Article
Neurosciences
Sazia Sharmin, Jonu Pradhan, Zhe Zhang, Mark Bellingham, David Simmons, Michael Piper
Summary: Disruptions to sulfate supply or sulfation enzymes can impact brain development and function, with PNNs playing a key role in synaptic maturation and plasticity. The study reveals that mice with a mutation in the Slc13a4 gene exhibit abnormalities in social interaction and memory, potentially linked to deficits in PNN biology.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Giada Mascio, Serena Notartomaso, Katiuscia Martinello, Francesca Liberatore, Domenico Bucci, Tiziana Imbriglio, Milena Cannella, Nico Antenucci, Pamela Scarselli, Roberta Lattanzi, Valeria Bruno, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Sergio Fucile, Giuseppe Battaglia
Summary: Chronic inflammatory pain leads to the accumulation of perineuronal nets in cortical regions, and their degradation can reduce pain and modulate neuronal activity in the pain matrix.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito, Ywlliane da Silva Rodrigues Meurer, Jully Anne Lemos Batista, Andrea Lima de Sa, Cassio Ricardo de Medeiros Souza, Janeusa Trindade de Souto, Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the systemic inflammatory response and structure of the primary somatosensory cortex (PSC). The results showed increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue cysts in the infected mice, as well as a loss of neuronal net labeling in the cortex.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geehoon Chung, Yeong-Chan Yun, Chae Young Kim, Sun Kwang Kim, Sang Jeong Kim
Summary: This study found that the levels of mGluR5 in the S1DZ were significantly upregulated in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Pharmacological deactivation of mGluR5 ameliorated the symptoms of neuropathic allodynia and reduced the behavioral response to cold stimuli. In addition, this treatment also relieved the tonic-aversive state of chronic neuropathic pain.
Article
Neurosciences
Delia N. Chiu, Brett C. Carter
Summary: NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a crucial role in glutamatergic synaptic signaling in the mammalian central nervous system. The unique biophysical properties of NMDARs, including their ligand- and voltage-dependence, allow them to function as synaptic coincidence detectors, controlling the influx of synaptic Ca2+. Experimental results show that NMDARs contribute to synaptic currents and Ca2+ influx even in the presence of extracellular Mg2+ and absence of AMPAR depolarization. This suggests that NMDARs have an important role in synaptic signaling.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiao-Yuan Jing, Yan Wang, Hua-Wei Zou, Zi-Lin Li, Ying-Juan Liu, Lai-Fu Li
Summary: The study assessed the functional roles of mGlu2/3 and mGlu5 within different subregions of the mPFC in modulating stress resilience and vulnerability, with results suggesting that mGlu2/3 in the PrL might play an important regulatory role in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Social avoidance symptoms in susceptible mice were rapidly relieved by intra-PrL administration of an mGluR2/3 antagonist, indicating a potential avenue for developing novel, personalized approaches to mitigate depression and promote stress resilience.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Kelsea R. Gildawie, Lilly M. Ryll, Jessica C. Hexter, Shayna Peterzell, Alissa A. Valentine, Heather C. Brenhouse
Summary: Research suggests that early adversity has long-term effects on neural and behavioral functions, with repeated adverse experiences more likely to lead to PFC-mediated behavioral deficits in women. Studies on rats have found that females exposed to adversity are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity and risk-assessment behavior, along with a decrease in the number of PV cells in the PFC and reduced structural integrity of PNNs.
DEVELOPMENTAL COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Kyle S. Saitta, Lauren D. Lercher, Danielle M. Sainato, Ashish Patel, Yangyang Huang, Geoffrey McAuliffe, Cheryl F. Dreyfus
Summary: The study suggests that the mGluR agonist CHPG may be a potential therapeutic strategy for demyelinating diseases by enhancing the release of BDNF from astrocytes.
Article
Neurosciences
Yong-Jun Liu, Elizabeth E. Spangenberg, Bryan Tang, Todd C. Holmes, Kim N. Green, Xiangmin Xu
Summary: Microglia play a crucial role in sculpting neuronal circuit connectivity and regulating subsequent functional activity in the adult cortex. Depletion of microglia increases synaptic connections and enhances neural activities, which recover following re-population of adult microglia.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Stephen W. White, Gwendolyn D. Squires, Sequioa J. Smith, Gwendolyn M. Wright, Kenneth J. Sufka, John M. Rimoldi, Rama S. Gadepalli
Summary: Research on modulation of glutamate receptors in aves under stress models shows potential clinical value in treating panic disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Julian Guarque-Chabrera, Isis Gil-Miravet, Francisco Olucha-Bordonau, Ignasi Melchor-Eixea, Marta Miquel
Summary: Reciprocal pathways between the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex play a crucial role in modulating cognitive functions and psychiatric disorders related to substance use. Cue-action-reward associations in individuals with substance use disorder can trigger craving and relapse, with cerebellar activations observed during drug-related cue presentations. Inactivation of the Infralimbic cortex in rats during cocaine-induced conditioning led to increased preference for drug-related cues, enhanced cerebellar activity, and altered expression of perineuronal nets around Golgi interneurons, suggesting a potential role of cerebellar dysfunction in facilitating drug-induced memory acquisition.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vanessa Pereira, Juri Aparicio Arias, Amadeu Llebaria, Cyril Goudet
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a challenging condition to manage. In this study, the role of the amygdala in regulating neuropathic pain was investigated. The activation of mGlu4 receptors in the amygdala was found to alleviate sensory and depressive-like symptoms in a mouse model of neuropathy.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhoulong Yu, Ying Han, Die Hu, Na Chen, Zhongyu Zhang, Wenxi Chen, Yanxue Xue, Shiqiu Meng, Lin Lu, Wen Zhang, Jie Shi
Summary: The study reveals the important role of Neurocan in adolescent depression, as well as a novel mechanism for the antidepressant effect of ketamine.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos Alberto Castillo, Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yanez, David Agustin Leon-Navarro, Jose Luis Albasanz, Mairena Martin
Summary: The amyloid beta peptide plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Exposure to A beta(25-35) in rat cortical neurons increased mGluR density and affinity, along with up-regulation of adenosine A(1)R and A(2A)R. The study highlights the possible involvement of metabotropic glutamate and adenosine receptors in the early events of AD physiopathology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Lex J. Gomez, James C. Dooley, Greta Sokoloff, Mark S. Blumberg
Summary: The study suggests that the primary motor cortex (M1) can receive sensory input directly from the thalamus independent of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) at early developmental stages. The processing of self-generated and other-generated movements varies between S1 and M1 before they establish the interactive relationship typical of adult functionality.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
L. Di Menna, C. L. Busceti, R. P. Ginerete, G. D'Errico, R. Orlando, M. Alborghetti, V Bruno, G. Battaglia, F. Fornai, L. Leoni, G. Rampioni, P. Visca, J. A. Monn, F. Nicoletti
Summary: The quorum sensing molecule PQS produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to be active in the brain, influencing cell signaling and behavior. Levels of PQS increased in brain regions after injection and resulted in reduced spontaneous locomotor activity, increased immobility time in forced swim test, and attenuated motor response to methamphetamine.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Correction
Neurosciences
Tiziana Imbriglio, Remy Verhaeghe, Nico Antenucci, Stefania Maccari, Giuseppe Battaglia, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Milena Cannella
Article
Clinical Neurology
Federica Mastroiacovo, Manuela Zinni, Giada Mascio, Valeria Bruno, Giuseppe Battaglia, Julien Pansiot, Tiziana Imbriglio, Jerome Mairesse, Olivier Baud, Ferdinando Nicoletti
Summary: The genetic deletion of mGlu3 receptors amplifies ischemic brain damage and neuroinflammation in adult mice. In wild-type mice, there is an increased expression of genes associated with anti-inflammatory phenotypes in the peri-infarct region, while this enhancement is absent in mGlu3(-/-) mice. The deletion of mGlu3 receptors worsens the defect in the paw placement test in C57Black mice following MCA occlusion.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Roxana Paula Ginerete, Giada Mascio, Francesca Liberatore, Domenico Bucci, Nico Antenucci, Paola Di Pietro, Milena Cannella, Tiziana Imbriglio, Serena Notartomaso, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Valeria Bruno, Giuseppe Battaglia
Summary: The study suggests that exposure to ROE simulating air cabin conditions of domestic flights may enhance resilience to stress improving mood, anxiety and learning ability.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Giada Mascio, Serena Notartomaso, Katiuscia Martinello, Francesca Liberatore, Domenico Bucci, Tiziana Imbriglio, Milena Cannella, Nico Antenucci, Pamela Scarselli, Roberta Lattanzi, Valeria Bruno, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Sergio Fucile, Giuseppe Battaglia
Summary: Chronic inflammatory pain leads to the accumulation of perineuronal nets in cortical regions, and their degradation can reduce pain and modulate neuronal activity in the pain matrix.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Roberta Celli, Pasquale Striano, Rita Citraro, Luisa Di Menna, Milena Cannella, Tiziana Imbriglio, Mahmoud Koko, Euro Epinomics-Cogie Euro Epinomics-Cogie Consortium, Giovambattista De Sarro, James A. Monn, Giuseppe Battaglia, Gilles van Luijtelaar, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Emilio Russo, Antonio Leo
Summary: Previous studies suggest that modulation of mGlu3 receptors may be a potential treatment for absence epilepsy. This study found that mGlu3 receptor expression and signaling were decreased in the somatosensory cortex and thalamus of epileptic rats, and selective activation of mGlu3 receptors reduced seizures and depressive-like behavior. However, no association was found between genetic variants of GRM3 and absence epilepsy.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Serena Notartomaso, Serena Boccella, N. Antenucci, Flavia Ricciardi, Francesco Fazio, F. Liberatore, P. Scarselli, M. Scioli, Giada Mascio, V. Bruno, Giuseppe Battaglia, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Sabatino Maione, Livio Luongo
Summary: Cinnabarinic acid (CA), a trace metabolite of kynurenine, activates mGlu4 and Ah receptors and has analgesic effects on inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This study demonstrates that the modulation of pain thresholds by CA depends on the recruitment of mGlu4 and Ah receptors.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rosamaria Orlando, Roxana Paula Ginerete, Laura Cavalleri, Vincenza Aliperti, Tiziana Imbriglio, Giuseppe Battaglia, Anna Rita Zuena, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Emilio Merlo Pich, Ginetta Collo
Summary: The combination of L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) and L-methylfolate (MF) has a synergistic effect in the treatment of depression caused by chronic stress. It improves symptoms by reducing immobility time, increasing BDNF protein levels, and enhancing mGlu2 protein levels. Additionally, LAC and MF exert their effects through mechanisms such as acetylation of NF kappa B p65, and promote the development of dopamine neurons in cultured hiPSCs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Giacomo E. Barbone, Alberto Bravin, Alberto Mittone, Alexandra Pacureanu, Giada Mascio, Paola Di Pietro, Markus J. Kraiger, Marina Eckermann, Mariele Romano, Martin Hrabe de Angelis, Peter Cloetens, Valeria Bruno, Giuseppe Battaglia, Paola Coan
Summary: This study utilized multiscale X-PCI-CT technology to identify and quantify cellular and sub-cellular aging and neurodegeneration in deep neuronal and glial cell populations in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease. The study also demonstrated the localized and intracellular neuroprotective effects of pharmacological activation of mGlu2/3 receptors.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Notartomaso, Nico Antenucci, Francesca Liberatore, Giada Mascio, Stefano Vito Boccadamo Pompili, Joan Font, Mariarosaria Scioli, Livio Luongo, Antonietta Arcella, Roberto Gradini, Amadeu Llebaria, Ferdinando Nicoletti
Summary: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is a sudden and transient exacerbation of pain in patients treated with opioid analgesics. Light-activated drugs offer a novel strategy for rapid pain control without systemic side effects. Activation of mGlu5 receptors in the thalamus with light-induced compounds showed analgesic effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. This study demonstrates the potential use of optopharmacology in BTcP treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Francesca Liberatore, Nico Antenucci, Daniel Tortolani, Giada Mascio, Federico Fanti, Manuel Sergi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Valeria Bruno, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Mauro Maccarrone, Serena Notartomaso
Summary: Research has shown that using mGlu1 receptor PAM can partially correct learning deficits in SCA1 mouse models, restore memory retention, and increase levels of endocannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Carla Letizia Busceti, Albino Carrizzo, Franca Bianchi, Massimiliano De Lucia, Antonio Damato, Chiara Cazzin, Eleonora Venturini, Paola Di Pietro, Roxana Paula Ginerete, Luisa Di Menna, Maria Cotugno, Rosita Stanzione, Simona Marchitti, Serena Migliarino, Michele Ciccarelli, Sebastiano Sciarretta, Valeria Bruno, Giuseppe Battaglia, Francesco Fornai, Massimo Volpe, Speranza Rubattu, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Carmine Vecchione
Summary: Dkk3 plays a crucial role in cardiovascular homeostasis, and its deficiency leads to hypertension and impaired vascular function, which can be rescued by restoring Dkk3 expression. This effect is achieved through promoting VEGF expression and activating the VEGF/Akt/eNOS hypotensive pathway.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)