Article
Neurosciences
Mohamed Bilal Fares, Omar Alijevic, Stephanie Johne, Cassia Overk, Makoto Hashimoto, Athanasios Kondylis, Anthony Adame, Remi Dulize, Dariusz Peric, Catherine Nury, James Battey, Emmanuel Guedj, Nicolas Sierro, Damian Mc Hugh, Edward Rockenstein, Changyoun Kim, Robert A. Rissman, Julia Hoeng, Manuel C. Peitsch, Eliezer Masliah, Carole Mathis
Summary: This study investigated the effects of nicotine on α-Syn aggregation, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and motor deficits in transgenic mice and in a human neuronal model of synucleinopathy. The results showed that nicotine attenuated α-Syn-provoked neuropathology in both models. Furthermore, activation of α4β2 nicotinic receptors might mediate these neuroprotective effects.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johan Paakkonen, Janne Janis, Juha Rouvinen
Summary: This article introduces a set of simulation applets for visualizing the behavior of association and dissociation reactions in protein studies. These applets can be used for experimental planning, result verification, and educational visualization of equilibria. Users can input the total concentrations and dissociation constants of protein species and complexes, and the applets output equilibrium concentrations graphically and numerically.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arthur Cardoso Souto, Matheus Heidemann Tempone, Lyslie Azeredo Coutinho Goncalves, Vladimir Pedro Peralva Borges-Martins, Maria Carolina Peixoto-Rodrigues, Ana Clara Oliveira Damascena, Gabriel Ferraz, Alex Christian Manhaes, Newton Goncalves Castro, Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis, Ana Lucia Marques Ventura, Regina Celia Cussa Kubrusly
Summary: Nicotine influences the development of avian embryo retina by reducing GABA uptake and increasing release through NMDAR and PKC pathways, as well as promoting calcium influx.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Natalia A. Quijano Carde, Jessica Shaw, Christina Carter, Seung Kim, Jerry A. Stitzel, Shyamala K. Venkatesh, Vijay A. Ramchandani, Mariella De Biasi
Summary: Alcohol and nicotine use during adolescence can lead to long-term neuroplastic changes that affect subsequent drug use. This study found that variation in the CHRNA5 gene is associated with drinking and smoking behaviors. Disruption of the alpha 5 nAChR subunit increases nicotine intake, particularly in adolescent female mice, while the effect on alcohol intake is more prominent in females. Additionally, adolescent alcohol or nicotine exposure can modulate subsequent intake of the opposite drug in adulthood, and this effect is influenced by sex and Chrna5 mutation.
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Belle Buzzi, Eda Koseli, Lauren Moncayo, Mohammed Shoaib, M. Imad Damaj
Summary: Cannabis is widely used worldwide and there is no approved treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Co-use of nicotine and cannabis suggests overlapping neurobiological actions, supported by their receptor systems in the brain. Studying nicotinic receptors may help understand cannabinoid dependence, with different subtypes potentially modulating different effects of cannabinoids. Clinical and genetic studies indicate potential involvement of alpha 5, alpha 3, and beta 4 nAChR subunits, while the alpha 2 subunit is strongly implicated in CUD susceptibility. Current smoking cessation agents may also be beneficial in treating CUD, but further controlled studies are needed. Additional research is necessary to investigate the role of nAChR in the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ainhoa Alzualde, Oihane Jaka, Diogo A. R. S. Latino, Omar Alijevic, Inaki Iturria, Jorge Hurtado de Mendoza, Pavel Pospisil, Stefan Frentzel, Manuel C. Peitsch, Julia Hoeng, Kyoko Koshibu
Summary: The study found nicotine to be the most effective anxiolytic alkaloid tested, with other natural alkaloids also potentially regulating anxiety.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2021)
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
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.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Giordani, Giulia Cattabriga, Andrea Becchimanzi, Ilaria Di Lelio, Giovanna De Leva, Silvia Gigliotti, Francesco Pennacchio, Giuseppe Gargiulo, Valeria Cavaliere
Summary: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a major neurotransmitter in insects that not only mediates synaptic interactions in the central nervous system but also regulates the innate immune response. This study found that inhibiting ACh synthesis or transport in neurons reduced the activation of drosomycin, an antimicrobial peptide gene, in infected flies. Mutations in the Drosophila alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and expression of a dominant negative form of this receptor subunit also affected the transcription of drosomycin. Interestingly, the response was similar when the dominant negative form was expressed in non-neuronal tissues or hemocytes. Inhibition of ACh synthesis in non-neuronal cells also affected drosomycin expression. These findings reveal the involvement of neural and non-neural cholinergic signals in modulating insect immune defenses and highlight the role of hemocytes in regulating the humoral immune response.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Domenico Pimpinella, Valentina Mastrorilli, Corinna Giorgi, Silke Coemans, Salvatore Lecca, Arnaud L. Lalive, Hannah Ostermann, Elke C. Fuchs, Hannah Monyer, Andrea Mele, Enrico Cherubini, Marilena Griguoli
Summary: Acetylcholine (ACh) in the hippocampus plays a crucial role in social memory by controlling social novelty discrimination in mice. The activation of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) in the CA2 region enhances the excitatory drive to principal cells and affects social novelty discrimination. Optogenetic activation of cholinergic neurons in the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MSDB) increases the firing of CA2 principal cells, highlighting nAChRs as essential players in this process.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Helen M. Kamens, Geneva Flarend, William J. Horton
Summary: The use of alcohol causes significant morbidity and mortality globally. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by excessive alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. Available medications for AUD have limited efficacy and side effects, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have emerged as a potential target for AUD treatment, as evidence from genetic and pharmacology studies demonstrate their role in modulating alcohol intake. Pharmacological modulation of various nAChR subtypes has shown promising results in reducing alcohol consumption. Therefore, further investigation of nAChRs as novel therapeutics for AUD is warranted.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zuxin Chen, Xin-an Liu, Paul J. Kenny
Summary: Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, with nicotine playing a key role in connecting the two. Nicotine can increase blood glucose levels, disrupt glucose homeostasis, and induce insulin resistance. This review focuses on the genetic variants of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors associated with diabetes risk and provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms through which nicotine affects blood glucose homeostasis and diabetes development. The central and peripheral actions of nicotine on glucoregulatory hormone release, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity are highlighted, particularly the potential targets for intervention in diabetes management within the brain.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ayman K. Hamouda, Malia R. Bautista, Lois S. Akinola, Yasmin Alkhlaif, Asti Jackson, Moriah Carper, Wisam B. Toma, Sumanta Garai, Yen-Chu Chen, Ganesh A. Thakur, Christie D. Fowler, M. Imad Damaj
Summary: The high sensitivity (HS) nAChR isoforms play a more prevalent role in mediating various brain functions and behavioral effects associated with nicotine use, while the low sensitivity (LS) nAChR isoforms have a limited impact on modulating body temperature and nociceptive responses. These findings will aid in the development of more selective and efficacious nAChR-based therapeutics for nicotine addiction treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin W. Kenney, Maja Genheden, Kyung-Mee Moon, Xuemin Wang, Leonard J. Foster, Christopher G. Proud
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2016)
Article
Neurosciences
Justin W. Kenney, Oksana Sorokina, Maja Genheden, Anatoly Sorokin, J. Douglas Armstrong, Christopher G. Proud
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2015)
Article
Neurosciences
Maja Genheden, Justin W. Kenney, Harvey E. Johnston, Antigoni Manousopoulou, Spiros D. Garbis, Christopher G. Proud
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2015)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claire E. J. Moore, Halina Mikolajek, Sergio Regufe da Mota, Xuemin Wang, Justin W. Kenney, Joern M. Werner, Christopher G. Proud
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY
(2015)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rui Liu, Justin W. Kenney, Antigoni Manousopoulou, Harvey E. Johnston, Makoto Kamei, Christopher H. Woelk, Jianling Xie, Michael Schwarzer, Spiros D. Garbis, Christopher G. Proud
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2016)
Article
Neurosciences
Prescott T. Leach, Justin W. Kenney, Thomas J. Gould
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2016)
Article
Oncology
Jianling Xie, Kaikai Shen, Roman V. Lenchine, Lee A. Gethings, Paul J. Trim, Marten F. Snel, Ying Zhou, Justin W. Kenney, Makoto Kamei, Marina Kochetkova, Xuemin Wang, Christopher G. Proud
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2018)
Article
Neurosciences
Toshiyuki Tanimizu, Justin W. Kenney, Emiko Okano, Kazune Kadoma, Paul W. Frankland, Satoshi Kida
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2017)
Article
Neurosciences
Gisella Vetere, Justin W. Kenney, Lina M. Tran, Frances Xia, Patrick E. Steadman, John Parkinson, Sheena A. Josselyn, Paul W. Frankland
Article
Neurosciences
Lisanne E. Wisse, Renske Penning, Esther A. Zaal, Carola G. M. van Berkel, Timo J. ter Braak, Emiel Polder, Justin W. Kenney, Christopher G. Proud, Celia R. Berkers, Maarten A. F. Altelaar, Dave Speijer, Marjo S. van der Knaap, Truus E. M. Abbink
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2017)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Axel Guskjolen, Justin W. Kenney, Juan de la Parra, Bi-ru Amy Yeung, Sheena A. Josselyn, Paul W. Frankland
Article
Biology
Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal, Jocelyn M. Breton, Huanjie Sheng, Kimberly L. P. Long, Stella Chen, Aline Halliday, Justin W. Kenney, Anne L. Wheeler, Paul Frankland, Carrie Shilyansky, Karl Deisseroth, Dacher Keltner, Daniela Kaufer
Summary: The study found that rats are more likely to help members of the same strain, and brain regions associated with helping behavior include the frontal and insular cortices. The nucleus accumbens is selectively active for ingroup members and correlates positively with helping behavior.
Article
Biology
Justin W. Kenney, Patrick E. Steadman, Olivia Young, Meng Ting Shi, Maris Polanco, Saba Dubaishi, Kristopher Covert, Thomas Mueller, Paul W. Frankland
Summary: Zebrafish, as a widely used model organism in neuroscience, have had a significant impact on our understanding of the vertebrate brain. The creation of the Adult Zebrafish Brain Atlas (AZBA) provides a valuable resource for studying brain function in both health and disease. Through tissue clearing and advanced imaging techniques, AZBA aims to enhance research using adult zebrafish.
Article
Biology
Neha Rajput, Kush Parikh, Justin W. Kenney
Summary: By analyzing the swim traces of over 400 adult zebrafish, researchers have discovered that the behavioral variation in zebrafish exploratory behavior is more complex than previously recognized. They identified four distinct clusters of behavior: bold, shy, wall-huggers, and active explorers. This study lays the groundwork for understanding the biological basis of individual differences in behavior using zebrafish.
Article
Neurosciences
Justin W. Kenney, Ian C. Scott, Sheena A. Josselyn, Paul W. Frankland
