Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miranda Mele, Pasqualino De Luca, Ana Rita Santos, Marta Vieira, Ivan L. Salazar, Paulo S. Pinheiro, Carlos B. Duarte
Summary: This study investigated the regulation of the synaptic protein GRASP1 by ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms, revealing an impact on the surface distribution and activity of AMPA receptors. Ubiquitination was found to decrease dendritic levels of GRASP1 and surface expression of GluA1 subunits, leading to a reduction in mEPSC amplitudes, effects that were partially reversed by cotransfection with GRASP1.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Paul C. Bressloff
Summary: In this paper, the relaxation to steady state of intracellular diffusion in a pair of cells with gap junction coupling is analyzed. The local accumulation time is calculated and it is found to be a monotonically increasing function of spatial position. Both static and dynamic gap junction models are considered.
Review
Neurosciences
Magdalena Pereyra, Jorge H. Medina
Summary: Retrieval is a highly regulated and dynamic phase in memory processing, where AMPA receptors play a crucial role in supporting transient memory trace reactivation. The dynamic movements and changes in receptor number and subunit composition of AMPAR during retrieval greatly impact memory recall through their differential regulations in plasticity processes.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Magdalena Pereyra, Ana Belen de Landeta, Juliana Fatima Dalto, Cynthia Katche, Jorge H. Medina
Summary: The study shows that the activity of mTORC1 signaling pathway is crucial for the normal expression of aversive and non-aversive long-term memories during memory retrieval. Specifically, the de novo synthesis of GluA1 and GluA2 AMPAR subunits plays an important role in memory retrieval, with mTORC1 potentially regulating AMPAR trafficking during this process.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Shu-Ling Chiu, Chih-Ming Chen, Richard L. Huganir
Summary: The study revealed a novel function of ICA69 in AMPAR trafficking, synaptic plasticity, and animal cognition. ICA69 regulates the distribution and stability of PICK1 in neurons, which impacts AMPAR function in the brain. The genetic deletion of ICA69 selectively impairs NMDAR-dependent LTP and leads to behavioral deficits in spatial and associative learning and memory.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Yao Q. Wang, Yanhua H. Huang, Saju Balakrishnan, Lidong Liu, Yu Tian Wang, Eric J. Nestler, Oliver M. Schluter, Yan Dong
Summary: This study elucidates the dynamic interactions between AMPARs and NMDARs during the generation and maturation of silent synapses in the NAc after cocaine experience. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for manipulating new synaptic contacts and potentially new neural network patterns created by these synapses for therapeutic benefit.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Longfei Cheng, Keen Chen, Jiong Li, Jiaming Wu, Jiaqi Zhang, Li Chen, Guoqing Guo, Jifeng Zhang
Summary: CRMP2 can promote the surface expression of AMPA receptor GluA1 subunit in hippocampal neurons and in HEK293T cells expressing GluA1 subunits, through interaction with GluA1 and regulation by Cdk5 phosphorylation.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Jeremy M. Henley, Jithin D. Nair, Richard Seager, Busra P. Yucel, Gavin Woodhall, Benjamin S. Henley, Karolina Talandyte, Hope I. Needs, Kevin A. Wilkinson
Summary: Epilepsy is caused by abnormal neuronal network activity. The review focuses on the role and regulation of kainate and AMPA receptors in seizure activity, discussing the impact of GluK2 and GluA2 subunits on their respective receptors' properties.
Article
Neurosciences
Thomas P. Cast, Daniel J. Boesch, Kim Smyth, Alisa E. Shaw, Michael Ghebrial, Soham Chanda
Summary: The amino acid substitution mutation (R101Q) in the NLGN4 gene impairs the maturation and surface trafficking of NLGN4 protein, leading to reduced synaptic localization and functional impact on neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Robert F. Niescier, Yu-Chih Lin
Summary: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition associated with difficulties in social interaction and communication. Intensive research has revealed an association with a large number and variety of low-penetrance genes. Genes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions that share the autism comorbidity include Fragile X syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis.
Article
Neurosciences
Peter M. Matthews, Alexandra Pinggera, Domen Kampjut, Ingo H. Greger
Summary: AMP-type glutamate receptors in the central nervous system are predominantly involved in excitatory synaptic transmission, with their signaling properties and abundance at synapses being crucial for synapse efficacy and plasticity. Unique to these receptors is the presence of interacting proteins that play a role in their complex regulation, including transient interactions with the receptor cytoplasmic tail and the N-terminal domain. Additionally, an array of transmembrane proteins act as auxiliary subunits impacting receptor trafficking, stabilization, gating, and pharmacology.
Article
Immunology
Roberto R. Ricardo-Gonzalez, Maya E. Kotas, Claire E. O'Leary, Katelyn Singh, William Damsky, Chang Liao, Elizabeth Arouge, Iliana Tenvooren, Diana M. Marquez, Andrew W. Schroeder, Jarish N. Cohen, Marlys S. Fassett, Jinwoo Lee, Scott G. Daniel, Kyle Bittinger, Roberto Efrain Diaz, James S. Fraser, Niwa Ali, K. Mark Ansel, Matthew H. Spitzer, Hong-Erh Liang, Richard M. Locksley
Summary: This study reveals that the control of Demodex mite colonization in hair follicles in mice depends on group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and its receptor, IL-4Ra-IL-13Ra1. ILC2s produce IL-13 which inhibits the proliferation of hair follicles and epithelial cells, preventing excessive growth caused by Demodex infestation. Human patients with rhinophymatous acne rosacea, associated with Demodex, also show increased follicular inflammation and decreased type 2 cytokines, similar to the findings in mice.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco A. Alfonzo-Mendez, Kem A. Sochacki, Marie-Paule Strub, Justin W. Taraska
Summary: The study reveals the interaction between growth factor signaling and cell adhesion, and highlights the role of flat clathrin lattices in enhancing signal transduction.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Joyce Keifer
Summary: An in vitro model was used to investigate the synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying the acquisition of associative learning. The model replaced real stimuli with patterned stimulation of cranial nerves using an isolated turtle brainstem preparation. The primary findings demonstrated the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in learning acquisition. It was shown that the intact cerebellum was not necessary for the acquisition of conditioned responses (CRs), but the appropriate timing was crucial. Synaptic mechanisms involving AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking were found to play a role, regulated by specific signal transduction cascades and guided by protein chaperones. The expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein was central to AMPAR trafficking and conditioning, regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. A hypothesis was proposed suggesting that learning genes like BDNF are poised for rapid activation or repression in response to environmental stimuli through chromatin modifications. These in vitro studies have greatly contributed to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying associative learning.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Song, Ting Gao, Wenjing Li, Chunman Yuan, Jiarui Hao, Xinyu Xia
Summary: Aluminum inhibits the trafficking of AMPA receptors through its effect on the palmitoylation/depalmitoylation cycle. Decreased palmitoylation levels of AMPA receptors may be a mechanism of Al action.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eamonn J. Dickson
Summary: Phosphoinositides, a family of signaling lipids, play a crucial role in regulating protein function at the interface between cellular membranes. Mutations or changes in phosphoinositide metabolizing enzymes can lead to various disorders, such as developmental, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders, which have devastating effects on human health. This review focuses on the transport and metabolism of phosphoinositide lipids at membrane contact sites.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF LIPIDS
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Jill B. Jensen, Bjoern H. Falkenburger, Eamonn J. Dickson, Lizbeth de la Cruz, Gucan Dai, Jongyun Myeong, Seung-Ryoung Jung, Martin Kruse, Oscar Vivas, Byung-Chang Suh, Bertil Hille
Summary: Phosphoinositide membrane lipids, as low-abundance signaling molecules, play important roles in cellular processes and are regulated by physiological stimuli. Recent biophysical experiments have measured and modeled the dynamics and regulation of these signals, revealing their control over rapid physiological responses.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Fosch, Maria Rodriguez-Garcia, Cristina Miralpeix, Sebastian Zagmutt, Maite Larranaga, Ana Cristina Reguera, Jesus Garcia-Chica, Laura Herrero, Dolors Serra, Nuria Casals, Rosalia Rodriguez-Rodriguez
Summary: Sensing of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) in the hypothalamus modulates energy balance and disruption leads to obesity. The effects of saturated or unsaturated LCFA on hypothalamic-brown adipose tissue (BAT) axis and underlying mechanisms were investigated. Unsaturated LCFA increased BAT thermogenesis through CPT1C-mediated FA metabolism shift, while saturated LCFA did not. These findings provide new insight into neuronal circuitries activated by LCFA to drive thermogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Muley, Karmele Valencia, Josefina Casas, Bea Moreno, Luis Botella, Fernando Lecanda, Rut Fado, Nuria Casals
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and chemoresistance is a major obstacle to patient survival. CPT1C expression has been found to be associated with plasma membrane remodelling and drug resistance in breast cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker for breast cancer chemotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Rut Fado, Sebastian Zagmutt, Laura Herrero, Helena Muley, Rosalia Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Huichang Bi, Dolors Serra, Nuria Casals
Summary: There is a need for reliable genetic biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of different tumor types. One potential biomarker is CPT1C, a neuronal protein involved in cancer cell adaptation to nutrient depletion and hypoxia. However, its molecular role in cancer cells is controversial. This review discusses the evidence on CPT1C in neurons and its potential role in lipid metabolism and cell adaptation to stressors in cancer cells.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Sires, Mateo Pazo-Gonzalez, Joaquin Lopez-Soriano, Ana Mendez, Enrique J. J. de la Rosa, Pedro de la Villa, Joan X. X. Comella, Catalina Hernandez-Sanchez, Montse Sole
Summary: The short and long isoforms of FAIM play important roles in the central nervous system and are highly expressed in the retina. Knockout of Faim gene in mice leads to functional loss of rod photoreceptor and ganglion cells, as well as a delay in dark adaptation. Abnormal redistribution of Arrestin-1 and its ubiquitination may contribute to the impairments observed in Faim knockout mice.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Montse Sole, Paula Marazuela, Laura Castellote, Anna Bonaterra-Pastra, Lydia Gimenez-Llort, Mar Hernandez-Guillamon
Summary: This study explores the therapeutic application of a natural variant of apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), ApoA-I-Milano (M), for Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a drug reprofiling approach. The results indicate that intraperitoneal treatment with human recombinant ApoA-I-M protein can improve cognitive ability, affect beta-amyloid levels in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, and regulate vascular markers.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Karis Little, Aditi Singh, Angel Del Marco, Maria Llorian-Salvador, Maria Vargas-Soria, Mireia Turch-Anguera, Montse Sole, Noelle Bakker, Sarah Scullion, Joan X. Comella, Ingeborg Klaassen, Rafael Simo, Monica Garcia-Alloza, Vijay K. Tiwari, Alan W. Stitt
Summary: Type 2 diabetes affects the cellular and molecular architecture of the cerebral cortex, leading to dysfunctions in the neurovascular unit and cognitive decline. This study identifies gene expression changes and cell population alterations in the cerebral cortex of diabetic mice and individuals with type 2 diabetes, providing insights into the pathogenesis of cognitive decline in diabetes.
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Alice Louail, Iker Bengoetxea de Tena, Rocio Rojas, Nuria Casals
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Guillermo Iborra-Lazaro, Souhail Djebari, Irene Sanchez-Rodriguez, Esther Gratacos-Batlle, Nuria Sanchez-Fernandez, Marija Radosevic, Nuria Casals, Juan de Dios Navarro-Lopez, David Soto del Cerro, Lydia Jimenez-Diaz
Summary: CPT1C is a neuron-specific protein that is widely distributed in the CNS and expressed in various brain regions. Its deficiency has been shown to disrupt dendritic spine maturation and AMPA receptor synthesis and trafficking, affecting synaptic plasticity and cognitive processes.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Casas, Karl D. Murray, Keiko Hino, Nicholas C. Vierra, Sergi Simo, James S. Trimmer, Rose E. Dixon, Eamonn J. Dickson
Summary: The loss of NPC1 function alters the nanoscale distribution and function of ion channels, leading to abnormal calcium entry, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotoxicity. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms connecting NPC1 loss to NPC-associated neuropathology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Taylor L. Voelker, Silvia Garcia del Villar, Maartje F. Westhoff, Andrea M. Coleman, Mary C. Horne, Johannes Hell, Eamonn J. Dickson, Rose E. Dixon
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Maartje Westhoff, Silvia G. del Villar, Taylor L. Voelker, Eamonn J. Dickson, Rose E. Dixon
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)