Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yingqiao Wang, Raghav Garg, Jane E. Hartung, Adam Goad, Dipna A. Patel, Flavia Vitale, Michael S. Gold, Yury Gogotsi, Tzahi Cohen-Karni
Summary: Utilizing nanomaterial-assisted photothermal stimulation, Ti3C2Tx (MXene) demonstrates excellent potential as a candidate for remote, non-genetic, optical modulation of neuronal electrical activity with high spatiotemporal resolution. The material's photothermal response, low cytotoxicity, and ease of large-scale synthesis make it a promising tool for modulating electrophysiology at various scales.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haohao Wu, Charles Petitpre, Paula Fontanet, Anil Sharma, Carmelo Bellardita, Rolen M. Quadros, Paulo R. Jannig, Yiqiao Wang, J. Alexander Heimel, Kylie K. Y. Cheung, Simone Wanderoy, Yang Xuan, Konstantinos Meletis, Jorge Ruas, Channabasavaiah B. Gurumurthy, Ole Kiehn, Saida Hadjab, Francois Lallemend
Summary: The study identified three main types of proprioceptive neurons (Ia, Ib and II PNs) and found that they segregate into eight distinct subgroups. Importantly, Ia-PN subtypes are plastic, suggesting a role in adaptive proprioception during motor behavior.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yingqiao Wang, Jane E. Hartung, Adam Goad, Matias A. Preisegger, Benjamin Chacon, Michael S. Gold, Yury Gogotsi, Tzahi Cohen-Karni
Summary: This study investigates the biosafety of Ti3C2Tx-based photothermal modulation. It finds that culturing neurons on Ti3C2Tx films and illuminating them with laser pulses do not cause damage to the cell membrane, induce cellular stress, or generate oxidative stress. These findings provide important insights for the clinical translation of photothermal modulation.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriela I. Aparicio, Antonella Leon, Rocio Gutierrez Fuster, Baylen Ravenscraft, Paula V. Monje, Camila Scorticati
Summary: The peripheral nervous system can repair itself, and DRG neurons play a role in promoting axon regeneration after injury. The membrane glycoprotein GPM6a is present in DRG neurons and is required for neurite elongation. This suggests that GPM6a could contribute to axon regeneration in the peripheral nervous system.
Article
Biology
Yucheng Xiao, Jonathan W. Theile, Agnes Zybura, Yanling Pan, Zhixin Lin, Theodore R. Cummins
Summary: In this study, the authors demonstrate that I-NaR can be reconstituted in a heterologous system by coexpression of sodium channel alpha-subunits and A-type fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs). They also identify the N-terminus of FHF as the critical molecule responsible for A-type FHFs-mediated I-NaR. Moreover, knockdown of FHF4A significantly reduces I-NaR amplitude and suppresses excitability in nociceptive sensory neurons.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yiru Wang, Xinyi Wang, Renfei Qi, Ying Lu, Yu Tao, Dongsheng Jiang, Yufang Sun, Xinghong Jiang, Chunfeng Liu, Yuan Zhang, Jin Tao
Summary: The study reveals a novel mechanism by which IL-33/ST2 suppresses A-type K+ currents in sensory neurons, leading to increased neuronal excitability and pain sensitivity. This mechanism involves the suppression of the tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) receptor and the activation of a Syk-dependent p38 beta signaling pathway. Targeting IL-33/ST2-mediated p38 beta signaling may represent a therapeutic approach to ameliorate pain behaviors.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ana Nascimento, Tiago F. Da Silva, Elisabete C. Fernandes, Liliana L. Luz, Fernando M. Mar, Boris Safronov, Monica M. Sousa
Summary: This study reveals the presence of axon initial segments (AIS) in sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and their role in spontaneous discharges in neuropathic pain. The AIS in myelinated DRG neurons contains sodium channels that are associated with spontaneous activity. Computer simulations suggest that the AIS plays a crucial role in initiating spontaneous discharges. The disruption of the AIS leads to mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain, indicating its significance in chronic pain management.
Article
Cell Biology
Bin Pan, Di Guo, Li Jing, Ke Li, Xin Li, Gen Li, Xiao Gao, Zhi-Wen Li, Wei Zhao, Hu Feng, Meng-Han Cao
Summary: This study reveals the role of lncRNA Pvt1 in the repair of peripheral nerve injury and highlights it as a potential treatment target. The findings show that Pvt1 increases c-Jun expression through sponging miRNA-214, enhancing the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells, and improving the regeneration of injured sciatic nerves and locomotor function in mice.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ristiawan Muji Laksono, Taufiq Agus Siswagama, Fa'urinda Riam Prabu Nery, Walter van der Weegen, Willy Halim
Summary: Experimental study shows that 2 Hz PRF has less physiological impact on healthy neurons compared to 4 Hz, making it a preferred frequency for neuron-targeted therapy in clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Diaz Vera, Jonathan R. Soucy, Audrey Lee, Ryan A. Koppes, Abigail N. Koppes
Summary: The study examined the effects of optogenetic light irradiation on rat nerve tissues, finding that 470 nm light reduced neurite outgrowth in neurons without causing cell death. Schwann cells were insensitive to light irradiation, with their functions remaining unaffected following stimulation. These findings highlight the importance of considering cell type-specific responses and stimulation parameters in optogenetic applications.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisabetta Coppi, Federica Cherchi, Elena Lucarini, Carla Ghelardini, Felicita Pedata, Kenneth A. Jacobson, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Anna Maria Pugliese, Daniela Salvemini
Summary: Agonists of the A(3) adenosine receptor have shown promising pain-relieving properties both as a monotherapy and in combination with other analgesics. Recent evidence suggests that these agonists may act through various pathways to inhibit pain-related mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Markus Leo, Linda-Isabell Schmitt, Andrea Kutritz, Christoph Kleinschnitz, Tim Hagenacker
Summary: Cisplatin has a significant impact on satellite glial cells (SGCs) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, affecting the expression of various proteins and potentially contributing to the neurotoxic side effects. Furthermore, SGC-secreted factors play a role in modulating the excitability of sensory neurons, suggesting that targeting SGCs could be a potential strategy in managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Samira Osman, Ayssar Tashtush, David E. Reed, Alan E. Lomax
Summary: The gut-brain axis has been a subject of recent attention, with new evidence suggesting that colonic microbes can impact brain function and behavior. However, there is limited knowledge about the innervation of the colon by vagal afferent neurons, a major component of the gut-brain axis. This study aimed to investigate the innervation of the colon by quantifying the number of vagal and spinal afferent neurons that innervate the colon, and determine if these neurons simultaneously innervate the proximal and distal colon. The results showed that both vagal and spinal afferent neurons innervate the colon, with a smaller portion of vagal neurons innervating the distal colon. Additionally, there was overlapping innervation between vagal and spinal afferent neurons that innervate both the proximal and distal colon.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
D. Chao, H. Tran, Q. H. Hogan, B. Pan
Summary: GFS produces analgesia in MIA-OA rats at least in part by producing blockade of afferent inputs, possibly also by blocking efferent activity from the dorsal horn.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Diego N. Messina, Emanuel D. Peralta, Alicia M. Seltzer, Sean I. Patterson, Cristian G. Acosta
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Nav1.8, ASIC3, P2X3, and TRPM8 on sensitivity to non-noxious stimuli during healthy aging. The results suggest that these functional markers are involved in mechanical and cold sensitivity, with changes in their expression levels in the dorsal root ganglia. The findings support the inclusion of aged rodents in pre-clinical studies evaluating pain treatments.