Article
Neurosciences
Anirudh R. Acharya, Lars Emil Larsen, Jean Delbeke, Wytse J. Wadman, Kristl Vonck, Alfred Meurs, Paul Boon, Robrecht Raedt
Summary: This study investigated the inhibitory effect of activating stGtACR2 on epileptic afterdischarges in the dentate gyrus. It was found that activation of stGtACR2 only reduced the line length of local field potential during illumination, but did not decrease the duration of afterdischarges.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ljubica Mihaljevic, Zheng Ruan, James Osei-Owusu, Wei Lu, Zhaozhu Qiu
Summary: The PAC channel, encoded by PACC1 (TMEM206), is a pH-sensing ion channel that regulates endosomal acidification and macropinosome shrinkage. This study reveals that phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) inhibits PAC channel activity by stabilizing the channel in a desensitized-like conformation. The structure of PAC with PIP2 suggests a new pharmacological strategy for targeting this channel.
Article
Optics
Yahui Zhang, Shuiying Xiang, Xingyu Cao, Shihao Zhao, Xingxing Guo, Aijun Wen, Yue Hao
Summary: This study demonstrates the optical reproduction of pyramidal neuron-like dynamics dominated by dendritic Ca2+ action potentials using VCSEL for the first time, showing the potential for application in XOR classification tasks. The results indicate the successful emulation of complex neural dynamics in VCSEL neurons, highlighting their promising role in future photonic spiking neural networks.
PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
R. Ryley Parrish, Connie MacKenzie-Gray Scott, Tom Jackson-Taylor, Alex Grundmann, Faye McLeod, Neela K. Codadu, Alexandru Calin, Hannah Alfonsa, Rob C. Wykes, Juha Voipio, Andrew J. Trevelyan
Summary: The activation of halorhodopsin has significant effects on neighboring cells, including the redistribution of K+, rebound increase in K+ concentration, and cortical spreading depolarizations. This experimental model provides new insights into the understanding of these natural phenomena.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Luiza Filipis, Laila Ananda Blomer, Jerome Montnach, Gildas Loussouarn, Michel De Waard, Marco Canepari
Summary: In neocortical layer-5 pyramidal neurons, the action potential (AP) generation depends on the activation of voltage-gated Na+ channels (Na(v)1.2 and Na(v)1.6) in the axon initial segment (AIS). However, the functional differences between these channels are still not well understood. This study demonstrates that Na(v)1.2 plays an exclusive role in shaping the AP by activating BK Ca2+-activated K+ channels (CAKCs) in the distal part of the AIS. The exclusive role of Na(v)1.2 reported here is important for understanding neuronal excitability.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andy K. M. Lam, Jan Rheinberger, Cristina Paulino, Raimund Dutzler
Summary: The study elucidated the conformational changes triggered by the binding of cytoplasmic Ca2+ to the TMEM16A channel and identified three hydrophobic residues as constituents of the channel gate. Mutations in these residues increase Ca2+ potency and result in basal activity, while an activating mutant shows a conformational change that contributes to Ca2+ binding and basal activity. Despite no physical contact, these residues functionally interact to stabilize the gate in the closed conformation, explaining the low open probability of the channel in the absence of Ca2+.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Anirudh R. Acharya, Lars Emil Larsen, Wouter Van Lysebettens, Wytse Jan Wadman, Jean Delbeke, Kristl Vonck, Alfred Meurs, Paul Boon, Robrecht Raedt
Summary: The activation of GtACR2 can effectively inhibit the activity of CA1 neurons, with the strength of inhibition depending on light power density, lasting up to 9 ms after a 10 ms light pulse, and being independent of the duration of the light pulse given.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zengqin Deng, Yonghui Zhao, Jing Feng, Jingying Zhang, Haiyan Zhao, Michael J. Rau, James A. J. Fitzpatrick, Hongzhen Hu, Peng Yuan
Summary: The study revealed the structure of TMEM206, a trimeric channel with a specific chloride ion selectivity filter, closely resembling the epithelial sodium channel/degenerin family of sodium channels in structure and assembly, although conducting chloride ions.
Article
Neurosciences
Arik Shvartsman, Oron Kotler, Ohad Stoler, Yana Khrapunsky, Israel Melamed, Ilya A. Fleidervish
Summary: Cortical pyramidal neurons have a persistent Na+ current (I-NaP) which plays an important role in neuronal input-output processing. The study reveals the subcellular distribution and mechanisms underlying the persistent Na+ current, showing that most I-NaP originates from the axon initial segment. Furthermore, endogenous polyamines constrain I-NaP availability in non-dialyzed cortical neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Oron Kotler, Yana Khrapunsky, Arik Shvartsman, Hui Dai, Leigh D. Plant, Steven A. N. Goldstein, Ilya Fleidervish
Summary: Voltage-gated sodium channels in axon initial segments have distinct roles in regulating action potentials of cortical pyramidal neurons. While Na(V)1.6 promotes AP initiation and forward propagation, Na(V)1.2 facilitates backpropagation to the soma. This study demonstrates that the SUMO pathway modulates Na+ channels at the initial segments, increasing neuronal gain and backpropagation speed by SUMOylation of Na(V)1.2. These findings highlight the prominent role of SUMOylation in synaptic integration and plasticity.
Article
Biology
James Osei-Owusu, Zheng Ruan, Ljubica Mihaljevic, Daniel S. Matasic, Kevin Hong Chen, Wei Lue, Zhaozhu Qiu, Laszlo Csanady
Summary: In this study, it was found that the newly identified PAC channel undergoes pH-dependent desensitization upon prolonged acid exposure. Several critical residues at the TM1 extension and the ECD-TMD interface were identified to play important roles in PAC desensitization. Structural analysis and molecular dynamic simulations revealed the extensive interactions between residues at the TM1 extension and those at the ECD-TMD interface, which likely facilitate PAC desensitization by stabilizing the desensitized conformation of TM1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masaki Tsujimura, Tomoyasu Noji, Keisuke Saito, Keiichi Kojima, Yuki Sudo, Hiroshi Ishikita
Summary: The study demonstrates how the protein environment in Guillardia theta anion channelrhodopsin-1 (GtACR1) can shift the absorption wavelength, with mutations at certain residues increasing the absorption wavelength. Specifically, the T101A mutant of GtACR1 showed a higher absorption wavelength compared to the wild type, consistent with calculations.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Yizhen Z. Zhang, Stella Sapantzi, Alice Lin, Savannah R. Doelfel, Barry W. Connors, Brian B. Theyel
Summary: This study found that a large proportion of neocortical pyramidal cells in mice are capable of firing ectopic action potentials (EAPs) in vitro. These cells can integrate information over long time-scales before briefly entering a mode of self-generated firing that originates in distal axons. The surprising ubiquity of EAP generation in these cells raises interesting questions about its potential roles in information processing, cortical oscillations, and seizure susceptibility.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaomin Ye, Xiaoyong Liu, Wenjun Wei, Huiping Yu, Xiaobao Jin, Jinwei Yu, Chunmei Li, Bin Xu, Xinmin Guo, Jianwen Mao
Summary: The study revealed a new mechanism for the loss of volume regulation in pyroptotic cell swelling, suggesting that a functional deficiency of VRAC/LRRC8A plays a key role in this disorder. It was found that the decrease in volume-activated chloride currents and regulatory volume decrease in BMDMs undergoing pyroptosis led to pyroptosis-like phenotypes, and down-regulation of LRRC8A expression contributed to this process.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Henry Danahay, Sarah Lilley, Kathryn Adley, Holly Charlton, Roy Fox, Martin Gosling
Summary: Niclosamide and benzbromarone have been considered as clinical candidates for the treatment of airway diseases due to their activity as inhibitors of the calcium activated chloride channel TMEM16A. However, this study reveals that both compounds have off-target effects and also questions the classification of niclosamide as a TMEM16A blocker. The study further suggests a potential role of TMEM16A in the regulation of epithelial ion transport and mucus secretion in the airway.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Anastasia A. Borodinova, Pavel M. Balaban, Ilya B. Bezprozvanny, Alla B. Salmina, Olga L. Vlasova
Summary: This review discusses the principles and perspectives of using genetic constructs based on AAV vectors to regulate astrocytes' activity, evaluating practical applications of optogenetic approaches utilizing different genetically encoded opsins. The diversity of astrocytic cell-types poses challenges in designing ideal viral vectors for specific experimental goals. Efficiently targeting astrocytes requires a combination of specific AAV serotypes and astrocyte-specific promoters in the AAV cassette to avoid off-target effects.
Article
Neurosciences
Natalia A. Simonova, Maxim A. Volgushev, Alexey Y. Malyshev
Summary: The dentate gyrus is a site of neurogenesis in the adult brain where integration of new-generated granule cells into the hippocampal circuitry is crucial for normal function. It has been found that GABA-ergic inputs play a significant role in synaptic plasticity, and non-associative plasticity changes with maturation of newly generated granule cells.
FRONTIERS IN SYNAPTIC NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor N. Ierusalimsky, Pavel M. Balaban, Evgeny S. Nikitin
Summary: Electrophysiological and genetic studies have identified two major subclasses of L5 neocortical pyramidal neurons, with one subclass expressing KCa3.1 channels and the other exhibiting weak afterhyperpolarization. This study demonstrates that Nav1.6 channels, rather than KCa3.1 channels, have an impact on the threshold, dynamics, and coding abilities of these neurons. The findings suggest a link between Nav1.6 function and the ability of L5 neurons to encode high frequencies.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Alena B. Zuzina, Pavel M. Balaban
Summary: This study investigates the impact of histone acetylation on long-term potentiation of synaptic efficiency in mollusks. The results demonstrate that histone deacetylase inhibitors can ameliorate deficits in synaptic plasticity induced by methiothepin and single serotonin application.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A-NEUROETHOLOGY SENSORY NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yana Gorina, Alla B. Salmina, Alexander Erofeev, Evgeniy Gerasimov, Anastasia Bolshakova, Pavel M. Balaban, Ilya B. Bezprozvanny, Olga L. Vlasova
Summary: Astrocytes are a type of glial cells that regulate homeostasis and protect the central nervous system. They exhibit heterogeneity in morphology and perform various functions. Modern methods and markers are important for studying the structural and functional properties of astrocytes.
BIOCHEMISTRY-MOSCOW
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Maltsev, Anna B. Nikiforova, Natalia Bal, Pavel M. Balaban
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between A beta(25-35) and signal transmission, as well as synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus using various methods. The results show that A beta(25-35) aggregates affect the kinase-phosphatase balance, enhancing STPP activity and suppressing long-term potentiation. Inhibitors like okadaic acid and sephin1 can prevent the A beta(25-35)-induced decline in synaptic plasticity. Additionally, the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blocker CGP37157 can attenuate the A beta(25-35)-induced decline in synaptic plasticity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan V. Smirnov, Alexey Y. Malyshev
Summary: In this study, the researchers used the Hebbian paradigm to demonstrate the role of associative plasticity in the dynamic organization of the receptive fields of neurons in the mouse visual cortex. They showed that optogenetic stimulation paired with visual stimulus induced long-term changes in the properties of the receptive field, specifically altering the orientation selectivity of the cell.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasia M. Shvadchenko, Maria N. Volobueva, Violetta O. Ivanova, Alexandr P. Beletskiy, Gulnur R. Smirnova, Natalia V. Bal, Pavel M. Balaban
Summary: Memory formation involves synaptic activity and gene expression changes. The insulin/IGF system plays an important role in neural activation during the early stages of learning.
BIOCHEMISTRY-MOSCOW
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander Maltsev, Matvey Roshchin, Ilya Bezprozvanny, Ivan Smirnov, Olga Vlasova, Pavel Balaban, Anastasia Borodinova
Summary: The optostimulation of astrocytes with optogenetic tools enables bidirectional modulation of synaptic plasticity and gene expression in hippocampus.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Nikolay Aseyev, Violetta Ivanova, Pavel Balaban, Evgeny Nikitin
Summary: The optical imaging of neuronal activity with potentiometric probes has been widely used in neuroscience research to study the dynamics of neural activity. Although voltage imaging has its technical difficulties and limitations, it provides unique information that cannot be obtained via other methods. Different types of optical voltage indicators have their advantages and limitations, and their contribution to neuroscience research is evaluated in this article.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. S. Nikitin, P. M. Balaban, A. Zaitsev
Summary: Epilepsy is a widespread neurological disease that poses urgent challenges for finding new treatment approaches. Gene therapy, particularly the overexpression of calcium-activated potassium channels, has gained attention as a potential solution for epilepsy.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
E. S. Nikitin, M. Roshchin, A. A. Borodinova, A. B. Zuzina, P. M. Balaban
Summary: Currently, intracellular calcium reporters are the most widely used optical probes for detecting neuronal activity. Synthetic molecules and genetically encoded proteins offer various methods for recording neuron-related signals at different levels of neuronal studies. In this study, we compare different optical recording methods of intracellular calcium transients and discuss the advantages and limitations of commercially available calcium-sensitive probes.
ZHURNAL VYSSHEI NERVNOI DEYATELNOSTI IMENI I P PAVLOVA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
A. Kh Vinarskaya, A. B. Zuzina, P. M. Balaban
Summary: The study shows that nitric oxide plays a role in the reconsolidation process of conditioned contextual fear memory in rats. Blocking of neuronal nitric oxide synthase during memory reactivation can prevent strengthening of the conditioned freezing response. This indicates the importance of nitric oxide in the labilization of conditioned contextual fear memory during reminder and reconsolidation.
ZHURNAL VYSSHEI NERVNOI DEYATELNOSTI IMENI I P PAVLOVA
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)