Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan-bing Huang, Ze-gang Ma, Chao Zheng, Xiao-kuang K. Ma, Devin H. Taylor, Ming Gao, Ronald J. Lukas, Jie Wu
Summary: Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, stimulates reward circuits in the brain, while the herbal compound l-THP has been found to inhibit nicotine-induced currents, potentially contributing to blocking nicotine addiction.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victoria L. Luck, David P. Richards, Ashif Y. Shaikh, Henrik Franzyk, Ian R. Mellor
Summary: Alterations in the polyamine and tyrosine moieties of philanthotoxin-343 were investigated for their effects on locust nAChRs antagonism. The analogues showed different potencies in inhibiting ACh-induced inward currents, with a combination of alterations generating the most potent analogue. Modulation by different analogues indicated the presence of two pharmacologically distinct nAChR groups in the locust mushroom body.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David P. Richards, Rohit N. Patel, Ian R. Duce, Bhupinder P. S. Khambay, Michael A. Birkett, John A. Pickett, Ian R. Mellor
Summary: Ladybird beetles possess strong chemical defences, and recent studies have shown that their alkaloids can target receptors and act as antagonists. This study explored the actions of one particular alkaloid found in ladybirds on different types of receptors.
Article
Neurosciences
Melissa A. Tapia, Xiao-Tao Jin, Brenton R. Tucker, Leanne N. Thomas, Noah B. Walker, Veronica J. Kim, Steven E. Albertson, Naresh Damuka, Ivan Krizan, Seby Edassery, Jeffrey N. Savas, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai, Sara R. Jones, Ryan M. Drenan
Summary: This study investigated the behavior and neurobiological effects of intermittent nicotine intake in rats. The results suggest that intermittent nicotine intake may lead to increased craving and enhanced response to nicotine-associated cues. Additionally, intermittent nicotine intake also caused increased nicotine binding in the brain and specific changes in the proteome of certain neural structures.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiao-Tao Jin, Ryan M. Drenan
Summary: The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) is involved in nicotine dependence and regulation of fear responses, affective states, and novelty processing. Neurons in the IPN express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and receive cholinergic innervation. Studies have shown that IPL neurons express Chrna7 (alpha 7 nAChR subunit) and are sensitive to acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of cholinergic modulation in the IPN.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Omar Alijevic, Oihane Jaka, Ainhoa Alzualde, Diana Maradze, Wenhao Xia, Stefan Frentzel, Andrew N. Gifford, Manuel C. Peitsch, Julia Hoeng, Kyoko Koshibu
Summary: This study examined the neuropharmacological effects of natural alkaloids, including nicotine, cotinine, and anatabine. Nicotine showed anxiolytic-like behavioral effects in mice and zebrafish, while cotinine and anatabine had no detectable effects. Nicotine stimulated the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, while cotinine and anatabine mainly stimulated dopamine release. These findings suggest that natural nicotine alkaloids can induce an anxiolytic-like behavior in nonclinical animal models, which may depend on the activation of various nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and regulation of neurotransmitter systems.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Irida Papapostolou, Daniela Ross-Kaschitza, Florian Bochen, Christine Peinelt, Maria Constanza Maldifassi
Summary: Nicotine in tobacco induces tumor-promoting effects and chemotherapy resistance through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). This study investigates the role of a5 subunit in nicotine-induced cancer cell proliferation and migration in breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells. The results show that nicotine-induced proliferation and migration are mediated by a5.
Review
Neurosciences
Janna K. Moen, Anna M. Lee
Summary: Alcohol and nicotine, the two most widely used and misused drugs globally, show significant sex differences in their rewarding properties, yet most preclinical studies on their mechanisms utilize only male rodents. Understanding the influence of sex and sex hormones on alcohol and nicotine reward is crucial for developing therapies to reduce drug consumption.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Amanda Jimenez-Pompa, Sara Sanz-Lazaro, Romidan Ewere Omodolor, Jose Medina-Polo, Carmen Gonzalez-Enguita, Jesus Blazquez, J. Michael McIntosh, Almudena Albillos
Summary: This study found that the two subtypes of nAChRs, alpha 7 and alpha 3 beta 4, in human neuroendocrine cells mutually modulate their expression and activity, providing a potential avenue for pharmacological regulation of their activity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anne Havermans, Edwin P. Zwart, Hans W. J. M. Cremers, Maarten D. M. van Schijndel, Romy S. Constant, Maja Meskovic, Laura X. Worutowicz, Jeroen L. A. Pennings, Reinskje Talhout, Leo T. M. van der Ven, Harm J. Heusinkveld
Summary: Tobacco use is the main cause of preventable death globally, with nicotine being the primary addictive compound. The zebrafish embryo has shown to be an effective model for studying the effects of nicotine, where acute nicotine exposure decreased ZFE activity in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with nicotine can reverse this effect and may lead to decreased potency of acute nicotine exposure, indicating the induction of tolerance.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Xiaoying Tan, Kent Vrana, Zheng-Ming Ding
Summary: This review summarizes the potential role of cotinine as a neuroactive metabolite of nicotine and discusses the available evidence regarding its effects. Preclinical findings show that cotinine interacts with both nAChRs and non-nAChRs in the nervous system, producing neuropharmacological and behavioral effects. Clinical studies suggest that cotinine is psychoactive in humans, but there is a lack of consensus on the mechanisms underlying its effects. Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of cotinine's actions and its contribution to tobacco addiction.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Young-Eun Kim, Jae-Hyun Lee, Eun-Ju Lee, Do Hoon Kim, Mi Ryeong Jeong, Seokchan Hong, Chang-Keun Lee, Bin Yoo, Jeehee Youn, Eun-Ju Chang, Yong-Gil Kim
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on immune cells and peripheral arthritis in curdlan-administered SKG mice, a murine model of spondyloarthropathy (SpA). The results showed an increase in alpha 7 nAChR+ cells in the joint tissue of the mice exposed to cigarette smoke, as well as lower peripheral arthritis and synovial inflammation scores. This suggests that smoking may have an anti-arthritic effect in curdlan-administered SKG mice.
Article
Cell Biology
Waheed Shabbir, Keun-Hang Susan Yang, Bassem Sadek, Murat Oz
Summary: The study showed that polyhydroxy flavonoids can enhance Ca2+ transients mediated by alpha 7 nACh receptors, suggesting potential clinical applications in treating various human diseases such as pain, inflammation, and neural disorders.
Article
Biology
Yusei Makino, Yuuki Hiradate, Kohei Umezu, Kenshiro Hara, Kentaro Tanemura
Summary: The study revealed the localization of AChRe in murine testes and spermatozoa, and suggested that AChRe may act as a regulator of mammalian sperm AR.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johnathon R. Emlaw, Christian J. G. Tessier, Gregory D. McCluskey, Melissa S. McNulty, Yusuf Sheikh, Kelly M. Burkett, Maria Musgaard, Corrie J. B. daCosta
Summary: The study found that a single historical amino acid substitution can influence the assembly of muscle-type acetylcholine receptors, thereby increasing receptor complexity. Through a single amino acid substitution, the research revealed that subunit entrenchment can be driven, providing new insights into the evolution of protein subunit complexity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Chen, Xiaokuang Ma, Antoine Nehme, Jing Wei, Yan Cui, Yuehua Cui, Dezhong Yao, Jie Wu, Trent Anderson, Deveroux Ferguson, Pat Levitt, Shenfeng Qiu
Summary: The MET receptor tyrosine kinase plays a crucial role in the development of cortical circuits, with its expression tightly regulated during specific developmental stages. Dysregulation of MET expression can disrupt synaptic formation and pruning processes, impacting cortical plasticity and critical periods. In a mouse model study, sustained MET signaling in cortical excitatory neurons was found to disrupt synaptic protein profiles, alter neuronal morphology, and impair visual cortex circuit maturation and connectivity, ultimately affecting the plasticity of the cortical critical period.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaokuang Ma, Ke Chen, Yuehua Cui, Guanqun Huang, Antoine Nehme, Le Zhang, Handong Li, Jing Wei, Katerina Liong, Qiang Liu, Lingling Shi, Jie Wu, Shenfeng Qiu
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Baomei Xia, Jing Wei, Xiaokuang Ma, Antoine Nehme, Katerina Liong, Yuehua Cui, Chang Chen, Amelia Gallitano, Deveroux Ferguson, Shenfeng Qiu
Summary: Human genetic studies have identified the MET gene as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders. This study found that MET signaling affects synaptic plasticity in young adult mice, leading to enhanced LTP and LTD in the hippocampus, while older adult mice showed diminished magnitudes of LTP and LTD. Behavioral tests also revealed age-dependent cognitive decline in behavior and learning functions associated with MET signaling.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MEMORY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan-bing Huang, Ze-gang Ma, Chao Zheng, Xiao-kuang K. Ma, Devin H. Taylor, Ming Gao, Ronald J. Lukas, Jie Wu
Summary: Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, stimulates reward circuits in the brain, while the herbal compound l-THP has been found to inhibit nicotine-induced currents, potentially contributing to blocking nicotine addiction.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2022)
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
Critical Care Medicine
Maha Saber, J. Bryce Ortiz, Luisa M. Rojas Valencia, Xiaokuang Ma, Bret R. Tallent, P. David Adelson, Rachel K. Rowe, Shenfeng Qiu, Jonathan Lifshitz
Summary: The study suggests that offspring born to pregnant dams who experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibited significant effects on health, physiology, and behavior, particularly in male offspring. Specific outcomes included lower weight, weakened brain connectivity, and increased anxiety-like behaviors in the male TBI offspring compared to controls. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of maternal gTBI on offspring development.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hee-Dae Kim, Jing Wei, Tanessa Call, Nicole Teru Quintus, Alexander J. Summers, Samantha Carotenuto, Ross Johnson, Xiaokuang Ma, Chenxi Xu, Jin G. Park, Shenfeng Qiu, Deveroux Ferguson
Summary: Depression is a major cause of disability with current treatment approaches being largely ineffective. Understanding the molecular mechanisms within specific cell-types in the brain may lead to the development of more effective therapies.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Bin Wang, Jinyu Li, Mi Bao, Runji Chen, Haiyan Li, Binger Lu, Meixin Chen, Danmei Huang, Yanmei Zhang, Fenfei Gao, Ganggang Shi
Summary: The study explores the protective effects of melatonin on oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) caused by high glucose, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Melatonin was found to alleviate injury, reduce reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde production, enhance superoxide dismutase activity, and inhibit CMEC apoptosis induced by high glucose. Administration of melatonin also activated the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway and attenuated cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jeremiah Tsyporin, David Tastad, Xiaokuang Ma, Antoine Nehme, Thomas Finn, Liora Huebner, Guoping Liu, Daisy Gallardo, Amr Makhamreh, Jacqueline M. Roberts, Solomon Katzman, Nenad Sestan, Susan K. McConnell, Zhengang Yang, Shenfeng Qiu, Bin Chen
Summary: The study reveals that FEZF2 functions as a transcriptional repressor to regulate subtype-specific identities of corticothalamic and subcerebral neurons by selectively repressing expression of inappropriate genes for each neuronal subtype. Additionally, TLE4 is recruited by FEZF2 to inhibit genes not suitable for layer 6 corticothalamic neurons. These findings suggest that cortical glutamatergic identity is determined by multiple pathways in progenitor cells, while projection neuron subtype-specific identity is achieved by selectively repressing genes associated with alternate identities.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jing Wei, Xiaokuang Ma, Antoine Nehme, Yuehua Cui, Le Zhang, Shenfeng Qiu
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder strongly associated with aging, and there is currently no effective treatment. This study reveals that early reduction of HGF/MET signaling may contribute to the synaptic pathology observed in Alzheimer's disease.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Han Yu, Sha Liu, ZuGuang Wu, FenFei Gao
Summary: This study found that high expression of GNAI2 was associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer (GC) and explored the regulatory mechanisms of GNAI2 in GC. The study constructed an immune risk score (IRS) model that can be used for survival prediction in GC patients and evaluated clinicopathological features related to GC. Cell and animal studies confirmed that GNAI2 activated the PI3K/AKT pathway and promoted the growth and migration of GC cells.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Chang Chen, Jing Wei, Xiaokuang Ma, Baomei Xia, Neha Shakir, Jessica K. Zhang, Le Zhang, Yuehua Cui, Deveroux Ferguson, Shenfeng Qiu, Feng Bai
Summary: Research has found that transgenic mutant APP/PS1 overexpression in 5XFAD mice leads to early developmental defects of cortical circuits. These neurons exhibit functional impairments, such as reduced excitability and smaller amplitude and frequency of synaptic inputs. Additionally, the dendritic spine density and spine head volumes of these neurons are decreased, indicating impaired synapse maturation.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Chang Chen, Xiaokuang Ma, Jing Wei, Neha Shakir, Jessica K. Zhang, Le Zhang, Antoine Nehme, Yuehua Cui, Deveroux Ferguson, Feng Bai, Shenfeng Qiu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of mutant APP/PS1 over-expression on early brain development and function using a 5xFAD mouse model. The results suggest that the over-expression of mutant proteins may impair synaptic plasticity, intrinsic excitability, and synaptic connectivity in cortical circuits, leading to deficits in plasticity and altered developmental trajectory.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiong Wang, Ying Pan, Hongjun Luo, Yanmei Zhang, Fenfei Gao, Jinzhi Wang, Jinhong Zheng
Summary: This study proposed a novel method for the synthesis of dihydroquinazoline-2(1H)-one derivatives and successfully synthesized 19 different compounds. These compounds exhibited anti-proliferative activity and showed potential clinical applications in cancer treatment.
Article
Oncology
Han Yu, En Li, Sha Liu, ZuGuang Wu, FenFei Gao
Summary: This study analyzed gastric cancer samples using the TCGA database and identified differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes related to gastric cancer. The study also revealed the pathways and functions involved in these genes, as well as a potential inhibitor for the LCK protein. The findings provide potential directions for molecular biological therapy for PD-1 negative gastric cancer.
JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY
(2022)