Article
Neurosciences
Sachin Makani, Stefano Lutzu, Pablo J. Lituma, David L. Hunt, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: A new study in the hippocampus reveals a Ca2+-dependent retrograde suppression mechanism for MF-PTP, requiring burst activity and Ca2+ release from internal stores. This suggests that the MF-CA3 synapse can negatively regulate its own strength not only during normal exploratory behaviors but also during epileptic activity.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
George-Iulian Uleru, Mircea Hulea, Alexandru Barleanu
Summary: The main advantages of spiking neural networks are their high biological plausibility and fast response due to spiking behavior. SNNs have a lower number of neurons compared to traditional neural networks, reducing their cost. The hardware implementation of SNNs also leads to a significant decrease in response time due to parallel neuron operation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisca Bertin, Guillermo Moya-Alvarado, Eduardo Quiroz-Manriquez, Andres Ibacache, Andres Kohler-Solis, Carlos Oliva, Jimena Sierralta
Summary: Dlg protein interacts with NRs in the adult brain of fruit flies and plays an important role in short-term memory. However, the role of Dlg protein is crucial for development and synaptic function in the larval NMJ synapse despite the absence of NRs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sojeong Pak, Gona Choi, Jaydeep Roy, Chi Him Poon, Jinho Lee, Dajin Cho, Minseok Lee, Lee Wei Lim, Shaowen Bao, Sunggu Yang, Sungchil Yang
Summary: Anxiety is a common comorbidity of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and synaptic plasticity changes in the DG network within the dentate gyrus (DG) have been found to be associated with anxiety.
Article
Neurosciences
Raenier V. Reyes, Keiko Hino, Cesar Patricio Canales, Eamonn James Dickson, Anna La Torre, Sergi Simo
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of CRL5 in the development and adult neurogenesis of the dentate gyrus (DG) in mice. Knocking out CRL5 leads to deficient mossy fiber pruning, abnormal DG layering, disrupted neural progenitor localization, and increased adult neurogenesis. These findings have significant implications for understanding DG development and homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Michael J. Devine, Blanka R. Szulc, Jack H. Howden, Guillermo Lopez-Domenech, Arnaud Ruiz, Josef T. Kittler
Summary: This study investigates the role of mitochondria in regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. The results show that reducing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake alters synaptic vesicle fusion and enhances long-term potentiation at specific synapses.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cecilia Leijding, Ida Viken, Joseph D. D. Bruton, Daniel C. C. Andersson, Arthur J. J. Cheng, Hakan Westerblad
Summary: During the initial phase of fatigue, tetanic force decreases despite increasing tetanic cytosolic calcium concentration. However, the increase in calcium concentration has positive effects on force in early fatigue.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuxuan Zhao, Yi Zeng, Guang Qiao
Summary: Classical conditioning plays a critical role in the learning process of biological brains, and our brain-inspired BICC model can replicate a broader set of findings and offer better computational explainability for both the experimental phenomena and the biological mechanisms of classical conditioning.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jan Johansson, Anna Rising
Summary: The production of artificial spider silk fibers has long been a major goal in materials science, with two main methods currently in use, each with its own limitations. New ideas are urgently needed to improve production efficiency and enhance mechanical properties.
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah R. Monday, Shivani C. Kharod, Young J. Yoon, Robert H. Singer, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: Learning and memory rely on long-lasting, synapse-specific modifications. This study found that presynaptic FMRP and protein synthesis dynamically control presynaptic structure and function in the mature mammalian brain.
Article
Cell Biology
Angelos Angelidis, Rene Vandenboom
Summary: Post-tetanic potentiation of fast-twitch skeletal muscle is dependent on muscle length, with greater potentiation observed at shorter lengths. The absence of myosin light chain phosphorylation did not alter the relationship between potentiation and muscle length, suggesting other mechanisms may be involved.
JOURNAL OF MUSCLE RESEARCH AND CELL MOTILITY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Tom J. H. Ruigrok
Summary: Olov Oscarsson's review on the functional organization of spinocerebellar paths showcases the impressive expertise and extensive knowledge of electrophysiologists in his era. He meticulously describes and characterizes at least ten different communication lines between the spinal cord and the cerebellum. His work has been a fruitful foundation for ongoing physiological and anatomical research. However, even after 50 years of ongoing cerebellar research, many questions remain unanswered, and it is essential to preserve the meticulous differentiation in spinocerebellar paths demonstrated by Oscarsson in present-day research.
Article
Neurosciences
Gary W. Mathern, Edward H. Bertram
Summary: This study found that neuronal loss associated with limbic epilepsy precedes the onset of seizures and is not a consequence of recurrent seizures. However, intermittent seizures do cause structural changes in the brain, the functional consequences of which are unclear.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Ernesto Griego, Emilio J. Galvan
Summary: This study reviews the physiological actions of mGluRs, particularly in the hippocampal area CA3, and investigates the changes in expression and functionality of mGluRs during aging. The study also includes original data demonstrating electrophysiological modifications in aged CA3 pyramidal cells in response to stimulation of different mGluRs.
Article
Neurosciences
Tomoya Ishii, Syusaku Sasada, Tomoyoshi Komiyama
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of test contraction intensity (TCI) on post-contraction potentiation (EMG-PCP) of the biceps brachii muscle. The results showed that with a 2% TCI, the EMG amplitude was higher in the second test compared to the first test, while with a 20% TCI, the EMG amplitude was lower in the second test. Additionally, the EMG spectral analyses revealed that the alpha-and beta-band power ratios were enhanced in the second test with a 2% TCI. These findings highlight the importance of TCI in determining the EMG-force relationship after a brief intensive contraction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Purificacion Ordas, Pablo Hernandez-Ortego, Hugo Vara, Carlos Fernandez-Pena, Alfonso Reimundez, Cruz Morenilla-Palao, Ana Guadano-Ferraz, Ana Gomis, Mark Hoon, Felix Viana, Rosa Senaris
Summary: TRPM8 is the principal detector of environmental cold in mammalian sensory nerve endings, and it is also expressed in restricted areas of the central nervous system, especially in regions like the hypothalamus and septum. The presence of TRPM8-expressing central neurons in different areas of the brain suggests a potential role in thermal regulation, which has been confirmed by electrophysiological recordings in mouse brain.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Carli, Linda Chaabane, Clarissa Butti, Clara De Palma, Patrizia Aimar, Chiara Salio, Aglaia Vignoli, Maurizio Giustetto, Nicoletta Landsberger, Angelisa Frasca
Summary: CDKL5 deficiency disorder is a severe neurodevelopmental condition caused by mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene, characterized by infantile epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability, and autistic features. Magnetic Resonance methods revealed a metabolic dysregulation suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain of Cdkl5 deficient mice, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Patricia Del Cerro, Andres Barriga-Martin, Hugo Vara, Luis M. Romero-Munoz, Angel Rodriguez-De-Lope, Jorge E. Collazos-Castro
Summary: A model of cervical spinal cord injury was characterized in domestic pigs, showing neuronal loss extending for a relatively small distance, primarily concentrating in the ipsilateral, caudal spinal cord stump; axonal Wallerian degeneration manifested as marked atrophy in the spinal cord segments. In addition to causing chronic monoplegia or severe monoparesis, the first month post-lesion led to postural and motor impairments in the trunk and other legs.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Laura Gennaccaro, Claudia Fuchs, Manuela Loi, Vincenzo Roncace, Stefania Trazzi, Yassine Ait-Bali, Giuseppe Galvani, Anna Cecilia Berardi, Giorgio Medici, Marianna Tassinari, Elisa Ren, Roberto Rimondini, Maurizio Giustetto, Giorgio Aicardi, Elisabetta Ciani
Summary: CDKL5 deficiency disorder is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset epilepsy and intellectual disability. Studies have shown that Cdkl5 KO mice exhibit increased density of GABAergic synaptic terminals and parvalbumin inhibitory interneurons, suggesting that excessive GABAergic transmission may contribute to the visual deficits seen in CDD.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sharad Kholia, Maria Beatriz Herrera Sanchez, Maria Chiara Deregibus, Marco Sassoe-Pognetto, Giovanni Camussi, Maria Felice Brizzi
Summary: Human liver stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (HLSC-EVs) have been shown to exhibit therapeutic properties in pre-clinical models of kidney injury, potentially exerting anti-fibrotic effects by interfering with beta-catenin signaling. miR29b plays a crucial role in this regulatory mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Marco Sassoe-Pognetto, Sonia Acierno, Silvestro Roatta
Summary: This study explores the use of wireless ultrasonography in studying the reproductive ecology of the asp viper. The wireless probe proved to be a non-destructive and effective tool for field ultrasound investigations. Its advantages include its light and compact design, making it suitable for use in rugged terrains.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Rolfo, Stefano Cosma, Anna Maria Nuzzo, Chiara Salio, Laura Moretti, Marco Sassoe-Pognetto, Andrea Roberto Carosso, Fulvio Borella, Juan Carlos Cutrin, Chiara Benedetto
Summary: This study observed oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathological changes in the placenta of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester, but the pregnant women maintained a good physiological state. This suggests that the placenta has a certain inhibitory effect on oxidative stress during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yassine Ait Bali, Nour-Eddine Kaikai, Saadia Ba-M'hamed, Marco Sassoe-Pognetto, Maurizio Giustetto, Mohamed Bennis
Summary: Evidence demonstrates that serotonin depletion leads to anxiety behavior. Previous studies have also shown that glyphosate-based herbicides increase anxiety levels and reduce serotonin fibers in exposed mice. In this study, the effects of herbicides on immediate early gene activation in the mPFC and amygdala were investigated, revealing anxiogenic behavior in exposed mice.
Article
Neurosciences
Costanza Angelini, Alessandro Morellato, Annalisa Alfieri, Lisa Pavinato, Tiziana Cravero, Olga Teresa Bianciotto, Vincenzo Salemme, Dora Natalini, Giorgia Centonze, Alessandra Raspanti, Tina Garofalo, Donatella Valdembri, Guido Serini, Andrea Marcantoni, Andrea Becchetti, Maurizio Giustetto, Emilia Turco, Paola Defilippi
Summary: NMDARs play a crucial role in neuronal transmission, learning, and memory. This study demonstrates that the scaffold protein p140Cap directly binds to the GluN2A subunit of NMDAR and modulates GluN2A-associated molecular network. It is also shown that p140Cap is important for the recruitment of GluN2A-containing NMDARs and for the association between GluN2A and PSD95 in the synaptic compartment.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Antonia Gurgone, Riccardo Pizzo, Alessandra Raspanti, Giuseppe Chiantia, Sunaina Devi, Debora Comai, Noemi Morello, Federica Pilotto, Sara Gnavi, Leonardo Lupori, Raffaele Mazziotti, Giulia Sagona, Elena Putignano, Alessio Nocentini, Claudiu T. Supuran, Andrea Marcantoni, Tommaso Pizzorusso, Maurizio Giustetto
Summary: Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease without a cure. The study suggests that modulating the activity of mGluR5 receptors may help improve synaptic, functional, and behavioral defects in CDD patients. The findings indicate that mGluR5 receptors could be a potential therapeutic target for CDD.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Carla Liaci, Mattia Camera, Valentina Zamboni, Gabriella Saro, Alessandra Ammoni, Elena Parmigiani, Luisa Ponzoni, Enis Hidisoglu, Giuseppe Chiantia, Andrea Marcantoni, Maurizio Giustetto, Giulia Tomagra, Valentina Carabelli, Federico Torelli, Mariaelvina Sala, Yuchio Yanagawa, Kunihiko Obata, Emilio Hirsch, Giorgio R. Merlo
Summary: GTPases of the Rho family, including RAC1, play important roles in controlling cytoskeleton dynamics during brain development. ARHGAP15, a specific GAP for RAC1, is expressed in a subset of migrating cortical interneurons (CINs) during development and in the majority of adult CINs. Loss of ARHGAP15 leads to altered directionality and morphology of migrating CINs during development, as well as coordination defects in radial migration. In the adult cortex, the observed defects affect the distribution and inhibitory function of interneurons. Furthermore, ARHGAP15 knockout mice display reduced CINs excitability, subclinical seizures, and increased susceptibility to the pro-epileptic drug pilocarpine.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marzia Indrigo, Ilaria Morella, Daniel Orellana, Raffaele d'Isa, Alessandro Papale, Riccardo Parra, Antonia Gurgone, Daniela Lecca, Anna Cavaccini, Cezar M. Tigaret, Alfredo Cagnotto, Kimberley Jones, Simon Brooks, Gian Michele Ratto, Nicholas D. Allen, Mariah J. Lelos, Silvia Middei, Maurizio Giustetto, Anna R. Carta, Raffaella Tonini, Mario Salmona, Jeremy Hall, Kerrie Thomas, Riccardo Brambilla, Stefania Fasano
Summary: Cell signaling is crucial for neuronal activity, and dysregulation of this process can lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. This study demonstrates that enhancing ERK signaling in neurons can prevent cell death in vitro and in vivo, while attenuating ERK signaling has the opposite effect. The neuroprotective effect can also be induced by a cell penetrating peptide called RB5, which enhances ERK activity and nuclear translocation. RB5 treatment in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases promotes neuroprotection and enhances cognitive function. The findings suggest that modulating the interaction between ERK and importin alpha 1/KPNA2 could be a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marco Sassoe
Summary: This report describes three cases of human envenomation by the asp viper in Piedmont, Italy. The severity of symptoms varied among the cases, with one patient experiencing severe systemic symptoms, another patient manifesting neurological symptoms, and the third patient only showing local symptoms. All patients reported prolonged functional impairment after discharge from the hospital. It highlights the importance of understanding the intraspecific variability of venoms, its clinical significance, and the factors determining snakebite severity.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Laura Gennaccaro, Claudia Fuchs, Manuela Loi, Riccardo Pizzo, Sara Alvente, Chiara Berteotti, Leonardo Lupori, Giulia Sagona, Giuseppe Galvani, Antonia Gurgone, Alessandra Raspanti, Giorgio Medici, Marianna Tassinari, Stefania Trazzi, Elisa Ren, Roberto Rimondini, Tommaso Pizzorusso, Giovanna Zoccoli, Maurizio Giustetto, Elisabetta Ciani
Summary: CDD is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene, characterized by early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, motor impairment, and autistic-like features. The decline in behaviors in older Cdk15 KO mice was associated with decreased neuronal survival, but not worsened neuroanatomical alterations. Evidence was found that CDKL5 may play a fundamental role in neuronal survival during brain aging, suggesting a possible worsening with age of the clinical picture in CDD patients.
