Sensory processing is a primary function of the nervous system, and the mechanisms by which sensory circuits are organized, function and develop has been the focus of intense investigation. Though each sense is initially processed separately, the merging of multiple senses enhances an organism’s ability to detect salient stimuli, informs behavioral decisions, and enables a rich percept. To accomplish this, precise circuit connectivity must be established during development, reorganized with experience, and adaptable to different environments. However, the molecular, cellular, and circuit-based mechanisms by which these features manifest remain unclear.
This Research Topic aims to broaden our understanding of the principles underlying the development, plasticity and context-dependent function of circuits in multisensory brain regions. By highlighting advancements made through basic, pre-clinical and clinical studies, as well as computational modeling approaches, we hope to share the innovative strategies utilized to investigate the complex processes involved in building and modifying a robust multisensory system.
All article types accepted by the Journal are welcome for submission, including original research, brief research reports, methods, and reviews of recent advances in the field of multisensory biology. We call for investigations from the neuronal, circuit, or region-specific perspective of the following themes of interest:
Development, alignment, and plasticity of multisensory maps:
• Relationship to experience.
• Alterations across the lifespan.
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms.
• Species-specific differences.
Development, plasticity, and context-dependent multisensory interactions:
• Variation in processing dynamics.
• Integration and segregation.
• Alterations across the lifespan.
Pre-clinical and clinical applications of multisensory plasticity:
• Interventions for multisensory dysfunction.
• Treatment of unisensory or sensorimotor dysfunction.
Sensory processing is a primary function of the nervous system, and the mechanisms by which sensory circuits are organized, function and develop has been the focus of intense investigation. Though each sense is initially processed separately, the merging of multiple senses enhances an organism’s ability to detect salient stimuli, informs behavioral decisions, and enables a rich percept. To accomplish this, precise circuit connectivity must be established during development, reorganized with experience, and adaptable to different environments. However, the molecular, cellular, and circuit-based mechanisms by which these features manifest remain unclear.
This Research Topic aims to broaden our understanding of the principles underlying the development, plasticity and context-dependent function of circuits in multisensory brain regions. By highlighting advancements made through basic, pre-clinical and clinical studies, as well as computational modeling approaches, we hope to share the innovative strategies utilized to investigate the complex processes involved in building and modifying a robust multisensory system.
All article types accepted by the Journal are welcome for submission, including original research, brief research reports, methods, and reviews of recent advances in the field of multisensory biology. We call for investigations from the neuronal, circuit, or region-specific perspective of the following themes of interest:
Development, alignment, and plasticity of multisensory maps:
• Relationship to experience.
• Alterations across the lifespan.
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms.
• Species-specific differences.
Development, plasticity, and context-dependent multisensory interactions:
• Variation in processing dynamics.
• Integration and segregation.
• Alterations across the lifespan.
Pre-clinical and clinical applications of multisensory plasticity:
• Interventions for multisensory dysfunction.
• Treatment of unisensory or sensorimotor dysfunction.
