Nature and Nurture Converge in the Nucleus to Regulate Activity-Dependent Neuronal Development

Both genetic and environmental factors shape the process of neurodevelopment. At the interface of nature and nurture lies neuronal activity-dependent transcription, which, by internalizing experiences, sculpts and optimizes the primitive neural circuits laid down by a hardwired genetic program. In this chapter, we will review the important roles played by activity-dependent transcription in the key steps of the development of functional neural circuits: neurite development, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity. We’ll also discuss how activity-dependent transcription is relevant to understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.