Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Zhang, Jiahui Guo, Yu Wang, Luoran Shang, Renjie Chai, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: In recent years, artificial nerve scaffolds have emerged as a promising alternative for peripheral nerve repair. Natural polymers, with their excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, high cell affinity, wide source, and environmental protection, are considered ideal biomaterials for tissue engineering scaffolds. The development of natural polymer-derived nerve scaffolds, combined with the integration of exogenous biomolecules, has shown great potential in enhancing nerve regeneration and functional reconstruction.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kimberly A. Arena, Yunlu Zhu, Sarah Kucenas
Summary: Spinal motor nerves are crucial for organismal locomotion and survival. Through the study in zebrafish, it is found that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) signaling and connective tissue growth factor-a (ctgfa) play important roles in facilitating the formation of perineurial glial bridges, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying successful motor nerve regeneration.
Article
Polymer Science
Josefa Alarcon Apablaza, Maria Florencia Lezcano, Karina Godoy Sanchez, Gonzalo H. Oporto, Fernando Jose Dias
Summary: This scoping review summarizes the adequate quantitative/morphometric parameters of polymeric nerve guide conduits (NGCs) that provide a supportive environment for nerve regeneration. Optimal morphometric characteristics, such as wall thickness, fiber size, pore size, and porosity, are identified to enhance nerve regeneration and reduce the need for experimental studies.
Review
Polymer Science
Josefa Alarcon Apablaza, Maria Florencia Lezcano, Alex Lopez Marquez, Karina Godoy Sanchez, Gonzalo H. Oporto, Fernando Jose Dias
Summary: The study summarizes the main morphological characteristics of nerve guide conduits (NGC) that influence nerve regeneration, including diameter, wall thickness, porosity, pore size, fiber alignment, and thickness.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Trevor Poitras, Douglas W. Zochodne
Summary: Common mechanisms of peripheral axon regeneration are recruited following diverse forms of damage to peripheral nerve axons. Supporting peripheral axon regrowth could be achieved through direct axon support or manipulation of the inflammatory milieu. Understanding the molecular barriers to regrowth and exploiting the downstream signaling pathways that impact neuron growth are promising approaches for promoting adult peripheral axon regeneration. This review emphasizes intrinsic aspects of adult peripheral axon regeneration and highlights several molecular barriers to regrowth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jue Ling, Chang He, Shuxuan Zhang, Yahong Zhao, Meifeng Zhu, Xiaoxuan Tang, Qiaoyuan Li, Liming Xu, Yumin Yang
Summary: This article provides an overview of evaluation methods used to study scaffold-based therapies for peripheral nerve injury (PNI) in experimental animal models, with particular focus on Schwann cell functions and axonal growth within the regenerated nerve.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lorena R. Lizarraga-Valderrama, Giulia Ronchi, Rinat Nigmatullin, Federica Fregnan, Pooja Basnett, Alexandra Paxinou, Stefano Geuna, Ipsita Roy
Summary: The study demonstrated that PHA-NGCs are highly promising in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration, showing comparable outcomes to autografts in functional evaluation and nerve morphology.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhidong Wei, Fei Jin, Tong Li, Lili Qian, Weiying Zheng, Ting Wang, Zhang-Qi Feng
Summary: Physical cue-based strategies have shown promising potential for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, serving as stimulators for cell functions and morphology, and enabling low-invasive, wireless, and battery-free neuromodulation.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dong Keon Yon, Yong Jun Kim, Dong Choon Park, Su Young Jung, Sung Soo Kim, Joon Hyung Yeo, Jeongmin Lee, Jae Min Lee, Seung Geun Yeo
Summary: A literature review on the role of autophagy in peripheral nerve injury and regeneration was conducted. The review identified several factors, such as LC3II/I, PI3K, mTOR, Beclin-1, ATG3, ATG5, ATG7, ATG9, and ATG12, that are involved in the process of nerve degeneration and regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luke Juckett, Tiam Mana Saffari, Benjamin Ormseth, Jenna-Lynn Senger, Amy M. M. Moore
Summary: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) often result in lifelong disability with rare complete functional recovery. Intraoperative electrical stimulation (ES) is a promising surgical adjunct that can augment the intrinsic molecular pathways of nerve regeneration. Clinical trials have shown that ES can be an efficacious therapy to improve patient outcomes following PNIs.
Article
Neurosciences
P. Komirishetty, K. Zubkow, A. Areti, H. Ong, D. W. Zochodne
Summary: The study found that local delivery of Rb1 siRNA can promote nerve regeneration at the outset, enhancing reinnervation of epidermal axons. Combining intrinsic Rb1 knockdown with exogenous insulin can significantly improve growth patterns of adult sensory neurons in vitro and enhance regeneration outcomes in vivo. Overall, the findings highlight the responsiveness of regrowing peripheral neurons to both intrinsic and exogenous approaches that improve their recovery, as well as a novel local approach to manipulate gene expression and outcome in regrowing axons.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Meng Zhang, Lei Li, Heng An, Peixun Zhang, Peilai Liu
Summary: Peripheral nerve injury is common in young adults and has complex regeneration mechanisms, slow recovery, and poor prognosis, causing a significant burden on patients and society. Self-assembled peptide (SAP) hydrogels, as a bioremediation material, have attracted international attention for their potential in promoting cell proliferation and drug-loaded sustained release for repairing peripheral nerve injuries. They have extensive application prospects and great biological value.
Review
Cell Biology
Jingxin Zhang, Binjing Zhang, Jinglan Zhang, Weimin Lin, Shiwen Zhang
Summary: Magnesium as a suitable material for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration has both challenges and potentials, but there is currently limited research on this topic, requiring further exploration to address the shortcomings and challenges identified.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Yoon-Yen Yow, Tiong-Keat Goh, Ke-Ying Nyiew, Lee-Wei Lim, Siew-Moi Phang, Siew-Huah Lim, Shyamala Ratnayeke, Kah-Hui Wong
Summary: This systematic review explores the neuroregenerative potential of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in peripheral nerve injury, focusing on the effects of plants or herbs, mushrooms, decoctions, and their natural products. Studies indicate that certain CAMs can enhance Schwann cell proliferation and migration, as well as promote peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery in animal models through modulation of neurotrophic factors and signaling pathways.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaolan Li, Xiang Zhang, Ming Hao, Dongxu Wang, Ziping Jiang, Liqun Sun, Yongjian Gao, Ye Jin, Peng Lei, Yue Zhuo
Summary: This review summarizes the importance of collagen in peripheral nerve regeneration, focusing on its characteristics, role, and optimization methods. Collagen, as a biomaterial, plays a crucial role in peripheral nerve repair and can be further optimized by adjusting its structure and physical properties, as well as combining it with bioactive components.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Sonia R. Pereira, Johana Tello Velasquez, Sarah Duggan, Bojana Ivanisevic, Joseph P. McKenna, Christine McCreary, Eric J. Downer
Summary: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by a burning sensation on oral mucosal surfaces, along with xerostomia, dysgeusia, and tingling or paraesthetic sensations. The classification of the disorder has posed a diagnostic challenge for clinicians/dentists. Recent research has provided insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for BMS, but controlled clinical studies are needed to support the effectiveness of these approaches. The potential of cannabis-based therapeutics in managing BMS patients is also explored.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael Todorovic, Matthew Barton, Steven Bentley, James A. St John, Jenny Ekberg
Summary: This mixed-method study aimed to identify themes of interest for educational resources for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). A focus group and an online survey of the Australian SCI community revealed that body physiology, secondary complications, injury pathophysiology, and health and wellbeing were the most important themes. Specifically, "Your injury," "Bowel/bladder," and equipment covered in the National Disability Insurance Scheme were identified as the highest priorities for educational resources.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Lynn Nazareth, James St John, Jenny Ekberg
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Souptik Basu, Indra N. Choudhury, Lynn Nazareth, Anu Chacko, Todd Shelper, Marie-Laure Vial, Jenny A. K. Ekberg, James A. St John
Summary: Combining vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) with Schwann cell (SC) transplantation may improve regenerative outcomes in spinal cord injury (SCI) therapy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Daming Zuo, Yu Chen, Jian-piao Cai, Hao-Yang Yuan, Jun-Qi Wu, Yue Yin, Jing-Wen Xie, Jing-Min Lin, Jia Luo, Yang Feng, Long-Jiao Ge, Jia Zhou, Ronald J. Quinn, San-Jun Zhao, Xing Tong, Dong-Yan Jin, Shuofeng Yuan, Shao-Xing Dai, Min Xu
Summary: The twenty-first century has witnessed more than ten major epidemics or pandemics, including the devastating COVID-19. There is an urgent need for novel antiviral drugs with broad-spectrum coverage. This study reports a new broad-spectrum antiviral compound called PAC5. Oral administration of PAC5 was found to eliminate HBV cccDNA and reduce antigen load in mouse models of HBV infection. Additionally, PAC5 significantly decreased viral loads and attenuated lung inflammation in a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 omicron (BA.1) infection. The mechanism behind these effects involves activation of hnRNPA2B1 and the TBK1-IRF3 pathway, leading to the production of antiviral type I IFNs. These findings suggest that PAC5 could be a promising option for dealing with emerging infectious diseases.
Article
Cell Biology
Souptik Basu, Indra N. Choudhury, Jia Yu Peppermint Lee, Anu Chacko, Jenny A. K. Ekberg, James A. St John
Summary: The study suggests that modulating macrophages using growth factors such as VEGF and PDGF may improve the outcomes of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation in spinal cord injury therapy. The growth factor-treated macrophage-conditioned medium promoted phagocytosis by olfactory ensheathing cells and also modulated gene expression associated with nerve repair and myelin expression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William Gang Miao, Thanh Nguyen, Jamila Iqbal, Gregory K. Pierens, Linlin Ma, Des R. Richardson, Stephen A. Wood, George D. Mellick, Ronald J. Quinn, Yunjiang Feng
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of natural compounds from Ligusticum chuanxiong on Parkinson's Disease (PD) cells, and found that 34 compounds strongly affected the staining of multiple cellular organelles, which are closely related to the pathogenesis of PD. The results helped rationalize the traditional use of Ligusticum chuanxiong in PD treatment, and these compounds can serve as chemical probes to study the molecular pathways of PD.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhenghua Ma, Jie Yuan, Jianfeng Xu, Lizhi Li, Chunping Tang, Lu Chang, Ronald J. Quinn, Lunxiu Qin, Jia Liu, Yang Ye
Summary: This study developed a new method for visualizing thiols using a stable isotope-labeled MALDI probe, allowing for the identification of endogenous thiols in tissue. The study also rationally designed a series of MALDI probe candidates and determined their structure-effect relationships.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ronak Reshamwala, Mariyam Murtaza, Mo Chen, Megha Shah, Jenny Ekberg, Dinesh Palipana, Marie-Laure Vial, Brent McMonagle, James St John
Summary: This position paper provides an in-depth analysis of previous clinical trials using olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, and proposes strategies to improve standardization of OEC therapies. The paper aims to serve as a roadmap for designing effective clinical trials with OEC transplantation-based therapy for SCI repair.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yushu Gu, Miaomiao Liu, Bart L. Staker, Garry W. Buchko, Ronald J. Quinn
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen responsible for COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Repurposing clinically approved drugs, gallic acid was identified as a compound that tightly binds to nsp7, a component essential for viral replication. The identification of the gallic acid-binding site may enable the development of a SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic through virtual docking and other strategies.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ka Ho Chow, Ronald J. Quinn, Ian D. Jenkins, Elizabeth H. Krenske
Summary: Oxazolidinones are commonly used as chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric synthesis. The selectivity of removing chiral auxiliaries using different nucleophiles, such as LiOOH, LiOBn, LiSBn, and LiOH, is found to be dependent on the decomposition barrier of the formed intermediates. Mechanistic studies are conducted using DFT calculations to understand the origin of selectivity.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yushu Gu, Miaomiao Liu, Bart L. Staker, Garry W. Buchko, Ronald J. Quinn
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Repurposing approved drugs can accelerate clinical treatments. Gallic acid was found to bind to the viral protein nsp7, offering potential for SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic development.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robert J. Young, Sabine L. Flitsch, Michael Grigalunas, Paul D. Leeson, Ronald J. Quinn, Nicholas J. Turner, Herbert Waldmann
Summary: This article reviews the case for focusing on Nature in drug discovery, specifically biomimetic molecules and natural products. It discusses the declining natural product-likeness of licensed drugs and the logic of seeking new bioactive agents with enhanced natural mimicry. The article also explores the potential for computational guidance in designing tailored molecules and emphasizes the advantages of organic/biological structures.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miaomiao Liu, Alexander P. Martyn, Ronald J. Quinn
Summary: Natural products have the ability to recognize protein surfaces and have advantages in drug delivery. PROTACs, a novel protein degradation approach, have potential applications in the field of natural products. This review summarizes the chemical synthesis and challenges of natural product-based PROTACs, as well as methods for detecting their mechanism of action.
NATURAL PRODUCT REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Mariyam Murtaza, Lipsa Mohanty, Jenny A. K. Ekberg, James A. St John
Summary: Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation is a promising treatment option for nervous system injuries, but the poor survival of transplanted cells limits its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, strategies to optimize the survival and integration of OECs are needed.
CELL TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yang He, Jun Tang, Meng Zhang, Junjie Ying, Dezhi Mu
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of human placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The results showed that hPMSCs transplantation reduced apoptosis and improved long-term neurological prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of Sema 3A/NRP-1 expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway played a key role in the protective effects of hPMSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Emily L. Isenstein, Edward G. Freedman, Jiayi Xu, Ian A. DeAndrea-Lazarus, John J. Foxe
Summary: This study evaluated electrophysiological discrimination of parametric somatosensory stimuli in healthy young adults to understand how the brain processes the duration of tactile information. The results showed that participants did not electrophysiologically discriminate between 100 and 115 ms, but they exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses when the deviant stimuli were 130, 145, and 160 ms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tactile sensitivity in different clinical conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Juliana R. Souza, Ludmila Lima-Silveira, Daniela Accorsi-Mendonca, Benedito H. Machado
Summary: This study demonstrates that A2A receptors play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission in the NTS neurons and are required for the enhancement of glutamatergic transmission observed under short-term sustained hypoxia conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Miki Hashizume, Rina Ito, Rie Suge, Yasushi Hojo, Gen Murakami, Takayuki Murakoshi
Summary: The basolateral amygdaloid complex (BLA) is closely involved in the formation of emotional memories, including both aversive memory and contextual fear memory. Acute sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts the acquisition of tone-associated fear memory in juvenile rats, but has no significant effect on contextual fear memory. Slow network oscillation in the amygdala contributes to the formation of amygdala-dependent fear memory in relation to sleep.
Article
Neurosciences
Qunxian Wang, Shipeng Guo, Dongjie Hu, Xiangjun Dong, Zijun Meng, Yanshuang Jiang, Zijuan Feng, Weihui Zhou, Weihong Song
Summary: GSDME plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis and participating in neuroinflammatory response. Knockdown of GSDME has been shown to improve cognitive impairments, indicating that GSDME could be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
