Foreword to Dendrites

Foreword

At one time or other all of us wonder how the brain works. For contemporary neuroscientists this means understanding the circuit anatomy underlying brain functions and the electrical patterns that bring these circuits to life. Currently, many questions are related to finding out how assemblies of nerve cells in particular brain regions can generate the patterns of electrical signals that underlie thought and eventually make motor activity possible. That dendrites are essential for this and, perhaps, constitute the most important cellular compartment that allow nerve cells to generate specific patterns of electrical activity, seem a reasonable assumption. Dendrites is compiled from contributions made by leading researchers in the field of dendrite research. The book summarizes in concise form, for students and researchers in cellular and molecular neuroscience, what is presently known about dendrites.

The second edition of Dendrites has been substantially updated and enlarged, illustrating how the four prevalent routes of investigation – morphology, development, physiology and modelling – have improved the mechanistic understanding of dendritic function. The book contains lucid chapters on simulations of dendritic signalling that take into account realistic cell geometry that I find particularly useful. These chapters which review combined experimental and modelling studies remind us that simulations of brain functions in silico are only feasible if models finally incorporate realistic assumptions regarding differences in structure and function between nerve cells.

The new edition adds chapters focusing on spines and their contribution to synaptic and circuit mechanisms, as well as chapters on the development and molecular biology of dendrites, two fields where research is beginning to take off. The chapter reviewing possible causal relationships between brain and dendrite malfunction provides an outlook into the understanding of brain diseases. The book concludes with a lucid description of future research questions.

As judged from other fields of biology pursuing morphological and functional investigations, the next focus of research will be devoted to the search for genes that determine the form and function of dendrites. Possibly the manipulation of these genes will help discover the relevance of the enormous diversity of dendritic morphology for specific functions generated by various parts of the brain. We have recently witnessed the manipulation of a plethora of putative brain-specific genes. It has become clear that meaningful interpretation of the effects of genetic manipulation depends critically on a solid understanding of normal circuits. We are, at present, far from understanding the genetic determinants of dendritic geometry and function. For this upcoming direction of dendrite research the material reviewed in Dendrites provides a solid basis of existing knowledge. I expect that this second edition of the book will be followed by many more editions in the future.

The book is edited and largely written by relatively young and very active neuroscientists. It is an encouraging sign that future research on dendrites is in excellent hands. Their work will improve our understanding of what we wonder about from time to time.

Prof. Bert Sakmann
Nobel Laureate and Director
Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
Heidelberg, Germany