Review
Clinical Neurology
Elena Di Martino, Aditya Rayasam, Zinaida S. Vexler
Summary: Injuries in the developing brain cause long-term neurological deficits. Neonatal and childhood strokes have similar regulatory mechanisms for brain damage, but also have distinct molecular signatures and cellular pathways. This review focuses on the similarities and differences observed in rodent models of these diseases, particularly the role of immune populations in modulating stroke outcome and the influence of inflammatory mediators at different brain maturation stages. Future treatments for stroke should be age-specific and consider gender differences for optimal translational success.
TRANSLATIONAL STROKE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
David Schafflick, Jolien Wolbert, Michael Heming, Christian Thomas, Maike Hartlehnert, Anna-Lena Boersch, Alessio Ricci, Sandra Martin-Salamanca, Xiaolin Li, I-Na Lu, Mathias Pawlak, Jens Minnerup, Jan-Kolja Strecker, Thomas Seidenbecher, Sven G. Meuth, Andres Hidalgo, Arthur Liesz, Heinz Wiendl, Gerd Meyer zu Horste
Summary: Recent findings suggest that CNS-associated border tissues have complex immunological functions, with the dura mater containing a large population of B cells that exhibit long-term tissue residency and maturation in experimental neuroinflammation. This identifies the dura as an unexpected site of B cell residence and potentially of development in both homeostasis and neuroinflammation.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huachen Huang, Mengxuan Shi, Caiyun Qi, Qi Tian, Handong Li, Mingming Liu, Minshu Li, Qiang Liu
Summary: S1PR modulation improves neurogenesis and functional recovery following brain ischemia by increasing the number of type A cells and promoting the proliferation of DCX+ cells.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ying Zhou, Haowen Qiao, Fang Xu, Wen Zhao, Jibo Wang, Longjun Gu, Pu Chen, Mian Peng
Summary: The human blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (hBCSFB) is important in regulating brain interstitial fluid homeostasis and disruptions in this barrier are associated with neurological diseases. However, there are few humanized BCSFB models available for research purposes. In this study, a bioengineered hBCSFB model was successfully created using primary human choroid plexus epithelial cells and human brain microvascular endothelial cells. This model accurately reproduces the tight junctions and molecular permeability of the hBCSFB, providing a valuable tool for studying neuroinflammation-related diseases.
Review
Immunology
Daniela C. Ivan, Sabrina Walthert, Kristina Berve, Jasmin Steudler, Giuseppe Locatelli
Summary: The CNS parenchyma is protected by a multilayered system of barriers that separate glia and neurons from peripheral circulation. Resident macrophages play a crucial role in organ homeostasis but can also contribute to disease evolution during inflammation. More research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions of immune cells in CNS border dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Elisa Floriddia, Michal Schwartz
Summary: This article celebrates the 25th anniversary of Nature Neuroscience and discusses the evolution and future direction of the field through conversations with established leaders and emerging researchers. Michal Schwartz, a neuroimmunologist and pioneer in studying the role of the immune system in physiology and diseases of the central nervous system, is highlighted as the winner of the 2023 Israel Prize in Life Sciences.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Guillaume Marc Albertini, Alexandra Malbon, Anne Staudacher, Fabio Stabile
Summary: A 2-year-old male Cane Corso was euthanized due to a week-long history of ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. MRI revealed intraventricular and spinal drop metastases. Histological examination confirmed a primary ventricular choroid plexus papilloma causing disseminated metastases. This is the first reported case of such occurrence.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
H. Westley Phillips, Jia-Shu Chen, Alexander M. Tucker, Kevin Ding, Alon Kashanian, Yasunori Nagahama, Gary W. Mathern, Alexander G. Weil, Aria Fallah
Summary: To prevent posthemispherectomy hydrocephalus (PHH), open choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) was incorporated into the procedure. Patients who underwent CPC had a lower rate of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting for PHH and similar rates of seizure freedom and postoperative complications. The incorporation of routine CPC effectively prevented PHH without causing additional complications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Wang, David Sievert, Alex E. Clark, Sangmoon Lee, Hannah Federman, Benjamin D. Gastfriend, Eric V. Shusta, Sean P. Palecek, Aaron F. Carlin, Joseph G. Gleeson
Summary: Research findings suggest that pericytes may serve as important portals for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the nervous system. Introducing pericyte-like cells (PLCs) into cortical organoids can provide an experimental model that supports virus entry and replication.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huixin Xu, Ryann M. Fame, Cameron Sadegh, Jason Sutin, Christopher Naranjo, Della Syau, Jin Cui, Frederick B. Shipley, Amanda Vernon, Fan Gao, Yong Zhang, Michael J. Holtzman, Myriam Heiman, Benjamin C. Warf, Pei-Yi Lin, Maria K. Lehtinen
Summary: NKCC1 regulates the clearance of both CSF K+ and fluid volume through the choroid plexus during postnatal development in mice, implicating NKCC1 in regulating CSF clearance in the critical period during postnatal neurodevelopment.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aditya Rayasam, Amin Mottahedin, Joel Faustino, Carina Mallard, Zinaida S. Vexler
Summary: The study shows that CD36 plays a role in regulating brain injury in neonatal mice by affecting cell trafficking, particularly in the choroid plexus where inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils are involved in the process.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Federico E. Turkheimer, Noha Althubaity, Julia Schubert, Maria A. Nettis, Oliver Cousins, Danai Dima, Valeria Mondelli, Edward T. Bullmore, Carmine Pariante, Mattia Veronese
Summary: The studies suggest that peripheral inflammation may lead to a reduction in blood-brain barrier permeability, disrupting brain homeostasis and inducing depressive symptoms.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samudyata, Ana O. Oliveira, Susmita Malwade, Nuno Rufino de Sousa, Sravan K. Goparaju, Jessica Gracias, Funda Orhan, Laura Steponaviciute, Martin Schalling, Steven D. Sheridan, Roy H. Perlis, Antonio G. Rothfuchs, Carl M. Sellgren
Summary: Neuropsychiatric manifestations are common in SARS-CoV-2 infection, but their mechanisms are unknown. Using a brain organoid model, researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers neuronal cell death and disrupts circuit integrity through microglia-mediated synapse elimination, potentially contributing to cognitive impairments in COVID-19 patients.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting Chen, Xiaoxiao Tan, Fan Xia, Ya Hua, Richard F. Keep, Guohua Xi
Summary: The study found that macrophages in the choroid plexus play a key role in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus. Injection of Prx2 into the choroid plexus can alter the number, location, and immunophenotype of macrophages, while co-injection of clodronate liposomes can reduce the number of macrophages and attenuate Prx2-induced hydrocephalus and ventricular wall damage.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shashi Kant Tiwari, Shaobo Wang, Davey Smith, Aaron F. Carlin, Tariq M. Rana
Summary: Researchers generated iPSC-derived lung and brain organoids, finding that lung organoids are highly permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection, while brain organoids are less susceptible. These findings will aid in understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and drug discovery.
Editorial Material
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Zaal Kokaia, Olle Lindvall
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giedre Miskinyte, Marita Gronning Hansen, Emanuela Monni, Matti Lam, Johan Bengzon, Olle Lindvall, Henrik Ahlenius, Zaal Kokaia
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Palma-Tortosa, Daniel Tornero, Marita Gronning Hansen, Emanuela Monni, Mazin Hajy, Sopiko Kartsivadze, Sibel Aktay, Oleg Tsupykov, Malin Parmar, Karl Deisseroth, Galyna Skibo, Olle Lindvall, Zaal Kokaia
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tamar Memanishvili, Emanuela Monni, Jemal Tatarishivili, Olle Lindvall, Alexander Tsiskaridze, Zaal Kokaia, Daniel Tornero
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Marita Gronning Hansen, Cecilia Laterza, Sara Palma-Tortosa, Giedre Kvist, Emanuela Monni, Oleg Tsupykov, Daniel Tornero, Naomi Uoshima, Jordi Soriano, Johan Bengzon, Gianvito Martino, Galyna Skibo, Olle Lindvall, Zaal Kokaia
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Giuseppe Santopolo, Jens P. Magnusson, Olle Lindvall, Zaal Kokaia, Jonas Frisen
Review
Cell Biology
Sara Palma-Tortosa, Berta Coll-San Martin, Zaal Kokaia, Daniel Tornero
Summary: Stem cell therapy using human skin-derived neural precursors shows promise for stroke treatment, with mechanisms including bystander effect and neuronal replacement/integration improving recovery in animal models. Advanced research tools provide solid evidence for these mechanisms, and clinical trials support the feasibility of stem cell-based neuronal replacement in humans.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Daniel Tornero
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Estefania Estevez-Priego, Martina Moreno-Fina, Emanuela Monni, Zaal Kokaia, Jordi Soriano, Daniel Tornero
Summary: Models for human brain-oriented research often rely on rodent primary cultures, which lack cellular specificity and molecular cues. In this study, we compared human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cultures with rat primary cultures for their dynamic and functional behavior. We found that hiPSC-derived cultures exhibited progressively richer activity patterns and functional traits during development, making them excellent models for studying neuronal assembly development and monitoring alterations caused by damage or neurodegeneration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marc Montala-Flaquer, Clara F. Lopez-Leon, Daniel Tornero, Akke Mats Houben, Tanguy Fardet, Pascal Monceau, Samuel Bottani, Jordi Soriano
Summary: Neuronal cultures grown on specific topographical patterns exhibit rich spatiotemporal activity patterns and the emergence of functional modules associated with the topographical features and activity patterns.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ines Pereira, Maria J. Lopez-Martinez, Aranzazu Villasante, Clelia Introna, Daniel Tornero, Josep M. Canals, Josep Samitier
Summary: In this study, a composite biomaterial consisting of GelMA, AlgMA, and HA was developed to mimic the ECM of the brain and support the long-term differentiation of NPCs. The biomaterial exhibited desired physical properties for printing defined structures and maintained high cell viability throughout the culture. The NPCs cultured in this biomaterial showed increased maturation and functional properties, as demonstrated by the formation of a neuronal network and spontaneous activity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Itzy Morales E. Pantoja, Lena Smirnova, Alysson R. Muotri, Karl J. Wahlin, Jeffrey Kahn, J. Lomax Boyd, David H. Gracias, Timothy D. Harris, Tzahi Cohen-Karni, Brain S. Caffo, Alexander S. Szalay, Fang Han, Donald J. Zack, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Akwasi Akwaboah, July Carolina Romero, Dowlette-Mary Alam El Din, Jesse D. Plotkin, Barton L. Paulhamus, Erik C. Johnson, Frederic Gilbert, J. Lowry Curley, Ben Cappiello, Jens C. Schwamborn, Eric J. Hill, Paul Roach, Daniel Tornero, Caroline Krall, Rheinallt Parri, Fenna Sille, Andre Levchenko, Rabih E. Jabbour, Brett J. Kagan, Cynthia A. Berlinicke, Qi Huang, Alexandra Maertens, Kathrin Herrmann, Katya Tsaioun, Raha Dastgheyb, Christa Whelan Habela, Joshua T. Vogelstein, Thomas Hartung
Summary: The brain is a powerful computation system with efficient processing and adaptability. Advances in stem cell technology have led to the development of three-dimensional brain organoids that better mimic human brain functionality. Organoid Intelligence aims to use these capabilities for biocomputing and synthetic intelligence. Understanding how learning changes organoid connectivity can shed light on cognition in the human brain.
FRONTIERS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Sara Teller, Estefania Estevez-Priego, Clara Granell, Daniel Tornero, Jordi Andilla, Omar E. Olarte, Pablo Loza-Alvarez, Alex Arenas, Jordi Soriano
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Antonietta Ajmone-Cat, Angela Onori, Camilla Toselli, Eleonora Stronati, Mariangela Morlando, Irene Bozzoni, Emanuela Monni, Zaal Kokaia, Giuseppe Lupo, Luisa Minghetti, Stefano Biagioni, Emanuele Cacci
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)