Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liudmila Sosulina, Manuel Mittag, Hans-Ruediger Geis, Kerstin Hoffmann, Igor Klyubin, Yingjie Qi, Julia Steffen, Detlef Friedrichs, Niklas Henneberg, Falko Fuhrmann, Daniel Justus, Kevin Keppler, A. Claudio Cuello, Michael J. Rowan, Martin Fuhrmann, Stefan Remy
Summary: The study found that increased intrinsic excitability of CA1 neurons in early stages of Alzheimer's disease may precede inhibitory dysfunction in disease progression.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Mary Gannon, Bing Wang, Sara Anne Stringfellow, Stephan Quintin, Itzel Mendoza, Thanushri Srikantha, A. Claire Roberts, Takashi Saito, Takaomi C. Saido, Erik D. Roberson, Talene A. Yacoubian
Summary: This study examines the neuroprotective potential of the 14-3-3 theta isoform in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. The results demonstrate that overexpression of 14-3-3 theta can protect against neuronal death induced by oligomeric beta-amyloid (A beta) in primary cortical cultures. However, overexpression of 14-3-3 theta does not improve behavioral deficits, reduce A beta pathology, or impact synaptic density in AD mouse models. These findings suggest that increasing 14-3-3 theta expression may not be an effective therapeutic approach for AD.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Rachel Keszycki, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Jeffrey T. Dunn, Andrea Locci, Hector Orellana, Isabel Haupfear, Sky Dominguez, Daniel W. Fisher, Hongxin Dong
Summary: This study used a cross-sectional design to assess behavioral and memory changes in 5xFAD mice, finding that these mice exhibited significant apathy-like behaviors starting at 6 months of age and worsening with aging. These behaviors were positively correlated with soluble Aβ42 and plaques in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The findings highlight the utility of studying NPS in mouse models of AD to uncover important relationships with underlying neuropathology.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Leila Nazari, Somayeh Komaki, Iraj Salehi, Safoura Raoufi, Zoleikha Golipoor, Masoumeh Kourosh-Arami, Alireza Komaki
Summary: Oxidative stress is an important factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study found that lutein, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties, has protective effects on memory and learning. Lutein reduces oxidative stress, improves memory and learning, and shows potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of AD.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rathnam Mallesh, Juhee Khan, Krishnangsu Pradhan, Rajsekhar Roy, Nihar Ranjan Jana, Parasuraman Jaisankar, Surajit Ghosh
Summary: This study developed a series of fluorescent probes for the detection of amyloid beta aggregates in Alzheimer's disease. Among these probes, RM-28 showed excellent fluorescence properties, high sensitivity, and specificity.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Francesco Bellanti, Vidyasagar Naik Bukke, Archana Moola, Rosanna Villani, Caterina Scuderi, Luca Steardo, Gianmauro Palombelli, Rossella Canese, Sarah Beggiato, Mario Altamura, Gianluigi Vendemiale, Gaetano Serviddio, Tommaso Cassano
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) in 3 x Tg-AD mice. The results showed that um-PEA can improve the complex-I respiration rate and ATPase activity, as well as ATP content in the cortical mitochondria of the mice. However, um-PEA treatment did not improve the mitochondrial bioenergetics impairments and glutamate release in the hippocampus.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Tian, Chase Samuel Stucky, Tienju Wang, Nancy A. Muma, Michael Johnson, Heng Du
Summary: This study investigated the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on decreased hippocampal serotonin release in an AD amyloidosis mouse model. The results showed that 5xFAD mice had decreased serotonin release in the hippocampus, and oligomeric amyloid-beta had an inhibitory effect on serotonin release. Pharmaceutical uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation also disrupted serotonin release. These findings suggest a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and serotonin transmission defects in AD.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kai Chen, Riya Gupta, Alejandro Martin-Avila, Meng Cui, Zhongcong Xie, Guang Yang
Summary: This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of anesthesia-induced remote memory impairment and identifies the hyperactivity of pyramidal neurons and increased tau phosphorylation as significant factors. Inhibiting these abnormal activities may improve memory recall in individuals with Alzheimer's disease after anesthesia.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emelina R. Rodriguez-Ruiz, Raquel Herrero-Labrador, Ana P. Fernandez-Fernandez, Julia Serrano-Masa, Jose A. Martinez-Montero, Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto, Mayuri Hana-Vaish, Mohamed Benchekroun, Lhassane Ismaili, Jose Marco-Contelles, Ricardo Martinez-Murillo
Summary: We describe a compound called MBA121, which is a tacrine-ferulic acid hybrid designed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MBA121 shows good anti-aggregation properties, selective inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase, neuroprotection against toxic insults, and promising ADMET properties. In animal experiments, MBA121 significantly reduced learning deficits and Aβ plaque burden, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent for AD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tomas T. Roos, Megg G. Garcia, Isak Martinsson, Rana Mabrouk, Bodil Israelsson, Tomas Deierborg, Asgeir Kobro-Flatmoen, Heikki Tanila, Gunnar K. Gouras
Summary: Research suggests that intracellular A beta plays a crucial role in the prion-like spread of Alzheimer's disease, leading to plaque formation and neuronal damage.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina A. Rudnitskaya, Tatiana A. Kozlova, Alena O. Burnyasheva, Natalia A. Stefanova, Nataliya G. Kolosova
Summary: Studies suggest that immaturity during early brain development, especially inadequate glial support, may be a primary factor leading to neurodegenerative processes and the manifestation of AD pathology later in life.
Article
Neurosciences
Eva Baerends, Katia Soud, Jonas Folke, Anna-Kathrine Pedersen, Simon Henmar, Lisa Konrad, Matthew D. Lycas, Yuki Mori, Bente Pakkenberg, David P. D. Woldbye, Oksana Dmytriyeva, Stanislava Pankratova
Summary: This study evaluated early behavioral, anatomical, and molecular changes in rats following injections of human Aβ oligomers. Social memory impairment and changes in brain structure were observed, indicating possible neuroinflammatory responses and synaptopathy associated with Aβ oligomer injections.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Michele Longoni Calio, Amanda Cristina Mosini, Darci Souza Marinho, Geisa Nogueira Salles, Fernando Henrique Massinhani, Gui Mi Ko, Marimelia Aparecida Porcionatto
Summary: The study demonstrates that leptin administration can promote neurogenesis in adult and aged mice, leading to significant effects on proliferation and differentiation of newborn cells, while reducing the formation of senile plaques and neurodegenerative damage. By modulating the number of surrounding cells and inhibiting the production of superoxide anions, leptin may potentially serve as a new therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michaela K. Back, Sonia Ruggieri, Eric Jacobi, Jakob von Engelhardt
Summary: The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease varies between brain regions, with the neocortex being affected early in the disease. NMDA receptors are involved in mediating amyloid beta toxicity, and may be influenced by amyloid beta. This study found that neocortical neurons' vulnerability to amyloid beta toxicity may be due to specific NMDAR expression profiles or regulation by amyloid beta.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuki Kobayashi, Shogo Kohbuchi, Noriko Koganezawa, Yuko Sekino, Tomoaki Shirao, Takaomi C. Saido, Takashi Saito, Yumiko Saito
Summary: The primary cilium, a sensory organelle extending from cell bodies, plays a crucial role in neuronal integrity and connectivity. Research suggests a potential link between the structural alterations of neuronal cilia and the development of Alzheimer's disease and ciliopathies, which are characterized by memory and cognitive impairments.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
An Buckinx, Dimitri De Bundel, Ron Kooijman, Ilse Smolders
Summary: Epilepsy is a neurological disease that affects over 50 million individuals worldwide. Despite the availability of various drugs for treatment, 30% of patients still suffer from pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Ghrelin receptor (ghrelin-R) has emerged as a promising new therapeutic target with anticonvulsant effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Najat Aourz, Fred Van Leuven, Wissal Allaoui, Ann Van Eeckhaut, Dimitri De Bundel, Ilse Smolders
Summary: Two isoforms of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), GSK-3 alpha and GSK-3 beta, have been identified in mammals. This study investigates the role of GSK-3 beta in seizures and its potential as a drug target for pharmacoresistant seizures. The results suggest that GSK-3 beta inhibition has anticonvulsant effects, but sustained disruption of GSK-3 beta activity may contribute to kindling in the long term.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ines Belo do Nascimento, Marie Verfaillie, Gamze Ates, Pauline Beckers, Virginie Joris, Nathalie Desmet, Ann Massie, Emmanuel Hermans
Summary: Astrocytes in the central nervous system play a crucial role in energy homeostasis and metabolism support, with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) being an important factor in helping cells adapt and maintain stable function under metabolic stress conditions.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marie-Laure Custers, Liam Nestor, Dimitri De Bundel, Ann Van Eeckhaut, Ilse Smolders
Summary: This review discusses the applicability of microdialysis and other techniques for monitoring macromolecules in the brain, which is challenging due to the limited techniques available for direct sampling from the cerebral interstitial space. The review also addresses innovations, pitfalls, and research gaps in these techniques. Implementing these techniques can help improve drug development for brain-targeted drugs.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sophia Maschalidi, Parul Mehrotra, Burcu N. Keceli, Hannah K. L. De Cleene, Kim Lecomte, Renee Van der Cruyssen, Pauline Janssen, Jonathan Pinney, Geert van Loo, Dirk Elewaut, Ann Massie, Esther Hoste, Kodi S. Ravichandran
Article
Immunology
Karen De Vlaminck, Hannah Van Hove, Daliya Kancheva, Isabelle Scheyltjens, Ana Rita Pombo Antunes, Jonathan Bastos, Monica Vara-Perez, Leen Ali, Myrthe Mampay, Lauren Deneyer, Juliana Fabiani Miranda, Ruiyao Cai, Luc Bouwens, Dimitri De Bundel, Guy Caljon, Benoit Stijlemans, Ann Massie, Jo A. Van Ginderachter, Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke, Kiavash Movahedi
Summary: By examining the fate of microglia, border-associated macrophages (BAMs), and recruited macrophages during neuroinflammation and resolution, it was found that their responses and dynamics differ.
Article
Oncology
Hatice Satilmis, Emma Verheye, Philip Vlummens, Inge Oudaert, Niels Vandewalle, Rong Fan, Jennifer M. Knight, Nathan De Beule, Gamze Ates, Ann Massie, Jerome Moreaux, Anke Maes, Elke De Bruyne, Karin Vanderkerken, Eline Menu, Erica K. Sloan, Kim De Veirman
Summary: This study investigates the potential therapeutic effects of beta-blockers, specifically targeting the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, in multiple myeloma treatment. The blockade of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors reduces cell viability, induces apoptosis and autophagy, and modulates cancer cell metabolism. Combining beta(2)AR blockade with other drugs enhances apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tran Dieu Hang, Huynh Minh Hung, Pauline Beckers, Nathalie Desmet, Mohamed Lamrani, Ann Massie, Emmanuel Hermans, Kenno Vanommeslaeghe
Summary: The Sx(c)(-) transporter is important in cellular uptake of cystine and regulation of glutamate toxicity and neurotransmission. It is considered a potential target for cancer treatment and neurodegenerative diseases. This study presents four conformations of Sx(c)(-) and discusses their potential in structure-based drug design.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marie-Laure Custers, Maxime Vande Vyver, Lea Kaltenbock, Kurt Barbe, Maria Bjerke, Ann Van Eeckhaut, Ilse Smolders
Summary: In the management of epilepsy, the discovery of new biomarkers is important for improving diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment responsiveness. This study investigates the potential of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a diagnostic and response fluid biomarker for epilepsy.
Review
Neurosciences
Jo Bossuyt, Yana Van Den Herrewegen, Liam Nestor, An Buckinx, Dimitri De Bundel, Ilse Smolders
Summary: Insights into the roles of astrocytes and microglia in normal and diseased brain functioning have been greatly expanded in recent years, thanks to the emergence of chemogenetic tools. These cutting-edge techniques enable precise manipulation of specific glial cell types, leading to significant advances in our understanding of how glial cells contribute to various central nervous system functions and diseases. This article discusses the latest findings in glial cell functions using chemogenetics, focusing on the manipulation of intracellular signaling pathways in astrocytes and microglia induced by designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). The potential limitations and translational prospects of this technology are also explored.
Article
Oncology
Arne Van der Vreken, Inge Oudaert, Gamze Ates, Sylvia Faict, Philip Vlummens, Hatice Satilmis, Rong Fan, Anke Maes, Ann Massie, Kim De Veirman, Elke De Bruyne, Karin Vanderkerken, Eline Menu
Summary: This study suggests an alternative combination treatment for multiple myeloma by targeting metabolic pathways. The combination of syrosingopine and metformin shows strong cytotoxic effects on multiple myeloma cell lines and patient samples, suppressing both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, the combination treatment leads to a significant reduction in tumor burden in vivo.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jana Bongaerts, Dimitri De Bundel, Ilse Smolders, Debby Mangelings, Yvan Vander Heyden, Ann Van Eeckhaut
Summary: Neuromedin U (NmU) and neuromedin S (NmS) are neuropeptides belonging to the neuro-medin family. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the preferred analytical technique for peptide quantification, but quantification limits for these peptides in biological samples remain challenging due to nonspecific binding. This study focuses on solving the adsorption problem and improving the sensitivity of the LC-MS/MS method for NmU and NmS.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mireia Medrano, Wissal Allaoui, Mathias Van Bulck, Sofie Thys, Leila Makrini-Maleville, Eve Seuntjens, Winnok H. De Vos, Emmanuel Valjent, Balazs Gaszner, Ann Van Eeckhaut, Ilse Smolders, Dimitri De Bundel
Summary: Neuromedin U (NMU) is an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide that plays a role in various processes. A knock-in mouse model expressing Cre recombinase under the Nmu promoter has been generated, allowing a comprehensive characterization of NMU-expressing neurons in the brain. The model has been validated using multiple approaches, and the results suggest that it is a powerful and sensitive tool for studying the role of NMU neurons in mice.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Maxime Vande Vyver, Louise Daeninck, Gino De Smet, Najat Aourz, Surajit Sahu, Sebastiaan Engelborghs, Kris Pauwels, Dimitri De Bundel, Ilse Smolders
Summary: We investigated the impact of A beta(1-42) oligomers on seizure susceptibility in mice and found no effect after intracerebral injection. Despite confirming the presence of A beta(1-42) oligomers, it remains unclear whether our findings or previous studies best represent the role of these oligomers in seizures in AD.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Rong Fan, Hatice Satilmis, Niels Vandewalle, Emma Verheye, Elke De Bruyne, Eline Menu, Nathan De Beule, Ann De Becker, Gamze Ates, Ann Massie, Tessa Kerre, Marie Torngren, Helena Eriksson, Karin Vanderkerken, Karine Breckpot, Ken Maes, Kim De Veirman
Summary: This study identifies S100A9 as a novel molecular target for treating AML. Targeting S100A9 can reduce the viability and proliferation of AML cells by inhibiting mTOR and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, and increase the sensitivity of AML cells to venetoclax. The clinically available S100A9 inhibitor tasquinimod also has similar therapeutic effects. These findings are of great importance for the treatment of AML.
BLOOD CANCER JOURNAL
(2023)