Article
Mathematics
Osman Taylan, Mona Abusurrah, Ehsan Eftekhari-Zadeh, Ehsan Nazemi, Farheen Bano, Ali Roshani
Summary: This paper investigates the regulatory role of astrocyte cells in neuronal activity and presents a model to describe their interactions. Simulation results demonstrate that by adjusting the coupling coefficients of astrocytes, the spiking frequency of neurons can be reduced and the activity of neuronal cells can be modulated.
Article
Neurosciences
Bronac Flanagan, Liam McDaid, John Joseph Wade, Marinus Toman, KongFatt Wong-Lin, Jim Harkin
Summary: Neurotransmitter dynamics in neuronal synapses can be controlled by astrocytes, with key contributions to neuronal activity. Glutamate released by neurons is primarily removed by the astrocytic transporter EAAT-2, while co-localization of GABA transporter GAT-3 with EAAT-2 demonstrates reversed transport of GAT-3, influencing synaptic neuronal excitability. Astrocytic mechanisms, such as efflux of GABA from astrocytes to the synaptic space, play a crucial role in modulating hyperexcitability and synaptic neuronal excitation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Katrien C. K. Poelaert, Riley M. Williams, Christine M. Matullo, Glenn F. Rall
Summary: Viruses, such as herpes, entero-, and morbilliviruses, are the most common cause of infectious encephalitis in mammals. Utilizing a measles virus transgenic mouse model, researchers discovered a novel mode of viral spread between neurons and astrocytes, offering insights into the unique interaction of different cell types within the central nervous system.
Article
Neurosciences
James A. Daniel, Sofia Elizarova, Ali H. Shaib, Abed A. Chouaib, Helge M. Magnussen, Jianlong Wang, Nils Brose, JeongSeop Rhee, Marilyn Tirard
Summary: Advances in genome sequencing technologies have helped identify a rare de novo mutation associated with severe neurological symptoms. This mutation impairs glutamatergic neurotransmission, likely through a dominant negative mechanism. The study also reveals novel interaction partners and increased SUMOylation of the mutant protein.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Sergey V. Stasenko, Victor B. Kazantsev
Summary: We investigated how a mathematical model composed of a spiking neural network (SNN) interacting with astrocytes can represent information content in the form of two-dimensional images. The SNN includes excitatory and inhibitory neurons, while the astrocytes provide slow modulation of synaptic transmission strength. We found that astrocytic modulation prevents hyperexcitation and non-periodic bursting activity, allowing the restoration of the image supplied during stimulation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna L. M. Parsons, Eboni M. V. Bucknor, Enrico Castroflorio, Tania R. Soares, Peter L. Oliver, Daniel Rial
Summary: One of the most important characteristics of the brain is its high metabolic demand, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause oxidative stress (OS). OS is associated with many neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Neuroinflammation and excessive production of ROS are likely key features of seizure initiation and propagation. This review explores the role of OS in epilepsy, its connection to neuroinflammation, and its impact on synaptic function. It also discusses the latest advances in anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and their interaction with OS.
Article
Mathematics
Sergey M. Olenin, Tatiana A. Levanova, Sergey V. Stasenko
Summary: The goal of this study is to propose a new reduced phenomenological model that describes the mean-field dynamics arising from neuron-glial interaction, taking into account short-term synaptic plasticity and recurrent connections in the presence of astrocytic modulation of the synaptic connection. The proposed model reproduces a rich set of patterns of population activity, including spiking, bursting and chaotic temporal patterns, and can be used to reproduce various patterns of population activity of neurons in a wide range of studies of dynamic memory and information processing. One possible application of such research is the development of new effective methods for the treatment of neurological diseases associated with neuron-glial interactions.
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Saeed Haghiri, Arash Ahmadi
Summary: Astrocytes, also known as astroglia, play a crucial role in brain diseases by regulating extracellular and synaptic information, synchronizing neurons, and providing feedback to neural activity. This study investigates neuron-astrocyte interactions to evaluate network behaviors, suggesting that proper selection of astrocyte coupling parameters can modulate neuronal behavior in the network. Simulation results support the idea that astrocytes can control network behaviors when coupling parameters have suitable values.
ANALOG INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Biology
Kaitlyn E. Brock, Robin L. Cooper
Summary: Bacterial toxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can trigger an immune system response, leading to illness in humans and animals. Recent studies have shown that the compound doxapram can block some of the negative effects of LPS. This study aimed to determine the general effect of doxapram on a crayfish model and its ability to block LPS-induced increases in transmission at synapses.
Article
Developmental Biology
Osamu Nozawa, Muneaki Miyata, Hajime Shiotani, Takeshi Kameyama, Ryouhei Komaki, Tatsuhiro Shimizu, Toshihiko Kuriu, Yutaro Kashiwagi, Yuka Sato, Michinori Koebisu, Atsu Aiba, Shigeo Okabe, Kiyohito Mizutani, Yoshimi Takai
Summary: We demonstrated that co-cultured neurons induced astrocyte ramifications and formation of tripartite synapses in an in vitro system. The induction of astrocyte ramifications was dependent on neuronal activity and likely involved synaptically-released glutamate and activation of astrocytic mGluR5. Moreover, the Necl2/3 trans-interaction recruited glutamate transporters and K+ channels to the perisynaptic astrocyte processes, enhancing synapse formation and astrocyte functional polarization.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mark W. Sherwood, Stephane H. R. Oliet, Aude Panatier
Summary: NMDARs play a crucial role in coincidence detection during synaptic plasticity, with astrocytes regulating the availability of co-agonists to influence synaptic plasticity. The unique morphology and spatial arrangement of astrocytes allows them to integrate information from unrelated synapses at the synaptic level simultaneously.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hideki Hayashi, Ichiro Horinokita, Yuji Yamada, Keisuke Hamada, Norio Takagi, Motoyoshi Nomizu
Summary: Peptides derived from laminin, specifically AG73 and C16, show superior cell attachment and neurite extension activities for rat neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) compared to other peptides. They support the growth of neurons and astrocytes differentiated from NPCs, with C16 also promoting the expression of neuronal markers. These peptides have potential as valuable biomaterials for NPC research.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hagar Bauminger, Inna Gaisler-Salomon
Summary: This study discusses the role of glutamate homeostasis in schizophrenia-related cognitive dysfunction. They focus on cognitive domains that can be measured in humans and rodents, and discuss the relevance of glutamate alterations in these domains. They find that the interaction between astrocytes and neurons is crucial for cognition, and that presynaptic and postsynaptic components play a critical role in maintaining glutamate homeostasis and cognitive well-being.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Tetsuya Takano, Scott H. Soderling
Summary: Astrocytes play a critical role in the architecture and activity of neuronal circuits through forming a tripartite synapse with neurons. Dysfunction in tripartite synaptic connections is implicated in various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent advancements in transcriptome profiling and proteomic approaches have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes control synaptogenesis in the brain.
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Celia Luchena, Jone Zuazo-Ibarra, Jorge Valero, Carlos Matute, Elena Alberdi, Estibaliz Capetillo-Zarate
Summary: Glial cells play an essential role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. A straightforward and reproducible triple co-culture model of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia was developed to study AD. This model provides a better representation of physiological conditions compared to individual primary cultures and can be used to study neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the context of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Katia Abarca, Carolina Iturriaga, Marcela Urzua, Nicole Le Corre, Augusto Pineda, Carolina Fernandez, Angelica Dominguez, Pablo A. Gonzalez, Susan M. Bueno, Paulina Donato, Pilar Espinoza, Daniela Fuentes, Marcela Gonzalez, Paula Guzman, Paula Munoz-Venturelli, Carlos M. Perez, Marcela Potin, Alvaro Rojas, Jose Gonzalez-Aramundiz, Nicolas M. S. Galvez, Francisca Aguirre-Boza, Sofia Aljaro, Luis Federico Batiz, Yessica Campisto, Mariela Cepeda, Aaron Cortes, Sofia Lopez, Maria Loreto Perez, Andrea Schilling, Alexis M. Kalergis
Summary: This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of two different immunization schedules of CoronaVac(R) in healthy adults. The results showed that CoronaVac(R) vaccine is safe and effective in preventing severe cases of COVID-19. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the two schedules, and both schedules provided protection against COVID-19 hospitalization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gisela Canedo-Marroquin, Jorge A. Soto, Catalina A. Andrade, Susan M. Bueno, Alexis M. Kalergis
Summary: The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) can impair pulmonary immune surveillance mechanisms and promote secondary mycobacterial colonization. Immunization can modulate the expression of HO-1 on immune and epithelial cells, which may contribute to the repair of pulmonary tissue.
Article
Immunology
Pablo J. Bertrand, Yaneisi Vazquez, Andrea A. Beckhaus, Liliana A. Gonzalez, Ana Maria Contreras, Marcela Ferres, Oslando Padilla, Claudia A. Riedel, Alexis M. Kalergis, Susan M. Bueno
Summary: The study suggests that IL-8 and IL-33 are significantly increased in lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV and could be potential biomarkers for clinical severity in children with LRTIs.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
J. A. Soto, N. M. S. Galvez, D. B. Rivera, F. E. Diaz, C. A. Riedel, S. M. Bueno, A. M. Kalergis
Summary: This article highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate animal models to evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, vaccine prototypes, and pharmacological molecules in protecting against hRSV.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge A. Soto, Felipe Melo-Gonzalez, Claudia A. Riedel, Susan M. Bueno, Alexis M. Kalergis
Summary: CLE is an autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibody secretion and immune cell recruitment, similar to SLE. It can be divided into different types with varying severity of skin lesions. Type I IFN plays a significant role in the development of CLE. Research aims to develop effective treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Luisa F. Duarte, Sebastian Gatica, Almendra Castillo, Alexis M. Kalergis, Susan M. Bueno, Claudia A. Riedel, Pablo A. Gonzalez
Summary: Numerous studies have linked the onset and severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) with viral infections. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is neurotropic and commonly found in the brains of healthy individuals, has been suggested to be associated with MS. This review discusses the reported connections between HSV-1 and MS.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Virology
Linmar Rodriguez-Guilarte, Mario A. Ramirez, Catalina A. Andrade, Alexis M. Kalergis
Summary: LAG-3 is an inhibitory receptor expressed on immune cells, which regulates T cell activation and effector functions in the immune response. Immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, have shown promise in controlling malignant tumors and chronic viral diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo I. Tognarelli, Luisa F. Duarte, Monica A. Farias, Felipe A. Cancino, Nicolas Corrales, Francisco J. Ibanez, Claudia A. Riedel, Susan M. Bueno, Alexis M. Kalergis, Pablo A. Gonzalez
Summary: Stimulating HO-1 expression in HSV-infected dendritic cells can promote cell viability and inhibit viral egress. It also promotes the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules and activation of virus-specific CD4(+) T cells. Transferring HSV-infected dendritic cells with induced HO-1 expression can enhance virus-specific T cell activation and improve the outcome of HSV-1 skin infection.
Article
Immunology
Luisa F. Duarte, Yaneisi Vazquez, Benjamin Diethelm-Varela, Valentina Pavez, Roslye Berrios-Rojas, Claudia A. Riedel, Constanza Mendez, Jessica A. White, Alexis M. Kalergis, Susan M. Bueno, Pablo A. Gonzalez
Summary: This study aimed to identify potential antigens for distinguishing humoral responses after vaccination with CoronaVac, natural infection, or breakthrough infection. The results showed that CoronaVac vaccination induced higher levels of antibodies against the viral membrane protein, while the levels of IgG antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein were similar between the booster dose group and convalescent subjects. Breakthrough case patients had the highest antibody levels against the N and M proteins.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sebastian Mondaca, Benjamin Walbaum, Nicole Le Corre, Marcela Ferres, Alejandro Valdes, Constanza Martinez-Valdebenito, Cinthya Ruiz-Tagle, Patricia Macanas-Pirard, Patricio Ross, Betzabe Cisternas, Patricia Perez, Olivia Cabrera, Valentina Cerda, Ivana Ormazabal, Aldo Barrera, Maria E. Prado, Maria I. Venegas, Silvia Palma, Richard Broekhuizen, Alexis M. Kalergis, Susan M. Bueno, Manuel A. Espinoza, M. Elvira Balcells, Bruno Nervi
Summary: Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment have a lower immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our study demonstrated that booster vaccines elicit strong humoral and cellular responses among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, regardless of the type of vaccine used as a priming dose. The homologous vaccine regimen was associated with higher neutralizing antibody positivity and total antibody levels.
Review
Microbiology
Xanthippi Topalidou, Alexis M. Kalergis, Georgios Papazisis
Summary: RSV is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in young children and older adults. The development of RSV vaccines is guided by epidemiologic and pathophysiological evidence, using various vaccine technologies. Currently, there are 24 vaccines in clinical development, including two licensed vaccines.
