Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria S. Protasova, Tatiana V. Andreeva, Sergey A. Klyushnikov, Sergey N. Illarioshkin, Evgeny I. Rogaev
Summary: In this study, a new homozygous missense mutation in the GRM1 gene was identified in a patient from a family of Azerbaijani origin with congenital cerebellar ataxia. The mutation affects the transmembrane domain 7, which is critical for ligand binding and receptor activity modulation. This is the first report of a mutation in this region causing a congenital autosomal recessive form of cerebellar ataxia without obvious intellectual disability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Kaczorowska, Anna Stankiewicz, Ryszard Bugno, Maria H. H. Paluchowska, Grzegorz Burnat, Piotr Branski, Paulina Cieslik, Joanna M. Wieronska, Mariusz Milik, Mateusz Nowak, Agnieszka Przybylowicz, Aneta Koziol, Agata Hogendorf, Adam S. S. Hogendorf, Justyna Kalinowska-Tluscik, Beata Duszynska, Andrzej Pilc, Andrzej J. J. Bojarski
Summary: Based on the glutamatergic theory of schizophrenia, a new compound library containing 103 members was synthesized and examined for NAM mGlu(7) activity. Active compounds were found only within the quinazolinone chemotype. The compound 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (A9-7, ALX-171) exhibited selective activity against other group III mGlu receptors, satisfactory drug-like properties, and showed antipsychotic-like activity in animal models.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Katarzyna Kita, Catarina Albergaria, Ana S. Machado, Megan R. Carey, Martin Muller, Igor Delvendahl
Summary: GluA4 plays a crucial role in synaptic excitation and associative memory formation in the cerebellum, with its deletion causing reduced synaptic transmission and impaired granule cell coding, leading to deficits in associative learning.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Osama Khojah, Seraj Makkawi, Saeed Alghamdi
Summary: This study aimed to systematically review reported cases of anti-mGluR1 encephalitis and summarize their clinical presentation, management, outcomes, and case reports. The study found that anti-mGluR1 encephalitis manifests as symptoms of cerebellar pathology, and early diagnosis with prompt initiation of immunotherapy is crucial for patient recovery.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina A. Gates, Donald S. Backos, Philip Reigan, Nicholas R. Natale
Summary: Isoxazolo[3,4-d] pyridazinones ([3,4-d]s) were found to selectively positively modulate metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) Subtypes 2 and 4, with no cross-reactivity at mGluR1a, mGluR5, or mGluR8. Additional analogs were prepared to increase binding affinity, resulting in successful selective lateral metalation and electrophilic quenching at the C3 position.
Review
Cell Biology
Falko Lange, Julia Hoernschemeyer, Timo Kirschstein
Summary: The progression of glioblastomas and tumor-associated epilepsy is closely linked through various pathophysiological mechanisms involving the neurotransmitter glutamate. Current research focuses on the role of glutamate receptors in these diseases and discusses future interventions to interfere with the glutamatergic network.
Article
Cell Biology
M. Crespo, D. A. Leon-Navarro, M. Martin
Summary: Febrile seizures in children can lead to epilepsy in adults, with glutamate playing a key role in the development of neurological disorders. In the short term after seizures, GLT-1 levels increase and glutamate concentration decreases, while mGlu(5)R levels remain unchanged. However, in the long term, an increase in mGlu(5)R levels and decreases in GLT-1 and glutamate levels are observed, associated with the development of an anxious phenotype and potentially increased vulnerability to epileptic events in adults.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deepa Gautam, Ulhas P. Naik, Meghna U. Naik, Santosh K. Yadav, Rameshwar Nath Chaurasia, Debabrata Dash
Summary: This paper explores the role of platelets in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as the critical role of glutamate receptors in the pathophysiology of these diseases. By reviewing data from clinical trials, animal models, and cellular studies, it reveals the involvement of glutamate receptor dysfunction in neurodegenerative processes and provides an overview of current treatments, including glutamate receptor antagonists, for AD and PD.
Review
Neurosciences
David Ramos-Vicente, Seth G. N. Grant, Alex Bayes
Summary: Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. The evolution of glutamate receptors is more complex than anticipated, with recent research proposing a new classification system for ionotropic glutamate receptors. Additionally, the evolution of animal metabotropic glutamate receptors has resulted in the formation of four classes instead of three previously recognized.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Volpi, Aishling Doolan, Laura Baldini, Alessandro Casnati, Peter B. Crowley, Francesco Sansone
Summary: This study tested a rigid cone calix[4]arene with anionic alanine units as a ligand for cytochrome c, and NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of two binding sites at lysine residues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura Musazzi
Summary: This review focuses on the antidepressant effect of pharmacological modulation of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, highlighting mGlu2/3 antagonists as the most promising compounds for the development of new antidepressants. Despite accumulating evidence supporting the role of glutamate modulation in rapid antidepressant effects, more mechanistic studies are needed to fully understand the potential of drugs targeting the glutamate synapse in depression.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Adam P. Mecca, Kelly Rogers, Zachary Jacobs, Julia W. McDonald, Hannah R. Michalak, Nicole DellaGioia, Wenzhen Zhao, Ansel T. Hillmer, Nabeel Nabulsi, Keunpoong Lim, Jim Ropchan, Yiyun Huang, David Matuskey, Irina Esterlis, Richard E. Carson, Christopher H. van Dyck
Summary: Aging is associated with decreased availability of mGluR5 in the brain, primarily due to tissue loss. This reduction in mGluR5 binding may provide insight into age-related molecular changes and their relationship with brain tissue loss.
Article
Biology
Chong Guo, Stephanie Rudolph, Morgan E. Neuwirth, Wade G. Regehr
Summary: In the cerebellar cortex, Purkinje cells selectively inhibit unipolar brush cells expressing mGluR1, thus regulating balance and eye movement. GABA receptor-mediated inhibition on unipolar brush cells can influence the input-output transformations of the cerebellar cortex in diverse ways.
Review
Cell Biology
Mariacristina Mazzitelli, Peyton Presto, Nico Antenucci, Shakira Meltan, Volker Neugebauer
Summary: Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are important in the nervous system and have implications in various pathological conditions including pain. Pharmacological manipulation of mGluR subtypes may be a promising approach for the treatment of pain and other disorders.
Article
Neurosciences
Ferdinando Nicoletti, Luisa Di Menna, Luisa Iacovelli, Rosamaria Orlando, Anna Rita Zuena, P. Jeffrey Conn, Shalini Dogra, Max E. Joffe
Summary: Cellular responses to metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor activation are influenced by mechanisms of receptor-receptor interaction, including receptor dimerization and complex formation with other GPCRs. The interactions between different mGlu receptor subtypes and other receptors have been studied in various brain regions and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Understanding these interactions could lead to the development of new therapeutic targets for these conditions.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Claudio Giuliano, Francesca Siani, Liudmila Mus, Cristina Ghezzi, Silvia Cerri, Barbara Pacchetti, Chiara Bigogno, Fabio Blandini
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Micol Avenali, Fabio Blandini, Silvia Cerri
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Carolina Pellegrini, Chiara Ippolito, Cristina Segnani, Amelio Dolfi, Mariella Errede, Daniela Virgintino, Matteo Fornai, Luca Antonioli, Francesca Garelli, Anna Nericcio, Rocchina Colucci, Silvia Cerri, Fabio Blandini, Corrado Blandizzi, Nunzia Bernardini
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Cerri, Cristina Ghezzi, Gerardo Ongari, Stefania Croce, Micol Avenali, Roberta Zangaglia, Donato A. Di Monte, Enza Maria Valente, Fabio Blandini
Summary: This study found that GCase deficiency promotes the release of EVs, leading to increased levels of phosphorylated alpha-syn inside fibroblasts from PD patients. This suggests that dysregulation of EV trafficking and mishandling of alpha-synuclein may play a role in GBA-associated PD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Mauro Mancuso, Serena Di Tondo, Enza Costantini, Alessio Damora, Patrizio Sale, Laura Abbruzzese
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of Action Observation Training (AOT) in stroke patients, showing that AOT has the potential to improve upper limb motor recovery and functional outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Francesca Biagioni, Roberta Celli, Filippo Sean Giorgi, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Francesco Fornai
Summary: This article discusses the novel role of the piriform cortex in epileptic seizures and its modulation of AMPA receptors under the influence of mTORC1. The results show that the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin can mitigate the duration, severity, and brain damage of seizures.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Alessandra Caruso, Laura Ricceri, Angela Caruso, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Alessandra Gaetano, Sergio Scaccianoce
Summary: Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and disturbances during this time can increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study compared the effects of postweaning social isolation (PWSI) on inbred C57BL/6 N mice and BTBR mice, which are a model for autism spectrum disorders. The results showed that both PWSI mice and BTBR mice exhibited reduced social responsiveness and altered levels of certain receptors in the brain, suggesting that absence of social stimuli during adolescence can induce a phenotype similar to autism spectrum disorders.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Mastroiacovo, Francesca Biagioni, Paola Lenzi, Gloria Lazzeri, Michela Ferrucci, Stefano Puglisi-Allegra, Alessandro Frati, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Francesco Fornai
Summary: This study investigates the dysfunction of autophagolysosomes in the penumbra area during ischemia and its impact on cell clearing systems, highlighting the importance of rescuing these systems to improve neuronal survival.
Article
Neurosciences
Serena Notartomaso, Serena Boccella, N. Antenucci, Flavia Ricciardi, Francesco Fazio, F. Liberatore, P. Scarselli, M. Scioli, Giada Mascio, V. Bruno, Giuseppe Battaglia, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Sabatino Maione, Livio Luongo
Summary: Cinnabarinic acid (CA), a trace metabolite of kynurenine, activates mGlu4 and Ah receptors and has analgesic effects on inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This study demonstrates that the modulation of pain thresholds by CA depends on the recruitment of mGlu4 and Ah receptors.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rosamaria Orlando, Roxana Paula Ginerete, Laura Cavalleri, Vincenza Aliperti, Tiziana Imbriglio, Giuseppe Battaglia, Anna Rita Zuena, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Emilio Merlo Pich, Ginetta Collo
Summary: The combination of L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) and L-methylfolate (MF) has a synergistic effect in the treatment of depression caused by chronic stress. It improves symptoms by reducing immobility time, increasing BDNF protein levels, and enhancing mGlu2 protein levels. Additionally, LAC and MF exert their effects through mechanisms such as acetylation of NF kappa B p65, and promote the development of dopamine neurons in cultured hiPSCs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Notartomaso, Nico Antenucci, Francesca Liberatore, Giada Mascio, Stefano Vito Boccadamo Pompili, Joan Font, Mariarosaria Scioli, Livio Luongo, Antonietta Arcella, Roberto Gradini, Amadeu Llebaria, Ferdinando Nicoletti
Summary: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is a sudden and transient exacerbation of pain in patients treated with opioid analgesics. Light-activated drugs offer a novel strategy for rapid pain control without systemic side effects. Activation of mGlu5 receptors in the thalamus with light-induced compounds showed analgesic effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. This study demonstrates the potential use of optopharmacology in BTcP treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Cristina Sanfilippo, Paola Castrogiovanni, Manlio Vinciguerra, Rosa Imbesi, Martina Ulivieri, Francesco Fazio, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Michelino Di Rosa
Summary: This study found that high levels of CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 in the brains of AD patients are associated with inflammatory transcriptomic signatures. High CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 expression is associated with inflammatory features, while low expression is associated with neuronal activation. Gene ontology analysis revealed immune response as a main biological process based on the common genes regulated by the two chitinases.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniele Armocida, Alessandro Pesce, Mauro Palmieri, Fabio Cofano, Giuseppe Palmieri, Paola Cassoni, Carla Letizia Busceti, Francesca Biagioni, Diego Garbossa, Francesco Fornai, Antonio Santoro, Alessandro Frati
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between EGFR mutation and the disease course, prognosis, and diagnostic imaging of brain metastases (BMs) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results showed a significant correlation between EGFR mutation and the size and edema volume of BMs, as well as the incidence of seizures.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Pinelli, Michela Ferrucci, Francesca Biagioni, Caterina Berti, Violet Vakunseth Bumah, Carla Letizia Busceti, Stefano Puglisi-Allegra, Gloria Lazzeri, Alessandro Frati, Francesco Fornai
Summary: The role of autophagy in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is to clear reactive oxidative species and dysfunctional mitochondria. Impaired autophagy leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, causing retinal degeneration. Autophagy in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is induced by stimuli like light and phytochemicals, and their synergistic effects enhance retinal structure and visual acuity. Light-dependent beneficial antioxidant effects can be achieved by combining light pulses with phytochemicals in AMD.
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Giovanni Gentile, Jacopo Lanzone, Alberto Ruzzon, Roberto di Marco, Giorgio Ferriero, Patrizio Sale
Summary: This study assessed changes in Electrodermal Activity of healthy subjects performing different tasks in a VR environment to estimate Sympathetic Nervous System activity, and found that SNS activity markers derived from EDA have the potential to be used as a biomarker for discomfort during VR experiences.
2021 IEEE 3RD GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON LIFE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES (IEEE LIFETECH 2021)
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaomei Lin, Tianyuyi Feng, Erheng Cui, Yunfei Li, Zhang Qin, Xiaohu Zhao
Summary: This study successfully established a rat model based on the genetic-environmental interaction, which exhibited phenotype characteristics similar to human AD in terms of cognitive function, brain microstructure, and immunohistochemistry. The genetic factor (APP mutation) and the environmental factor (acrolein exposure) accounted for 39.74% and 33.3% of the AD-like phenotypes in the model, respectively.
Article
Neurosciences
Gustavo Guimara Guerrero, Giovanna Bignoto Minhoto, Camilla dos Santos Tiburcio-Machado, Itza Amarisis Ribeiro Pinto, Claudio Antonio Federico, Marcia Carneiro Valera
Summary: The present study evaluated the influence of head and neck radiotherapy on the behavior and body weight gain in Wistar rats. The results demonstrated that different doses of radiation induced depressive behavior in the animals, and that the weight gain tended to be lower in the irradiated groups.
Article
Neurosciences
Ziwei Gao, Chao Lu, Yaping Zhu, Yuxin Liu, Yuesong Lin, Wenming Gao, Liyuan Tian, Lei Wu
Summary: This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of the rapid antidepressant effects of merazin hydrate (MH), which activates CaMKII to promote neuronal activities and proliferation in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Kathleen E. Murray, Whitney A. Ratliff, Vedad Delic, Bruce A. Citron
Summary: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder that affects approximately 30% of Veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf. This study found that exposure to toxicants during the Gulf War resulted in long-term changes in the morphology of dentate granule cells and that treatment with Nrf2 activator could improve neuronal health in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yan Zou, Xiangchuang Kong, Yangming Leng, Fan Yang, Guofeng Zhou, Bo Liu, Wenliang Fan
Summary: This study examines the functional connectivity changes in individuals with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) at the integrity, network, and edge levels. The findings reveal reduced intranetwork connectivity strength and increased internetwork connectivity in SSNHL patients. These alterations are associated with the duration of SSNHL and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores. The study provides crucial insights into the neural mechanisms of SSNHL and the brain's network-level responses to sensory loss.
Review
Neurosciences
Didier Majou, Anne-Lise Dermenghem
Summary: In the early stages of SAD, memory impairment is strongly correlated with cortical levels of soluble amyloid-beta peptide oligomers. A beta disrupts glutamatergic synaptic function and leads to cognitive deficits. This article describes the pathogenic mechanisms underlying cerebral amyloidosis, involving amyloid precursor protein synthesis, A beta residue clearance processes, and the role of specific molecules.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yi Shan, Xiaojing Zhao, Guixiang Shan, Peng-Hu Wei, Lin Liu, Changming Wang, Hang Wu, Weiqun Song, Yi Tang, Guo-Guang Zhao, Jie Lu
Summary: This study investigates changes in brain anatomical structures and functional network connectivity after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury (cctSCI) and their impact on clinical outcomes. The findings reveal alterations in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in specific brain regions, indicating potential therapeutic targets and methods for tracking treatment outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Anllely Fernandez, Katherine Corvalan, Octavia Santis, Maxs Mendez-Ruette, Ariel Caviedes, Matias Pizarro, Maria -Teresa Gomez, Luis Federico Batiz, Peter Landgraf, Thilo Kahne, Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez, Ursula Wyneken
Summary: This study reveals the importance of SUMOylation in modulating the protein cargo of astrocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and its potential impact on neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Anika Luettig, Stefanie Perl, Maria Zetsche, Franziska Richter, Denise Franz, Marco Heerdegen, Ruediger Koehling, Angelika Richter
Summary: This study found that changes in c-Fos activity during short-term stimulation of the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) are associated with improvement in dystonia, and also discovered that the cerebellum may be involved in the antidystonic effects.
Article
Neurosciences
Yanlin Tao, Wei Shen, Houyuan Zhou, Zikang Li, Ting Pi, Hui Wu, Hailian Shi, Fei Huang, Xiaojun Wu
Summary: Depression has a higher incidence in women compared to men, and this study investigated the impact of sex on depressive behaviors and underlying mechanisms using a corticosterone-induced depression model in mice. The results showed sex-specific anxiety and depression behaviors in the model group, as well as differences in protein expression and neurotransmitter levels between male and female mice. These findings enhance our understanding of sex-specific differences in depression and support tailored interventions.
Review
Neurosciences
Dnyandev G. Gadhave, Vrashabh V. Sugandhi, Chandrakant R. Kokare
Summary: This article discusses the characteristics and importance of the tight junctions of endothelial cells in the CNS, which act as a biological barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It focuses on overcoming the challenges of delivering therapeutic agents to the brain in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis, through the use of biomaterials. The article also highlights the current limitations of animal models for studying multiple sclerosis and suggests a potential future research direction.
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Min Mao, Khyathi Thallapureddy, John Q. Wang
Summary: Propofol can enhance synapsin phosphorylation and modulate synaptic transmission in the mouse brain. The study reveals the potential role of synapsin as a substrate of propofol and its effects on neurotransmitter release machinery.
Article
Neurosciences
Syed Maaz Ahmed Rizvi, Abdul Baseer Buriro, Irfan Ahmed, Abdul Aziz Memon
Summary: This study explores the effects of prolonged mask usage on the human brain by analyzing EEG and physiological parameters. The results show that the mean EEG spectral power in alpha, beta, and gamma sub-bands of individuals wearing masks is smaller than those without masks. The performances on cognitive tasks and oxygen saturation level differ between the two groups, while blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate are similar. The analysis also reveals that the occipital and frontal lobes exhibit the greatest variability in channel measurements.
Article
Neurosciences
Rui-Fang Ma, Lu-Lu Xue, Jin-Xiang Liu, Li Chen, Liu-Lin Xiong, Ting-Hua Wang, Fei Liu
Summary: This study observed changes in brain infarction and blood vessels in rats during neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) modeling using Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography (TCD). Longer duration of hypoxia was associated with more severe nerve damage. TCD can dynamically monitor cerebral infarction after NHIE modeling, which may serve as a useful auxiliary method for evaluating animal experimental models.
Article
Neurosciences
Yuxiang Dai, Chen Yu, Lu Zhou, Longyang Cheng, Hongbin Ni, Weibang Liang
Summary: Overexpression of CXCR4 in glioma is correlated with patient survival, and its inhibition can reduce invasion and migration of glioma cells. Inhibiting Nur77 also decreases cancer progression associated with CXCR4.