Article
Cell Biology
Wenhui Yan, Tingli Guo, Na Liu, Xin Cui, Xiaotong Wei, Yuzhuo Sun, Hao Hu, Lina Chen
Summary: Recent studies have demonstrated that EPO exerts neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects on neurological disorders. However, the potential benefits of EPO on diabetic cognitive impairments have not been well studied. In this research, the authors investigated the effects of EPO on diabetic mice and HT22 cells. They found that EPO treatment improved cognitive impairments, lowered blood glucose levels, and alleviated damage in both the pancreas and hippocampus. EPO also regulated the expression of various factors related to cell survival and apoptosis in HT22 cells. The findings suggest that EPO plays a protective role in diabetic cognitive impairments by modulating BDNF and PSD-95 expression via NMDA receptors.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Marc Espina, Nadia Di Franco, Martina Branas-Navarro, Irene Rodriguez Navarro, Veronica Brito, Laura Lopez-Molina, Carlos Costas-Insua, Manuel Guzman, Silvia Gines
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) due to accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) is a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases. In Huntington's disease (HD), disruption of ER-associated degradation pathway and loss of ER protein homeostasis leads to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. The PERK signaling pathway, in particular, has been found to contribute to memory disturbances and synaptic plasticity deficiencies in HD.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Solenn Percelay, Jean-Marie Billard, Thomas Freret, Annie Andrieux, Michel Boulouard, Valentine Bouet
Summary: The study revealed dysregulations of functional properties and plasticity in hippocampal networks of 3-hit mice, potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Additionally, differences between males and females were observed, supporting the sexual dimorphism seen in the disorder.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Francesca Liberatore, Nico Antenucci, Daniel Tortolani, Giada Mascio, Federico Fanti, Manuel Sergi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Valeria Bruno, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Mauro Maccarrone, Serena Notartomaso
Summary: Research has shown that using mGlu1 receptor PAM can partially correct learning deficits in SCA1 mouse models, restore memory retention, and increase levels of endocannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Zachary Geiger, Brett VanVeller, Zarin Lopez, Abdel K. Harrata, Kathryn Battani, Lauren Wegman-Points, Li-Lian Yuan
Summary: The study examined the diffusion properties of ketamine in brain tissue and found that the diffusion of ketamine has a significant impact on drug concentrations achieved within brain tissue in in vitro experiments. This information is crucial for accurately preparing in vitro brain slices to reflect the doses of ketamine needed for its antidepressant actions in vivo.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
L. R. Seemiller, T. J. Gould
Summary: Genetic background plays a role in determining the effect of ethanol and MK-801 on learning outcomes, with adult mice and male adolescents being more susceptible to ethanol, while MK-801 has a greater impact on contextual learning. Additionally, age, sex, and genetic background interact to influence learning impairments after exposure to ethanol or MK-801.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdallah Ahnaou, Kobe Heleven, Ria Biermans, Nikolay Manyakov, Wilhelmus H. Drinkenburg
Summary: This study highlights the importance of NMDAR in LTP synaptic plasticity, but specific blockade of the NR2B subunit does not alter hippocampal LTP. Pharmacokinetics at the doses used may have contributed to the lack of effects with specific antagonists.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Leigang Song, Huan Chen, Dan Qiao, Bohan Zhang, Fangzhen Guo, Yizhou Zhang, Chang Wang, Sha Li, Huixian Cui
Summary: Androgens regulate learning and memory in mice through ZIP9, which is mediated by the ERK1/2-eIF4E pathway. This study provides new experimental evidence for the improvement of learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease through androgen supplementation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hristo Varbanov, Shaobo Jia, Gaga Kochlamazashvili, Subhrajit Bhattacharya, Manal Ali Buabeid, Mohamed El Tabbal, Hussam Hayani, Stoyan Stoyanov, Weilun Sun, Hauke Thiesler, Iris Roeckle, Herbert Hildebrandt, Oleg Senkov, Vishnu Suppiramaniam, Rita Gerardy-Schahn, Alexander Dityatev
Summary: Dysregulated cortical expression of NCAM and deficits of its associated polySia are found in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Acute enzymatic removal of polySia in the prefrontal cortex leads to increased transmission mediated by GluN1/GluN2B NMDARs, impaired LTP, and increased tonic currents. Treatment with polySia fragments or inhibition of GluN1/GluN2B receptors restores LTP and cognitive tasks in polySia-deficient mice and Alzheimer's disease models. The data highlight the crucial role of polySia-NCAM in balancing signaling through synaptic/extrasynaptic NMDARs and the therapeutic potential of polySia fragments.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xu-Ben Yu, Kai-Long Zhong, Chuang Chen, Jing Fu, Fang Chen, Hong-Min Zhou, Xiu-Hua Zhang, Kwonseop Kim, Jing-Ye Pan
Summary: In this study, it was found that simvastatin can improve the dysfunction of NMDAR and ameliorate hippocampal synaptic plasticity impairment in depressed mice.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Shao-Rui Chen, Hong Chen, Daozhong Jin, Hui-Lin Pan
Summary: Treatment with opioids not only inhibits nociceptive transmission but also elicits a rebound and persistent increase in primary afferent input to the spinal cord. Opioid-elicited long-term potentiation (LTP) from TRPV1-expressing primary afferents plays a major role in opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. The study found that opioid-elicited LTP occurs in VGluT2 neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, and not in VGAT neurons, with underlying signaling mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Paul J. Banks, Zafar Bashir
Summary: This review focuses on the roles played by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) on pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, including their frequency-dependent effects on ongoing synaptic transmission, plasticity, and contribution to plasticity induced by synchronous activation of two separate inputs to the mPFC.
Review
Neurosciences
Sam A. Booker, David J. A. Wyllie
Summary: NMDARs are essential for synaptic information transfer and plasticity in the majority of brain circuits. Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons exhibit diverse NMDAR expression and function, controlling cellular excitation in a synapse-specific manner. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of NMDARs in modulating GABAergic synaptic and circuit function.
Article
Neurosciences
Anna Longatti, Luisa Ponzoni, Edoardo Moretto, Giorgia Giansante, Norma Lattuada, Maria Nicol Colombo, Maura Francolini, Mariaelvina Sala, Luca Murru, Maria Passafaro
Summary: Rho GTPases, specifically ARHGAP22, play a critical role in regulating actin dynamics and synaptic function in the CNS. Loss of ARHGAP22 leads to RAC1 hyperactivity and synaptic defects in dendritic spine density, molecular composition, and plasticity, resulting in cognitive impairment and reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Inhibiting RAC1 activity restores synaptic plasticity in ARHGAP22 KO mice, highlighting the importance of ARHGAP22 in hippocampal excitatory synapse formation and function, as well as in learning and memory behaviors.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Susana Mellado, Beatriz Moreno-Ruiz, Sara Exposito, Miriam Fernandez, Eduardo D. D. Martin
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between pituitary hormones and parvalbumin (PV) expression in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. The results show that prolactin (PRL) treatment increases PRL receptor (PRLR) expression and decreases PV expression in the hippocampus. The study also reveals a linear correlation between the reduction in PV expression and the reduction in the beta 2/3 subunit of GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) expression induced by PRL. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying cognitive function changes in hyperprolactinemia.
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Carlos Ruiz-Arenas, Carles Hernandez-Ferrer, Marta Vives-Usano, Sergi Mari, Ines Quintela, Dan Mason, Solene Cadiou, Maribel Casas, Sandra Andrusaityte, Kristine Bjerve Gutzkow, Marina Vafeiadi, John Wright, Johanna Lepeule, Regina Grazuleviciene, Leda Chatzi, Angel Carracedo, Xavier Estivill, Eulalia Marti, Georgia Escaramis, Martine Vrijheid, Juan R. Gonzalez, Mariona Bustamante
Summary: This study identified autosomal cis eQTMs in children's blood by analyzing the relationship between DNA methylation levels and gene expression. These findings contribute to the interpretation of epigenome-wide association studies and provide a publicly available catalogue.
Article
Immunology
Anke Huls, Patrick T. Feany, Sophia Isabella Zisman, Alberto C. S. Costa, Mara Dierssen, Robert Balogh, Stefania Bargagna, Nicole T. Baumer, Ana Claudia Brandao, Angelo Carfi, Brian Allen Chicoine, Sujay Ghosh, Monica Lakhanpaul, Johannes Levin, Yona Lunsky, Coral Manso, Eitan Okun, Diego Real de Asua, Anne-Sophie Rebillat, Tilman R. Rohrer, Giuseppina Sgandurra, Diletta Valentini, Stephanie L. Sherman, Andre Strydom
Summary: Individuals with Down syndrome have a high uptake of COVID-19 vaccines with minimal side effects and breakthrough infections. Unvaccinated individuals were often younger, previously recovered from COVID-19, and not vaccinated against other recommended vaccines.
Article
Biology
Natalia Carreras-Gallo, Alejandro Caceres, Laura Balague-Dobon, Carlos Ruiz-Arenas, Sandra Andrusaityte, Angel Carracedo, Maribel Casas, Leda Chatzi, Regina Grazuleviciene, Kristine Bjerve Gutzkow, Johanna Lepeule, Lea Maitre, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Remy Slama, Nikos Stratakis, Cathrine Thomsen, Jose Urquiza, John Wright, Tiffany Yang, Georgia Escaramis, Mariona Bustamante, Martine Vrijheid, Luis A. Perez-Jurado, Juan R. Gonzalez
Summary: Analysis of the relationship between presence of common DNA sequence inversions and DNA methylation patterns suggests a role for environmental exposures in mediating inversion state-specific methylation patterns. Polymorphic genomic inversions play important roles in evolution, environmental adaptation, and complex traits. Methylation patterns were found to be specific to the inversion state in both datasets, and numerous inversion-exposure interactions on methylation levels were identified.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anika Pupak, Ankita Singh, Anna Sancho-Balsells, Rafael Alcala-Vida, Marc Espina, Albert Giralt, Eulalia Marti, Ulf Andersson Vang Orom, Silvia Gines, Veronica Brito
Summary: This study investigated the m6A methylation pattern in the hippocampus of Huntington's disease (HD) mice and its role in HD cognitive symptoms. The study found that m6A was hypermethylated in certain genes in the hippocampus of HD mice. Conversely, m6A was aberrantly regulated in the HD hippocampus, leading to demethylation of important components of synapse organization. Inhibition of FTO expression in the hippocampus restored memory disturbances in symptomatic HD mice.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Cecile Cieuta-Walti, Aida Cuenca-Royo, Klaus Langohr, Claire Rakic, Ma Angeles Lopez-Vilchez, Julian Lirio, Domingo Gonzalez-Lamuno Leguina, Teresa Bermejo Gonzalez, Jordi Garcia Garcia, Maria Rimblas Roure, Ana Aldea-Perona, Laura Forcano, Maria Gomis-Gonzalez, Sebastia Videla Ces, Florence Lacaille, Aime Ravel, Clotilde Mircher, Herve Walti, Nathalie Janel, Julien Dairou, Marilyne Levy, Sophie Durand, Mara Dierssen, Silvia Sacco, Rafael de la Torre Fornell
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and tolerability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in children with Down syndrome (DS) and examined its effects on cognitive function and functionality. The results indicated that EGCG was safe and well-tolerated in children with DS, but did not show improvement in cognitive and functional performance.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Anna Sancho-Balsells, Esther Garcia-Garcia, Francesca Flotta, Wanqi Chen, Jordi Alberch, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Conxita Avila, Albert Giralt
Summary: This study suggests that Meridianins could be a promising therapeutic tool for stress-related disorders such as major depression disorder. Meridianins can inhibit GSK3 beta activity in multiple brain regions associated with stress-related symptoms and produce therapeutic effects by altering signaling pathways and increasing synaptic activity.
Article
Neurosciences
Ened Rodriguez-Urgelles, Irene Rodriguez-Navarro, Ivan Ballasch, Daniel del Toro, Ignacio del Castillo, Veronica Brito, Jordi Alberch, Albert Giralt
Summary: Our study demonstrates a strong association between Foxp2 and early psychiatric symptoms in HD, showing that early postnatal reduction of Foxp2 may contribute to the appearance of impulsivity and social deficits. Modulating Foxp2 levels could potentially reverse these symptoms and improve dendritic spine pathology associated with the disease.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Nicola Lorenzon, Juanluis Musoles-Lleo, Federica Turrisi, Maria Gomis-Gonzalez, Rafael De La Torre, Mara Dierssen
Summary: In the last decade, efforts have been made to find new interventions for improving cognition in individuals with Down syndrome. However, the translation of specific findings into effective therapeutic strategies has been slow, leading to reduced credibility of mouse studies and failures at the clinical level.
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Gil Rodas, Alejandro Caceres, Eva Ferrer, Laura Balague-Dobon, Lourdes Osaba, Alejandro Lucia, Juan R. Gonzalez
Summary: This study found that single-nucleotide polymorphisms in collagen genes are associated with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in female football players. Seven female and one male player experienced non-contact ACL rupture during their professional career. The study highlights the role of genetic factors in ACL injury and has clinical relevance for injury prevention in football players.
Article
Microbiology
Lucas Michel-Todo, Cristina Bancells, Nuria Casas-Vila, Nuria Rovira-Graells, Carles Hernandez-Ferrer, Juan R. Gonzalez, Alfred Cortes
Summary: The study reveals the association between the transcriptional state of malaria parasite CVGs and the distribution of heterochromatin. It demonstrates that changes in heterochromatin can explain the expression switches of CVGs. Additionally, the research finds a relationship between heterochromatin levels and the transmission of the parasite to mosquitoes. This study is of great importance for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of malaria parasite adaptation to the host environment and the regulation of parasite gene expression.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ivan Ballasch, Esther Garcia-Garcia, Cristina Vila, Anna Perez-Gonzalez, Anna Sancho-Balsells, Jessica Fernandez, David Soto, Mar Puigdellivol, Xavier Gasull, Jordi Alberch, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Josep M. Canals, Albert Giralt
Summary: In the last two decades, microglia have been recognized as important contributors to neurological disorders, not only through their immunological functions, but also through their ability to modulate synaptic and neural activity. The Ikzf1 gene, which plays crucial roles in regulating the function of circulating monocytes and lymphocytes, was found to be specifically expressed in adult microglia in the brain. Studies using Ikzf1 deficient mice revealed spatial learning deficits, impaired hippocampal function, and altered microglial morphology, suggesting that Ikzf1 is involved in microglial state and function. Furthermore, altered levels of Ikzf1 were observed in neurological disorder models and Alzheimer's disease patients, indicating its potential role in disease pathology.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Carreras-Gallo, Varun B. Dwaraka, Alejandro Caceres, Ryan Smith, Tavis L. Mendez, Hannah Went, Juan R. Gonzalez
Summary: Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana consumption are significant public health problems due to their widespread use and their connection with mortality and various health conditions, including hypertension. The study found that tobacco and alcohol consumption can lead to persistent hypertension through DNA methylation. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco resulted in differential DNA methylation at numerous CpG sites, with these CpG sites mediating the association between alcohol consumption and hypertension.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ines Pereira, Maria J. Lopez-Martinez, Aranzazu Villasante, Clelia Introna, Daniel Tornero, Josep M. Canals, Josep Samitier
Summary: In this study, a composite biomaterial consisting of GelMA, AlgMA, and HA was developed to mimic the ECM of the brain and support the long-term differentiation of NPCs. The biomaterial exhibited desired physical properties for printing defined structures and maintained high cell viability throughout the culture. The NPCs cultured in this biomaterial showed increased maturation and functional properties, as demonstrated by the formation of a neuronal network and spontaneous activity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rut Gabarro-Solanas, Amarbayasgalan Davaatseren, Justus Kleifeld, Tatjana Kepcija, Thomas Koecher, Albert Giralt, Ivan Crespo-Enriquez, Noelia Urban
Summary: Combining genetic lineage tracing and label retention experiments, this study shows that every-other-day intermittent fasting does not affect adult neural stem cell behavior and, despite previous encouraging data, is not a reliable strategy to promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice.
Article
Neurosciences
Yang He, Jun Tang, Meng Zhang, Junjie Ying, Dezhi Mu
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of human placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The results showed that hPMSCs transplantation reduced apoptosis and improved long-term neurological prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of Sema 3A/NRP-1 expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway played a key role in the protective effects of hPMSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Emily L. Isenstein, Edward G. Freedman, Jiayi Xu, Ian A. DeAndrea-Lazarus, John J. Foxe
Summary: This study evaluated electrophysiological discrimination of parametric somatosensory stimuli in healthy young adults to understand how the brain processes the duration of tactile information. The results showed that participants did not electrophysiologically discriminate between 100 and 115 ms, but they exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses when the deviant stimuli were 130, 145, and 160 ms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tactile sensitivity in different clinical conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Juliana R. Souza, Ludmila Lima-Silveira, Daniela Accorsi-Mendonca, Benedito H. Machado
Summary: This study demonstrates that A2A receptors play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission in the NTS neurons and are required for the enhancement of glutamatergic transmission observed under short-term sustained hypoxia conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Miki Hashizume, Rina Ito, Rie Suge, Yasushi Hojo, Gen Murakami, Takayuki Murakoshi
Summary: The basolateral amygdaloid complex (BLA) is closely involved in the formation of emotional memories, including both aversive memory and contextual fear memory. Acute sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts the acquisition of tone-associated fear memory in juvenile rats, but has no significant effect on contextual fear memory. Slow network oscillation in the amygdala contributes to the formation of amygdala-dependent fear memory in relation to sleep.
Article
Neurosciences
Qunxian Wang, Shipeng Guo, Dongjie Hu, Xiangjun Dong, Zijun Meng, Yanshuang Jiang, Zijuan Feng, Weihui Zhou, Weihong Song
Summary: GSDME plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis and participating in neuroinflammatory response. Knockdown of GSDME has been shown to improve cognitive impairments, indicating that GSDME could be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.