Article
Neurosciences
Anna Caly, Malgorzata A. Sliwinska, Magdalena Ziolkowska, Kacper Lukasiewicz, Roberto Pagano, Jakub M. Dzik, Katarzyna Kalita, Tytus Bernas, Michael G. Stewart, K. Peter Giese, Kasia Radwanska
Summary: A study using IntelliCage examined the behavioral processes supporting spatial choices of aged female mice living in a group, finding that old animals use behavioral strategies characterized by an increased tendency for perseverative visits and social interactions, resulting in a robust preference for the reward corner during the spatial choice task.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Eleazar Ramirez-Hernandez, Claudia Sanchez-Maldonado, Aleidy Patricio-Martinez, Ilhiucamina Daniel Limon
Summary: Research on the memory impairment caused by the A??25???35 peptide in animal models has provided insights into the causes of Alzheimer's disease. However, the exact mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of the A??25???35 peptide on dendritic spine morphology and the expression of NR2B and PSD-95 in the hippocampus. Results showed that the administration of the A??25???35 peptide induced changes in dendritic spine morphology and the expression of NR2B and PSD-95 in learning rats, suggesting that soluble A??25???35 peptide disrupts synaptic plasticity and promotes the progression of memory impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ming-Zhu Ni, Yue-Ming Zhang, Yun Li, Qi-Tao Wu, Zhe-Zhe Zhang, Jing Chen, Bao-Ling Luo, Xue-Wei Li, Gui-Hai Chen
Summary: Research suggests that prenatal inflammatory exposure may accelerate age-related cognitive decline due to neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Environmental enrichment (EE) can mitigate cognitive and synaptic deficits. NGPF2 and PSD-95 play critical roles in neuroinflammation and synaptic function. This study found that prenatal inflammatory exposure accelerated cognitive decline and changes in Ngpf2 and Psd-95 expression, but EE exposure partially restored the decline.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicole Zarate, Taylor A. Intihar, Dahyun Yu, Jacob Sawyer, Wei Tsai, Maha Syed, Luke Carlson, Rocio Gomez-Pastor
Summary: PSD-95 levels are reduced in aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease, along with depletion of Heat Shock transcription Factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 directly regulates PSD-95 expression, playing a crucial role in synaptic gene regulation with implications in synapse maintenance under both basal and pathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Sancho-Balsells, Sara Borras-Pernas, Veronica Brito, Jordi Alberch, Jean-Antoine Girault, Albert Giralt
Summary: Chronic stress can lead to neurological disorders, such as major depression, and affects the hippocampus, leading to functional changes. The transcription factor Egr1 plays a role in hippocampal function but its involvement in stress-induced effects is not well understood. This study used mice and found that stress protocols induced activation or deactivation of hippocampal CA1 neural ensembles, along with dendritic spine pathology, in an Egr1-dependent manner. Manipulating superficial pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus resulted in the amelioration of depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairments caused by chronic stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zheng Shen, Daxiao Sun, Adriana Savastano, Sara Joana Varga, Maria-Sol Cima-Omori, Stefan Becker, Alf Honigmann, Markus Zweckstetter
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. A study found that the protein Tau, which is associated with cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, can disrupt the formation and function of droplets in the postsynaptic density. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Changsheng Li, Sufang Liu, Yixin Mei, Qingyong Wang, Xihua Lu, Hongle Li, Feng Tao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on long-term cognitive function in developing and mature brains. The results revealed that early exposure to sevoflurane impaired fear memory, reduced synapse density, and decreased the expressions of PSD-95 and kalirin-7 in the hippocampus of neonatal rats, while no significant effects were observed in adult rats.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chris B. Martin, Bryan Hong, Rachel N. Newsome, Katarina Savel, Melissa E. Meade, Andrew Xia, Christopher J. Honey, Morgan D. Barense
Summary: The act of remembering everyday experiences affects our perception of the world, future thinking, and self-perception. However, the ability to recall specific details and relive the past tends to decline with age. To address this, a smartphone application called HippoCamera was developed to help older adults enhance their episodic memory. By repeatedly reactivating memories of real-world events, participants experienced improved recollection and more positive emotions. These benefits were observed shortly after the intervention and even after a 3-month delay.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Peyton L. Delgorio, Lucy Hiscox, Ana M. Daugherty, Faria Sanjana, Grace McIlvain, Ryan T. Pohlig, Matthew D. J. McGarry, Christopher R. Martens, Hillary Schwarb, Curtis L. Johnson
Summary: Aging and neurodegenerative diseases can impair thinking and memory ability. This study used magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to investigate the associations between hippocampal subfield stiffness and cognitive performance. The results showed that the stiffness of specific subfields in the hippocampus was related to different memory performance outcomes, suggesting that MRE measures could be potential clinical biomarkers for assessing brain health in aging and disease.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marta Portero-Tresserra, Neus Galofre-Lopez, Elisabet Pallares, Claudia Gimenez-Montes, Carlos Barcia, Roser Granero, Divka Rojic-Becker, Anna Vale-Martinez, Margarita Marti-Nicolovius, Gemma Guillazo-Blanch
Summary: Age-related changes in the brain significantly impact hippocampal structure and function, leading to cognitive impairments such as deteriorating spatial object recognition (SOR) memory. Both intrinsic factors like neuroinflammation and lifestyle factors like diet can influence aging-related brain function and cognitive performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on SOR memory, hippocampal neuron loss, neurogenesis, and inflammation in aged male rats. The results showed that CR attenuated the decline in SOR memory, hippocampal neuron loss, and microglial activation associated with aging, while also reducing neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
Article
Neurosciences
Anna Longatti, Luisa Ponzoni, Edoardo Moretto, Giorgia Giansante, Norma Lattuada, Maria Nicol Colombo, Maura Francolini, Mariaelvina Sala, Luca Murru, Maria Passafaro
Summary: Rho GTPases, specifically ARHGAP22, play a critical role in regulating actin dynamics and synaptic function in the CNS. Loss of ARHGAP22 leads to RAC1 hyperactivity and synaptic defects in dendritic spine density, molecular composition, and plasticity, resulting in cognitive impairment and reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Inhibiting RAC1 activity restores synaptic plasticity in ARHGAP22 KO mice, highlighting the importance of ARHGAP22 in hippocampal excitatory synapse formation and function, as well as in learning and memory behaviors.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Nina E. Baumgartner, Shannon M. McQuillen, Samantha F. Perry, Sangtawan Miller, Matthieu J. Maroteaux, Robert B. Gibbs, Jill M. Daniel
Summary: Elevated levels of brain estrogen receptor a (ERa) enhances cognitive aging and short-term estrogen use near menopause can have lasting effects on hippocampal function and memory. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) can activate ERa through ligand-independent mechanisms and requires synthesis of brain-derived neuroestrogens. Decreased neuroestrogen activity and impaired memory in a rat model of menopause can be reversed by short-term estradiol treatment.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Christian Baeuchl, Franka Gloeckner, Christoph Koch, Johannes Petzold, Nicolas W. Schuck, Michael N. Smolka, Shu-Chen Li
Summary: The aging process leads to changes in spatial navigation behavior, with older adults relying more on proximal location cues instead of environmental boundaries. Deficient dopaminergic modulation may contribute to errors during spatial navigation in older adults. Administering levodopa in young and older adults affected brain responses and memory retrieval differently, with older adults showing upregulation in the medial temporal lobe and brainstem. While L-DOPA had no effect on older adults' overall memory performance, it improved spatial memory and increased boundary processing in some individuals.
Article
Neurosciences
Aaron Lam, Carla Haroutonian, Lucy Grummitt, Catriona Ireland, Ronald R. Grunstein, Shantel Duffy, Angela D'Rozario, Sharon L. Naismith
Summary: The study found that there was no significant difference in SDMC between MCI patients and controls, but there was a significant decrease in SDMC in those with multiple domain MCI. Impaired SDMC in MCI was correlated with hippocampal atrophy, shorter sleep spindle duration, and worse daytime episodic memory, while in controls, poorer SDMC was associated with higher AHI.
Review
Cell Biology
Luka Culig, Xixia Chu, Vilhelm A. Bohr
Summary: Adult neurogenesis is a potential target for extending cognitive healthspan, as aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This review describes the role of adult neurogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the molecular mechanisms involving key proteins. Interventions that increase neurogenesis and regulate aging research targets are summarized, and the outlook for restoring neurogenesis levels in elderly individuals and those with neurodegeneration is shared.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Feng Qian, Feng-Ru Tang
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2016)
Article
Physiology
Feng Qian, Tao Li, Fei Yang, Lian Liu
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Physiology
Feng Qian, Yassine El Hiani, Paul Linsdell
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2011)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan Duo Liu, Ge Tang, Feng Qian, Lian Liu, Jiang Rong Huang, Feng Ru Tang
Summary: This paper reviews the functional expression and regulation of astroglial connexins, the roles of these connexins in the development of various neurological disorders, and the potential relationship between radiation-induced astroglial connexins changes and the development of neurological and neuropsychological disorders. Based on available data, it is proposed that abnormal astroglial connexins may be therapeutic targets for preventing radiation-induced cognitive impairment and other disorders.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ting-Ting Yang, Feng Qian, Lian Liu, Xiao-Chun Peng, Jiang-Rong Huang, Bo-Xu Ren, Feng-Ru Tang
Summary: The astroglial network formed through gap junctions balanced the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters around neurons. Dissociated gap junctions can lead to increased connexin hemichannel activity, triggering brain pathophysiological changes. Studies suggest that decreased connexin hemichannel coupling in astrocytes may play a key role in epileptogenesis.
SEIZURE-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPILEPSY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lei Guo, Qian-Qian Du, Piao-Qin Cheng, Ting-Ting Yang, Chao-Qun Xing, Xue-Zhi Luo, Xiao-Chun Peng, Feng Qian, Jiang-Rong Huang, Feng-Ru Tang
Summary: The study demonstrates that Lycium barbarum berry extract can protect hippocampal neurons after brain exposure to ionizing radiation, alleviating cognitive dysfunction and depression. This suggests that Lycium barbarum berry may be a potential food supplement to prevent radiation-induced neuron loss and neuropsychological disorders.
Article
Physiology
Feng Qian, Lian Liu, Zhenzhen Liu, Chengbiao Lu
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2016)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sarah N. Kraeutner, Cristina Rubino, Jennifer K. Ferris, Shie Rinat, Lauren Penko, Larissa Chiu, Brian Greeley, Christina B. Jones, Beverley C. Larssen, Lara A. Boyd
Summary: This study examined the age-related changes in brain function and baseline brain structure that support motor skill acquisition. The findings showed that older adults experienced decreases in functional connectivity during motor skill acquisition, while younger adults experienced increases. Additionally, regardless of age group, lower baseline microstructure in a frontoparietal tract was associated with slower motor skill acquisition.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Karen Nuytemans, Farid Rajabli, Melissa Jean-Francois, Jiji Thulaseedhara Kurup, Larry D. Adams, Takiyah D. Starks, Patrice L. Whitehead, Brian W. Kunkle, Allison Caban-Holt, Jonathan L. Haines, Michael L. Cuccaro, Jeffery M. Vance, Goldie S. Byrd, Gary W. Beecham, Christiane Reitz, Margaret A. Pericak-Vance
Summary: This study conducted genetic research on African American AD families and identified a significant linkage signal associated with AD, highlighting the importance of diverse population-level genetic data in understanding the genetic determinants of AD.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kazuya Suwabe, Ryuta Kuwamizu, Kazuki Hyodo, Toru Yoshikawa, Takeshi Otsuki, Asako Zempo-Miyaki, Michael A. Yassa, Hideaki Soya
Summary: Physical exercise has a positive impact on hippocampal memory decline with aging. Recent studies have shown that even light exercise can improve memory and this improvement is mediated by the ascending arousal system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of light-intensity exercise on hippocampal memory function in healthy older adults and found that pupil dilation during exercise played a role in the memory improvement.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ajay Sood, Ana Werneck Capuano, Robert Smith Wilson, Lisa Laverne Barnes, Alifiya Kapasi, David Alan Bennett, Zoe Arvanitakis
Summary: The objective of this study was to explore the impact of metformin on cognition and brain pathology. The results showed that metformin users had slower decline in global cognition, episodic memory, and semantic memory compared to non-users. However, the relationship between metformin use and certain brain pathology remains uncertain.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Brian N. Lee, Junwen Wang, Molly A. Hall, Dokyoon Kim, Shana D. Stites, Li Shen
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and functional impairments. This study analyzed participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and found differential associations between cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)/neuroimaging biomarkers and cognitive/functional outcomes, as well as variations between sexes. These findings suggest that sex differences may play a role in the development of AD.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Madeline R. Hale, Rebecca Langhough, Lianlian Du, Bruce P. Hermann, Carol A. Van Hulle, Margherita Carboni, Gwendlyn Kollmorgenj, Kristin E. Basche, Davide Bruno, Leah Sanson-Miles, Erin M. Jonaitis, Nathaniel A. Chin, Ozioma C. Okonkwo, Barbara B. Bendlin, Cynthia M. Carlsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Tobey J. Betthauser, Sterling C. Johnson, Kimberly D. Mueller
Summary: This study demonstrates a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and the ability to recall proper names in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Thomas T. Austin, Christian L. Thomas, Ben Warren
Summary: This study investigated the effects of age on the robustness and resilience of auditory system using the desert locust. The researchers found that gene expression changes were mainly influenced by age rather than noise exposure. Both young and aged locusts were able to recover their auditory nerve function within 48 hours of noise exposure, but the recovery of transduction current magnitude was impaired in aged locusts. Key genes responsible for robustness to noise exposure in young locusts and potential candidates for compensatory mechanisms in auditory neurons of aged locusts were identified.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)