Article
Biology
Robert Philip Ganley, Marilia Magalhaes de Sousa, Kira Werder, Tugce Ozturk, Raquel Mendes, Matteo Ranucci, Hendrik Wildner, Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
Summary: Using viral strategies and genetic techniques, researchers identified two distinct populations of serotonergic hindbrain neurons in mice that innervate different spinal cord regions and have opposing effects on pain sensitivity. Activation of neurons in the lateral paragigantocellularis (LPGi) reduces thermal sensitivity, while activation of medial hindbrain neurons increases sensitivity to mechanical stimulation.
Review
Oncology
Valentina Frezza, Lidia Chellini, Arianna Del Verme, Maria Paola Paronetto
Summary: Recent evidence has shown that RNA editing, in addition to somatic mutations and alternative splicing changes, plays a significant role in altering genetic information in a dynamic fashion. This form of post-transcriptional RNA modification is closely associated with the development of various human diseases, including cancer, by regulating various cellular processes. Studies on the impact of RNA editing in cancer transformation are gaining increasing interest, particularly in relation to cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, stemness, and drug resistance.
Article
Cell Biology
Ana Carolina P. Campos, Miria B. Berzuino, Gabriela R. Barbosa, Helena M. R. C. Freire, Patricia S. Lopes, Danielle V. Assis, Erich T. Fonoff, Rosana L. Pagano
Summary: The study demonstrates that MCS induces analgesia in an experimental PD model by restoring the descending serotonergic pathway and inhibiting spinal neuronal and astrocytic activation, without affecting microglial hypertrophy and hyperplasia caused by PD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bernadette Liemberger, Johannes Bischof, Michael Ablinger, Stefan Hainzl, Eva M. Murauer, Nina Lackner, Patricia Ebner, Thomas Kocher, Alexander Nystroem, Verena Wally, Elisabeth Mayr, Christina Guttmann-Gruber, Josefina Pinon Hofbauer, Johann W. Bauer, Ulrich Koller
Summary: Mutations in the COL7A1 gene can cause skin problems by affecting type VII collagen (C7) in the basement membrane zone. The researchers used an RNA therapy called spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT) to correct mutations in COL7A1. They successfully corrected mutations in RDEB keratinocytes and RDEB skin equivalents by introducing a repair molecule called RTM-S6m.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Nadine M. Mansour, Isabela Pena Pino, David Freeman, Kailey Carrabre, Shivani Venkatesh, David Darrow, Uzma Samadani, Ann M. Parr
Summary: Epidural spinal cord stimulation has shown potential as a therapy for chronic spinal cord injury, uncovering residual pathways within the damaged spine. The majority of studies have reported positive outcomes in terms of improving motor function and restoring autonomic function. However, further research is needed to determine which patients benefit the most from this intervention.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Giuliano Taccola, Ronaldo M. Ichiyama, V. Reggie Edgerton, Parag Gad
Summary: This review discusses the physiological states of spinal networks, highlighting the stochastic modulation by changing ensembles of proprioceptive and supraspinal input. Spinal epidural interfaces offer a platform for studying spinal network dynamics post-injury. Low-frequency epidural pulses can evoke motor responses with oscillatory patterns. The neural variability among spinal networks is seen as a fundamental mechanism of network design rather than noise interfering with movement control.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Antonella Comitato, Enza Lacivita, Marcello Leopoldo, Rita Bardoni
Summary: The 5-HT7 receptors play an important role in synaptic modulation, particularly in synaptic inhibition, in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The stronger impact on synaptic inhibition suggests that these receptors may have an anti-nociceptive role in the spinal cord of naive animals.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chung-Ming Huang, Yu-Chia Chen, I-Lu Lai, Hong-Da Chen, Po-Hao Huang, Siang-Jyun Tu, Ya-Ting Lee, Ju-Chen Yen, Chia-Li Lin, Ting-Yuan Liu, Jan-Gowth Chang
Summary: Hyperuricemia and gout are common metabolic disorders with increasing incidence worldwide. This study found that RNA modifications, editing, and splicing play roles in gout development, and the findings may contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Marissa C. Ciesla, Yasin B. Seven, Latoya L. Allen, Kristin N. Smith, Zachary A. Asa, Alec K. Simon, Ashley E. Holland, Juliet Santiago, Kelsey Stefan, Ashley Ross, Elisa J. Gonzalez-Rothi, Gordon S. Mitchell
Summary: The study found that there is substantial serotonergic reinnervation following cervical spinal cord injury, but intermittent hypoxia does not affect the extent of reinnervation.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanwei Wang, Zhimin Yang, Meng Zhang, Pengfei Ai
Summary: This study identified the crucial role of the rice SSA1 gene in chloroplast biogenesis. SSA1 regulates early chloroplast development and is involved in RNA editing and intron splicing. These findings contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast generation.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Yinxing Cui, Shihuan Cheng, Xiaowei Chen, Guoxing Xu, Ningyi Ma, He Li, Hong Zhang, Zhenlan Li
Summary: Stroke and spinal cord injury are common neurological disorders that can cause various dysfunctions. Motor dysfunction is a common dysfunction that easily leads to complications such as joint stiffness and muscle contracture and markedly impairs the daily living activities and long-term prognosis of patients. Orthotic devices can prevent or compensate for motor dysfunctions.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Zhao, Wei Xu, Yongzhong Zhang, Shilei Sun, Lijing Wang, Shiyi Zhong, Xiangyu Zhao, Baoshen Liu
Summary: Chloroplasts are crucial for plant growth and development, and the mutation of the PPR647 gene disrupts the expression of chloroplast genes, leading to defects in chloroplast development and abnormal plant growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sajad Fakhri, Amir Kiani, Cyrus Jalili, Fatemeh Abbaszadeh, Sana Piri, Mohammad Hosein Farzaei, Mohsen Rastegari-Pouyani, Ehsan Mohammadi-Noori, Haroon Khan
Summary: The study showed that melatonin has promising effects in improving sensory-motor function, suppressing inflammatory mediators, and protecting neural tissue integrity after spinal cord injury.
CURRENT MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jianxiang Lin, Susu Wu, Qingmei Shen, Jie Liu, Shisheng Huang, Guangdun Peng, Yunbo Qiao
Summary: This study utilized CRISPR-based base editors to disrupt the endogenous alternative splicing of PKM gene, revealing that specific loss of PKM1 or PKM2 affects cell proliferation and embryonic development. Targeting splicing junction sites using base editors may lead to the production of novel splicing isoforms, providing a platform for functional investigation and genetic correction in human diseases.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicolas Delestree, Evangelia Semizoglou, John G. Pagiazitis, Aleksandra Vukojicic, Estelle Drobac, Vasilissa Paushkin, George Z. Mentis
Summary: Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal networks responsible for various essential behaviors. Dysfunction of serotonergic neurotransmission is found in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease. The study shows severe dysfunction of serotonergic neuromodulation in SMA mice, suggesting that targeting 5-HT neuromodulation could be a potential therapeutic approach.
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)