Article
Neurosciences
Daniela Madeira, Catia R. Lopes, Ana P. Simoes, Paula M. Canas, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Paula Agostinho
Summary: The study found that silencing the A(2A)R gene in astrocytes leads to deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory. Astrocytic A(2A)R control astrocytic morphology and influence hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory in adult mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro Valada, Sofia Alcada-Morais, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Joao Pedro Lopes
Summary: Theobromine, a metabolite of caffeine, affects synaptic transmission and plasticity by antagonizing adenosine receptors, resulting in improved cognitive function and neuroprotection against disease-related conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Olamide E. Adebiyi, Margaret S. Bynoe
Summary: This study investigates the role of A(1) and A(2A) adenosine receptors in regulating oligodendrocyte precursor cells and myelinating oligodendrocytes in the demyelinated hippocampus. It found that the absence of A(1) and A(2A) adenosine receptors affects spatial learning and memory, and has an impact on hippocampal demyelination and cell apoptosis.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Judit Catala-Solsona, Pablo J. Lituma, Stefano Lutzu, Dolores Siedlecki-Wullich, Cristina Fabregas-Ordonez, Alfredo J. Minano-Molina, Carlos A. Saura, Pablo E. Castillo, Jose Rodriguez-Alvarez
Summary: Transcription factors called Nr4a have been found to play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. In this study, it was discovered that neuronal activity enhances the expression and function of Nr4a2 in mouse hippocampal neurons through a pathway involving ionotropic glutamate receptors and other cellular factors. This activation of Nr4a2 promotes the production of a nerve growth factor called BDNF, which affects synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that targeting Nr4a2 could be a potential therapeutic approach for brain disorders associated with abnormal synaptic plasticity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Jithin D. Nair, Kevin A. Wilkinson, Jeremy M. Henley, Jack R. Mellor
Summary: This article reviews the roles of kainate receptors in synaptic plasticity, focusing on their impact on postsynaptic signaling and presynaptic auto-receptor functions. It also explores the plasticity of kainate receptors themselves and their contribution to synaptic transmission plasticity.
Article
Neurosciences
Xin Qin, Michael G. Zaki, Zhicheng Chen, Elisabet Jakova, Zhi Ming, Francisco S. Cayabyab
Summary: Experimental results show that during hypoxia/reperfusion, protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) regulation of A1R and A2AR, as well as AMPAR endocytosis, play important roles in APSPs and neuronal damage.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Wei-Feng Wu, Jia-Tao Lin, Yong-Kang Qiu, Shuai Li, Hui Zheng, Yu-Qing Wu
Summary: With the ageing of the population, the health problems of elderly individuals have become particularly important. Through a large number of clinical studies and trials, it has been confirmed that elderly patients can experience postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general anesthesia/surgery. However, the mechanism of postoperative cognitive dysfunction is still unknown. In recent years, the role of epigenetics in postoperative cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied and reported. This article summarizes the epigenetic mechanism of cognitive impairment after general anesthesia/surgery and analyses the broad prospects of epigenetics as a therapeutic target for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yuri Elias Rodrigues, Cezar M. Tigaret, Helene Marie, Cian O'Donnell, Romain Veltz
Summary: Discovering the rules of synaptic plasticity is crucial for understanding brain learning. Existing models either lack flexibility to fit experimental data or are too complex to interpret. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new plasticity rule based on a geometrical readout mechanism that accurately predicts plasticity outcomes. Our model successfully reproduces various experimental conditions and suggests that spike timing irregularity strongly affects plasticity outcome. This modelling approach can be applied to other synapses to discover their plasticity rules.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kif Liakath-Ali, Jai S. Polepalli, Sung-Jin Lee, Jean-Francois Cloutier, Thomas C. Sudhof
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of presynaptic neurexin-ligand cerebellin-4 (Cbln4) in long-term potentiation (LTP) at EC -> DG synapses. Binding of presynaptic Cbln4 to postsynaptic neogenin-1 enables the EC -> DG synapses to undergo LTP, but is not necessary for the establishment or function of these synapses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sabyasachi Maity, Raman Abbaspour, David Nahabedian, Steven A. Connor
Summary: The noradrenergic system plays a crucial role in memory formation and synaptic plasticity. Norepinephrine stimulates beta-ARs to regulate memory formation and affects neural circuit function through epigenetic modifications. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for studying brain disorders and developing neurotherapeutic applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yixing Du, Faith H. Brennan, Phillip G. Popovich, Min Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the role of microglia in regulating the structure and function of astrocytes in the mouse hippocampus, revealing that depletion of microglia disrupts astrocyte syncytial isopotentiality and dye coupling, leading to reduced synaptic transmission in neurons. Activation of microglia enhances synaptic transmission, while leaving astrocyte network function unaffected.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brandon M. Fritz, Fuqin Yin, Brady K. Atwood
Summary: The medial and lateral dorsal striatum play different roles in driving goal-directed and habitual/compulsive behaviors, respectively. Adenosine A(1) receptors in the dorsal striatum regulate excitatory glutamate transmission, potentially influencing striatally-mediated behaviors. The study found that activation of presynaptic A1Rs led to synaptic depression in both DLS and DMS, suggesting a potential role of A1Rs in neuropsychiatric diseases.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Weiwei Yu, Ziyi Wu, Xingyue Li, Mengmeng Ding, Ying Xu, Ping Zhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of sevoflurane exposure on developmental neurotoxicity and mood disorders, and found that sevoflurane induced depressive-like behavior, which was reversed by ketamine. The results showed that ketamine mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation by regulating A2AR protein expression, increasing the production of synaptic-associated proteins, enhancing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and ameliorating the depressive-like behavior induced by sevoflurane inhalation.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yawei Xu, Yalei Ning, Yan Zhao, Yan Peng, Fen Luo, Yuanguo Zhou, Ping Li
Summary: Caffeine as a nonspecific antagonist of the adenosine A(2A) receptor enhances learning and memory function while also correlating with feelings of anxiety. The differential effects of inhibiting A(2A)Rs in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus lead to enhanced memory and increased anxiety, respectively. Optogenetic activation of dorsal or ventral hippocampal A(2A)Rs can reverse these behavioral alterations caused by caffeine intake.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Patricia Simoes, Francisco Q. Goncalves, Daniel Rial, Samira G. Ferreira, Joao Pedro Lopes, Paula M. Canas, Rodrigo A. Cunha
Summary: CD73 plays a key role in the regulation of fear memory and synaptic plasticity in the amygdala, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for interfering with abnormal fear-like emotional processing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Pedro Pechorro, Matt DeLisi, Catarina Pacheco, Rui Abrunhosa Goncalves, Joao Maroco, Jorge Quintas
Summary: This study examines the psychometric properties of the Low Self-Control Scale (LSCS) and develops a shorter version from a modern psychometric perspective. The six-factor intercorrelated model of the LSCS shows adequate fit and a three-factor shorter version with strong cross-gender measurement invariance and good reliability is developed. The findings have implications for the validity of the general theory of crime and its components of self-control.
CRIME & DELINQUENCY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro Valada, Sonja Hinz, Christin Vielmuth, Catia R. Lopes, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Christa E. Mueller, Joao Pedro Lopes
Summary: Inosine has neuroprotective effects by indirectly modifying the activity of adenosine receptors and controlling synaptic transmission and plasticity. It acts as a ligand of adenosine receptors with low affinity and shows higher affinity towards the rat A(3) receptor. The impact of inosine on synaptic transmission and plasticity is mediated by modification of extracellular levels of adenosine through equilibrative nucleoside transporters.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Hamid Sharif Nia, Hamed Azad Moghddam, Joao Maroco, Pardis Rahmatpour, Kelly-Ann Allen, Harpaljit Kaur, Omolhoda Kaveh, Ozkan Gorgulu, Saeed Pahlevan Sharif
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the University Student Engagement Inventory (P-USEI) among Iranian university students. The results supported the reliability, factorial, convergent, and discriminant validities of P-USEI in the Iranian student sample.
ASIA-PACIFIC EDUCATION RESEARCHER
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Cristina de Bem Alves, Ana Elisa Speck, Hemelin Resende Farias, Leo Meira Martins, Naiara Souza dos Santos, Gabriela Pannata, Ana Paula Tavares, Jade de Oliveira, Angelo R. Tome, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Aderbal S. Aguiar Jr
Summary: Caffeine enhances exercise performance by altering neuroplasticity and mitochondrial metabolism.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia R. Lopes, Andreia Oliveira, Ingride Gaspar, Matilde S. Rodrigues, Joana Santos, Eszter Szabo, Henrique B. Silva, Aangelo R. Tome, Paula M. Canas, Paula Agostinho, Rui A. Carvalho, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Ana Patricia Simoes, Joao Pedro Lopes, Samira G. Ferreira
Summary: Moderate caffeine intake can antagonize adenosine receptors and protect neurons without affecting behavior and synaptic plasticity. It increases the metabolic competence of synapses and enhances their antioxidant capacity.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Mafalda Leitao, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Faustino R. Perez-Lopez, Joao Maroco, Filipa Pimenta
Summary: The present study aimed to develop a questionnaire based on the OxFAB taxonomy specifically adapted for middle-aged women. The results showed that the questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing weight management strategies in this population.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Hamid Sharif Nia, Long She, Erika Sivarajan Froelicher, Joao Maroco, Mozhgan Moshtagh, Sima Hejazi
Summary: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in the Iranian context using confirmatory factor analysis and various reliability and validity measures. The findings suggest that the 23-item version of the scale is reliable and valid for measuring resilience in this population.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brigida R. Pinho, Ana I. Duarte, Paula M. Canas, Paula I. Moreira, Michael P. Murphy, Jorge M. A. Oliveira
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Daniela Madeira, Catia R. Lopes, Ana P. Simoes, Paula M. Canas, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Paula Agostinho
Summary: The study found that silencing the A(2A)R gene in astrocytes leads to deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory. Astrocytic A(2A)R control astrocytic morphology and influence hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory in adult mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia R. Lopes, Francisco Q. Goncalves, Simao Olaio, Angelo R. Tome, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Joao Pedro Lopes
Summary: Adenosine regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity through A(1) and A(2A) receptors. Supramaximal activation of A(1)R blocks hippocampal synaptic transmission, and A(2A)R activation decreases A(1)R-mediated inhibition during high-frequency-induced LTP.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Priscila Carvalho Santos, Wanderson Roberto da Silva, Joao Maroco, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos
Summary: This study aimed to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS) and investigate the influence of sex, age, and BMI on motives for consuming highly palatable foods and drinks. The results showed that the Portuguese version of PEMS had good adaptability and reliability, and sex, age, and BMI were important factors influencing the motives for consuming highly palatable foods and drinks.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Madeira, Joana Domingues, Catia R. Lopes, Paula M. Canas, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Paula Agostinho
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that dysfunction of astrocytes, a type of glial cell, plays a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. This dysfunction is characterized by altered astrocytic morphology and increased activity of astrocytic hemichannels, which are composed mainly of connexin 43 (Cx43). The activity of these hemichannels is found to be modulated by adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), and blocking A2AR can prevent the dysregulation of astrocytic hemichannels induced by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. Overall, our findings indicate that the dysfunction of astrocytic hemichannel activity is an early event in Alzheimer's disease and can be controlled by targeting A2AR.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucas Arrais Campos, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos, Joao Maroco, Timo Peltomaki
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the probability of seeking/undergoing aesthetic dental treatment (ADT) and compare the self-perception of orofacial appearance (OA) based on sex, age, and monthly income. It also aimed to estimate the impact of OA on life satisfaction (LS) among Finnish and Brazilian adults, considering the indirect effect of ADT and the moderating effects of sociodemographic variables. The findings showed that demand for ADT is influenced by sociodemographic and cultural factors, and self-perception of orofacial appearance plays a significant role in individuals' subjective well-being.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Margarida Beatriz, Ricardo J. Rodrigues, Rita Vilaca, Conceicao Egas, Paulo S. Pinheiro, George Q. Daley, Thorsten M. Schlaeger, Nuno Raimundo, A. Cristina Rego, Carla Lopes
Summary: The study focused on EVs and their role in reversing the abnormal GABAergic phenotype in Huntington's disease-derived neurons. It was found that EVs from control fibroblasts reversed the deficits in GABAergic synaptic transmission, while EVs from HD-derived fibroblasts had the opposite effects on control neurons. Analysis of miRNAs in EVs identified differentially expressed miRNAs between HD and control lines with predicted synaptic targets.
