Article
Neurosciences
Stephanie A. Getz, Kamran Tariq, Dylan H. Marchand, Conor R. Dickson, James R. Howe, Patrick D. Skelton, Wei Wang, Meijie Li, Jeremy M. Barry, Jennifer Hong, Bryan W. Luikart
Summary: PTEN loss leads to dendritic overgrowth in neurons, possibly due to increased microtubule polymerization rate. Inhibiting microtubule polymerization can reduce dendritic overgrowth in Pten KO neurons and improve performance in spatial memory tasks.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Joseph Atherton, Melissa Stouffer, Fiona Francis, Carolyn A. Moores
Summary: We used cryo-electron tomography to investigate the subcellular architecture of mouse hippocampal neuron growth cones. Our findings revealed the penetration of hexagonal arrays of actin bundles and the modulation of actin bundles by altering individual F-actin helical structures. Microtubules with different end structures and lattice defects were observed in the growth cone. Absence of the cytoskeleton regulator doublecortin had no major effect on growth cone organization but highlighted the importance of microtubule integrity during growth cone migration.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biology
John Gardiner
Summary: Life on Earth has evolved to adapt to a substantial gravitational field, so venturing into space requires a reevaluation of adaptability. Astronauts' physiological changes in space may be related to the cytoskeletal tensegrity architecture, affecting both physical and mental functions.
Review
Plant Sciences
Camila Goldy, Marie-Cecile Caillaud
Summary: Plants have developed cellular mechanisms to respond to signals by rearranging the cytoskeleton, regulated by phospholipids such as phosphatidic acid and phosphoinositides. This review focuses on the emerging role of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in regulating the peripheral cytoskeleton during cellular processes.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Rita Pinto-Costa, Monica Mendes Sousa
Summary: Cytolinkers play a crucial role in ensuring the integration of different cytoskeleton components in neurons, which is essential for proper function and connectivity of high order circuits. Several cytoskeleton regulatory proteins with actin-microtubule crosslinking activity have been identified as important players in axon outgrowth and guidance.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tibor Szenasi, Gabor Turu, Laszlo Hunyady
Summary: beta-arrestins, initially known for their role in desensitizing rhodopsin and other G protein-coupled receptors, interact with the cytoskeletal system, including microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments. They regulate the activity of microtubules by recruiting signaling proteins and interacting with assembly proteins that control the actin cytoskeleton and intermediate filaments. Dysregulation of the cytoskeletal system is implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Therefore, beta-arrestins are potential targets for future treatments of these diseases.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mira Kuzmic, Gerard Castro Linares, Jindriska Leischner Fialova, Francois Iv, Daniele Salaun, Alex Llewellyn, Maxime Gomes, Mayssa Belhabib, Yuxiang Liu, Keisuke Asano, Magda Rodrigues, Daniel Isnardon, Taro Tachibana, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Ali Badache, Manos Mavrakis, Pascal Verdier-Pinard
Summary: This study identified the key molecular determinants and potential regulatory roles of septin-microtubule interaction, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying septin-associated pathologies.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Beatrice Benoit, Christian Pous, Anita Baillet
Summary: The cytoskeleton is composed of different structures, including actin microfilaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments, and recently studied dynamic assemblies such as septins and the ESCRT complex. These filament-forming proteins control various cell functions through interactions with each other and with membranes. Recent research has focused on understanding how septins bind to membranes and influence their properties and functions, either directly or indirectly through other cytoskeleton elements.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
R. A. Degiosio, P. G. Needham, O. A. Andrews, H. Tristan, M. J. Grubisha, J. L. Brodsky, C. Camacho, R. A. Sweet
Summary: MAP2 phosphorylation plays a critical role in regulating cytoskeletal functions in neurons. Recent research has shown that phosphorylation of MAP2 in the proline-rich and C-terminal domains of the protein affects cellular functions including microtubule assembly, microtubule binding, actin binding, and actin polymerization.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hirotomo Takatsuka, Takumi Higaki, Masaki Ito
Summary: Large vacuoles are crucial cell organelles in plants, accounting for over 90% of cell volume. They generate turgor pressure for cell growth and act as storage for waste products and apoptotic enzymes. Vacuoles undergo dynamic transformations controlled by cytoskeletons. However, the molecular mechanism of this process remains unclear. This review summarizes the behavior of cytoskeletons and vacuoles during plant development, their response to environmental stresses, and introduces potential key molecules in the vacuole-cytoskeleton interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gerald Langer, Ian Probert, Madison B. Cox, Alison Taylor, Glenn M. Harper, Colin Brownlee, Glen Wheeler
Summary: In this study, the effects of microtubule and actin inhibitors on coccolith morphogenesis in two species of coccolithophores were examined. The results showed that all cytoskeleton inhibitors induced malformations in coccoliths, indicating the crucial roles of microtubules and actin filaments in morphogenesis.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Abhishek Ankur Balmik, Shweta Kishor Sonawane, Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi
Summary: The study shows that HDAC6's ZnF UBP domain can modulate Tau phosphorylation, actin cytoskeleton organization, neurite extension, and ApoE nuclear localization. Additionally, it plays a role in increasing tubulin localization in the microtubule organizing center. The ZnF domain of HDAC6 is involved in various regulatory functions in neurodegenerative diseases beyond its classical role in aggresome formation.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sebastian J. Baumann, Julia Grawenhoff, Elsa C. Rodrigues, Silvia Speroni, Maria Gili, Artem Komissarov, Sebastian P. Maurer
Summary: Understanding where mRNAs are translated in the cytoplasm is crucial for protein expression. In this study, researchers discover that APC acts as an adaptor for kinesin-based mRNA transport, forming stable complexes with neuronal mRNA fragments. The interaction between APC-RNPs and kinesin-1 enables highly processive mRNA transport along microtubules, and the presence of end-binding protein 1 (EB1) facilitates dynamic movement of APC-RNPs. These findings establish the importance of APC in the bidirectional movement of neuronal transport mRNPs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kinga Szigeti, Ivanna Ihnatovych, Nicolas Rosas, Ryu P. Dorn, Emily Notari, Eduardo Cortes Gomez, Muye He, Ivan Maly, Shreyas Prasad, Erik Nimmer, Yuna Heo, Beata Fuchsova, David A. Bennett, Wilma A. Hofmann, Arnd Pralle, Yongho Bae, Jianmin Wang
Summary: This study investigates the role of CHRFAM7A in the human brain using a multiomics approach and reveals that CHRFAM7A modulates intracellular calcium dynamics and regulates Rac1 activation, leading to changes in the actin cytoskeleton and increased stiffness resistance. This finding contributes to the understanding of CHRFAM7A's role in the human brain.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sylvie Gory-Faure, Rebecca Powell, Julie Jonckheere, Fabien Lante, Eric Denarier, Leticia Peris, Chi Hung Nguyen, Alain Buisson, Laurence Lafanechere, Annie Andrieux
Summary: The search for effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders is ongoing, with modulation of LIMK activity being a potential new therapeutic strategy. Experimental results show that long-term treatment with Pyr1 can improve synaptic plasticity defects and behavioral disorders in animal models.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Anton Omelchenko, Harita Menon, Sarah G. Donofrio, Gaurav Kumar, Heidi M. Chapman, Joshua Roshal, Eduardo R. Martinez-Montes, Tiffany L. Wang, Mark R. Spaller, Bonnie L. Firestein
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Luigi Brunetti, Oumou Diawara, Andrew Tsai, Bonnie L. Firestein, Ronald G. Nahass, George Poiani, Naomi Schlesinger
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Nisha K. Singh, Salman Khaliq, Mann Patel, N'Dea Wheeler, Sudeepti Vedula, Joseph W. Freeman, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by primary mechanical injury and secondary pathological damage, with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity (GIE) being a major event in secondary SCI. Uric acid (UA) shows promise as a therapeutic candidate to protect neurons from GIE damage. Using fiber mats for local UA release is a promising therapeutic approach to reduce secondary damage in patients with SCI.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Richard N. Cliver, Brian Ayers, Alyssa Brady, Bonnie L. Firestein, Maribel Vazquez
Summary: Disorders of the nervous system impact millions of adults globally, and studies have shown the potential benefits of incorporating neuroglia into emerging therapies, as well as the partially explored role of cerebrospinal fluid in such treatments. Tested in vitro, EBS solutions demonstrate positive effects on glial cells and neurite extension, highlighting the translational significance of using CSF replacement fluids in regenerative NS therapies.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Yasmin H. Ramadan, Amanda Gu, Nicole Ross, Sara A. McEwan, Maureen M. Barr, Bonnie L. Firestein, Robert O'Hagan
Summary: Microtubules are essential for neuronal survival and communication in the nervous system. The enzyme CCP1 has been found to protect spinal cord neurons from excitotoxic death, independent of cilia. Targeting MT polyglutamylation regulators like CCP1 could potentially prevent excitotoxic death after spinal cord injuries.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Rosalind E. Mott, Catherine R. von Reyn, Bonnie L. Firestein, David F. Meaney
Summary: Traumatic brain injury is a devastating public health issue globally, with studies showing that mechanically injured neurons inactivate and eventually re-integrate into neural networks depending on their activity level and initial connections. Modulating neuronal activity post-injury can help rescue neurons, with inhibition of activity more effective than activation. Mitochondrial energetics also play a role in rescuing neurons after mechanical trauma.
FRONTIERS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Chelsea Schiliro, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: Cancer cells alter metabolic processes to sustain their rapid growth, including shifting from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, and increasing other pathways to generate necessary molecules.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Emily Kolaya, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used for treating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease by stimulating the subthalamic nucleus, but there is still a need for optimization due to limitations of neural electrodes caused by the body's response. Current solutions to technical issues include modifications to electrode material, coatings, and geometry.
BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Chen Liang, Damien Carrel, Nisha K. Singh, Liam L. Hiester, Isabelle Fanget, Hyuck Kim, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: Neuronal migration and dendritogenesis are dependent on dynamic changes to the microtubule network. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of microtubules, particularly tubulin polyglutamylation, play a critical role in regulating these processes. The carboxypeptidase E (CPE) protein has been identified as a regulator of tubulin polyglutamylation, and this study investigates the impact of CPE-mediated changes on cortical neuron migration and dendrite morphology. The results show that CPE can modulate polyglutamylation levels and affect the localization of p150 (Glued), suggesting a role for CPE in regulating microtubule dynamics and cortical neuron migration. The function of CPE in dendrite development appears to be independent of its role in polyglutamylation, as a CPE mutant that does not affect glutamylation still affects dendrite branching.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Siddhant Kumarapuram, Ansley J. Kunnath, Anton Omelchenko, Nada N. Boustany, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: The stiffness of substrates affects mitochondrial characteristics and dendritic morphology of neurons, with glutamate receptors playing a crucial role in mediating these effects. Neurons grown on softer substrates have smaller and simpler dendritic mitochondria, while neurons grown on stiffer substrates exhibit larger, more complex dendritic mitochondria. The manipulation of NMDA and AMPA receptors on neurons grown on stiffer substrates leads to mitochondrial characteristics resembling those of neurons grown on softer substrates, indicating the important regulatory roles of glutamate receptors in response to substrate stiffness.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Eric S. Sweet, Keith R. Lange, Madeleine R. Fenner, Chia-Yi Tseng, Barbara F. Akum, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: Cypin is a multifunctional protein that plays a major role in shaping the morphology of dendritic arbor of neurons. It catalyzes the deamination of guanine, leading to the polymerization of microtubules. Cypin binds to microtubule heterodimers and facilitates their polymerization. Overexpression of Cypin results in decreased spacing between microtubules.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Correction
Cell Biology
Chelsea Schiliro, Bonnie L. Firestein
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Bonnie L. Firestein
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kiran Deshpande, Keith R. R. Lange, William B. B. Stone, Christine Yohn, Naomi Schlesinger, Leonid Kagan, Albert J. J. Auguste, Bonnie L. L. Firestein, Luigi Brunetti
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces systemic inflammation, resulting in organ damage. This study identifies changes in the expression of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in the liver, kidneys, and lungs of infected mice. These findings highlight the importance of considering altered drug disposition and processing in the development of therapeutic compounds.
PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH & PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ana R. Rodriguez, Erin D. Anderson, Kate M. O'Neill, Przemyslaw P. McEwan, Nicholas F. Vigilante, Munjin Kwon, Barbara F. Akum, Tamara M. Stawicki, David F. Meaney, Bonnie L. Firestein
Summary: The study demonstrates that cypin affects synaptic function by regulating PSD-95 content, reducing PSD-95 clusters and increasing mEPSC frequency. Overexpression of cypin increases AMPA receptor function independently of PSD-95 localization, indicating a critical role of cypin in neural circuit changes. This research reveals that cypin promotes alterations in AMPA receptor signaling, shaping neural circuits and influencing information relay among brain regions beyond the hippocampus.
NETWORK NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
