Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grzegorz Wiera, Katarzyna Lebida, Anna Maria Lech, Patrycja Brzdak, Inge Van Hove, Lies De Groef, Lieve Moons, Enrica Maria Petrini, Andrea Barberis, Jerzy W. Mozrzymas
Summary: This study demonstrates that MMP3 plays a key role in iLTP mechanisms, affecting behaviors that in part depend on GABAergic plasticity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rachel Price, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Ada Ledonne
Summary: PARs, a unique class of GPCRs, play crucial roles in regulating neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, particularly through modulating glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission. In normal conditions, PARs are important regulators of synaptic efficacy and plasticity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Qiongzhen Huang, Changlin Lian, Yaoyuan Dong, Huijun Zeng, Boyang Liu, Ningbo Xu, Zhenyan He, Hongbo Guo
Summary: SNAP25 is found to have decreased expression in glioma tissues and cell lines, correlating with poor prognosis. Overexpression of SNAP25 inhibits tumor growth by limiting glutamate metabolism, suppressing dendritic formation, and promoting metabolic inhibition of glioma cells. These findings suggest that SNAP25 could be a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Cansu Kaya, Jelena Konstantinovic, Andreas M. Kany, Anastasia Andreas, Jan S. Kramer, Steffen Brunst, Lilia Weizel, Marco J. Rotter, Denia Frank, Samir Yahiaoui, Rolf Mueller, Rolf W. Hartmann, Joerg Haupenthal, Ewgenij Proschak, Thomas A. Wichelhaus, Anna K. H. Hirsch
Summary: Drug-resistant pathogens pose a global challenge to public health, and metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of beta-lactam drugs, including carbapenems. We have identified a series of inhibitors that effectively inhibit the activity of B1 MBLs, restoring the effectiveness of current beta-lactam antibiotics. In experiments, one of the inhibitors significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration of resistant Escherichia coli strains, and the combination with imipenem also increased the survival rate of infected larvae in a model.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Martinez-Gallego, Antonio Rodriguez-Moreno, Yuniesky Andrade-Talavera
Summary: In this article, the involvement of group I mGluRs in STDP and their possible role as coincidence detectors are briefly reviewed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anna Bodzeta, Nicky Scheefhals, Harold D. MacGillavry
Summary: The various functions of glutamate in the brain are mediated by ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, which modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. mGluRs play roles at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites, acting as essential signal integrators that couple mechanisms of transmission and plasticity.
Review
Cell Biology
Huiqin Zhang, Xuefan Jiang, Lina Ma, Wei Wei, Zehui Li, Surui Chang, Jiayu Wen, Jiahui Sun, Hao Li
Summary: Synaptic dysfunction is closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), mainly due to the disruption caused by beta-amyloid (Aβ). Aβ disrupts glutamate receptors and mediates synaptic toxicity through multiple mechanisms. Synaptic dysfunction plays a critical role in cognitive impairment of AD.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chae-Seok Lim, Min Jung Kim, Ja Eun Choi, Md Ariful Islam, You-Kyung Lee, Yinyi Xiong, Kyu-Won Shim, Jung-eun Yang, Ro Un Lee, Jiah Lee, Pojeong Park, Ji-Hye Kwak, Hyunhyo Seo, Chul Hoon Kim, Jae-Hyung Lee, Yong-Seok Lee, Su-Kyeong Hwang, Kyungmin Lee, Jin-A Lee, Bong-Kiun Kaang
Summary: Heterogeneity in the etiopathology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) requires individualistic and patient-specific research. Recent progress in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides a novel platform for studying complex neuronal phenotypes. The study found that DSCAM mutation causes pathological symptoms of ASD by dysregulating NMDA-R function.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xueqing Chai, Xiaolin Li, Wenxin Zhang, Xiaoyue Tan, Haiyun Wang, Zhuo Yang
Summary: The study revealed that legumain knockout significantly improved cognitive function and reduced neuroinflammation in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion mouse model. This suggests that legumain may serve as a potential target for future cerebral ischemia treatments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paola Muttathukunnel, Patrick Frei, Sarah Perry, Dion Dickman, Martin Mueller
Summary: Robust neural information transfer relies on the delicate molecular nano-architecture of chemical synapses. This study reveals the alignment of presynaptic nanorings with postsynaptic glutamate receptor rings and the formation of nanocolumn rings by presynaptic proteins and glutamate receptors. The impairment of glutamate receptors triggers the formation of transsynaptic nanocolumns on a minute timescale during homeostatic plasticity. This research uncovers the regulatory mechanism of synaptic nano-architecture and highlights its importance in stabilizing synaptic transmission.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jianlong Ge, Youqing Cai, Zhizhong Z. Pan
Summary: The amygdala is important for regulation of emotion-associated behaviors. This study used optogenetics and electrophysiological analysis to investigate pain-induced synaptic plasticity in the amygdala circuits. The findings reveal differential profiles of synaptic inputs in different populations of amygdala cells and distinct plasticity in response to anxiety-associated pain.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Judit Catala-Solsona, Pablo J. Lituma, Stefano Lutzu, Dolores Siedlecki-Wullich, Cristina Fabregas-Ordonez, Alfredo J. Minano-Molina, Carlos A. Saura, Pablo E. Castillo, Jose Rodriguez-Alvarez
Summary: Transcription factors called Nr4a have been found to play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. In this study, it was discovered that neuronal activity enhances the expression and function of Nr4a2 in mouse hippocampal neurons through a pathway involving ionotropic glutamate receptors and other cellular factors. This activation of Nr4a2 promotes the production of a nerve growth factor called BDNF, which affects synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that targeting Nr4a2 could be a potential therapeutic approach for brain disorders associated with abnormal synaptic plasticity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Prachi Ojha, Subhajit Pal, Samarjit Bhattacharyya
Summary: Norbin protein plays a critical role in the internalization process of Group I mGluRs and may be associated with mGluR-mediated synaptic plasticity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Maria Italia, Elena Ferrari, Monica Di Luca, Fabrizio Gardoni
Summary: AMPARs play a crucial role in excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain, with the GluA3 subunit being widely expressed and functionally relevant. Modulation of GluA3 through pharmacological means may offer a new approach for addressing altered glutamatergic synapses associated with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacob C. Nordman
Summary: Excessive and recurring violent aggression is a serious societal concern and is linked to various psychiatric disorders. Factors such as substance abuse, experience of attacks, and social and traumatic stress can increase vulnerability to developing aggression. Glutamate receptors are a promising target for long-term treatment, and understanding the role of glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity in experience-dependent long-lasting aggression may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Laura Trujillo-Estrada, Elisabeth Sanchez-Mejias, Raquel Sanchez-Varo, Juan Antonio Garcia-Leon, Cristina Nunez-Diaz, Jose Carlos Davila, Javier Vitorica, Frank M. LaFerla, Ines Moreno-Gonzalez, Antonia Gutierrez, David Baglietto-Vargas
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting over 45 million people worldwide, with transgenic mouse models playing a significant role in elucidating its pathogenic mechanisms. However, limitations of current animal models highlight the need for more reliable models and human cellular models to improve the success rate of translating preclinical therapies into human treatments.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carson E. Finger, Ines Moreno-Gonzalez, Antonia Gutierrez, Jose Felix Moruno-Manchon, Louise D. McCullough
Summary: Aging is closely associated with chronic systemic inflammation and the development of various age-related diseases, including vascular disease. Poor outcomes after stroke in aged patients are predicted due to altered immune response, which differs from that of younger patients.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zhi Li, Zewen K. Tuong, Isaac Dean, Claire Willis, Fabrina Gaspal, Remi Fiancette, Suaad Idris, Bethany Kennedy, John R. Ferdinand, Ana Penalver, Mia Cabantous, Syed Murtuza Baker, Jeremy W. Fry, Gianluca Carlesso, Scott A. Hammond, Simon J. Dovedi, Matthew R. Hepworth, Menna R. Clatworthy, David R. Withers
Summary: This study used photoconversion to label tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and found that TCF-1(+) T cells migrate continuously between the tumor and draining lymphoid tissue. The study also revealed the transcriptional characteristics of CD8 T cells in the tumor and their dynamic changes in retention and egress.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Prasanti Kotagiri, Federica Mescia, Aimee L. Hanson, Lorinda Turner, Laura Bergamaschi, Ana Penalver, Nathan Richoz, Stephen D. Moore, Brian M. Ortmann, Benjamin J. Dunmore, Michael D. Morgan, Zewen Kelvin Tuong, Berthold Gottgens, Mark Toshner, Christoph Hess, Patrick H. Maxwell, Menna R. Clatworthy, James A. Nathan, John R. Bradley, Paul A. Lyons, Natalie Burrows, Kenneth G. C. Smith
Summary: Early and persistent defects in B cell subsets in COVID-19 are associated with hypoxia. Early oxygen therapy may be beneficial in correcting these immune deficiencies and improving outcomes.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
P. Carrillo, M. Bernal, C. Tellez-Quijona, A. D. Marrero, I. Vidal, L. Castilla, C. Caro, A. Dominguez, M. L. Garcia-Martin, A. R. Quesada, M. A. Medina, B. Martinez-Poveda
Summary: Stauprimide inhibits cell proliferation and migration in triple-negative breast cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. It exerts its effects by modulating ERK1/2, Akt, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, and downregulating MYC. These findings suggest that stauprimide could be a promising therapeutic agent for triple-negative breast cancer.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elsa Cisneros, Anabel Martinez-Padilla, Casimiro Cardenas, Javier Marquez, Arantxa Ortega de Mues, Carolina Roza
Summary: Chronic visceral pain is difficult to diagnose and treat. This study used a mouse model of colitis to identify proteins involved in the mechanism of chronic visceral pain. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the secreted proteins during acute distension. The findings suggest potential biomarkers and targets for diagnosing and treating chronic visceral pain.
Article
Oncology
Juan De los Santos-Jimenez, Tracy Rosales, Bookyung Ko, Jose A. Campos-Sandoval, Francisco J. Alonso, Javier Marquez, Ralph J. DeBerardinis, Jose M. Mates
Summary: Using the GLS inhibitor CB-839, we observed significant changes in glutamine metabolism in three glioblastoma cell lines, including alterations in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and nucleotide biosynthesis pathways. The T98G cell line showed the most pronounced metabolite level modifications and increased levels of acetylated and methylated metabolites. CB-839 treatment also resulted in decreased levels of pyrimidine biosynthesis metabolites and accumulation of intermediate metabolites in the de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway. These findings provide insights for the development of future combination therapies with CB-839.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Vicente Ruiz-Viroga, Marialuisa de Ceglia, Laura Morelli, Eduardo M. Castano, Eduardo Blanco Calvo, Juan Suarez, Fernando Rodriguez de Fonseca, Pablo Galeano, Patricia Lagos
Summary: Interest in the role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in memory processes has grown, but studies have provided contradictory findings. This study investigated the effects of MCH on memory consolidation and the BDNF/TrkB system. The results showed that high doses of MCH impaired memory consolidation, but this effect could be reversed by a co-administration with the MCHR-1 antagonist ATC-0175. Additionally, MCH decreased the expression of MCHR-1 and TrkB, linking both endogenous systems to memory processes.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Clara Munoz-Castro, Marina Mejias-Ortega, Elisabeth Sanchez-Mejias, Victoria Navarro, Laura Trujillo-Estrada, Sebastian Jimenez, Juan Antonio Garcia-Leon, Juan Jose Fernandez-Valenzuela, Maria Virtudes Sanchez-Mico, Carmen Romero-Molina, Ines Moreno-Gonzalez, David Baglietto-Vargas, Marisa Vizuete, Antonia Gutierrez, Javier Vitorica
Summary: Monocyte-derived cells infiltrate the brain parenchyma in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), acquiring a microglial-like morphology and contributing to plaque-associated myeloid cell heterogeneity. These findings provide an opportunity to develop targeted therapies for both microglia and peripheral immune cells to modulate amyloid pathology and gain a better understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying AD progression.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Miriam Bettinetti-Luque, Laura Trujillo-Estrada, Eduardo Garcia-Fuentes, Juana Andreo-Lopez, Raquel Sanchez-Varo, Lourdes Garrido-Sanchez, Angela Gomez-Mediavilla, Manuela G. Lopez, Melissa Garcia-Caballero, Antonia Gutierrez, David Baglietto-Vargas
Summary: Adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and immune response. Recent studies have shown that the adipose tissue can affect brain function through adipokines, which may have implications for the development and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruben Gomez-Gutierrez, Ujjayini Ghosh, Wai-Ming Yau, Nazaret Gamez, Katherine Do, Carlos Kramm, Hamid Shirani, Laura Vegas-Gomez, Jonathan Schulz, Ines Moreno-Gonzalez, Antonia Gutierrez, K. Peter R. Nilsson, Robert Tycko, Claudio Soto, Rodrigo Morales
Summary: The study examines the seeding properties of two structurally defined synthetic misfolded Aβ strains (2F and 3F) and their different pathological features, including aggregation rates, plaque formation, tropism to specific brain regions, recruitment of different Aβ peptides, and induction of microglial and astroglial responses. Moreover, the study analyzes the atomic-level characterization of purified Aβ polymorphs and provides relevant information on the pathological significance of misfolded Aβ strains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Ortega-Pinazo, M. J. Pacheco-Rodriguez, P. J. Serrano-Castro, B. Martinez, M. J. Pinto-Medel, J. M. Gomez-Zumaquero, A. Lago-Sampedro, B. Garcia-Diaz, Guillermo Estivill-Torrus, Pedro Emilio Ferro Gallego
Summary: This study compares different RNA extraction methods and finds that QIAcube and semi-automated extraction methods are the best options due to their lower variability, good functionality, and lower cost. These findings are significant for researchers or research service platforms, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate RNA extraction method in each experimental procedure or traceability study.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Antonio Lopez-Villodres, Alejandro Escamilla, Silvia Mercado-Saenz, Carmen Alba-Tercedor, Luis Manuel Rodriguez-Perez, Isabel Arranz-Salas, Raquel Sanchez-Varo, Diego Bermudez
Summary: In the last decade, the microbiota-gut-brain axis has become increasingly important in the study of neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. A balanced gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the intestinal barrier and immune system, while dysbiosis can lead to immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation. In addition, harmful microbial products can cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease.