Article
Neurosciences
Yuan-Bo Pan, Yiyu Sun, Hong-Jiang Li, Lai-Yang Zhou, Jianmin Zhang, Dong-Fu Feng
Summary: This study provides deeper insights into the function of glial cells in axonal regeneration after injury by comprehensively analyzing the molecular changes using transcriptome analysis. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified hub genes that may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the analysis of changes in different glial cell subtypes based on subtype markers revealed time-dependent transition trends, offering clues for modulating glial function in future research.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Qianxue Mou, Ke Yao, Meng Ye, Bowen Zhao, Yuanyuan Hu, Xiaotong Lou, Huixia Li, Hong Zhang, Yin Zhao
Summary: This study reveals the potential role of the SIRT1-mTORC1 pathway in regulating microglia after optic nerve injury, highlighting the importance of microglia in neurodegeneration.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Jiaxing Zhou, Sen Lin, Qiumei Hu, Xue Li, Xi Chen, Linlin Luo, Shiyang Ye, Wei Liu, Jian Ye
Summary: This study investigated the role of CD11b in the clearance and degeneration of axonal debris. The results showed that CD11b limits the phagocytosis of axonal debris by microglia, and knocking out CD11b gene increases the phagocytosis, which may promote central nerve repair.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Yubin Huang, Zhen Xu, Shanshan Xiong, Fangfang Sun, Guangrong Qin, Guanglei Hu, Jingjing Wang, Lei Zhao, Yu-Xiang Liang, Tianzhun Wu, Zhonghua Lu, Mark S. Humayun, Kwok-Fai So, Yihang Pan, Ningning Li, Ti-Fei Yuan, Yanxia Rao, Bo Peng
Summary: The paper has been corrected and readers can view the correction through the provided link.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jun-Ya Zhu, Xi-Sen Ni, Xiao-Yan Han, Sha Liu, Yu-Ke Ji, Jin Yao, Biao Yan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the retinal metabolic profiles and potential targets for the prevention of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Using untargeted metabolomics, lipids and lipid-like molecules were found to be involved in the pathogenesis of retinal neurodegeneration. Sphingolipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis pathways were identified as being involved in RGC degeneration. Taurine, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid (TCA), sphingosine, and galabiosylceramide were identified as promising biomarkers for diagnosing RGC degeneration.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qianru He, Fanhui Yu, Meng Cong, Yuhua Ji, Qi Zhang, Fei Ding
Summary: Peripheral nerve repair and functional recovery depend on the rate of nerve regeneration and the quality of target reinnervation. A quantitative proteomic technique was used to analyze the protein expression pattern between injured motor and sensory nerves, revealing 176 proteins with differential expressions. Functional categorization indicated that these differentially expressed proteins are linked to various molecular functions, which might play a crucial role in peripheral nerve regeneration.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Dong-Xu Huang, Ming-Xi Yang, Zhen-Min Jiang, Miao Chen, Kun Chang, Yong-Xin Zhan, Xu Gong
Summary: The healing process of a transected peripheral nerve trunk consists of angiogenesis, nerve fiber regeneration, and scarring. Nerve trunk healing and neuroma formation may share similar molecular mediators and regulations. Angiogenesis is necessary for nerve fiber regeneration at the site of nerve transection. Angiogenesis and nerve fiber regeneration have a positive correlation in the early stage, while scarring and nerve fiber regeneration show a negative correlation in the late phase. Anti-angiogenesis may suppress neuromas, and potential protocols are provided to test this hypothesis. The use of anti-angiogenic small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors is recommended for studying nerve transection injuries.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Carola Rutigliani, James R. Tribble, Anna Hagstrom, Emma Lardner, Gauti Johannesson, Gustav Stalhammar, Pete A. Williams
Summary: Neuroinflammation is a crucial component of neurodegenerative diseases. The evidence for neuroinflammation in glaucoma patients is limited. By utilizing well-preserved wax embedded eyes, we confirmed the presence of significant neuroinflammatory responses in the retina and optic nerve head of glaucoma patients.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Carolyn Guan, Mary Ellen Pease, Sarah Quillen, Yik Tung Tracy Ling, Ximin Li, Elizabeth Kimball, Thomas Johnson, Thao D. Nguyen, Harry A. Quigley
Summary: This study quantitatively measured the changes in lamina cribrosa cell and connective tissue structure in human glaucoma eyes. The results showed that in the pores of the lamina cribrosa, the proportionate area of both GFAP and F-actin processes was significantly lower in glaucoma eyes compared to controls, and the nuclei in glaucoma specimens were rounder. Furthermore, wider F-actin process width, narrower average lamina cribrosa beam width, and increased nuclear count per square millimeter were associated with worse glaucoma damage.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Kayva L. L. Crawford, Yu-Jin Lee, Marisa Hom, Eben L. L. Rosenthal, Ryan K. K. Orosco, Quyen T. T. Nguyen
Summary: We demonstrate the efficacy of ALM-488 in labeling degenerated facial nerves using quantitative image analysis and qualitative survey data in a murine facial nerve transection model.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zheng Wang, Xin-Zeyu Yi, Ai-Xi Yu
Summary: Neuroma formation after peripheral nerve transection often leads to severe neuropathic pain. Regenerative peripheral nerve interface has been shown to reduce painful neuroma in the clinic. This study investigates the underlying mechanisms of regenerative peripheral nerve interface and compares it with other means of neuroma prevention in an animal model. Results suggest that regenerative peripheral nerve interface inhibits neuroma formation and neuropathic pain possibly by upregulating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the dorsal root ganglia and reducing neuroinflammation in the nerve stump.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Shaohua Pi, Bingjie Wang, Min Gao, William Cepurna, Diana C. Lozano, John C. Morrison, Yali Jia
Summary: This study characterizes retinal responses in rats after optic nerve transection (ONT) using visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT). The study found that retinal nerve fiber bundles degenerated significantly starting at two weeks after ONT, leading to a reduction in thicknesses of the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and total retina. Activation of macrophage-like cells in the vitreoretinal interface was also observed. Vessel densities were unaffected, but oxygen saturation in retinal arteries and veins was significantly reduced at four weeks after ONT.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Aya Motoyoshi, Fuminori Saitoh, Tomohiro Iida, Hiroki Fujieda
Summary: The proliferative and neurogenic potential of retinal Muller glia after injury varies widely across species. This study reveals that nestin plays a critical role in regulating the proliferative response of rat Muller glia after retinal injury, while this response is not observed in mice. The findings highlight the importance of cross species analysis to understand the molecular mechanisms of injury response in the mammalian retina.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Zheng Wu, Jiahua Xu, Andreas Nuernberger, Bernhard A. Sabel
Summary: Interactions between modules in brain functional connectivity networks are crucial for visual processing. Neuromodulation with rtACS can enhance visual recovery and improve the stability of functional connectivity networks.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
John Carney, Colin Cantrell, Cody Goedderz, Joshua Weissman, Erik Gerlach, Jeremy Marx, Bennet Butler, Paul Lamberti
Summary: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of radial nerve transection after ballistic fracture of the humerus. The results showed that in patients with complete radial nerve palsy on examination, the rate of nerve transection during surgery was 70.6%. The authors recommend early exploration and fixation of these injuries.
INJURY-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE CARE OF THE INJURED
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Siu-Man Ng, Margaret X. C. Yin, Jessie S. M. Chan, Celia H. Y. Chan, Ted C. T. Fong, Ang Li, Kwok-Fai So, Lai-Ping Yuen, Jian-Ping Chen, Ka-Fai Chung, Cecilia L. W. Chan
Summary: The study showed that both Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit (IBMS) and Qigong interventions were effective in reducing depression and sleep disturbance, as well as lowering levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1 beta. The interventions also increased holistic well-being in participants, with effect sizes mostly in the medium magnitude range. Path analysis models revealed the predictive role of perceived stress in depression and sleep disturbance, as well as significant influence of depression and sleep disturbance on IL-6 and IL-1 beta levels. The findings support the efficacy of IBMS and Qigong interventions in relieving depression and sleep disturbance.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Yi-Yao Liang, Li-Dan Zhang, Xi Luo, Li-Li Wu, Zhao-Wei Chen, Guang-Hao Wei, Kai-Qing Zhang, Ze-An Du, Ren-Zhi Li, Kwok-Fai So, Ang Li
Summary: Age-related neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease have become a critical public health issue due to longer lifespans. Traditional AD therapies are ineffective and expensive, while bioactive substances released during physical exercise may provide neuroprotective effects.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhaodi Che, Yali Song, Chengfang Xu, Wei Li, Zhiyong Dong, Cunchuan Wang, Yixing Ren, Kwok-Fai So, George L. Tipoe, Fei Wang, Jia Xiao
Summary: Chronic alcohol consumption causes liver steatosis, cell death, and inflammation. Melatonin (MLT) has been found to alleviate alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-induced injury, and its direct regulating targets in hepatocytes are the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the downstream BRG1-TERT axis. MLT can effectively and safely protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage. It may serve as a complementary agent for individuals with alcoholism.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lingtai Yu, Mengfan Liu, Fuxiang Li, Qianghua Wang, Meizhi Wang, Kwok-Fai So, Yibo Qu, Libing Zhou
Summary: Celsr2 knockout improves the survival and axon regeneration of injured motoneurons by alleviating inhibitory synaptic stripping.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Ming Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Wai-Ching Lam, Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Runhua Wang, Yuanyuan Cai, Weicong Lu, Ruoxi Zhang, Robin Shao, Suk-Yu Yau, Brendon Stubbs, Roger S. McIntyre, Kuan-Pin Su, Guiyun Xu, Liangwen Qi, Kwok-Fai So, Kangguang Lin
Summary: This 3-month randomized psychoeducation-controlled trial examined the effects of exercise on gut microbiota in young adolescents with subthreshold depression. The exercise intervention group showed an increase in the relative abundance of certain genera and species of gut bacteria compared to the psychoeducation-controlled group. These changes were associated with improvements in depressive symptoms and enrichment of defense and signal transduction mechanisms.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Lijuan Zhang, Yafei Wang, Taohui Liu, Ying Mao, Bo Peng
Summary: Microglia, as immune cells in the central nervous system, play a crucial role in monitoring the environment and protecting neurons to maintain brain homeostasis. In diseased brains, microglia are important mediators of neuroinflammation and have been extensively studied for their involvement in neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the multifunctional contributions of microglia to homeostasis and their potential as therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on microglial replacement therapy.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Correction
Immunology
Yichun Huang, Yinghui Zheng, Fengmei Yang, Yicheng Feng, Kunyao Xu, Jun Wu, Shuang Qu, Zhexiong Yu, Fu Fan, Lu Huang, Meng Qin, Zhanlong He, Kaili Nie, Kwok-Fai So
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Lan Yan, Mei Wang, Fengzhen Yang, Yajie Wang, Siqi Wang, Kwok-Fai So, Li Zhang
Summary: Aerobic exercise relieves anxiety disorders by modulating neurogenesis and neural activity. The molecular mechanism of exercise-mediated anxiolysis is not fully understood. In a chronic restrain stress model in adolescent mice, 14-day treadmill exercise maintained normal neural activity and axonal myelination in the medial prefrontal cortex, preventing anxiety-like behaviors. Further investigation revealed activation of the mTOR pathway within the prefrontal cortex, mediated by exercise-induced brain RNA methylation inhibiting the expression of FMRP. Overall, treadmill exercise modulates the FMRP-mTOR pathway to maintain cortical neural activity and axonal myelination, improving stress resilience.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Ling-Ping Cen, Kevin K. Park, Kowk-Fai So
Summary: Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are crucial for transmitting visual information to the brain, and their loss or damage can result in partial or total vision loss. Accurate diagnosis is essential for timely treatment and prevention of irreversible RGC loss. Promoting RGC axon regeneration is vital for restoring vision, but several factors inhibit this process. Understanding the mechanisms of RGC survival and regeneration, as well as exploring potential therapies, is important for treating optic neuropathies.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Runwei Li, Shuang Qu, Meng Qin, Lu Huang, Yichun Huang, Yi Du, Zhexiong Yu, Fu Fan, Jing Sun, Qiushuang Li, Kwok-Fai So
Summary: Influenza, caused by a respiratory virus, has a significant global impact on human health. Influenza A viruses, in particular, are highly pathogenic and have caused multiple pandemics. An effective treatment strategy for viral pneumonia caused by influenza infection should focus on reducing direct damage from the virus and relieving excessive inflammation. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp), derived from the fruit of Lycium barbarum, has strong pro-immune activity and potential antiviral effects. This study evaluated the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of LbGp and its therapeutic effect on H1N1-induced viral pneumonia.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuchu Liu, Ji-an Wei, Zhihua Luo, Jing Cui, Yifan Luo, Sarah Oi Kwan Mak, Siqi Wang, Fengwei Zhang, Yan Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Lingling Shi, Li Zhang, Billy Kwok Chong Chow
Summary: Salt homeostasis is regulated by neural circuits and peripheral endocrine factors. The colon, a primary site for electrolyte absorption, might play a role in modulating sodium intake. This study discovered that the gastrointestinal hormone secretin, released from colon endocrine cells during sodium deficiency, is crucial for inducing salt appetite. Circulating secretin activates specific receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tracts, which in turn activates the downstream para-ventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, resulting in increased sodium intake. These findings reveal a previously unknown gut-brain pathway for the timely regulation of sodium homeostasis.
Article
Biology
Zhihua Luo, Junlin Chen, Yelin Dai, Kwok-Fai So, Li Zhang
Summary: Aerobic exercise effectively improves mental disorders by promoting adult neurogenesis. This study reveals that chronic restraint stress leads to overexcitation of the mPFC-BLA pathway, and 14-day treadmill exercise reverses these abnormalities. Chemogenetic studies demonstrate that the mPFC-BLA circuit is necessary for preventing anxiety-like behaviors in stressed mice. These findings suggest a neural circuitry mechanism by which exercise enhances resilience against environmental stress.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Liu, Fei Hao, Peng Hao, Jingxue Zhang, Liqiang Wang, Si-Wei You, Ningli Wang, Zhaoyang Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Xiaoguang Li
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Rosa C. Paolicelli, Amanda Sierra, Beth Stevens, Marie-Eve Tremblay, Adriano Aguzzi, Bahareh Ajami, Ido Amit, Etienne Audinat, Ingo Bechmann, Mariko Bennett, Frederick Bennett, Alain Bessis, Knut Biber, Staci Bilbo, Mathew Blurton-Jones, Erik Boddeke, Dora Brites, Bert Brone, Guy C. Brown, Oleg Butovsky, Monica J. Carson, Bernardo Castellano, Marco Colonna, Sally A. Cowley, Colm Cunningham, Dimitrios Davalos, Philip L. De Jager, Bart de Strooper, Adam Denes, Bart J. L. Eggen, Ukpong Eyo, Elena Galea, Sonia Garel, Florent Ginhoux, Christopher K. Glass, Ozgun Gokce, Diego Gomez-Nicola, Berta Gonzalez, Siamon Gordon, Manuel B. Graeber, Andrew D. Greenhalgh, Pierre Gressens, Melanie Greter, David H. Gutmann, Christian Haass, Michael T. Heneka, Frank L. Heppner, Soyon Hong, David A. Hume, Steffen Jung, Helmut Kettenmann, Jonathan Kipnis, Ryuta Koyama, Greg Lemke, Marina Lynch, Ania Majewska, Marzia Malcangio, Tarja Malm, Renzo Mancuso, Takahiro Masuda, Michela Matteoli, Barry W. McColl, Veronique E. Miron, Anna Victoria Molofsky, Michelle Monje, Eva Mracsko, Agnes Nadjar, Jonas J. Neher, Urte Neniskyte, Harald Neumann, Mami Noda, Bo Peng, Francesca Peri, V. Hugh Perry, Phillip G. Popovich, Clare Pridans, Josef Priller, Marco Prinz, Davide Ragozzino, Richard M. Ransohoff, Michael W. Salter, Anne Schaefer, Dorothy P. Schafer, Michal Schwartz, Mikael Simons, Cody J. Smith, Wolfgang J. Streit, Tuan Leng Tay, Li-Huei Tsai, Alexei Verkhratsky, Rommy von Bernhardi, Hiroaki Wake, Valerie Wittamer, Susanne A. Wolf, Long-Jun Wu, Tony Wyss-Coray
Summary: Microglial research has made significant progress, but the current classification system fails to accurately describe their diversity, leading to misconceptions about their functions. To address this issue, a group of multidisciplinary experts has proposed a naming framework and recommendations to help researchers better understand and describe the different states and functions of microglia.
