Article
Neurosciences
Ryan P. D. Alexander, Derek Bowie
Summary: NMDA receptors induce long-term changes in firing rates of inhibitory stellate cells by driving intrinsic plasticity through a Ca2+- and CaMKII-dependent pathway, which alters the activation and inactivation properties of voltage-gated Na+ channels. This signaling pathway also lowers the action potential threshold by causing a hyperpolarizing shift in Na+ channel gating, suggesting a potential mechanism for fine-tuning motor behavior.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Lior Bar, Lia Shalom, Jonathan Lezmy, Asher Peretz, Bernard Attali
Summary: This study examined the bidirectional homeostatic plasticity induced by M-channel inhibition in hippocampal neurons. The results showed that excitatory and inhibitory neurons exhibited different adaptations to chronic alterations in neuronal excitability, with excitatory neurons showing homeostatic changes in excitability while inhibitory neurons did not.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah Scheiblich, Joern R. Steinert
Summary: Regulation of neuronal activity through nitric oxide (NO) involves suppression of potassium and sodium channel activities, leading to decreased excitability. NO mediates these effects via redox signaling on ion channels, with an additional cGMP-mediated component specifically for sodium currents. The study provides new insights into nitrergic activities in modulating neuronal function following nNOS activation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuan-Hung Lin King, Chao Chen, John V. Lin King, Jeffrey Simms, Edward Glasscock, Shi-Bing Yang, Yuh-Nung Jan, Lily Y. Jan
Summary: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis plays a critical role in learning and memory, and the K(v)1.1 channel has been identified as an important regulator in this process. Deletion of K(v)1.1 leads to overproliferation and depletion of adult neural stem cells, impairs maturation and integration of new cells in the hippocampus, and moderately affects hippocampus-dependent contextual fear learning and memory.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Shruti Thapliyal, Kristin L. Arendt, Anthony G. Lau, Lu Chen, Dion K. Dickman
Summary: Homeostatic synaptic plasticity is a mechanism that adjusts synaptic strength to maintain network stability. This study reveals that synaptic signaling through retinoic acid and its receptor, RAR alpha, regulates presynaptic neurotransmitter release to achieve homeostatic adjustment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexey I. Kuzmenkov, Andrei M. Gigolaev, Ernesto L. Pinheiro-Junior, Steve Peigneur, Jan Tytgat, Alexander A. Vassilevski
Summary: Previous studies have identified key amino acid residues in scorpion toxins that block potassium channels, particularly in the α-KTx family affecting voltage-gated potassium channels (KV). A conserved K-C-X-N motif is found in the C-terminal half of their sequence, with the X position usually occupied by methionine or isoleucine. Comparing the activity of peptides differing only by this residue on a panel of KV1 channels, it was found that toxins with methionine specifically affect KV1.1 and 1.6 isoforms. The refined K-C-M/I-N motif is the principal structural element of α-KTx that contributes to high affinity and selectivity to KV channels.
Review
Biology
Timothy J. Baumgartner, Zahra Haghighijoo, Nana A. Goode, Nolan M. Dvorak, Parsa Arman, Fernanda Laezza
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by two major histopathological abnormalities: extracellular plaques composed of amyloid beta and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau. Attenuation of hippocampal hyperactivity, which is linked to dysfunction of voltage-gated Na+ channels, has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for early-stage AD. This review explores the role of Nav channels in neuronal function, their connections to AD pathology, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Martini, Giorgio Rispoli
Summary: Some sensory disorders in hearing, vestibular, and vision can be attributed to voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in sensory cells. In this study, the Na+ current flowing through L- and R-type Ca2+ channels in labyrinth hair cells was investigated. The activation and deactivation of the Na+ current in L-type channels were affected by low Ca2+ concentration, resulting in increased current amplitude. The R-type Na+ current was partially blocked by nifedipine and its current amplitude increased in low Ca2+ condition. Furthermore, the selectivity filter of R channels was less affected by external Ca2+ compared to L channels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Xiaoyi Huo, Haihao Ma, Hang Zhu, Jia Liu, Yong Zhou, Xiaomao Zhou, Zheming Liu
Summary: This study examined the expression profile and pharmacological properties of the Kv2 channel in Plutella xylostella. It identified several high potency inhibitors and provided insights into further research and designing novel insecticides.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Sergio Valbuena, Juan Lerma
Summary: Synaptic plasticity, characterized as key processes allowing the brain to operate dynamically, involves various modulators including kainate receptors, which play an important role in regulating neurotransmitter release and bidirectionally modulating plasticity.
Article
Oncology
Atsushi Shiozaki, Tomoki Konishi, Toshiyuki Kosuga, Michihiro Kudou, Kento Kurashima, Hiroyuki Inoue, Katsutoshi Shoda, Tomohiro Arita, Hirotaka Konishi, Ryo Morimura, Shuhei Komatsu, Hisashi Ikoma, Atsushi Toma, Takeshi Kubota, Hitoshi Fujiwara, Kazuma Okamoto, Eigo Otsuji
Summary: The study identified the higher expression of ALDH1A1 in pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs), along with their resistance to 5-fluorouracil and redifferentiation capacity. Additionally, the upregulation of ion channel gene expression, including voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv), was observed in PCSCs, and the Kv inhibitor 4-AP showed greater cytotoxicity in PCSCs compared to non-PCSCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Achmed Mrestani, Martin Pauli, Philip Kollmannsberger, Felix Repp, Robert J. Kittel, Jens Eilers, Soren Doose, Markus Sauer, Anna-Leena Siren, Manfred Heckmann, Mila M. Paul
Summary: During PHP, individual AZs undergo compaction without changes in the copy numbers of AZ proteins. This compaction even occurs at the level of Brp subclusters and RBP subclusters, indicating a reorganization of AZ components. Correlative confocal and dSTORM imaging shows apparent increases in AZ area and Brp protein content during PHP.
Article
Neurosciences
Victoria Gonzalez Sabater, Mark Rigby, Juan Burrone
Summary: In this study, the initiation and propagation of action potentials (APs) along the axon were investigated using genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) in dissociated hippocampal neurons from rat embryos. It was found that APs became sharper and exhibited greater fidelity as they traveled towards distal axonal domains. Blocking voltage-gated potassium channels (K-v) resulted in an increase in AP width, especially in distal locations, suggesting that higher levels of Kv channel activity in distal axons contribute to maintaining AP fidelity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Jing-Jing Liu, Katherine W. Eyring, Gabriele M. Koenig, Evi Kostenis, Richard W. Tsien
Summary: Oxytocin modulates ion channels in CA2 pyramidal neurons, increasing responsiveness to synaptic inputs and promoting rhythmic firing. These mechanisms deepen our understanding of oxytocin's role in promoting social memory and cognitive control.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Willy Carrasquel-Ursulaez, Ignacio Segura, Ignacio Diaz-Franulic, Felipe Echeverria, Yenisleidy Lorenzo-Ceballos, Nicolas Espinoza, Maximiliano Rojas, Jose Antonio Garate, Eduardo Perozo, Osvaldo Alvarez, Fernando D. Gonzalez-Nilo, Ramon Latorre
Summary: This study demonstrates that two arginines in the transmembrane segment S4 function as the gating charges of BK channels, and the energy landscape of gating particles is tuned by a network of salt bridges in the voltage sensor domain (VSD). Unlike Kv channels, the charge movement in BK seems limited to a small displacement of the guanidinium moieties of R210 and R213.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dai-Chi Liu, Joseph Seimetz, Kwan Young Lee, Auinash Kalsotra, Hee Jung Chung, Hua Lu, Nien-Pei Tsai
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2017)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jiuhe Zhu, Kwan Young Lee, Kathryn A. Jewett, Heng-Ye Man, Hee Jung Chung, Nien-Pei Tsai
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sung-Soo Jang, Han Gil Jeong, Hee Jung Chung
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2017)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kwan Young Lee, Kathryn A. Jewett, Hee Jung Chung, Nien-Pei Tsai
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2018)
Article
Neurosciences
Eung Chang Kim, Jiaren Zhang, Weilun Pang, Shuwei Wang, Kwan Young Lee, John P. Cavaretta, Jennifer Walters, Erik Procko, Nien-Pei Tsai, Hee Jung Chung
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2018)
Article
Neurosciences
Kathryn A. Jewett, Kwan Young Lee, Daphne E. Eagleman, Stephanie Soriano, Nien-Pei Tsai
Article
Neurosciences
Kwan Young Lee, Yujin Jang, Min Hee Lee, Young Im Kim, Sung-Cherl Jung, Seung-Yun Han, Se Hoon Kim, Hyung Seo Park, Dong Kwan Kim
CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE
(2018)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Eung Chang Kim, Jaimin Patel, Jiaren Zhang, Heun Soh, Justin S. Rhodes, Anastasios Tzingounis, Hee Jung Chung
GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiuhe Zhu, Kwan Young Lee, Tiffany T. Jong, Nien-Pei Tsai
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kwan Young Lee, Jiuhe Zhu, Cathryn A. Cutia, Catherine A. Christian-Hinman, Justin S. Rhodes, Nien-Pei Tsai
Summary: The study reveals that the Nedd4-2 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining excitatory synapses in hippocampal neurons, allowing for long-term synaptic potentiation, and is necessary for various forms of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Loss of Nedd4-2 leads to decreased actin polymerization, affecting phosphorylation of cofilin and ultimately impacting hippocampal synapse function and learning capabilities. Restoring cofilin phosphorylation in Nedd4-2 knockout neurons can partially reverse the deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies for infantile spasms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eung Chang Kim, Jiaren Zhang, Andy Y. Tang, Eric C. Bolton, Justin S. Rhodes, Catherine A. Christian-Hinman, Hee Jung Chung
Summary: This study reveals that impaired axonal surface expression of K(v)7 channels in KCNQ2-related epileptic encephalopathy is associated with epileptic seizures, cognitive and behavioral deficits, and neuronal loss.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biology
Shashank Pant, Jiaren Zhang, Eung Chang Kim, Kin Lam, Hee Jung Chung, Emad Tajkhorshid
Summary: Research using molecular dynamics simulations and electrophysiology has revealed the allosteric role of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in the activation of K(v)7.2 channels, influencing protein conformation and correlated motions.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kwan Young Lee, Haohan Wang, Yeeun Yook, Justin S. Rhodes, Catherine A. Christian-Hinman, Nien-Pei Tsai
Summary: The study identifies p53 as a novel transcription factor involved in synaptic potentiation and behavior. Knocking down p53 affects surface levels of AMPAR and hippocampal synaptic plasticity, promotes repetitive behavior, and reduces sociability. Moreover, it impairs hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. These learning-associated defects are more pronounced in male mice.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
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.