Review
Cell Biology
Sipin Zhu, Xiaoyong Hu, Samuel Bennett, Yuliang Mai, Jiake Xu
Summary: TAFA4 is a member of the TAFA chemokine like ligand family and involved in the regulation of various biological processes, including chemotaxis and phagocytosis of macrophages. It is predominantly expressed in nociceptors and plays a role in pain perception. TAFA4 mediates the chemoattraction and inflammatory response of macrophages through binding to the receptor FPR1.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Aidan McGinnis, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: Preclinical studies have found that glial cells play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain in conditions such as diabetes, chemotherapy, major surgeries, and virus infections. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit similar characteristics and functions in the genesis of neuropathic pain. However, SGCs are not simply peripheral astrocytes and have unique roles and interactions. Recent findings also suggest that SGCs are enriched with proteins related to fatty acid metabolism, which may have implications for novel therapeutic approaches targeting glial cells.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hannes Schmidt, Alexandra Bottcher, Tilman Gross, Achim Schmidtko
Summary: The cGMP signalling pathways play crucial roles in the somatosensory system, regulating physiological processes from embryonic development to adulthood. During embryonic development, a cGMP-dependent signalling cascade is essential for axon bifurcation, while in adulthood, various cGMP signalling pathways in different cell populations are involved in pain and itch processing.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiao-Xing Song, Lin-Yu Jin, Qiang Li, Xin-Feng Li, Yan Luo
Summary: This study investigated the antinociceptive effects of selective ER beta agonists on discogenic low back pain (DLBP) related behavior by regulating substance P in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. The results showed that activation of ER beta could improve both axial and radiating behavioral disorders of DLBP and decrease substance P content. This study provides a therapeutic target for managing DLBP in the clinic.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lei Yang, Beibei Liu, Shang Zheng, Longsheng Xu, Ming Yao
Summary: Bone cancer pain is a complex condition characterized by persistent, sudden, spontaneous pain accompanied by hyperalgesia. It is caused by bone metastases or primary bone tumors. The perception and transmission of pain signals involve peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and the brain. The mechanisms of bone cancer pain within the brain are not fully understood, but with advancements in brain science and technology, further research is being conducted.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jianshu Ni, Takahisa Suzuki, Sergei V. Karnup, Baojun Gu, Naoki Yoshimura
Summary: The neutralization of nerve growth factor (NGF) can reverse the Na+ channel plasticity of bladder afferent neurons in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI), which may be a possible underlying mechanism of bladder afferent hyperexcitability and detrusor overactivity after SCI.
Article
Neurosciences
Yiming Qiao, Liren Li, Liying Bai, Yan Gao, Yin Yang, Li Wang, Xueli Wang, Zongyi Liang, Ji-Tian Xu
Summary: This study investigated the role and underlying mechanisms of lysine-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) in inflammatory pain. The results showed that upregulation of KDM6B in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn aggravated inflammatory pain by facilitating the expression of TNF-alpha. Treatment with GSK-J4 and AAV-EGFP-KDM6B shRNA alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and inhibited the overproduction of TNF-alpha in the DRG and dorsal horn.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiaoxiong Wang, Wenxiang Li, Jianping Zhang, Jinze Li, Xianjin Zhang, Min Wang, Zhijian Wei, Shiqing Feng
Summary: This study reveals that axon regeneration after conditioning lesion is more pronounced in young mice than in old mice. The mechanism behind this difference is not clearly explained. By analyzing gene expression and constructing networks, AGTR1a is identified as a potential therapeutic target for spinal cord injury treatment.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Stephanie Puig, Howard B. Gutstein
Summary: The analgesic effect of opioids decreases over time due to the development of analgesic tolerance. In this study, we found that inhibition of the PDGFR-p signaling eliminated morphine analgesic tolerance in rats. PDGFR-p and PDGF-B were expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord, and their distribution did not change after chronic morphine exposure. However, PDGFR-p expression was downregulated in the substantia gelatinosa and upregulated in the dorsal root ganglia. These findings suggest potential mechanisms underlying opioid tolerance.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
X. Jia, G. Huang, S. Wang, M. Long, X. Tang, D. Feng, Q. Zhou
Summary: The microRNA miR-381 derived from MSC-EVs can promote the recovery of SCI through the BRD4/WNT5A axis, providing a new perspective on SCI treatment.
BONE & JOINT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tyler S. Nelson, Heather N. Allen, Paramita Basu, Pranav Prasoon, Eileen Nguyen, Cynthia M. Arokiaraj, Diogo F. S. Santos, Rebecca P. Seal, Sarah E. Ross, Andrew J. Todd, Bradley K. Taylor
Summary: Neuropeptide Y targets the Y1 receptor to produce analgesia in the spinal dorsal horn. The Y1-INs, which express the Y1 receptor, are necessary and sufficient for neuropathic hypersensitivity. This study identified three subpopulations of Y1-INs based on their coexpression with gastrin releasing peptide, neuropeptide FF, and cholecystokinin. Among these subpopulations, the Grp/Npy1r-INs were found to be conserved in higher order mammalian species and may represent a promising target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Xia, Dan Xiao, Heyi Luo, Jin Jin, Siyuan Ge, Xianglian Wang, Guichang Zou, Wei Xiong
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a complicated condition, but a study has found that spinal GlyRα1 is a key element in an intrinsic compensatory mechanism to alleviate the pain. This mechanism involves enhanced inhibitory glycinergic transmission and increased GlyRα1 protein expression levels. The upregulation of GlyRα1 is achieved through an intracellular signaling pathway. The study also suggests that a synthetic nonpsychoactive cannabinoid can potentiate spinal GlyR function and ultimately alleviate neuropathic pain.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Hilary R. Katz, Anthony A. Arcese, Ona Bloom, Jennifer R. Morgan
Summary: The regenerative capacity of vertebrate nervous system varies greatly among species and neuronal populations. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) has been identified as a conserved pro-regenerative factor that promotes neuronal axon regrowth and regeneration in various species. It is induced in neurons shortly after injury and its expression is found to be critical for axon regeneration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akiko Miyashita, Masaki Kobayashi, Takanori Yokota, Douglas W. Zochodne
Summary: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, characterized by progressive degeneration of sensory nerves. This review discusses the role of hyperglycemia and metabolic stressors in directly targeting sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), leading to axonal degeneration. It also explores potential therapeutic strategies, such as gene delivery and modulation of noncoding RNAs, to promote nerve regeneration in DPN.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jing-Hui Feng, Su-Min Sim, Jung-Seok Park, Jae-Seung Hong, Hong-Won Suh
Summary: This study found that acute cold-water swimming stress (CWSS) induced antinociception in mice and affected the expression of multiple signal molecules in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. This suggests that the antinociceptive effect induced by CWSS may be mediated by several molecules located in these regions.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Hanako Aoki, Miwa Higashi, Michi Okita, Noboru Ando, Shigeo Murayama, Kinya Ishikawa, Takanori Yokota
Summary: This study investigated the expression and function of the TK2 gene in spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31) and compared it with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS). The results showed that the expression and function of TK2 were preserved in SCA31 patients, indicating a mechanism distinct from MDS.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rieko Nishi, Masaki Ohyagi, Tetsuya Nagata, Yo Mabuchi, Takanori Yokota
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of systemically administered Chol-HDO to regulate activated Mg/M9 in neuroinflammation.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Genki Tohnai, Ryoichi Nakamura, Naoki Atsuta, Masahiro Nakatochi, Naoki Hayashi, Daisuke Ito, Hazuki Watanabe, Hirohisa Watanabe, Masahisa Katsuno, Yuishin Izumi, Akira Taniguchi, Kazuaki Kanai, Mitsuya Morita, Osamu Kano, Satoshi Kuwabara, Masaya Oda, Koji Abe, Masashi Aoki, Ikuko Aiba, Koichi Okamoto, Kouichi Mizoguchi, Tomohiko Ishihara, Akihiro Kawata, Takanori Yokota, Kazuko Hasegawa, Isao Nagano, Ichiro Yabe, Fumiaki Tanaka, Satoshi Kuru, Nobutaka Hattori, Kenji Nakashima, Ryuji Kaji, Gen Sobue
Summary: This study aimed to determine the frequencies and characteristics of DNAJC7 gene variants in a Japanese ALS cohort. Rare missense variants and one splice-site variant of DNAJC7 were detected in 807 Japanese patients with sporadic ALS. The variants were located around the TPR domain and the estimated frequency of DNAJC7 variants in Japanese ALS patients was 0.87%.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2022)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Yohsuke Yagi, Yutaro Asami, Mitsuki Kyoya, Takanori Yokota
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Yoichiro Nishida, Taro Ishiguro, Takanori Yokota
Article
Microscopy
Akane Yamada, Yoichiro Nishida, Kenjiro Wake, Ayako Nakamura, Yuriko Sakamaki, Hiroya Kuwahara, Toshiki Uchihara, Takanori Yokota
Summary: This study presents the first ultrastructural demonstration of GLUT1 molecules in coated vesicles, providing an explanation for its functional relevance in transporting glucose across BCECs. The successful localization of molecules in relation to target structures in native tissue samples helps to understand their functional relevance and their relationship to ultrastructural details.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Akiko Miyashita, Masaki Kobayashi, Satoru Ishibashi, Tetsuya Nagata, Ambika Chandrasekhar, Douglas W. Zochodne, Takanori Yokota
Summary: This study investigated the impact of silencing MALAT1 on the peripheral nervous system of diabetic mice. The results showed that silencing MALAT1 exacerbated the disease, indicating its important role in neuroprotection and splicing regulation in diabetic polyneuropathy. This study also demonstrated for the first time that a systemically delivered nucleotide therapy can directly influence DRG diabetic neurons and their axons.
Article
Cell Biology
Thunyarut Bannawongsil, Akane Yamada, Ayako Nakamura, Toshiki Uchihara, Takanori Yokota
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time the neuronal redistribution of injected IgG in the mouse brain. Neuronal internalization of exogenous IgG may be advantageous especially when the therapeutic targets of monoclonal IgG are intraneuronal.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Ryo Iwase, Tadashi Kanouchi, Toshitaka Yoshii, Taro Ishiguro, Takashi Hirai, Atsushi Okawa, Takanori Yokota, Nobuo Sanjo
JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Taiki Matsubayashi, Miho Akaza, Yuichi Hayashi, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi, Katsuya Satoh, Koki Kosami, Ryusuke Ae, Tetsuyuki Kitamoto, Masahito Yamada, Takayoshi Shimohata, Takanori Yokota, Nobuo Sanjo
Summary: Studies on the very early electroencephalography features prior to the emergence of generalized periodic discharges in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are rare. This study analyzed the EEG features of patients with sporadic CJD and found that the EEG characteristics varied among different types of CJD. The MRI results also showed differences. The findings suggest that early EEG may contribute to the early diagnosis of CJD.
JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kaori Taniguchi, Fumiko Yamamoto, Akiko Amano, Akira Tamaoka, Nobuo Sanjo, Takanori Yokota, Fuyuki Kametani, Wataru Araki
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that soluble amyloid-beta oligomers (AβOs) play a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AβOs induce neurotoxic and synaptotoxic effects by binding to certain receptors, specifically the GluN2B subunits of NMDA receptors and mGluR1. This study highlights the significance of these receptors in synaptic pathology in AD.
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Yuki Kobayashi, Naoki Yamagata, Seiichi Shimizu, Akira Machida
ACTA NEUROLOGICA BELGICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Akira Machida
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Naoki Yamagata, Hitomi Michizaki, Sayumi Komatsu, Yuki Kobayashi, Akira Machida
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Naoki Yamagata, Masashi Suzuki, Akira Machida
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)