Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Yi-Syue Tsou, Chih-Yang Wang, Ming-Yuan Chang, Tsung- Hsu, Meng-Ting Wu, Yi-Hsin Wu, Wan-Ling Tsai, Jian-Ying Chuang, Tzu-Jen Kao
Summary: Proper guidance of neuronal axons to their targets is crucial for neural circuit assembly during nervous system development, with Vav2 playing an essential role in motor axon pathfinding through interaction with the Src pathway and Netrin-1 regulation. Vav2 expression in LMC neurons is critical for the directional growth of axons, highlighting the importance of Vav proteins in mediating axonal trajectories.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sang Hwa Kim, Kye D. Nichols, Eric N. Anderson, Yining Liu, Nandini Ramesh, Weiyan Jia, Connor J. Kuerbis, Mark Scalf, Lloyd M. Smith, Udai Bhan Pandey, Randal S. Tibbetts, Jeannie Chin
Summary: Mutations in UBQLN2 cause X-linked forms of ALS and FTD, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Studying ALS-associated mutants of UBQLN2 in Drosophila, it was found that they trigger heat stress-dependent neurodegeneration. A genetic modifier screen identified endolysosomal and axon guidance genes, including the netrin receptor Unc-5, as key regulators of UBQLN2 toxicity. Reduced dosage of Unc-5 or its coreceptor Dcc/frazzled alleviated neurodegenerative phenotypes in flies expressing UBQLN2(ALS) alleles. Further experiments using iPSCs and iMNs demonstrated lysosomal defects and cytosolic UBQLN2 inclusions, neurite complexity reduction, and growth cone defects, which were partially reversed by silencing of UNC5B and DCC. These findings suggest altered growth cone dynamics as a conserved pathomechanism in UBQLN2-associated ALS/FTD.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yuko Kawamoto, Mikiko Tada, Tetsuya Asano, Haruko Nakamura, Aoi Jitsuki-Takahashi, Hiroko Makihara, Shun Kubota, Shunta Hashiguchi, Misako Kunii, Toshio Ohshima, Yoshio Goshima, Hideyuki Takeuchi, Hiroshi Doi, Fumio Nakamura, Fumiaki Tanaka
Summary: This study found that pCRMP1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of axonopathy in ALS, leading to spheroid formation through the proximal progression of axonopathy.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Eloisa Herrera, Augusto Escalante
Summary: The development of the nervous system involves neurogenesis, neuronal specification, axonal navigation, and circuits assembly. The growth cone located at the tip of the axon plays a crucial role in guiding axons towards their final targets. The transcriptional control and epigenetic regulation of axon guidance molecules are important for determining specific axonal behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Wan-Ling Tsai, Chih-Ju Chang, Chih-Yang Wang, Tsung- Hsu, Ming-Yuan Chang, Yi-Hsin Wu, Pei-Shan Chang, Kai-Lun Lin, Jian-Ying Chuang, Artur Kania, Tzu-Jen Kao
Summary: The study demonstrates the essential role of paxillin in motor axon guidance in both chick and mouse embryos. Paxillin is involved in the Ephrin-Eph signaling pathway, influencing the trajectory selection of LMC axons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ross A. Robinson, Samuel C. Griffiths, Lieke L. van de Haar, Tomas Malinauskas, Eljo Y. van Battum, Pavol Zelina, Rebekka A. Schwab, Dimple Karia, Lina Malinauskaite, Sara Brignani, Marleen H. van den Munkhof, Ozge Dudukcu, Anna A. De Ruiter, Dianne M. A. Van den Heuvel, Benjamin Bishop, Jonathan Elegheert, A. Radu Aricescu, R. Jeroen Pasterkamp, Christian Siebold
Summary: The study reveals that Neogenin (NEO1) can be simultaneously affected by both Netrin-1 (NET1) and repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) ligands, forming a ternary NEO1-NET1-RGM complex that triggers reciprocal silencing of downstream signaling. This complex, existing in the cell membrane as a trimer-of-trimers super-assembly, inhibits cell growth and migration by preventing the formation of signaling-compatible complexes and clustering of NEO1 ectodomains.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Greta Limoni
Summary: The establishment and maintenance of neuronal circuits involve genetic regulations and environmental factors, maintaining a homeostatic balance throughout the lifespan. These processes include dendritic arborization, synaptic contact formation, and refinement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yimin Zou
Summary: Most spinal cord injury cases are anatomically incomplete, with potential for functional restoration through new axon growth and synaptic connections. Rehabilitation can partially restore function, but limitations and uncertainties still exist.
JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Fumiyasu Imai, Mike Adam, S. Steven Potter, Yutaka Yoshida
Summary: The study reveals the crucial role of HoxD family transcription factors in the specificity of monosynaptic sensory-motor connections in the spinal cord. Mice lacking Hoxd9, Hoxd10 and Hoxd11 show locomotion defects and aberrant axon development in quadriceps motor neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Joelle M. Dorskind, Alex L. Kolodkin
Summary: Neural guidance mechanisms play a crucial role in neural development, ensuring accurate targeting and synaptogenesis for normal circuit function. Recent studies leveraging advances in genetics and single cell tracing have further explored the molecular mechanisms underlying neural guidance processes.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Michael J. Camerino, Ian J. Engerbretson, Parker A. Fife, Nathan B. Reynolds, Mikel H. Berria, Jamie R. Doyle, Mellisa R. Clemons, Michael D. Gencarella, Bart G. Borghuis, Peter G. Fuerst
Summary: The distribution of different cell types in the retina varies significantly along the central-peripheral and dorsal-ventral axes, potentially corresponding to specialized functions within the visual system. Some OFF bipolar cell populations show more pronounced distribution patterns than others, indicating a level of specialization within the retina.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Josette J. Wlaschin, Caroline Donahue, Jacob Gluski, Jennifer F. Osborne, Leana M. Ramos, Hanna Silberberg, Claire E. Le Pichon
Summary: Wlaschin et al. demonstrate that combining DLK deletion to delay neuronal death with ATF3 expression to promote regeneration effectively preserves motor neuron function in a mouse model of ALS. This study provides evidence for potential combinatorial therapies for ALS and other motor diseases.
Review
Biology
Mathew Davis-Lunn, Benjamin T. Goult, Melissa R. Andrews
Summary: Neurons rely on integrin receptors and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for their growth and regeneration after injury. Integrin receptors adhere neurons to their environment, while FAK coordinates signaling pathways inside the cells for neurite outgrowth and axon elongation. The coordinated signaling of integrin receptors and FAK plays a crucial role in neuronal growth and repair.
Article
Neurosciences
Yu-qin Zheng, Gui-hai Suo, Dong Liu, Hai-ying Li, You-jia Wu, Hong Ni
Summary: This study found that nexmif is highly expressed in the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in regulating motor neuron morphogenesis. Deficiency of nexmifa in zebrafish larvae resulted in abnormal development of primary motor neurons and caused significant changes in gene expression related to the central nervous system. The findings suggest that nexmifa regulates axon morphogenesis of motor neurons in zebrafish.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Felix Schneider, Isabell Metz, Marco B. Rust
Summary: Directed outgrowth of axons is crucial for establishing neuronal networks. Growth cones, enriched in filamentous actin, guide axon outgrowth by sensing guidance cues and controlling actin dynamics. Understanding the mechanisms of actin regulation is essential for neuronal network formation, and recent progress in tools and techniques provides new opportunities for research in this field.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minghui Tang, Xiaoge Zhang, Anqi Yang, Yuxin Liu, Kai Xie, Yajing Zhou, Chong Wang, Jie Liu, Peng Shi, Xudong Lin
Summary: A new injectable strategy using black phosphorus nanosheets for wireless neural stimulation without cell modifications has been described, showing high biocompatibility and degradation properties. The nanosheets act as miniature near-infrared light transducers to locally heat neural cells, reliably triggering neural activity both in vitro and in vivo. This approach also demonstrated successful high-frequency stimulation and potential for clinical applications, providing a promising alternative for neural stimulation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minghui Tang, Xin Duan, Anqi Yang, Shijie He, Yajing Zhou, Yuxin Liu, Lu Zhang, Xuan Luo, Peng Shi, Honglin Li, Xudong Lin
Summary: This study describes a fish capsule system that can be used for large-scale functional screening of fish, combined with real-time microscopy. This system allows for rapid screening and analysis of drugs, accelerating the discovery of new therapeutics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tulsi Patel, Jennifer Hammelman, Siaresh Aziz, Sumin Jang, Michael Closser, Theodore L. Michaels, Jacob A. Blum, David K. Gifford, Hynek Wichterle
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that mouse motor neurons undergo widespread changes in gene expression and associated regulatory regions during development. Stem cell-derived neurons can recapitulate a portion of the maturation expression program in vitro, with neural activity playing a modest role in the late-stage regulation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peilin Fang, Xianglin Ji, Xi Zhao, Richard Yan-Do, Youyang Wan, Ying Wang, Yuanting Zhang, Peng Shi
Summary: A self-healing bioelectronic patch (iMethy) combining transdermal fluid extraction with field effect transistor-based biosensing is developed for dynamic monitoring of methylated ctDNAs as a prognostic approach for cancer risk management. The patch can detect ctDNAs as low as 10(-16) m and perform phenotypic analysis of tumor growth in rodent animals. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of the iMethy platform for real-time in vivo analysis of disease-indicative biomarkers, offering a painless and self-administrable procedure for dynamic transdermal surveillance of methylated ctDNAs in cancer risk management.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Trevelyan James Sainsbury, Mackenzie Weygandt Mathis
Summary: This study reveals that understanding how the neocortex modulates hindbrain and spinal circuits is crucial for motor control and adaptive behaviors. The researchers discovered an exquisite anatomical organization and functional modulation from the anterior cortex towards downstream medulla populations during forelimb behaviors in mice.
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Mackenzie Weygandt Mathis
Summary: 【This article highlights an essay by Vernon Mountcastle that has shaped our understanding of the organization and function of the neocortex.】
NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ee Shan Liau, Suoqin Jin, Yen-Chung Chen, Wei-Szu Liu, Maeliss Calon, Stephane Nedelec, Qing Nie, Jun-An Chen
Summary: The authors used single-cell RNAsequencing to analyze embryonic spinal motor neurons and identified molecular subtypes that target different muscle groups in different species. They found diverse neuropeptide codes in limb-innervating motor neurons and three molecularly distinct subtypes in axial motor neurons, suggesting a conserved pattern across higher vertebrates. This study provides insights into the molecular diversity of spinal motor neurons and their evolution in accommodating vertebrate motor behaviors.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Markus Frey, Mackenzie W. Mathis, Alexander Mathis
Summary: A new study shows that artificial neural networks trained to path integrate can produce units with grid-cell-like properties, providing insights into the formation and function of grid cells. The study also proposes a unifying theory that explains the necessary circuit constraints and mechanisms involved in path integration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manoubia Saidani, Annabelle Darle, Margot Jarrige, Helene Polveche, Lina El Kassar, Severine Julie, Sandrine Bessou-Touya, Nathalie Holic, Gilles Lemaitre, Cecile Martinat, Christine Baldeschi, Jennifer Allouche
Summary: Melanocytes play a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis and protection, with their dysfunction resulting in various diseases. Cell therapy using autologous melanocytes has been used as a supplementary treatment for hypopigmentary disorders like vitiligo, but limited by the poor proliferative capacity of melanocytes obtained from skin biopsies. Recent advances in human pluripotent stem cells offer the potential to generate melanocytes. In this study, we have developed a well-characterized method to produce functional and proliferative melanocytes, with genetic stability assessed during in vitro culture. Transcriptomic analysis has provided molecular signatures throughout the differentiation process, offering a basis for standardization. Overall, our results offer promising, widely applicable, and long-lasting advancements for pigmentation disorders, creating opportunities for innovative biotherapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steffen Schneider, Jin Hwa Lee, Mackenzie Weygandt Mathis
Summary: Mapping behavioural actions to neural activity is a fundamental goal of neuroscience. Here, we present a new encoding method, CEBRA, that uses behavioural and neural data to produce consistent and high-performance latent spaces. This method can be used for decoding and has been validated across different datasets and tasks. CEBRA can also be used to map space and uncover complex kinematic features.
Article
Biology
Kai J. Sandbrink, Pranav Mamidanna, Claudio Michaelis, Matthias Bethge, Mackenzie Weygandt Mathis, Alexander Mathis, Demba Ba
Summary: Biological motor control relies on proprioceptive feedback and is adaptable to the body's continuous changes. This study suggests that proprioception is not only involved in representing body state but also plays a critical role in high-level tasks like action recognition. By creating a synthetic dataset, researchers tested neural networks' ability to decode arm trajectories and recognize actions from muscle spindle activity. The results showed that proprioceptive encoding is associated with higher-level functions, providing new hypotheses for understanding adaptive motor control.
Review
Cell Biology
Noemie Berenger-Currias, Cecile Martinat, Sandrine Baghdoyan
Summary: DM1 is a progressive multisystemic disease caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat tract in the DMPK gene. Different in vitro models, especially human pluripotent stem cell-based models, have significantly contributed to the understanding of DM1 mechanism and development of new therapeutic approaches. These models have led to phase III clinical trials for DM1 treatment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cheng Wang, Peng Wang, Feng Li, Yang Li, Minwei Zhao, Hui Feng, Haoye Meng, Junyang Li, Peng Shi, Jiang Peng, Hua Tian
Summary: This study investigated the expression of miRNA-214 in human osteoporotic bone tissue and tested the utility of AAV expressing a miRNA-214 inhibitor in preventing local osteoporosis in a rat model. The results showed that miRNA-214 expression was significantly increased in osteoporotic bone tissue. Moreover, AAV-anti-miRNA-214 promoted osteoblast activity and inhibited osteoclast activity in the femoral condyles of osteoporotic rats, improving bone metabolism and slowing the progression of osteoporosis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Morgan Gazzola, Cecile Martinat
Summary: Over the past 20 years, the use of pluripotent stem cells to mimic the complexities of the human neuromuscular junction has been widely studied. This review summarizes the development of in vitro neuromuscular junction models from the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into motor neurons to the recent neuromuscular organoids. The potential of these models in understanding and treating neuromuscular diseases, as well as their application in drug screening, are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simona Gribaudo, Remi Robert, Bjorn van Sambeek, Camil Mirdass, Anna Lyubimova, Kamal Bouhali, Julien Ferent, Xavier Morin, Alexander van Oudenaarden, Stephane Nedelec
Summary: This study reports the generation of human trunk-like structures in vitro that mimic the co-development and differentiation processes of the human spine and spinal cord. The model exhibits the formation of a patterned neural tube and somites, providing insights for the development of more complex organogenesis models.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)