Article
Biology
Charles Ducrot, Gregory de Carvalho, Benoit Delignat-Lavaud, Constantin V. L. Delmas, Priyabrata Halder, Nicolas Giguere, Consiglia Pacelli, Sriparna Mukherjee, Marie-Josee Bourque, Martin Parent, Lulu Y. Chen, Louis-Eric Trudeau
Summary: Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons play a crucial role in regulating basal ganglia functions, and their connectivity and neurotransmission are influenced by neuroligins, particularly their interaction with neurexins. This study investigated the role of neurexins in DA neuron neurotransmission and found that mice lacking neurexins in DA neurons exhibited impaired locomotor response to amphetamine, decreased levels of DAT, increased levels of VMAT2, and reduced activity-dependent DA release. Electrophysiological recordings also revealed increased GABA co-release from DA neuron axons in these mice.
Article
Neurosciences
Kyoko Tossell, Rakesh A. Dodhia, Benjamin Galet, Olga Tkachuk, Mark A. Ungless
Summary: This study found evidence of a tonic GABAergic input in midbrain dopamine neurons, with low concentrations of GABA persistently activating certain GABA(A) receptor subtypes. Global increases in GABA release further amplified this tonic current. Prolonged inhibition of local GABAergic neurons abolished the tonic current, suggesting a unique mechanism involving alpha 4 beta epsilon subunits. Additionally, the tonic current reduced excitability in dopamine neurons, indicating a subtractive effect on firing activity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Randi, Andrew M. Leifer
Summary: This paper investigates the time-dependent functional connectivity between neurons in the brain, using nonequilibrium Green's functions to describe the dynamic behavior of neuron networks. Through numerical calculations and examples inspired by Caenorhabditis elegans, the relationship between connectivity and response functions is demonstrated.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Abagael M. Lasseigne, Fabio A. Echeverry, Sundas Ijaz, Jennifer Carlisle Michel, E. Anne Martin, Audrey J. Marsh, Elisa Trujillo, Kurt C. Marsden, Alberto E. Pereda, Adam C. Miller
Summary: This study investigated the functional relationship between neuronal Connexins and ZO1, revealing that ZO1 is crucial for the localization of synaptic Connexins, while Connexins are not necessary for ZO1 localization. Disruption of this hierarchical ZO1/Connexin relationship abolishes electrical transmission and disrupts Mauthner cell-initiated escape responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinbiao Chen, Yang Zhao, Fan Zhang, Jia Li, Jade A. Boland, Ngan Ching Cheng, Ken Liu, Jessamy C. Tiffen, Patrick Bertolino, David G. Bowen, Andreas Krueger, Leszek Lisowski, Ian E. Alexander, Mathew A. Vadas, Emad El-Omar, Jennifer R. Gamble, Geoffrey W. McCaughan
Summary: MiR-181 expression is increased in hepatocellular carcinoma, and it plays important roles in tumorigenesis and regulating immune and vascular cells. Knockout of miR-181 reduces the size and number of liver tumors and partially reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumors. Up-regulation of CBX7 expression is involved in the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-181.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louisa E. Linders, Lefkothea Patrikiou, Mariano Soiza-Reilly, Evelien H. S. Schut, Bram F. van Schaffelaar, Leonard Boger, Inge G. Wolterink-Donselaar, Mieneke C. M. Luijendijk, Roger A. H. Adan, Frank J. Meye
Summary: This study reveals the relationship between stress and eating behavior and identifies the neural mechanisms involved. It shows that stress strengthens the connection between the lateral hypothalamus and the dopamine system, leading to overconsumption of high-caloric food.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ziyi Li, Olivia Ewi Vidjro, Gengni Guo, Yanfeng Du, Yao Zhou, Qian Xie, Jiaxin Li, Keqiang Gao, Li Zhou, Tengfei Ma
Summary: This study found that inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome can reduce alcohol intake and anxiety-like behavior by regulating glutamatergic transmission in corticostriatal circuits. These findings provide a potential anti-inflammatory target for treating alcohol use disorders.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Nagy, Katelin A. Ennis, Ru Wei, Susan C. Su, Christopher A. Hinckley, Rong-Fang Gu, Benbo Gao, Ramiro H. Massol, Chris Ehrenfels, Luke Jandreski, Ankur M. Thomas, Ashley Nelson, Stefka Gyoneva, Mihaly Hajos, Linda C. Burkly
Summary: The TWEAK/Fn14 signaling pathway has been found to acutely dampen synaptic transmission and plasticity in the adult mouse hippocampal slices. Blocking this pathway can improve synaptic function in certain models, indicating its potential therapeutic value in modifying synaptic physiology in the mature brain.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Constanze Krohs, Christoph Koerber, Lena Ebbers, Faiza Altaf, Giulia Hollje, Simone Hoppe, Yvette Doerflinger, Haydn M. Prosser, Hans Gerd Nothwang
Summary: A point mutation in miR-96 leads to hearing loss and alters the structure of the central auditory system. Mir-183/96 gene cluster deletion in mice results in reduced volumes of auditory hindbrain nuclei and changes in synaptic transmission. These genetic alterations impact synaptic functions and morphology in the auditory hindbrain.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yinxiu Chi, Yu Chen, Wang Jiang, Wenjie Huang, Mingxing Ouyang, Lei Liu, Yan Pan, Jingjing Li, Xiangping Qu, Huijun Liu, Chi Liu, Linhong Deng, Xiaoqun Qin, Yang Xiang
Summary: ITGB4 deficiency leads to increased lung tissue stiffness, impairing the adaptation of bronchial epithelial cells to substrate stiffness and potentially associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wang, Xiao-yun Qiu, Jia-ying Liu, Bei Tan, Fei Wang, Min-juan Sun, Xu-hong Jiang, Xu-ming Ji, Ceng-lin Xu, Yi Wang, Zhong Chen
Summary: In this study, the therapeutic potential of borneol, a plant-derived compound, in the treatment of epilepsy was investigated. Borneol showed anti-seizure effects in acute and chronic epilepsy models and also regulated neurotransmission. The findings suggest that borneol could be a promising candidate for anti-seizure pharmacotherapy.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xianshu Ju, Jianchen Cui, Yulim Lee, Sangil Park, Boohwi Hong, Sungho Yoo, Yoon Hee Kim, Youngkwon Ko, Chaeseong Lim, Sun Yeul Lee, Gi Ryang Kweon, Jun Young Heo, Woosuk Chung
Summary: This study reveals that short-interval anesthetic exposures may induce significant behavioral and neurophysiological changes, especially in female mice, while long-interval exposures show no lasting consequences. Increasing the interval between multiple exposures may reduce neurotoxic effects.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Adele Mornas, Sebastien Racinais, Franck Brocherie, Marine Alhammoud, Robin Hager, Yanis Desmedt, Gael Guilhem
Summary: This study demonstrates that heat exposure accelerates muscle contraction through faster electrochemical processes, reducing electromechanical delay without affecting force transmission.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kensuke Sasaki, Andrew S. Terker, Jiaqi Tang, Shirong Cao, Juan Pablo Arroyo, Aolei Niu, Suwan Wang, Xiaofeng Fan, Yahua Zhang, Stephanie R. Bennett, Ming-zhi Zhang, Raymond C. Harris
Summary: This study demonstrates that aristolochic acid (AA) directly stimulates migration, inflammation, and ROS production in macrophages. Additionally, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) plays a key role in regulating macrophage migration and phenotype. Knockout mice lacking IRF4 show protection from AA-induced kidney damage due to reduced macrophage infiltration and increased apoptosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Bingke Ma, Xingyue Shan, Juehua Yu, Tailin Zhu, Ren Li, Hui Lv, Haidi Cheng, Tiantian Zhang, Lihua Wang, Feiyang Wei, Bo Meng, Xiaobing Yuan, Bing Mei, Xiao-Yong Zhang, Wei-Guang Li, Fei Li
Summary: This study identifies bidirectional dysregulation of Rac1 activity in the medial prefrontal cortex as a crucial mechanism for shared social deficits in mice. The dysregulation leads to excessive or inadequate excitability control, as well as changes in glutamate or GABA concentrations.
Review
Developmental Biology
Seon Hye E. Park, Ana K. Ortiz, Genevieve Konopka
Summary: This review summarizes the application of single-cell genomics techniques in studying neurodevelopment, focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms governing cortical progenitor proliferation, cell lineage progression, neuronal specification, and arealization. Recent advances in epigenomic and posttranscriptional regulation of corticogenesis are also examined. The challenges and promising future applications of single cell technologies are discussed.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stefano Berto, Alex H. Treacher, Emre Caglayan, Danni Luo, Jillian R. Haney, Michael J. Gandal, Daniel H. Geschwind, Albert A. Montillo, Genevieve Konopka
Summary: This study integrates gene expression data from brains of neurotypical individuals and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify disrupted brain expression patterns in individuals with ASD, particularly genes associated with voltage-gated ion channels and inhibitory neurons. The research also highlights differences in the developmental trajectory of certain genes in individuals with ASD compared to controls, and shows that the primary visual cortex is the most affected region in ASD.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yukiko Nakamura, Takuya Sumi, Osamu Mitani, Takashi Okamoto, Erika Kubo, Kuniharu Masui, Makoto Kondo, Yoshihisa Koyama, Noriyoshi Usui, Shoichi Shimada
Summary: The study found that a drug called SR 57227A can alleviate pain-like behaviors without causing preference behaviors like opioid drugs. This research is important for seeking alternatives to opioids for the treatment of chronic pain.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Miyuki Doi, Nanako Nakama, Takuya Sumi, Noriyoshi Usui, Shoichi Shimada
Summary: The study indicates that prenatal exposure to METH leads to dysfunction of fetal insulin production in the pancreas and reduction of glycogen cells in the placental junctional zone, affecting glucose metabolism and having negative effects on fetal development.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengwei Li, Noriyoshi Usui, Shoichi Shimada
Summary: Sexual differentiation is a crucial process that leads to sex differences. Understanding the causes and mechanisms behind these differences can provide valuable insights into the development of neurodevelopmental disorders with sex biases. This review examines the association between prenatal testosterone exposure and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the sex-specific behaviors in individuals with ASD. It also explores the potential role of maternal immune activation-induced developmental abnormalities in ASD and suggests a future approach for studying sex biases in ASD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Danielle Guez-Barber, Amelia J. Eisch, Ana G. G. Cristancho
Summary: Epidemiological studies suggest that social determinants of health play a significant role in developmental outcomes after prenatal and perinatal brain injuries. Animal models have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms affected by developmental brain injuries and the impact of social environments on brain maturation. Combining animal models with studies on social construct can offer insights into recovery pathways and the development of novel treatment strategies. Further research is needed to understand the effects of adverse social conditions on developmental brain injury and recovery.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shristi Pandey, Anna J. Moyer, Summer B. Thyme
Summary: The zebrafish telencephalon has different types of neuronal cells that regulate complex behaviors. This study analyzed single-cell transcriptomes of cells from different ages to identify the cell types and their development. The results showed that some neuronal subtypes emerge or expand in number later in development. This research provides important insights into the transcriptional signatures and development of zebrafish telencephalon.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noriyoshi Usui, Hikaru Kobayashi, Shoichi Shimada
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication impairments, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory sensitivities, caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. Recent studies have suggested that inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD. This review focuses on the role of maternal immune activation (MIA), a common environmental risk factor during pregnancy, in inducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta and fetal brain, leading to neurodevelopmental impairments and behavioral symptoms in offspring. Additionally, the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants in both animal and clinical studies of ASD are discussed. The review provides new insights into the involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ASD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Danielle Guez-Barber, Lorianna M. Colon, Dana Raphael, Max A. Wragan, Sanghee Yun, Amelia J. Eisch
Summary: Microglia are immune cells in the brain that play a supportive role in brain function and response to disease and injury. Sex differences in microglia have been observed in early life stages in rodents. However, the sex differences in the dentate gyrus (DG) at the P10 stage have not been assessed, providing a baseline for interpreting microglia changes after injury.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashley G. Anderson, Ashwinikumar Kulkarni, Genevieve Konopka
Summary: This study integrates single-cell datasets from both embryonic and postnatal timepoints to analyze the developmental trajectory patterns and transcription factor regulatory networks within striatal cell types. It reveals that dopamine receptor-1 expressing spiny projection neurons have an extended period of transcriptional dynamics and greater transcriptional complexity over postnatal development.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emre Caglayan, Fatma Ayhan, Yuxiang Liu, Rachael M. Vollmer, Emily Oh, Chet C. Sherwood, Todd M. Preuss, Soojin V. Yi, Genevieve Konopka
Summary: The unique functionalities of the human brain are contributed by human-specific genomic changes. The cellular heterogeneity and complex gene regulation of the human brain necessitate the characterization of human-specific molecular features at the cellular level. In this study, single-nucleus RNA sequencing and single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing were used to analyze human, chimpanzee, and rhesus macaque brain tissue, revealing an increase in human-specific oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and a decrease in mature oligodendrocytes across cortical tissues. The study also identified human-specific regulatory changes in neuronal subtypes and new human accelerated genomic regions associated with chromatin accessibility changes.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nanako Nakama, Noriyoshi Usui, Miyuki Doi, Shoichi Shimada
Summary: In recent years, it has been discovered that early life stress (ELS), also known as stress in childhood, has an impact on the mental health of individuals from childhood to adulthood. Child maltreatment (CM), which refers to inappropriate childcare practices, negatively affects brain development and function. Previous studies have shown that CM increases the vulnerability of the brain and the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Research is still ongoing to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of abuse on mental health and brain development, using both animal models and human subjects.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seon Hye E. Park, Ashwinikumar Kulkarni, Genevieve Konopka
Summary: During cortical development, human basal radial glial cells (bRGCs) play a crucial role in self-renewal and neurogenesis. The expression of FOXP1 in bRGCs is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and impacts cortical progenitor proliferation and differentiation. The loss of FOXP1 leads to a reduction in the number of bRGCs and subsequently a decrease in excitatory cortical neurons.
Article
Immunology
Nagahide Takahashi, Tomoko Nishimura, Taeko Harada, Akemi Okumura, Toshiki Iwabuchi, Md Shafiur Rahman, Hitoshi Kuwabara, Shu Takagai, Noriyoshi Usui, Manabu Makinodan, Hideo Matsuzaki, Norio Ozaki, Hiroaki Itoh, Yoko Nomura, Jeffrey H. Newcorn, Kenji J. Tsuchiya
Summary: In this study, the relationship between perinatal inflammation and genetic risk for ADHD was examined in children aged 8-9. The results showed that perinatal inflammation and ADHD polygenic risk score (ADHD-PRS) were associated with ADHD symptoms, and there was an interaction between the two factors. The impact of perinatal inflammation on ADHD symptoms was particularly pronounced in children with a higher genetic risk for ADHD.
BRAIN, BEHAVIOR, & IMMUNITY - HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Noriyoshi Usui
Summary: This review discusses the research progress on the acquisition and control mechanisms of human sociality, focusing on the background of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings suggest that there are specific regulatory mechanisms in higher order brain functions of humans, and the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes.
ANATOMICAL SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)