Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Steven A. Hill, Marissa Fu, A. Denise R. Garcia
Summary: Astrocytes are complex cells performing essential functions in the nervous system. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the molecular identity and functional properties of astrocytes, and is active in specific subpopulations of these cells throughout the brain.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Baljit S. Khakh, Steven A. Goldman
Summary: Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene. Astrocytes in the striatum, a brain region affected in HD, play a role in the pathology of the disease. Dysfunctions in astrocytes contribute to cellular and metabolic abnormalities in HD, suggesting the potential for therapeutic targeting of these cells to restore normal function.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Miranda D. Horn, Andrew G. MacLean
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are used by cells for intercellular communication, transferring important molecules including viruses. Research shows that EVs can encapsulate viruses, leading to issues like antibody neutralization and neurodegeneration.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
A. Denise R. Garcia
Summary: The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) molecular signaling pathway is a key regulator of neurodevelopment, with diverse functions in various cell types and developmental stages. In addition to its roles in development, Shh signaling continues into adulthood and is now recognized as an important regulator of astrocyte function. Astrocytes play essential roles in nervous system functions, including synapse formation, coordination of CNS inflammatory responses, and Shh signaling mediates communication between neurons and astrocytes, influencing astrocyte identity, synaptic organization, and inflammation regulation.
Review
Neurosciences
Winanto Ng, Shi-Yan Ng
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The disease is caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal defects and toxic effects mediated by astrocytes. Reactive astrocytes secrete a variety of pro-inflammatory factors that contribute to neuronal death. Recent studies have also identified neurotoxic metabolites as important components of the astrocyte secretome in ALS.
TRANSLATIONAL NEURODEGENERATION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jernej Jorgacevski, Maja Potokar
Summary: Neuroinfections of the central nervous system can be caused by various pathogens, with viruses being the most common and potentially deadly. Viral infections not only affect host cells and cellular processes, but also trigger a strong immune response. This response is regulated by microglia and astrocytes, with the latter being one of the first cell types to become infected. Astrocytes are also recognized as potential viral reservoirs and their response can have significant effects on cellular and tissue physiology. This review summarizes current knowledge on virus receptors in astrocytes and their involvement in immune functions of the central nervous system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Vanessa C. Bobbo, Daiane F. Engel, Carlos Poblete Jara, Natalia F. Mendes, Roberta Haddad-Tovolli, Thais P. Prado, Davi Sidarta-Oliveira, Joseane Morari, Licio A. Velloso, Eliana P. Araujo
Summary: IL6 in the hypothalamus induces neurogenesis-related gene expression in both wild-type and IL6 knockout mice, potentially offering a approach to prevent or attenuate obesity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyung Hee Lee, Myeounghoon Cha, Bae Hwan Lee
Summary: This article discusses the role of glia in protecting neurons from oxidative injury and maintaining antioxidant defense mechanisms in the brain, as well as the essential crosstalk between glia and neurons to maintain redox balance for protection against oxidative stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Kelly L. Jordan-Sciutto
Summary: Despite successful viral suppression with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, people living with HIV still experience persistent cognitive, behavioral, and motor dysfunction, raising questions about the potential contribution of these drugs themselves. Evidence suggests that ARV drugs may have an impact on the central nervous system, highlighting the importance of minimizing ARV-induced cellular and tissue dysfunction to improve the quality of life for individuals dependent on life-long ART for viral suppression.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiu Deng, Yahui Ji, Fengjiao Zhu, Lina Liu, Linmei Li, Xue Bai, Huibing Li, Xianming Liu, Yong Luo, Bingcheng Lin, Yao Lu
Summary: This study demonstrates the mapping of different secretomes from paired neuron-immune single cells, providing insights into how neurons and immune cells interact through the complex secretome network.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Fiona Weiss, Adahir Labrador-Garrido, Nicolas Dzamko, Glenda Halliday
Summary: Immune changes occur in neurodegenerative conditions, with significant differences between diseases. In Parkinson's disease, there is increased inflammation and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Astrocytes in Parkinson's disease exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype, contributing to disease progression. Peripheral immune cells, such as T cells and monocytes, also infiltrate the Parkinson's disease brain.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Sujin Hyung, Ji-Hye Park, Kyuhwan Jung
Summary: Optogenetic techniques, combining optics and genetics, offer cell-specific targeting and precise control of excitable cells, providing valuable insights into the complex nervous system. The activation of neurons through optogenetics allows for the regulation of information processing and nerve structure development. Recent advancements in optogenetic glial manipulation have shown the potential for coordinating neuron-glia communication and supporting nerve fibers. Further research is needed to optimize the technique and explore its therapeutic applications.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Masha G. Savelieff, Eva L. Feldman, Amro M. Stino
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a large number of infections and deaths worldwide. Apart from respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 can also lead to neurological conditions and syndromes, which pose a serious threat to patients' nervous systems. Understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system is crucial for developing effective treatments.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Jonas Bittern, Nicole Pogodalla, Henrike Ohm, Lena Bruser, Rita Kottmeier, Stefanie Schirmeier, Christian Klaembt
Summary: Animals have the ability to move and react to external stimuli due to the intricate neuronal network and glial cells in the nervous system. Glial cells play important roles in controlling neuronal functions, metabolic support, and cell-cell interactions, which are conserved across different species and can shed light on understanding mammalian glial cells.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Huan-Jun Lu, Yong-Jing Gao
Summary: Astrocytes play important roles in chronic pain by regulating nociceptive responses and exaggerating pain signals through interactions with neurons and other glial cells. They also actively contribute to the emotional and memory-related aspects of chronic pain in specific brain regions.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bolati Wulaer, Kazuo Kunisawa, Kazuhiro Hada, Willy Jaya Suento, Hisayoshi Kubota, Tsubasa Iida, Aika Kosuge, Taku Nagai, Kiyofumi Yamada, Atsumi Nitta, Yasuko Yamamoto, Kuniaki Saito, Akihiro Mouri, Toshitaka Nabeshima
Summary: Deficiency of Shati/Nat8l affects neurogenesis and attentional behavior in mice, possibly through modulation of dopaminergic transmission.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anthony Ariza, Yasuhiro Funahashi, Sachi Kozawa, Md Omar Faruk, Taku Nagai, Mutsuki Amano, Kozo Kaibuchi
Summary: This study identified approximately 40 novel candidate proteins in the striatum of the C57BL/6 mouse brain after cocaine administration, with a focus on the protein MKL2. The results demonstrate that dopamine signaling regulates the interaction of MKL2 with CBP in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, thereby controlling SRF-dependent gene expression.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Kazuhiro Hada, Bolati Wulaer, Taku Nagai, Norimichi Itoh, Masahito Sawahata, Akira Sobue, Hiroyuki Mizoguchi, Daisuke Mori, Itaru Kushima, Toshitaka Nabeshima, Norio Ozaki, Kiyofumi Yamada
Summary: A study showed that mutations in the Arhgap10 gene associated with schizophrenia may lead to neuronal morphological abnormalities in specific brain regions, which could be related to vulnerability of cognition to methamphetamine treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
You-Hsin Lin, Yukie Yamahashi, Keisuke Kuroda, Omar Faruk, Xinjian Zhang, Kiyofumi Yamada, Akihiro Yamanaka, Taku Nagai, Kozo Kaibuchi
Summary: The study revealed that accumbal D2R-MSNs regulate negative reinforcement through the A2aR-PKA-Rap1-MEK pathway. Inhibition of this pathway has been shown to attenuate aversive responses.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jingzhu Liao, Geyao Dong, Bolati Wulaer, Masahito Sawahata, Hiroyuki Mizoguchi, Daisuke Mori, Norio Ozaki, Toshitaka Nabeshima, Taku Nagai, Kiyofumi Yamada
Summary: The study found that Reln-del mice exhibited delayed learning in visual discrimination and reversal learning tasks, but their behavioral flexibility remained unaffected.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yumi Tsuneura, Tsuyoshi Nakai, Hiroyuki Mizoguchi, Kiyofumi Yamada
Summary: Reelin, an important protein for brain development and function, is found to be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Supplementing Reelin could improve learning and neuronal dysfunctions in animal models. Therefore, studying the role of Reelin in neuropsychiatric disorders and potential therapeutic approaches is of great significance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Omar Faruk, Daisuke Tsuboi, Yukie Yamahashi, Yasuhiro Funahashi, You-Hsin Lin, Rijwan Uddin Ahammad, Emran Hossen, Mutsuki Amano, Tomoki Nishioka, Anastasios Tzingounis, Kiyofumi Yamada, Taku Nagai, Kozo Kaibuchi
Summary: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays crucial roles in emotional behaviors, and muscarinic signaling induces the phosphorylation of KCNQ2 at T217 via PKC activation for aversive learning. Electric foot shock and donepezil can induce this phosphorylation, while an M1R antagonist can suppress this process.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tetsuo Matsuzaki, Yoshiaki Kato, Hiroyuki Mizoguchi, Kiyofumi Yamada
Summary: This study developed a predictive model for initial vancomycin dosing using machine learning, and compared its performance with experts, another machine learning model, and commonly used dosing software. The results showed that our model had a comparable target attainment rate to experts, and it could assist in decision making for initial dosing in the absence of dose planning consultations.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Rijwan Uddin Ahammad, Tomoki Nishioka, Junichiro Yoshimoto, Takayuki Kannon, Mutsuki Amano, Yasuhiro Funahashi, Daisuke Tsuboi, Md. Omar Faruk, Yukie Yamahashi, Kiyofumi Yamada, Taku Nagai, Kozo Kaibuchi
Summary: Protein phosphorylation plays a critical role in intracellular signaling pathways and physiological functions in the brain. Dysregulation of these pathways is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study developed an online database to provide information on phosphorylation signals and analyzed related pathways.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinjian Zhang, Daisuke Tsuboi, Yasuhiro Funahashi, Yukie Yamahashi, Kozo Kaibuchi, Taku Nagai
Summary: Dopamine regulates emotional behaviors, including rewarding and aversive behaviors, through the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. Protein phosphorylation plays a critical role in intracellular signaling pathways and physiological functions, and dopamine regulates neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity through phosphorylation of intracellular substrates. Understanding the mechanisms by which dopamine controls emotional behaviors is crucial.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinjian Zhang, Kiyoyuki Kitaichi, Akihiro Mouri, Xinzhu Zhou, Toshitaka Nabeshima, Kiyofumi Yamada, Taku Nagai
Summary: Although opioids have clinical benefits as analgesics, their misuse and addiction are on the rise. This study investigated the optimal ratio of an opioid and the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, in abuse-deterrent formulations. The conditioned place preference test showed that naloxone effectively inhibited the rewarding effects induced by opioids. The study suggests that the ratio of naloxone with opioids can serve as an index for developing abuse-deterrent formulations.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Wan-Ju Cheng, Hong-Mo Shih, Kuan-Pin Su, Po-Ren Hsueh
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Felipe Kenji Sudo, Talita P. Pinto, Fernanda G. Q. Barros-Aragao, Ivanei Bramati, Theo F. Marins, Marina Monteiro, Fernanda Meireles, Rejane Soares, Pilar Erthal, Victor Calil, Naima Assuncao, Natalia Oliveira, Joana Bondarovsky, Camila Lima, Beatriz Chagas, Alana Batista, Julia Lins, Thais L. Pinheiro, Felippe Mendonca, Andrea Silveira de Souza, Fernanda C. Rodrigues, Gabriel R. de Freitas, Pedro Kurtz, Paulo Mattos, Erika C. Rodrigues, Fernanda G. De Felice, Fernanda Tovar-Moll
Summary: Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is a multisystemic syndrome that persists for months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting cognitive function and neuropsychiatric features. A study on COVID-19 survivors in Brazil found that these patients experienced significant difficulties in overall cognition, memory, working memory, and inhibitory control, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In addition, elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood were associated with brain microstructural damage and cognitive impairments.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Letter
Immunology
Tieh-Cheng Fu, Juei-Chao Chen, Ching-Mao Chang
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Aastha Dheer, Dale B. Bosco, Jiaying Zheng, Lingxiao Wang, Shunyi Zhao, Koichiro Haruwaka, Min-Hee Yi, Abhijeet Barath, Dai-Shi Tian, Long-Jun Wu
Summary: Microglial activation plays a crucial role in the pathology of epilepsy, with both acute and prolonged activation affecting seizure severity and neuronal loss.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Julie B. Rosenberg, Jens Richardt Mollegaard Jepsen, Parisa Mohammadzadeh, Astrid Sevelsted, Rebecca Vinding, Mikkel E. Sorensen, David Horner, Kristina Aagaard, Birgitte Fagerlund, Susanne Brix, Nilofar Folsgaard, Ann -Marie M. Schoos, Jakob Stokholm, Bo Chawes, Christos Pantelis, Soren Dalsgaard, Birte Y. Glenthoj, Niels Bilenberg, Klaus Bonnelykke, Bjorn H. Ebdrup
Summary: Clinical data demonstrates a strong association between prenatal maternal inflammation assessed by hs-CRP and a diagnosis of ADHD by age 10. Maternal inflammation is also associated with ADHD symptom load in the entire cohort.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Suzanne M. Green-Fulgham, Michael J. Lacagnina, Kendal F. Willcox, Jiahe Li, Michael E. Harland, Adriano Polican Ciena, Igor R. Correia Rocha, Jayson B. Ball, Renee A. Dreher, Younus A. Zuberi, Joseph M. Dragavon, Marucia Chacur, Steven F. Maier, Linda R. Watkins, Peter M. Grace
Summary: Regular aerobic activity, specifically voluntary wheel running, can reduce the risk of chronic pain by inhibiting MAC and preserving myelin integrity at the site of peripheral nerve injury.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
India Boyton, Stella M. Valenzuela, Lyndsey E. Collins-Praino, Andrew Care
Summary: Neuronanomedicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to develop innovative nanotechnologies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Nanoparticles are an important component of neuronanomedicine, as they can improve drug properties and enhance safety and delivery across the blood-brain barrier. However, a major challenge for neuronanomedicine translation is the poor understanding of bio-nano interactions, partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. This review provides specific recommendations to guide researchers in harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles for breakthrough treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Celine De Looze, Cathal McCrory, Aisling O'Halloran, Silvia Polidoro, Rose Anne Kenny, Joanne Feeney
Summary: Our study found that subjective measures of stress and biological metrics may be independently associated with cognitive function over time in older adults, hinting at potential different underlying mechanisms.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Beatrice Bravi, Elisa Maria Teresa Melloni, Marco Paolini, Mariagrazia Palladini, Federico Calesella, Laura Servidio, Elena Agnoletto, Sara Poletti, Cristina Lorenzi, Cristina Colombo, Francesco Benedetti
Summary: Depressed patients show changes in immune-inflammatory markers in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The Choroid Plexus, located at the base of the brain ventricles, plays a key role in regulating the exchange of substances between the brain and immune cells. Patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder have larger Choroid Plexus volumes compared to healthy controls. Age and levels of circulating cytokines are associated with Choroid Plexus volumes in the clinical groups.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Mingxuan Zheng, Huaiyu Ye, Xiaoying Yang, Lijun Shen, Xuemei Dang, Xiaoli Liu, Yuying Gong, Qingyuan Wu, Li Wang, Xing Ge, Xiaoli Fang, Benchi Hou, Peng Zhang, Renxian Tang, Kuiyang Zheng, Xu-Feng Huang, Yinghua Yu
Summary: Obesity is linked to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain is altered in obesity. The probiotic Clostridium butyricum can improve cognitive impairment caused by obesity and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Edward Drydale, Phalguni Rath, Katie Holden, Gregory Holt, Laurissa Havins, Thomas Johnson, James Bancroft, Lahiru Handunnetthi
Summary: This study created a novel three-dimensional neurosphere assay using induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the effect of a simulated viral infection on cortical development. The findings demonstrated that the infection led to reduced radial glial growth and neural migration.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Yuancheng Weng, Ningting Chen, Rui Zhang, Jian He, Xukai Ding, Guo Cheng, Qianqian Bi, Ying-mei Lu, Xiao Z. Shen, Shu Wan, Peng Shi
Summary: This study reveals that microglia is the primary cellular source of PDGFB in adults, and microglial PDGFB is crucial for maintaining BBB integrity in adult mice.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Evan A. Bordt, Haley A. Moya, Young Chan Jo, Caitlin T. Ravichandran, Izabella M. Bankowski, Alexis M. Ceasrine, Christopher J. Mcdougle, William A. Carlezon Jr, Staci D. Bilbo
Summary: There is a strong male bias in many neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, but the mechanisms behind this bias are unknown. Infection during the perinatal period increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a mouse model, researchers found that early-life immune activation only induced deficits in social behaviors in male mice. These behavioral changes were associated with alterations in microglial immune signaling, mitochondrial morphology, gene expression, and function specifically in microglia, the brain's innate immune cells. Furthermore, the vulnerability to early-life immune activation and its effects on behavior and microglial mitochondria were programmed by the male-typical perinatal gonadal hormone surge. These findings highlight the role of microglia-specific mechanisms shaped by early developmental events in regulating male social behavior throughout lifespan.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Maria Amalia Di Castro, Stefano Garofalo, Alessandro Mormino, Laura Carbonari, Erika Di Pietro, Eleonora De Felice, Myriam Catalano, Laura Maggi, Cristina Limatola
Summary: Cytokines, such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), play important roles in modulating the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the authors found that exposure to IL-15 enhances GABA release and reduces glutamatergic currents in hippocampal slices. Chronic treatment with IL-15 has negative effects on memory formation. Serotonin is involved in mediating these effects, as a selective 5-HT3A receptor antagonist prevents the effects on inhibitory neurotransmission and improves performance in a memory test.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Nikhitha Sreenivas, Michael Maes, Hansashree Padmanabha, Apoorva Dharmendra, Priyanka Chakkera, Saptamita Paul Choudhury, Fazal Abdul, Thrinath Mullapudi, Vykuntaraju K. Gowda, Michael Berk, John Vijay Sagar Kommu, Monojit Debnath
Summary: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with both common and differing characteristics in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the possibility of a shared immune etiology among three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD).
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)