Review
Neurosciences
Jeremy M. Henley, Jithin D. Nair, Richard Seager, Busra P. Yucel, Gavin Woodhall, Benjamin S. Henley, Karolina Talandyte, Hope I. Needs, Kevin A. Wilkinson
Summary: Epilepsy is caused by abnormal neuronal network activity. The review focuses on the role and regulation of kainate and AMPA receptors in seizure activity, discussing the impact of GluK2 and GluA2 subunits on their respective receptors' properties.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guendalina Olivero, Alessandra Roggeri, Anna Pittaluga
Summary: Autoantibodies against NMDA and AMPA receptors in the central nervous system can lead to neurological and psychiatric symptoms and disrupt synaptic communication. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in these autoantibody-mediated effects is crucial for understanding their pathogenic role in central disorders and developing new therapeutic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jenni Harvey
Summary: It has been well established that leptin plays a crucial role in controlling energy homeostasis by signaling to specific hypothalamic nuclei. However, recent studies have revealed that leptin also acts on hippocampal synapses and significantly impacts cognitive processes, particularly hippocampal-dependent learning and memory.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Orsolya Geda, Tamas Tabi, Peter P. Lakatos, Eva Szoko
Summary: This study investigated the effects of DIMEB, HPBCD, RAMEA, and HPACD on ganglioside and cholesterol levels in rat brain synaptosomes. HPBCD showed selective cholesterol depletion capability, while RAMEA and HPACD selectively depleted gangliosides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Frank Raven, Iris W. Riemersma, Martha F. Olthuis, Ieva Rybakovaite, Elroy L. Meijer, Peter Meerlo, Eddy A. van der Zee, Robbert Havekes
Summary: Many organisms in the animal kingdom have the ability to form and retrieve memories. Synaptic plasticity is crucial for memory storage. Overactivating cofilin improves short-term memory formation.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kirsty Hamilton, Jenni Harvey
Summary: Leptin plays a significant role in regulating synaptic function in the hippocampus, enhancing cognitive function and memory tasks. It also targets temporoammonic-CA1 synapses, which are important for spatial and episodic memory processes. Leptin may have neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease and boosting its actions in the hippocampus could be beneficial for AD patients.
Article
Neurosciences
Thomas P. Cast, Daniel J. Boesch, Kim Smyth, Alisa E. Shaw, Michael Ghebrial, Soham Chanda
Summary: The amino acid substitution mutation (R101Q) in the NLGN4 gene impairs the maturation and surface trafficking of NLGN4 protein, leading to reduced synaptic localization and functional impact on neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alessandra Sperandeo, Claudia Tamburini, Zoe Noakes, Daniel Cabezas de la Fuente, Francesca Keefe, Olena Petter, William Plumbly, Nicholas E. Clifton, Meng Li, Kathryn J. Peall
Summary: The study reveals that SGCE mutations lead to hyperexcitability in cortical stem cells, both at the network and single cell level. This is accompanied by longer and more complex neurite morphology, as well as disruption of synaptic adhesion molecules. The findings shed light on the pathogenesis of myoclonus dystonia and provide potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Cell Biology
Eduardo J. Fernandez-Perez, Braulio Munoz, Denisse A. Bascunan, Christian Peters, Nicolas O. Riffo-Lepe, Maria P. Espinoza, Peter J. Morgan, Caroline Filippi, Romain Bourboulou, Urmi Sengupta, Rakez Kayed, Jerome Epsztein, Luis G. Aguayo
Summary: In early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, intracellular amyloid beta oligomers increase neuronal excitability through PKC-dependent mechanisms, by enhancing synaptic current frequency and potentiation of AMPA receptor-mediated current. Additionally, nitric oxide-mediated retrograde signaling is involved in the increased excitability, suggesting a spread of hyperexcitability through synaptic-driven mechanisms.
Review
Neurosciences
Jithin D. Nair, Kevin A. Wilkinson, Jeremy M. Henley, Jack R. Mellor
Summary: This article reviews the roles of kainate receptors in synaptic plasticity, focusing on their impact on postsynaptic signaling and presynaptic auto-receptor functions. It also explores the plasticity of kainate receptors themselves and their contribution to synaptic transmission plasticity.
Article
Neurosciences
Shu-Ling Chiu, Chih-Ming Chen, Richard L. Huganir
Summary: The study revealed a novel function of ICA69 in AMPAR trafficking, synaptic plasticity, and animal cognition. ICA69 regulates the distribution and stability of PICK1 in neurons, which impacts AMPAR function in the brain. The genetic deletion of ICA69 selectively impairs NMDAR-dependent LTP and leads to behavioral deficits in spatial and associative learning and memory.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew Irving, Jenni Harvey
Summary: Recent advances have shown that leptin has multiple functions in the brain, beyond its role in hypothalamic control of energy balance. Leptin affects synaptic efficacy in the hippocampus, enhancing cognitive performance in memory tasks. Aging leads to reduced hippocampal responsiveness to leptin, potentially impacting cognitive function negatively.
PROGRESS IN LIPID RESEARCH
(2021)
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.
Article
Neurosciences
Seungjae Zhang, Myunghyun Cheon, Hoyong Park, Taejoon Kim, ChiHye Chung
Summary: FKBP5 is a protein that inhibits the translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor, and its expression is related to psychiatric disorders. Deletion of FKBP5 in the brain makes rodents resilient to stress-induced depression. Our study found that FKBP5 deletion in the hippocampus causes changes in synaptic transmission and insensitivity to activated glucocorticoid receptors.
Article
Neurosciences
Yixing Du, Faith H. Brennan, Phillip G. Popovich, Min Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the role of microglia in regulating the structure and function of astrocytes in the mouse hippocampus, revealing that depletion of microglia disrupts astrocyte syncytial isopotentiality and dye coupling, leading to reduced synaptic transmission in neurons. Activation of microglia enhances synaptic transmission, while leaving astrocyte network function unaffected.
Review
Oncology
Nicoletta Urbano, Manuel Scimeca, Virginia Tancredi, Elena Bonanno, Orazio Schillaci
Summary: This article presents the latest innovations in the use of Breast Specific Gamma Imaging with 99mTc-sestamibi for managing breast cancer patients. It covers the implementation of instrumental devices and software, the biological mechanisms of 99mTc-sestamibi uptake in breast cancer cells, and the evaluation of Breast Specific Gamma Imaging as predictive markers of metastatic diseases. Additionally, preliminary data on the ability of Breast Specific Gamma Imaging to identify breast cancer lesions with a high propensity for forming bone metastatic lesions is reported.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessio Cardinale, Serena Saladini, Leonardo Lupacchini, Irene Ruspantini, Chiara De Dominicis, Marco Papale, Francesca Silvagno, Enrico Garaci, Cristiana Mollinari, Daniela Merlo
Summary: The study reveals that DNA-PK complex may play a role in cellular response to oxidative stress independently from its function in DNA repair. It acts as an anti-apoptotic factor in proliferating PC12 cells under oxidative stress conditions, but inhibition of DNA-PK activity in differentiated PC12 cells leads to accumulation of DNA damage.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Marta De Angelis, Donatella Amatore, Paola Checconi, Alessandra Zevini, Alessandra Fraternale, Mauro Magnani, John Hiscott, Giovanna De Chiara, Anna Teresa Palamara, Lucia Nencioni
Summary: Influenza virus infection reduces G6PD expression and activity, leading to increased oxidative stress and virus replication. Modulation of G6PD during viral infection may affect redox homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Ida Cariati, Manuel Scimeca, Roberto Bonanni, Rebecca Triolo, Valerio Naldi, Giuseppe Toro, Mario Marini, Virginia Tancredi, Riccardo Iundusi, Elena Gasbarra, Umberto Tarantino
Summary: Exposure to microgravity can affect musculoskeletal health and the use of anti-myostatin antibodies shows promising results in promoting cell survival in primary human satellite cell cultures exposed to simulated microgravity.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Virginia Protto, Maria Elena Marcocci, Mariya Timotey Miteva, Roberto Piacentini, Domenica Donatella Li Puma, Claudio Grassi, Anna Teresa Palamara, Giovanna De Chiara
Summary: Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) can cause recurrent diseases and severe herpetic encephalitis. Neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease) associated with HSV-1 infection may be prevented or treated with antiviral drugs or preventive strategies.
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristiana Mollinari, Chiara De Dominicis, Leonardo Lupacchini, Luigi Sansone, Davide Caprini, Carlo Massimo Casciola, Ying Wang, Jian Zhao, Massimo Fini, Matteo Russo, Enrico Garaci, Daniela Merlo
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of chemical reprogramming of patient skin cells into neurons for the rapid detection of pathological markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The combination of microfluidic technology and chemical reprogramming allows examination of disease processes on a chip and may have important diagnostic applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Giovanni Melchiorri, Valerio Viero, Daniele Bianchi, Virginia Tancredi, Marco Bonifazi, Alessandro Campagna, Tamara Triossi
Summary: The study found that actions in water polo matches often occur in sequences, with the winning team performing more actions on average than the losing team, and most goals being scored after sequences of actions.
JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Roberto Bonanni, Ida Cariati, Virginia Tancredi, Riccardo Iundusi, Elena Gasbarra, Umberto Tarantino
Summary: Musculoskeletal pain is a growing problem that causes significant socio-economic burden. Understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms and the relationship between immune cells and neurons is crucial for effective evaluation and treatment of this pain.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Chiara de Stefano, Benedetta Mazzanti, Francesca Vespasiano, Letizia Lombardini, Massimo Cardillo
Summary: The classification of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) lacks a uniform perspective at the European and International level, hindering its widespread incorporation into clinical practice. In Italy, the EU Tissue and Cell Directives are implemented to ensure safe and efficient FMT for the management of recurrent C. difficile infection through rigorous donor selection and traceability maintenance.
Article
Biology
Ida Cariati, Roberto Bonanni, Manuel Scimeca, Anna Maria Rinaldi, Mario Marini, Umberto Tarantino, Virginia Tancredi
Summary: Bone loss is a common issue for astronauts during space missions, and the mechanisms behind it are not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of random positioning machine (RPM) exposure on the mineralization process in SAOS-2 cells. The results showed that RPM exposure increased cell viability and improved mineralizing competence in non-osteogenic conditions, but decreased mineral deposits and PTX3 expression in osteogenic conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Elena Marcocci, Bianka Gabriela Jackowska, Carla Prezioso, Virginia Protto, Marta De Angelis, Francesco Saverio Di Leva, Bruno Casciaro, Alfonso Carotenuto, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Anna Teresa Palamara, Valeria Pietropaolo, Giovanna De Chiara, Lucia Nencioni
Summary: Natural occurring peptides like temporin G (TG) could be potential drugs to combat diseases caused by HSV-1 and JCPyV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Melchiorri, Tamara Triossi, Daniele Bianchi, Virginia Tancredi, Valerio Viero
Summary: This study evaluated the relationships between anthropometric characteristics, performance tests, and match performance in young male water polo players. A new performance model was proposed based on multiple regression analysis, which can be used to predict overall player performance and evaluate the impact of improvement in specific qualities. The study also proposed a new method for match analysis with good reliability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ida Cariati, Roberto Bonanni, Gabriele Pallone, Cristian Romagnoli, Anna Maria Rinaldi, Giuseppe Annino, Giovanna D'Arcangelo, Virginia Tancredi
Summary: Whole body vibration (WBV) has beneficial effects on multiple tissues, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of WBV on the brain and musculoskeletal tissue of young mice and found that different vibration protocols have different effects on these tissues. Further studies are needed to better understand the physiological adaptations to vibration and develop customized WBV protocols.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Giovanni Melchiorri, Tamara Triossi, Valerio Viero, Silvia Marroni, Giovanna D'Arcangelo, Virginia Tancredi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a standardized exercise training method (home training) on motor abilities and well-being. The results showed that home training is feasible, safe, and cost-effective, and it improves both strength and functional abilities.
Meeting Abstract
Cell Biology
Giovanni Rombola, Antonina Piazza, Maria Chiara De Stefano, Dario Ciappi, Sara Iozzi, Elisabetta Pelo
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaomei Lin, Tianyuyi Feng, Erheng Cui, Yunfei Li, Zhang Qin, Xiaohu Zhao
Summary: This study successfully established a rat model based on the genetic-environmental interaction, which exhibited phenotype characteristics similar to human AD in terms of cognitive function, brain microstructure, and immunohistochemistry. The genetic factor (APP mutation) and the environmental factor (acrolein exposure) accounted for 39.74% and 33.3% of the AD-like phenotypes in the model, respectively.
Article
Neurosciences
Gustavo Guimara Guerrero, Giovanna Bignoto Minhoto, Camilla dos Santos Tiburcio-Machado, Itza Amarisis Ribeiro Pinto, Claudio Antonio Federico, Marcia Carneiro Valera
Summary: The present study evaluated the influence of head and neck radiotherapy on the behavior and body weight gain in Wistar rats. The results demonstrated that different doses of radiation induced depressive behavior in the animals, and that the weight gain tended to be lower in the irradiated groups.
Article
Neurosciences
Ziwei Gao, Chao Lu, Yaping Zhu, Yuxin Liu, Yuesong Lin, Wenming Gao, Liyuan Tian, Lei Wu
Summary: This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of the rapid antidepressant effects of merazin hydrate (MH), which activates CaMKII to promote neuronal activities and proliferation in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Kathleen E. Murray, Whitney A. Ratliff, Vedad Delic, Bruce A. Citron
Summary: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder that affects approximately 30% of Veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf. This study found that exposure to toxicants during the Gulf War resulted in long-term changes in the morphology of dentate granule cells and that treatment with Nrf2 activator could improve neuronal health in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yan Zou, Xiangchuang Kong, Yangming Leng, Fan Yang, Guofeng Zhou, Bo Liu, Wenliang Fan
Summary: This study examines the functional connectivity changes in individuals with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) at the integrity, network, and edge levels. The findings reveal reduced intranetwork connectivity strength and increased internetwork connectivity in SSNHL patients. These alterations are associated with the duration of SSNHL and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores. The study provides crucial insights into the neural mechanisms of SSNHL and the brain's network-level responses to sensory loss.
Review
Neurosciences
Didier Majou, Anne-Lise Dermenghem
Summary: In the early stages of SAD, memory impairment is strongly correlated with cortical levels of soluble amyloid-beta peptide oligomers. A beta disrupts glutamatergic synaptic function and leads to cognitive deficits. This article describes the pathogenic mechanisms underlying cerebral amyloidosis, involving amyloid precursor protein synthesis, A beta residue clearance processes, and the role of specific molecules.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yi Shan, Xiaojing Zhao, Guixiang Shan, Peng-Hu Wei, Lin Liu, Changming Wang, Hang Wu, Weiqun Song, Yi Tang, Guo-Guang Zhao, Jie Lu
Summary: This study investigates changes in brain anatomical structures and functional network connectivity after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury (cctSCI) and their impact on clinical outcomes. The findings reveal alterations in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in specific brain regions, indicating potential therapeutic targets and methods for tracking treatment outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Anllely Fernandez, Katherine Corvalan, Octavia Santis, Maxs Mendez-Ruette, Ariel Caviedes, Matias Pizarro, Maria -Teresa Gomez, Luis Federico Batiz, Peter Landgraf, Thilo Kahne, Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez, Ursula Wyneken
Summary: This study reveals the importance of SUMOylation in modulating the protein cargo of astrocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and its potential impact on neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Anika Luettig, Stefanie Perl, Maria Zetsche, Franziska Richter, Denise Franz, Marco Heerdegen, Ruediger Koehling, Angelika Richter
Summary: This study found that changes in c-Fos activity during short-term stimulation of the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) are associated with improvement in dystonia, and also discovered that the cerebellum may be involved in the antidystonic effects.
Article
Neurosciences
Yanlin Tao, Wei Shen, Houyuan Zhou, Zikang Li, Ting Pi, Hui Wu, Hailian Shi, Fei Huang, Xiaojun Wu
Summary: Depression has a higher incidence in women compared to men, and this study investigated the impact of sex on depressive behaviors and underlying mechanisms using a corticosterone-induced depression model in mice. The results showed sex-specific anxiety and depression behaviors in the model group, as well as differences in protein expression and neurotransmitter levels between male and female mice. These findings enhance our understanding of sex-specific differences in depression and support tailored interventions.
Review
Neurosciences
Dnyandev G. Gadhave, Vrashabh V. Sugandhi, Chandrakant R. Kokare
Summary: This article discusses the characteristics and importance of the tight junctions of endothelial cells in the CNS, which act as a biological barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It focuses on overcoming the challenges of delivering therapeutic agents to the brain in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis, through the use of biomaterials. The article also highlights the current limitations of animal models for studying multiple sclerosis and suggests a potential future research direction.
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Min Mao, Khyathi Thallapureddy, John Q. Wang
Summary: Propofol can enhance synapsin phosphorylation and modulate synaptic transmission in the mouse brain. The study reveals the potential role of synapsin as a substrate of propofol and its effects on neurotransmitter release machinery.
Article
Neurosciences
Syed Maaz Ahmed Rizvi, Abdul Baseer Buriro, Irfan Ahmed, Abdul Aziz Memon
Summary: This study explores the effects of prolonged mask usage on the human brain by analyzing EEG and physiological parameters. The results show that the mean EEG spectral power in alpha, beta, and gamma sub-bands of individuals wearing masks is smaller than those without masks. The performances on cognitive tasks and oxygen saturation level differ between the two groups, while blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate are similar. The analysis also reveals that the occipital and frontal lobes exhibit the greatest variability in channel measurements.
Article
Neurosciences
Rui-Fang Ma, Lu-Lu Xue, Jin-Xiang Liu, Li Chen, Liu-Lin Xiong, Ting-Hua Wang, Fei Liu
Summary: This study observed changes in brain infarction and blood vessels in rats during neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) modeling using Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography (TCD). Longer duration of hypoxia was associated with more severe nerve damage. TCD can dynamically monitor cerebral infarction after NHIE modeling, which may serve as a useful auxiliary method for evaluating animal experimental models.
Article
Neurosciences
Yuxiang Dai, Chen Yu, Lu Zhou, Longyang Cheng, Hongbin Ni, Weibang Liang
Summary: Overexpression of CXCR4 in glioma is correlated with patient survival, and its inhibition can reduce invasion and migration of glioma cells. Inhibiting Nur77 also decreases cancer progression associated with CXCR4.