| Neurons are forever caught in a dance, adapting their signals to stay in step with new information. As the cells change pace, they need to maintain a delicate balance: If they ramp up excitatory signaling too much, it can lead to seizures; too much inhibition can lead to depressive or catatonic states. Neurons strike this balance by way of processes collectively called homeostatic plasticity. Like a thermostat, this set of controls continuously dials excitatory and inhibitory signaling up or down as needed across our neural circuitry. Homeostatic plasticity explains how our brains stay plastic yet preserve their basic functions over time. It might also modulate autism traits, some experts say. Over the past decade, research has shown that knocking out different autism-linked genes in various brain regions and cell types can disrupt homeostatic plasticity — findings that suggest it is a point of convergence for multiple forms of the condition. |
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