Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xiaoyun Yu, Youtian Hu, Mingwei Yu, Bradley J. Undem, Shaoyong Yu
Summary: This study demonstrated that bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA), directly activates esophageal vagal afferent nodose and jugular nociceptive C-fibers and sensitizes their response to capsaicin, potentially contributing to bile acid-induced esophageal nociceptive symptoms refractory to proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) therapy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Yuki Niimi, Jose Gomez-Tames, Toshiaki Wasaka, Akimasa Hirata
Summary: This study investigated the optimal parameters for selective stimulation of A delta- and C-fibers using a computational model and experimental results. The results showed that different sensations could be elicited by selectively stimulating different fibers by adjusting the pulse counts and frequencies. The computational model revealed that terminal axon thickness was the most important biophysical factor affecting perception thresholds.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Esther Redder, Nils Kirschnick, Stefanie Bobe, Rene Haegerling, Nils Rouven Hansmeier, Friedemann Kiefer
Summary: The use of transgenic mouse model Vegfr3-tdTomato allows for effective visualization of lymphatic vessel structure, facilitating the study of lymphatic function and pathofunction. This mouse model inherits the reporter gene, showing stable fluorescence in lymphatic vessels across multiple organs.
Article
Neurosciences
Yurii Tkachenko, Volodymyr Khmyz, Dmytro Isaev, Oleksandr Maximyuk, Oleg Krishtal
Summary: It is known that temperature affects biomolecules and cellular functions. This research shows that temperature variations within a physiological range affect the spontaneous activity of sensory fibers in response to chemical nociceptive stimulation. Specifically, the responses to ATP and H+ are enhanced with increasing temperature, while the response to high K+ remains relatively unchanged.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xiaolan He, Peng Liu, Xiao Zhang, Zhenhua Jiang, Nan Gu, Qun Wang, Yan Lu
Summary: This study demonstrated that spinal glycinergic neurons primarily received primary afferent A beta fiber inputs. The genetically labeled animal model created in this study offers a valuable tool for further investigating the function of the glycinergic neurons in the feedforward inhibitory circuit involving PKC gamma(+) neurons under both normal and pathological conditions.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lei Huang, Ramireddy Bommireddy, Luis E. Munoz, Rohini N. Guin, Changyong Wei, Amanda Ruggieri, Ashwathi P. Menon, Xiaoxian Li, Mala Shanmugam, Taofeek K. Owonikoko, Suresh S. Ramalingam, Periasamy Selvaraj
Summary: The study demonstrates that transducing tdTomato and luciferase into LL/2 cells can slow tumor growth, alter the tumor microenvironment, and increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Interestingly, this transgenic expression does not affect LL/2 tumors' response to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Wei Zhou, Matthias Meiser, Felix Wich, Tom Liensdorf, Wolfgang Freudenberg, Yang Li, Nico Langhof, Walter Krenkel
Summary: Research on different fiber orientations in short carbon fiber reinforced CMCs showed that pads with fibers oriented at 45 degrees exhibited the best tribological performance, while composites with randomly distributed short carbon fibers remained ideal candidates for manufacturing high performance friction materials.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Haruki Nishimura, Mitsuhiro Yoshimura, Makiko Shimizu, Kenya Sanada, Satomi Sonoda, Kazuaki Nishimura, Kazuhiko Baba, Naofumi Ikeda, Yasuhito Motojima, Takashi Maruyama, Yuki Nonaka, Ryoko Baba, Tatsushi Onaka, Takafumi Horishita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Yasuhiro Yoshida, Makoto Kawasaki, Akinori Sakai, Masafumi Muratani, Becky Conway-Campbell, Stafford Lightman, Yoichi Ueta
Summary: The analgesic effect of oxytocin is mediated through its receptor and contributes to the anti-nociception and anti-inflammatory response. A transgenic rat line expressing hM3Dq and mCherry in oxytocin neurons was generated and demonstrated that oxytocin activates specific neurons and attenuates hyperalgesia. This analgesic effect is abolished by oxytocin receptor antagonist.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Koji Wakatsuki, Yoshiko T-Uchimura, Takanori Matsubara, Teruaki Nasu, Kazue Mizumura, Toru Taguchi
Summary: In a fibromyalgia model induced by repeated cold stress (RCS) in rats, it was found that the mechanical response threshold of muscle C-fiber nociceptors was significantly decreased and the response magnitude increased, but the general characteristics and responsiveness to noxious stimuli remained similar between the RCS and SHAM groups. Messenger RNA expression of neurotrophic factors and inflammatory mediators in muscle did not change during or after RCS, suggesting that mechanical response augmentation of muscle C-fiber nociceptors contributes to hyperalgesia in the RCS model.
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Nivanthika K. Wimalasena, Daniel G. Taub, Jaehoon Shim, Sara Hakim, Riki Kawaguchi, Lubin Chen, Mahmoud El-Rifai, Daniel H. Geschwind, Sulayman D. Dib-Hajj, Stephen G. Waxman, Clifford J. Woolf
Summary: Mutations in the Scn9a gene can lead to various pain and neuropathy disorders. Previous studies have shown that the Nav1.7 gene mutation affects sodium conductance and neuronal excitability, but does not affect mechanical and thermal sensitivity in young mice. However, this new research demonstrates that as mice with this mutation age, they develop insensitivity to pain and cold, as well as skin lesions. Electrophysiology and RNA sequencing reveal a loss of sodium conductance and decreased expression of cLTMR genes in aged mice with the mutation.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Merve Hazal Ser, Basak Yilmaz, Cem Sulu, Mustafa Sait Gonen, Aysegul Gunduz
Summary: This study investigated NFR in patients with different types of polyneuropathies. The abnormality of NFR-RIII in patients with DM before the emergence of neuropathic symptoms may be related to an earlier loss of A-delta fibers.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Aditi H. Chaubey, Savannah E. Sojka, John O. Onukwufor, Meredith J. Ezak, Matthew D. Vandermeulen, Alexander Bowitch, Anezka Vodickova, Andrew P. Wojtovich, Denise M. Ferkey
Summary: Organisms rely on chemical cues to detect food, reproductive partners, predators, and harmful stimuli. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has primary nociceptors called ASH sensory neurons, which are activated by aversive stimuli and lead to backward locomotion and stimulus avoidance. This study reveals that animals lacking the gap junction component INX-20 show hypersensitivity to chemical stimuli that signal through G protein-coupled receptor pathways in ASH, suggesting a role for INX-20 in dampening ASH sensitivity.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Wenjian Guo, Shuxin Bai, Yicong Ye
Summary: A new strategy for recycling and reusing abandoned CFRPs involves carbonizing them to produce high value-added C/C composites, with recovered carbon residue rate and comparable properties to virgin CF. The study demonstrates that the recycled CF composites have great potential as substitutes, with comparable interface bonding strength and bending strength to virgin CF composites.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Nunzia Papotto, Sara Reithofer, Kaya Baumert, Richard Carr, Frank Mohrlen, Stephan Frings
Summary: This study showed that olfactory co-stimulation can alleviate aversive responses to noxious stimuli in mice and reduce neural activity in the SpVc, indicating a significant analgesic potential of odor stimulation in the trigeminal system.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Wenqian Pan, Xizhen Xia, Wei Zhou, Yang Li
Summary: The study investigates the frictional and wear behaviors of carbon fiber-reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites with different fiber orientations mating with ceramic balls. The results show that fiber orientation significantly affects the friction and wear properties of the composites. Pads with randomly arranged fibers demonstrate better friction stability and lower wear volume, potentially suitable for bearing material applications. The research also explores the factors influencing the formation of continuous tribo-film and identifies abrasive wear and oxidation wear as the dominant wear mechanisms for the friction pairs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Muriel Eaton, Jingliang Zhang, Zhixiong Ma, Anthony C. Park, Emma Lietzke, Chloe M. Romero, Yushuang Liu, Emily R. Coleman, Xiaoling Chen, Tiange Xiao, Zhefu Que, Shirong Lai, Jiaxiang Wu, Ji Hea Lee, Sophia Palant, Huynhvi P. Nguyen, Zhuo Huang, William C. Skarnes, Wendy A. Koss, Yang Yang
Summary: A novel mouse model of severe Scn2a deficiency (Scn2a(gtKO/gtKO)) was characterized, showing anxiety-like behaviors, increased fix-pattern exploration, and slight repetitive behaviors. These mice provide a unique model to study the pathophysiology associated with severe Scn2a deficiency.
GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jingliang Zhang, Chenyu Zhang, Xiaoling Chen, Bingwei Wang, Weining Ma, Yang Yang, Ruimao Zheng, Zhuo Huang
Summary: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common and intractable neurological disorder, with dysfunctional PKA signaling playing a role in its development. A study found that reduced autophosphorylation of the PKA-RIIβ subunit is associated with decreased PKA activity and altered neuronal excitability, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for TLE.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Makros N. Xenakis, Dimos Kapetis, Yang Yang, Monique M. Gerrits, Jordi Heijman, Stephen G. Waxman, Giuseppe Lauria, Catharina G. Faber, Ronald L. Westra, Patrick J. Lindsey, Hubert J. Smeets
Summary: This research predicts pain-causing NaV1.7 variants based on hydropathic effects, finding that pain-related mutation sites are located close to hydrophobic patches lining the pore and are at a critical hydropathic-interactions distance from the SF. Using this predictive scheme can differentiate pain-related variants from neutral ones with high sensitivity and specificity.
BMC BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Makros N. Xenakis, Dimos Kapetis, Yang Yang, Jordi Heijman, Stephen G. Waxman, Giuseppe Lauria, Catharina G. Faber, Hubert J. Smeets, Patrick J. Lindsey, Ronald L. Westra
Summary: This study presents a computational framework for modeling system-size-dependent atomic properties around NavChs pores, with a focus on the detailed structure of the bacterial NavAb channel. The atomic environment around the NavAb pore exhibits a bi-phasic spatial organization.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muriel Eaton, Zhefu Que, Jingliang Zhang, Kaethe Beck, Riyi Shi, Jeff McDermott, Michael Ladisch, Yang Yang
Summary: Research findings suggest that citrate salt and citrate mannitol buffer systems lead to increased firing activity of DRG sensory neurons, unlike histidine or saline buffer systems at the same pH level. Lowering the concentration of citrate results in decreased firing intensity of DRG sensory neurons. This highlights the potential nociceptive effects of clinically relevant buffer components used in injectable biologics.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jingliang Zhang, Xiaoling Chen, Muriel Eaton, Jiaxiang Wu, Zhixiong Ma, Shirong Lai, Anthony Park, Talha S. Ahmad, Zhefu Que, Ji Hea Lee, Tiange Xiao, Yuansong Li, Yujia Wang, Maria Olivero-Acosta, James A. Schaber, Krishna Jayant, Chongli Yuan, Zhuo Huang, Nadia A. Lanman, William C. Skarnes, Yang Yang
Summary: Severe Na(V)1.2 deficiency unexpectedly results in increased neuronal excitability, which can be reversed by genetic restoration. This neuronal hyperexcitability may serve as a cellular basis underlying Na(V)1.2 deficiency-related seizures.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhefu Que, Maria Olivero-Acosta, Jingliang Zhang, Muriel Eaton, Anke M. Tukker, Xiaoling Chen, Jiaxiang Wu, Junkai Xie, Tiange Xiao, Kyle Wettschurack, Layan Yunis, J. Marshall Shafer, James A. Schaber, Jean-Christophe Rochet, Aaron B. Bowman, Chongli Yuan, Zhuo Huang, Chang-Deng Hu, Darci J. Trader, William C. Skarnes, Yang Yang
Summary: The study reveals that the SCN2A gene variant L1342P can increase intrinsic excitability of neurons, leading to hyperexcitability phenotypes. Neuronal cultures carrying this variant exhibit some resistance to anticonvulsant medication but can be alleviated by a specific blocker, phrixotoxin-3 (PTx3), suggesting potential therapeutic interventions for patients with this genetic variant.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhixiong Ma, Muriel Eaton, Yushuang Liu, Jingliang Zhang, Xiaoling Chen, Xinyu Tu, Yiqiang Shi, Zhefu Que, Kyle Wettschurack, Zaiyang Zhang, Riyi Shi, Yueyi Chen, Adam Kimbrough, Nadia A. Lanman, Leah Schust, Zhuo Huang, Yang Yang
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 2% of the US population. The SCN2A gene has been found to be associated with ASD and abnormal sleep patterns are common in individuals with this disorder. This study used a mouse model to investigate the effects of Scn2a deficiency on sleep. The researchers found that Scn2a deficiency led to increased wakefulness and reduced NREM sleep. They also identified genes involved in circadian rhythms that were differentially expressed in relation to Scn2a deficiency. Furthermore, they discovered a potential compound, dexanabinol (HU-211), that partially reversed the sleep disturbances in mice.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Sleczkowska, Rowida Almomani, Margherita Marchi, Erika Salvi, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Maurice Sopacua, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Patrick Lindsey, Stephen G. Waxman, Giuseppe Lauria, Catharina G. Faber, Hubert J. M. Smeets, Monique M. Gerrits
Summary: This study assessed the role of fifteen ion channel genes in neuropathic pain. Variants in ion channel genes were identified in SFN patients, with TRP genes being the most frequent. Patients with these variants reported more severe pain. This study provides promising gene candidates for future research on neuropathic pain etiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rowida Almomani, Maurice Sopacua, Margherita Marchi, Milena Sleczkowska, Patrick Lindsey, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Erika Salvi, Ingemar S. J. Merkies, Maryam A. Ferdousi, Rayaz Malik, Dan Ziegler, Kasper W. J. Derks, Gidon Boenhof, Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi, Daniele Cazzato, Raffaella Lombardi, Sulayman G. Dib-Hajj, Stephen Waxman, Hubert J. M. M. Smeets, Monique G. Gerrits, Catharina Faber, Giuseppe Lauria
Summary: Rare SCG genetic variants may contribute to the development of painful neuropathy. Genetic profiling and SCG variant identification can provide better understanding of the genetic variability in patients with painful and painless neuropathy, leading to improved risk stratification and personalized pain treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
