Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Phillip M. Mackie, Adithya Gopinath, Dominic M. Montas, Alyssa Nielsen, Aidan Smith, Rachel A. Nolan, Kaitlyn Runner, Stephanie M. Matt, John McNamee, Joshua E. Riklan, Kengo Adachi, Andria Doty, Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora, Long Yan, Peter J. Gaskill, Wolfgang J. Streit, Michael S. Okun, Habibeh Khoshbouei
Summary: Monocyte-derived macrophages play crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and diseases, regulated by various signaling molecules. Recent studies have shown the ability of biogenic amines to control macrophage functions, with a focus on the mechanisms surrounding immune cells remaining unclear. Investigating the functions of norepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine transporter (DAT) on human MDMs, researchers found that DAT may play a potential role in regulating innate immunity through an immunomodulatory mechanism mediated by LPS-induced dopamine reverse transport.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jose A. Pino, Gabriel Nunez-Vivanco, Gabriela Hidalgo, Miguel Reyes Parada, Habibeh Khoshbouei, Gonzalo E. Torres
Summary: This study reveals that G protein beta gamma subunits can bind to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and activate DAT-mediated dopamine efflux, similar to the mechanism of action of psychostimulants like amphetamine (AMPH). Through a combination of computational biology, mutagenesis, biochemical, and functional assays, the amino acid residues within the 582-596 sequence of the DAT carboxy terminus involved in the DAT-G beta gamma interaction and G beta gamma-induced dopamine efflux were identified. Residues like R588 and F587 within the carboxy terminus of DAT play critical roles in the physical interaction between DAT and G beta gamma, influencing dopamine efflux.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Vindhya Nawaratne, Sean P. McLaughlin, Felix P. Mayer, Zayna Gichi, Alyssa Mastriano, Lucia Carvelli
Summary: The dopamine 2 receptors (D2R) play an important role in mediating the effects of amphetamine, which primarily rely on the ability of amphetamine to increase extracellular dopamine. This study found that prolonged exposure to amphetamine can decrease or increase endogenous hD2R at the cellular membrane in HEK293 cells. Moreover, the effects of amphetamine on D2R expression may occur independently of dopamine and DAT.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Ke, Ganesh Ambigapathy, Thanh Ton, Archana Dhasarathy, Lucia Carvelli
Summary: This study found that chronic embryonic exposure to amphetamine leads to changes in the expression of the DAT-1 gene in adult C. elegans, which is associated with an enhanced behavioral response to amphetamine in adult animals. Pharmacological and genetic interventions can prevent the long-lasting behavioral effects induced by amphetamine during embryogenesis. These findings are important for understanding how drugs of abuse can predispose to addiction, as the dopaminergic system and epigenetic mechanisms are highly conserved between C. elegans and mammals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Karolina E. Kolaczynska, Paula Ducret, Daniel Trachsel, Marius C. Hoener, Matthias E. Liechti, Dino Luethi
Summary: This article examines the pharmacological properties of MDA analogs and related amphetamine-based compounds, including monoamine uptake inhibition and release, as well as transporter and receptor binding and activation properties. The study finds that some MDA analogs have similar pharmacological profiles to MDMA, while others have more pronounced dopaminergic activity. Further research on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs is needed to better evaluate their risks and therapeutic potential.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maria Hernandez Mesa, Jonas van den Brink, William E. Louch, Kimberly J. McCabe, Padmini Rangamani
Summary: Super-resolution imaging techniques provide a better understanding of the relationship between nanoscale organization and function of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in cardiomyocytes. Disruption of RyR cluster geometry and phosphorylation pattern significantly impact Ca2+ spark generation in failing cardiomyocytes. Both the phosphorylation pattern and nanoscale RyR reorganization are critical determinants of Ca2+ dynamics in heart failure.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Andrea Stojakovic, Syed Muzzammil Ahmad, Kabirullah Lutfy
Summary: Evidence suggests that nicotine and alcohol can each serve as a gateway drug, and prior treatment with nicotine and alcohol may alter the reward effects of amphetamine differently in adult and adolescent mice. Differences were observed in the response to amphetamine between adult and adolescent mice, potentially related to changes in dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Pronot, Gwenola Poupon, Lara Pizzamiglio, Marta Prieto, Isabel Chato-Astrain, Iliona Lacagne, Lenka Schorova, Alessandra Folci, Frederic Brau, Stephane Martin
Summary: SUMOylation is a crucial post-translational modification for cell homeostasis, and disruption of SUMOylation homeostasis in neurons is associated with neurological disorders. The balance between SUMOylation and deSUMOylation of substrate proteins is maintained by a group of deSUMOylation enzymes called SENPs. The activation of type 1 mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors bidirectionally controls the synaptic accumulation of the deSUMOylation enzyme SENP1.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Omid Haji-Ghassemi, Yu Seby Chen, Kellie Woll, Georgina B. Gurrola, Carmen R. Valdivia, Wenxuan Cai, Songhua Li, Hector H. Valdivia, Filip Van Petegem
Summary: Calcins are peptides from scorpion venom that can cross cell membranes and target intracellular ion channels called Ryanodine Receptors (RyR). A study using cryo-electron microscopy found that imperacalcin, a type of calcin, binds to RyR and opens the channel pore, resulting in asymmetry and extended ion conduction pathways. Phosphorylation of imperacalcin by protein kinase A prevents its binding to RyR, highlighting the role of posttranslational modifications in determining the fate of a natural toxin. The structure of imperacalcin provides a template for developing analogs with potential to treat RyR-related disorders.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Juan Qiao, Deyu Wu, Yuying Song, Wenliang Ji, Qingwei Yue, Lanqun Mao, Li Qi
Summary: A new fluorescent probe was designed to simultaneously measure intracellular temperature and norepinephrine (NE) variations, revealing an increase in cell temperature and decrease in NE reuptake during antidepressant drug inhibition. This study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of neurotransmitter signaling pathways, which could aid in the treatment of depression.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvia Maggi, Carlotta Bon, Stefano Gustincich, Valter Tucci, Raul R. Gainetdinov, Stefano Espinoza
Summary: Trace amine-associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) modulates cognitive processes, potentially affecting the number of errors and the rate of task improvement.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
David Devos, Julien Labreuche, Olivier Rascol, Jean-Christophe Corvol, Alain Duhamel, P. Guyon Delannoy, Werner Poewe, Yaroslau Compta, Nicola Pavese, Evzen Ruzicka, Petr Dusek, Bart Post, Bastiaan R. Bloem, Daniela Berg, Walter Maetzler, Markus Otto, Marie-Odile Habert, Stephane Lehericy, Joaquim Ferreira, Richard Dodel, Christine Tranchant, Alexandre Eusebio, Stephane Thobois, Ana-Raquel Marques, Wassilios G. Meissner, Fabienne Ory-Magne, Uwe Walter, Rob M. A. de Bie, Miguel Gago, Dolores Vilas, Jaime Kulisevsky, Cristina Januario, Miguel V. S. Coelho, Stefanie Behnke, Paul Worth, Klaus Seppi, Thavarak Ouk, Camille Potey, Celine Leclercq, Romain Viard, Gregory Kuchcinski, Renaud Lopes, Jean-Pierre Pruvo, Pascal Pigny, Guillaume Garcon, Ophelie Simonin, Jessica Carpentier, Anne-Sophie Rolland, Dag Nyholm, Christoph Scherfler, Jean-Francois Mangin, Marie Chupin, Regis Bordet, David T. Dexter, Caroline Fradette, Michael Spino, Fernando Tricta, Scott Ayton, Ashley I. Bush, Jean-Christophe Devedjian, James A. Duce, Ioav Cabantchik, Luc Defebvre, Dominique Deplanque, Caroline Moreau
Summary: In a 36-week trial involving participants with early Parkinson's disease who had not received levodopa, treatment with the iron chelator deferiprone led to worse scores in measures of parkinsonism compared to placebo.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Majid Reza Farokhi, Erfan Taherifard, Roksana SoukhakLari, Leila Moezi, Fatema Pirsalami, Amir Savardashtaki, Maryam Moosavi
Summary: This study found that Agmatine has a dose-dependent effect on passive avoidance memory in mice. Low doses impaired memory, while high doses improved memory. Agmatine had no effect on nociception. Additionally, the modulation of CaMKII-alpha and ERK signaling pathways by Agmatine may be related to its dose-dependent effect on memory.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan Holmes, Thorsten Lau, Rachel Saylor, Nadine Fernandez-Novel, Melinda Hersey, Deanna Keen, Lena Hampel, Sandra Horschitz, Julia Ladewig, Brenna Parke, Michael C. Reed, H. Frederik Nijhout, Janet Best, Philipp Koch, Parastoo Hashemi
Summary: Depression is a pressing public health crisis, and better diagnostics and therapeutics are urgently needed. Researchers have developed a chemical model using human-derived stem cells to investigate serotonin neurotransmission, which has the potential to be a translational tool for neuropsychopharmacology.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Artem Savchenko, Giorgia Targa, Zoia Fesenko, Damiana Leo, Raul R. Gainetdinov, Ilya Sukhanov
Summary: The key element of dopamine neurotransmission is the dopamine transporter (DAT), responsible for the synaptic reuptake of dopamine. Changes in DAT function can be a mechanism of pathological conditions associated with high dopamine levels. Rodents lacking DAT exhibit increased levels of dopamine, resulting in hyperactivity, stereotypic behaviors, cognitive deficits, and other behavioral abnormalities. Pharmacological studies and the use of dopaminergic agents can alleviate these abnormalities. This review aims to analyze known data on changes in DAT expression in experimental animals, pharmacological studies in these animals, and evaluate the validity of DAT-deficient animals as models for discovering new treatments for dopamine-related disorders.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Oakleigh M. Folkes, Rita Baldi, Veronika Kondev, David J. Marcus, Nolan D. Hartley, Brandon D. Turner, Jade K. Ayers, Jordan J. Baechle, Maya P. Misra, Megan Altemus, Carrie A. Grueter, Brad A. Grueter, Sachin Patel
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
David J. Marcus, Gaurav Bedse, Andrew D. Gaulden, James D. Ryan, Veronika Kondev, Nathan D. Winters, Luis E. Rosas-Vidal, Megan Altemus, Ken Mackie, Francis S. Lee, Eric Delpire, Sachin Patel
Article
Biology
Alberto J. Lopez, Amy R. Johnson, Tanner J. Euston, Rashaun Wilson, Suzanne O. Nolan, Lillian J. Brady, Kimberly C. Thibeault, Shannon J. Kelly, Veronika Kondev, Patrick Melugin, M. Gunes Kutlu, Emily Chuang, TuKiet T. Lam, Drew D. Kiraly, Erin S. Calipari
Summary: Gender plays a critical role in defining drug-induced plasticity in the nucleus accumbens, with cocaine administration capable of rewriting basal proteomic function and reward-associated behaviors. The differential effects on protein expression between males and females eliminate sex differences observed under basal conditions.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Veronika Kondev, Amanda Morgan, Mustafa Najeed, Nathan D. Winters, Philip J. Kingsley, Lawrence Marnett, Sachin Patel
Summary: This study found that 2-AG augmentation has a bidirectional effect on innate and conditioned fear behavior, with increased 2-AG levels promoting innate fear responses during stress exposure, but ultimately resulting in a reduction in long-term conditioned fear.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas K. Smith, Veronika Kondev, Thomas R. Hunt, Brad A. Grueter
Summary: Social interactions are crucial for human experience, and disruptions in these behaviors are commonly seen in psychiatric disorders. Research has found that neuro-peptide Y (NPY) modulates excitatory synaptic transmission, affecting social behavior. Understanding how NPY regulates neurotransmission may offer new therapeutic strategies for psychiatric disorders.
Article
Neurosciences
Amanda Morgan, Veronika Kondev, Gaurav Bedse, Rita Baldi, David Marcus, Sachin Patel
NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. K. R. Weber, C. J. Benmore, K. J. Suthar, A. J. Tamalonis, O. L. G. Alderman, S. Sendelbach, V. Kondev, J. Yarger, C. A. Rey, S. R. Byrn
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2017)
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)