Article
Cell Biology
Hao Li, Karin Staxang, Monika Hodik, Karl-Gunnar Melkersson, Helge Rask-Andersen
Summary: This study investigates the fine structure of the crocodile auditory organ and describes the presence of a vascularized epithelium separate from the tegmentum vasculosum. It is believed that this vascularized epithelium secretes endolymph and generates a low grade endocochlear potential in crocodiles.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Justine M. Renauld, Vibhuti Khan, Martin L. Basch
Summary: This study investigates the development and migration process of intermediate cells of the stria vascularis in the cochlea. These cells are crucial for normal hearing and start migrating into the lateral wall of the cochlea during embryonic development, continuing to proliferate postnatally.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Teng-Wei Huang, Amrita A. Iyer, Jeanne M. Manalo, Junsung Woo, Navish A. Bosquez Huerta, Melissa M. McGovern, Heinrich Schrewe, Fredrick A. Pereira, Andrew K. Groves, Kevin K. Ohlemiller, Benjamin Deneen
Summary: Mutations in the Mediator protein complex subunit 12 gene lead to changes in astrocyte morphology, hearing loss, and degeneration of the cochlea in the adult central nervous system. This results in the disruption of auditory function by affecting the structural integrity of the stria vascularis.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chenmeng Song, Jie Li, Shuang Liu, Hanqing Hou, Tong Zhu, Jiaofeng Chen, Lian Liu, Yichang Jia, Wei Xiong
Summary: Dysregulation of ion and potential homeostasis in the scala media is a common cause of hearing loss in mammals. A mouse genetic screen identified a mouse line, 299, with profound hearing impairment and a severe, congenital structural defect of the stria vascularis. Deleting a LINE-1 retrotransposon insertion on chromosome 11 restored hearing in these mutant mice, providing a new model for studying fluid homeostasis in the scala media.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
LaShardai N. N. Brown, Jeremy L. L. Barth, Shabih Jafri, Jeffrey A. A. Rumschlag, Tyreek R. R. Jenkins, Carl Atkinson, Hainan Lang
Summary: Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by dysfunction of cochlear cells. The involvement of immune cells and molecular mechanisms in this process remains unclear. In this study, we found that mice with deficient fB functional alleles demonstrate progressive hearing impairment. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differential expression of genes related to extracellular matrix, neural development, myelin function, and neural crest development in fB(-/-) mice. Histological investigations showed pathological alterations in auditory nerve myelin sheathes and cochlear lateral wall in these mice. Our findings highlight the importance of immune signaling pathways in sensorineural hearing loss.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Robert N. Kelsh, Karen Camargo Sosa, Saeed Farjami, Vsevolod Makeev, Jonathan H. P. Dawes, Andrea Rocco
Summary: Neural crest cells play a crucial role in development due to their multipotency. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding how fate specification and commitment occur, with a novel 'cyclical fate restriction' hypothesis being suggested as a way to reconcile experimental evidence.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Taku Ito, Natsuko Kurata, Yoko Fukunaga
Summary: Tissue-resident macrophages in the cochlea play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, immune defense, and repair. Perivascular macrophages, a unique subset associated with blood vessels, regulate blood vessel permeability and clear pigment granules in the cochlea.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Junmin Chen, Penghui Chen, Baihui He, Tianyu Gong, Yue Li, Jifang Zhang, Jingrong Lv, Fabio Mammano, Shule Hou, Jun Yang
Summary: This study established a new Cx30 knockout mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and found that the lack of Cx30 can cause mild hearing loss with approximately 30% reduction of Cx26. This suggests that Cx30 may play an important role in hearing development.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Seong Hoon Bae, Jee Eun Yoo, Young Ho Choe, Sang Hyun Kwak, Jae Young Choi, Jinsei Jung, Young-Min Hyun
Summary: Intravital imaging of the cochlea revealed that neutrophil recruitment and infiltration during inflammation are spatially controlled and exclusively observed in the spiral ligament but not in the stria vascularis and organ of Corti in live mice. The differential reactivity of ICAM-1 is likely responsible for the different neutrophil recruitment pattern in the cochlea during LPS-induced inflammation. Neutrophil migration to the spiral ligament in the lateral wall was observed 2 days after LPS inoculation, mimicking acute otitis media.
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Rui Ding, Yi Pan, Kaili Chen, Tianyuan Zou, Andi Zhang, Dongye Guo, Peilin Ji, Cui Fan, Bin Ye, Mingliang Xiang
Summary: The study aimed to explore the spatio-temporal changes in JNK isoforms in the cochleae of mice with age-related hearing loss. Immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting were used to test the changes in JNK isoforms in an animal model and a senescent cell line. Results showed that all three JNK isoforms are present in the cochleae, and their expression patterns differ in different cell types. JNK3 is highly expressed in hair cells and increases with age-related hearing loss, suggesting its critical role in hair cell loss and spiral ganglion degeneration.
Article
Cell Biology
Shize Ma, Xiu Li, Rui Cao, Guoqin Zhan, Xin Fu, Ran Xiao, Zhigang Yang
Summary: Neural crest-derived cells in the skin have important functions, but their interaction with environmental cues and differentiation process is not well understood. This study identified integrin a6 (ITGA6) as a surface marker for distinguishing neural crest derivatives in the skin, and categorized them into three subpopulations. The study also analyzed the specific genes, transcription factors, and molecules involved in potential interactions among different skin cells. Furthermore, distinct development pathways of fibroblasts from different origins were identified. This study provides insights into neural crest cell development and identifies potential markers for isolating neural crest derivatives in the skin.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Justine M. Renauld, William Davis, Tiantian Cai, Claudia Cabrera, Martin L. Basch
Summary: The study found that intermediate cells in the inner ear maintain the expression of genes necessary for melanocyte development, while skin melanocytes rapidly downregulate the expression of these genes, suggesting that the inner ear may have acquired new functions during evolution.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna M. Wulf, Marcela M. Moreno, Chloe Paka, Alexandra Rampasekova, Karen J. Liu
Summary: Neuroblastoma is a common childhood solid tumor derived from sympathoadrenal progenitor cells, with an association to the ALK gene activation. Understanding the impact of ALK activity on neural crest cells could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manali Tilak, Jennifer Holborn, Laura A. New, Jasmin Lalonde, Nina Jones
Summary: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a deadly cancer with limited response to existing therapies. Subtypes of GBM with distinct genetic signatures show aberrant activation of signal transduction pathways. Current research focuses on understanding these molecular alterations to develop more efficient targeted therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Robert N. Kelsh
Summary: The researcher has been working in the field of zebrafish pigment cells for 30 years. By isolating mutants and conducting long-term research, they have proposed a new model and used mathematical modeling approaches to refine their biological models and interpretations.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaokuang Ma, Jing Wei, Yuehua Cui, Baomei Xia, Le Zhang, Antoine Nehme, Yi Zuo, Deveroux Ferguson, Pat Levitt, Shenfeng Qiu
Summary: The study demonstrates that regulation of MET signaling is a key mechanism in controlling cortical circuit development and normal behavior. Prolonged MET signaling alters the molecular composition of synaptic proteins, affects dendritic spine maturation and neural connectivity, leading to developmental abnormalities and impaired behavior in adulthood.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Mostafijur Rahman, Yu-Hsiang Shu, Ting Chow, Frederick W. Lurmann, Xin Yu, Mayra P. Martinez, Sarah A. Carter, Sandrah P. Eckel, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Zhanghua Chen, Pat Levitt, Joel Schwartz, Rob McConnell, Anny H. Xiang
Summary: Studies have shown that air pollution during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, with a greater risk for boys. The study found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the first two trimesters of pregnancy is associated with an increased ASD risk, especially in boys. The role of ozone (O3) exposure on ASD risk warrants further investigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Jack P. Shonkoff, W. Thomas Boyce, Nicole R. Bush, Megan R. Gunnar, Takao K. Hensch, Pat Levitt, Michael J. Meaney, Charles A. Nelson, Natalie Slopen, David R. Williams, Patricia Pelufo Silveira
Summary: As the science of adversity and resilience advances, and public awareness of the health consequences of stress grows, primary care providers are being increasingly asked to address the effects of adverse experiences on child wellbeing. This article explores the potential benefits and risks of measuring stress activation directly in young children, and highlights the importance of ethical considerations in interpreting and minimizing harm.
Article
Developmental Biology
Emily B. Reilly, Kelli L. Dickerson, Lara J. Pierce, Jukka Leppanen, Viviane Valdes, Alma Gharib, Barbara L. Thompson, Lisa J. Schlueter, Pat Levitt, Charles A. Nelson
Summary: Maternal perceived stress is associated with the trajectory of infant attentional bias towards angry facial expressions, with infants of mothers experiencing higher stress levels showing a different pattern compared to infants of mothers with lower stress levels.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Alexandra L. Lanjewar, Sonum Jagetia, Zuhayr M. Khan, Kathie L. Eagleson, Pat Levitt
Summary: This study determines the broad expression patterns of MET in mPFC and V1, providing insight into the similarities and differences in the neuronal subtypes and temporal patterns of MET expression between these cortical areas. The data suggest that MET signaling influences the development of distinct circuits in mPFC and V1 that underlie functional deficits following Met deletion.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sarah A. Carter, Jane C. Lin, Ting Chow, Xin Yu, Md Mostafijur Rahman, Mayra P. Martinez, Klara Feldman, Sandrah P. Eckel, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Zhanghua Chen, Pat Levitt, Frederick W. Lurmann, Rob McConnell, Anny H. Xiang
Summary: This study examined the associations between maternal obesity, diabetes, preeclampsia, and asthma and the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with gastrointestinal disturbances (GIDs) in children. The results showed that each of the maternal conditions was associated with an increased likelihood of GIDs and ASD, and the association was strongest for ASD with GIDs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Mostafijur Rahman, Sarah A. Carter, Jane C. Lin, Ting Chow, Xin Yu, Mayra P. Martinez, Pat Levitt, Zhanghua Chen, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Daniel Rud, Juan Pablo Lewinger, Sandrah P. Eckel, Joel Schwartz, Frederick W. Lurmann, Michael J. Kleeman, Rob McConnell, Anny H. Xiang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of tailpipe and non-tailpipe emissions of fine particulate matter on the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The results showed that both sources of particulate matter were associated with increased risk of ASD, with the non-tailpipe sources of copper, iron, and manganese having a stronger effect. This suggests that reducing tailpipe emissions may not eliminate the association between traffic-related air pollution and ASD.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Manal Tabbaa, Allison Knoll, Pat Levitt
Summary: Previous models of neurodevelopmental disorders have limitations in capturing the genetic diversity and symptom heterogeneity seen clinically. In this study, we tested whether introducing genetic background diversity in mouse models could replicate population and individual differences in response to a specific mutation in the autism risk gene, CHD8. Results showed that clinically relevant traits were disrupted in a manner similar to clinical observations, with significant strain and sex differences. Some strains exhibited large effect-size trait disruptions, while others showed resilience. Therefore, systematically incorporating genetic diversity in models of neurodevelopmental disorders provides a better framework for understanding individual differences in symptom etiologies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toru Miwa, Rie Kanai, Shin-Ichi Kanemaru
Summary: This study aimed to develop a prototype for high-concentration steroids and examine their safety and feasibility in vivo. The results showed that high-dose dexamethasone had similar safety and efficacy compared to low-dose dexamethasone and saline. Furthermore, the drug could still be detected in the high-dose dexamethasone group after two months. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of high-dose dexamethasone.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Cristin M. Holland, John Sideris, Barbara L. Thompson, Pat Levitt, Grace T. Baranek
Summary: Infants show rapid development and increased human interactions during the first year, with gaze, affect, and object exploration playing important roles. However, current understanding on infant development mainly comes from non-Hispanic/Latino samples. This longitudinal study examines the development of gaze, affect, and object exploration in a primarily Latino sample, providing important insights into mother-infant play.
INFANT BEHAVIOR & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Toru Miwa, Yumi Takemiya, Kazuki Amesara, Hiroko Kawai, Yuichi Teranishi
Summary: This study explores the potential of using polyarginine-fused FOXP3 protein as a novel therapeutic strategy for allergic rhinitis. The results show that this approach can induce Treg-like cell generation in the nasal epithelium and enhance allergen tolerance. Polyarginine-mediated FOXP3 protein transduction could potentially offer an alternative to conventional intranasal drug application for nasal drug delivery.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shin-ichiro Kita, Toru Miwa, Rie Kanai, Yoji Morita, Sinyoung Lee, Takuji Koike, Shin-ichi Kanemaru
Summary: This study utilized middle ear finite element models to simulate ossicular malformations and diagnosed the malformations objectively by comparing the results with actual preoperative audiograms. The findings suggest that this method is accurate and reliable in diagnosing ossicular fixation and disarticulation. Future research should focus on developing a diagnostic framework utilizing large-scale data.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ramin Ali Marandi Ghoddousi, Valerie M. Magalong, Anna K. Kamitakahara, Pat Levitt
Summary: This article introduces a single-cell automated multiplex pipeline for RNA (SCAMPR), which can rapidly and accurately quantify and analyze high-dimensional gene expression datasets using dual immunohistochemistry and open-source image processing tools. This method enables topographic phenotyping of cell types and spatial mapping of gene expression in the nervous system.
CELL REPORTS METHODS
(2022)
Article
Primary Health Care
Toru Miwa, Tomoya Yamaguchi, Shin-Ichiro Kita, Kazuto Osaka, Rie Kanai, Toshiki Maetani, Shin-Ichi Kanemaru
Summary: This study identified predictive factors for acute sensorineural hearing loss and provided useful markers for predicting its occurrence.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Toru Miwa, Tomohisa Yasuda, Kishiko Sunami, Takanobu Kunihiro, Kouichi Yasuda
Summary: This article describes the Foulage test (FT) and investigates the test-retest reliability of parameters recorded during stepping execution in healthy adults. The results show that FT is a reliable equilibrium function test and can be used to observe the clinical courses of patients with vestibular disorders.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
