3. To quantitate dendritic puncta of transfected GRIP1, each dendritic segment (outlined in the GRIP1-myc channel as above) was thresholded by gray value at a level close to 50% of the dynamic range. This threshold value

was kept constant for all images this website in each condition, and background noise from these images was negligible. The same dendritic regions were outlined as above, the software was used to count puncta of 2–20 pixel units within each segment, and the results were logged to a spreadsheet. The analysis was repeated at 20 μm steps for each image. To analyze the effect of 2-Bromopalmitate on endogenous GRIP1 puncta, images were initially thresholded as above. A new image was generated of those puncta that overlapped a GFP-transfected neuron within the same field. This allowed GRIP1 signals to be assigned to dendrites emanating from a specific neuron with a defined center. The soma was traced and masked manually, and the GFP signal was used to trace 20 μm dendritic segments as above. Puncta in

each dendritic segment were Sirolimus chemical structure counted as above and logged to a spreadsheet. Live imaging was performed essentially as described (Lin and Huganir,

2007 and Thomas et al., 2008). Briefly, tuclazepam neurons on coverslips were transfected with pH-GluA2 plus vector, GRIP1b wild-type or mutants, or HA-DHHC5. Seventy-two hours after transfection, coverslips were assembled in a chamber perfused with imaging buffer (Lin and Huganir, 2007 and Thomas et al., 2008). A single neuron was selected based on pHluorin signal, and baseline fluorescence was monitored for 10 min prior to perfusion for 5 min with 20 μM NMDA in low-magnesium imaging buffer (Lin and Huganir, 2007 and Thomas et al., 2008) and subsequent recovery in standard imaging buffer. Using ImageJ, the change of pHGluA2 fluorescence in both the cell soma and in a single primary dendrite was monitored and logged to a spreadsheet. We gratefully acknowledge Drs. Masaki and Yuko Fukata (National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan) for mouse DHHC cDNAs, and Dr. Y. Igarashi (Hokkaido University, Japan) for human DHHC5 and DHHC8 cDNA. We thank Mrs. Min Dai for neuronal “Banker” cultures, Mr. R. Johnson for the myc-FUW vector and KBD construct, Mrs. L. Hamm for expert technical assistance, Dr. C.-Y. Su (Yale University) for comments on the manuscript, and Dr. V. Anggono and all other R.L.H. lab members for helpful discussions. This work was supported by funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the NIH (R01 MH64856).

, 1998, Kita and Kitai, 1994 and Sato et al , 2000), prototypic G

, 1998, Kita and Kitai, 1994 and Sato et al., 2000), prototypic GPe neurons can thus additionally target EPN and SNr, or EPN but not SNr or vice versa. No model of BG organization adequately captures this rich structural diversity in the outputs of individual neurons or networks of GPe. Nevertheless, the distinct properties of prototypic and arkypallidal neurons imply that they fulfill specialized, broadly complementary roles in BG circuits, such as gating cortical inputs to STN or striatum, respectively. During both SWA and activated brain states, prototypic and arkypallidal neurons are distinguished

by inversely-related firing rates and patterns, as well as by their preferred phases of firing during slow (∼1 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) oscillations. Prototypic GP-TI neurons fire with appreciable phase differences Buparlisib ic50 (“antiphase”) compared to STN and striatal neurons (Magill et al., 2001, Mallet et al., 2006, Mallet et al., 2008a and Mallet et al., 2008b), while arkypallidal neurons fire in-phase with these major afferents.

Synchronized neuronal oscillations play key roles in normal brain function (Buzsáki and Draguhn, 2004 and Singer, 1999), with abnormal or uncontrolled synchronization accompanying many cognitive and motor disorders (Schnitzler and Gross, 2005 and Uhlhaas and Singer, 2006). This is exemplified in Parkinsonism, in which “antikinetic” excessive beta oscillations emerge in every BG nucleus (Avila et al., 2010, Brown et al., 2001, Hammond et al., 2007,

Mallet et al., 2008a, Mallet et al., 2008b and Moran et al., 2011). Our analyses provide learn more critical new insights into how GPe neurons might coordinate and propagate beta oscillations across basal ganglia circuits in a cell-type-specific manner. First, antiphase rhythmic activities of reciprocally-connected GABAergic GP-TI and glutamatergic STN neurons could effectively reinforce beta oscillations. Second, although arkypallidal and STN neurons synchronize at beta frequencies, the former cannot directly influence the latter, as suggested by recent computational modeling (Cruz et al., 2011). However, arkypallidal neurons could directly influence the rhythmic activity of GP-TI neurons (and vice versa) through Ketanserin local axon collaterals and, indeed, these cell types are synchronized at beta frequencies (Cruz et al., 2011 and Mallet et al., 2008a). The precise operations mediated by the reciprocal connections of prototypic and arkypallidal neurons are unclear, but, in theory, these local GABAergic inputs could reduce target activity by membrane hyperpolarization, provide “shunting” inhibition, drive activity through rebound responses, and/or phase-lock and synchronize target activity. With the latter in mind, it is tempting to hypothesize that the complex local connections of GPe neurons enable the Parkinsonian network to act as a central pattern generator for beta oscillations. Third, GP-TI neurons are a single-cell substrate for entraining neuronal activity in every BG nucleus.

17 During the latter stages of the test, each subject was verball

17 During the latter stages of the test, each subject was verbally encouraged by the test operators to give their maximal effort. In addition, an ECG was monitored continuously while recording

the heart rate (HR). The expired gas was collected, and the rates of oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were measured breath-by-breath using a cardiopulmonary gas exchange system (Oxycon Alpha, Mijnhrdt B.V., Netherlands). The achievement of peak oxygen uptake was accepted if the following two conditions were met: the subject’s maximal HR was >95% of the age-predicted maximal HR (220 – age), and the VO2 curve showed a leveling off. In http://www.selleckchem.com/products/Adriamycin.html addition, the observed maximal work rate during the testing was used for this analysis. Resting systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) were measured indirectly using a mercury sphygmomanometer placed on the right arm of the seated participant after at least 15 min of rest. After the subjects fasted overnight for 10–12 h, blood samples were collected in order to determine the levels of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (L Type Wako Triglyceride H, Wako Chemical, Osaka, Japan), insulin and blood glucose. Serum insulin was measured by immunoradiometric

assay (IRMA) using INSULIN RIABEAD (DAINABOT, Tokyo, Japan). Blood glucose was measured by the glucose-oxidant method. The insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment, the Homeostasis model assessment Tariquidar molecular weight (HOMA) index (fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL) × fasting serum insulin (μU/mL)/405), according to the method developed by Matthews et al.18 All data are expressed as means ± SD values. The sample sizes of all parameters were thought to be sufficient and had a normal distribution, and hence Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated and used to test the significance of the linear relationship between continuous parameters: where p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. However, in the relationship between the peak oxygen uptake and regional body composition, and between the work rate and regional body composition,

a p < 0.007 (0.05/7≈0.007) was considered statistically significant after the Bonferroni correction. Multiple regression analysis was also used to adjust for confounding factors, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. the The measurements of parameters are summarized in Table 1. The peak oxygen uptake in enrolled subjects was 37.6 ± 8.7 mL/kg/min in men, and 31.1 ± 6.4 mL/kg/min in women. The total body fat percentage using DEXA was 19.4% ± 5.3% in men and 26.2% ± 5.7% in women (Table 1). We investigated the age-related changes in peak oxygen uptake. The peak oxygen uptake was significantly and negatively correlated with age (men: r = −0.500, p < 0.0001; women: r = −0.486, p < 0.0001). The simple correlation analysis between peak oxygen uptake and anthropometric, body composition parameters using DEXA was evaluated (Table 2).

We further found that MBP staining was strikingly enhanced throug

We further found that MBP staining was strikingly enhanced throughout all cortical Small molecule library solubility dmso layers in caMek1\hGFAP mice ( Figures S7A–S7B′), indicating changes in oligodendrocyte production ( Fruttiger et al., 1999), MBP levels ( Ishii et al., 2012),

or both. The increase in GFAP-labeled cells was particularly remarkable. GFAP+ astrocytes are normally restricted to white matter in mature WT mice. In caMek1\hGFAP dorsal cortices, GFAP+ cells filled the entire cortex occupying both gray and white matter ( Figures 8C and 8C′). Further, we noted a major increase in the number of Ki67+ astrocytes in postnatal day 10 cortices in the caMek1\hGFAP mice ( Figures S7D and S7E). Thus, the increased astrocyte number observed in mature mice is probably due to both an increase in the number of radial progenitors that committed to the astrocytic lineage and further proliferation of astrocyte precursors/astrocytes postnatally. We have demonstrated that MEK signaling strongly regulates the generation of glia from radial progenitors in developing cortex. This conclusion is based on multiple clear-cut in vivo findings in genetically induced loss- and gain-of-function models. First,

glial-like properties of radial progenitors are not maintained in Mek-deleted mice and glial specification is almost completely blocked. Second, expression of Cre or caMek1 in individual radial progenitors suggests that functions of MEK are cell autonomous and can be Org 27569 instructive. Third, Mek deletion leads to a persistent loss of gliogenic selleck kinase inhibitor competence as Mek1,2\hGFAP mutants are nearly devoid of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the dorsal cortex at postnatal stages. Finally, expression of caMek1 in radial progenitors leads to a major increase in numbers of cortical astrocytes in mature mice. Our data establish MEK as a key regulator of gliogenesis in developing mammalian cortex. In developing cortex, radial progenitors first generate neurons to form neuronal circuits and then generate matching numbers of glial cells (Guillemot

and Zimmer, 2011). Multiple studies have demonstrated that extrinsic factors such as Notch and BMP stimulate progenitors to become gliogenic (Gaiano and Fishell, 2002; Nakashima et al., 1999b; Rowitch and Kriegstein, 2010). Interestingly, many of these gliogenic cues are present at early neurogenic stages but do not induce gliogenesis (Molné et al., 2000; Takizawa et al., 2001). An idea that has emerged is that radial progenitors undergo a cell fate switch at the gliogenic stage making them competent to respond to gliogenic signals (Molné et al., 2000; Song and Ghosh, 2004; Viti et al., 2003). We suggest that MEK/ERK MAPK signaling mediates this switch from neurogenic to gliogenic competence. ERK MAPK signaling has been implicated previously in cell fate switching.