Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John W. Constantakis, Catherine A. Reed-McBain, Bolanle Famakin
Summary: Astrocytes are glial cells that play important roles in the healthy brain, including maintaining the blood brain barrier, modulating synaptic transmission and neuronal plasticity, and forming glial scars following ischemic injury. Following ischemia, astrocytes undergo specific changes in phenotype and gene expression, contributing to both the propagation and amelioration of neuronal injury. This review focuses on the dual role of astrocytes and the innate immune system in amplifying secondary brain injury and attenuating ischemic damage, discussing potential molecular signaling and processes that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaolu Lei, Yan Yan, Junwei Zeng, Rong Wang, Song Li, Zhi Xiao, Xiaohong Liu
Summary: This study found that the expression and activity of HCN1 and HCN2 channels in vlPAG were significantly increased in rats with bone cancer pain (BCP), and the level of cAMP in vlPAG also increased. Furthermore, intravlPAG injection of HCN channel antagonist could significantly reduce hyperalgesia and the elevation of cAMP in vlPAG in BCP rats. These results suggest that the elevation of cAMP may promote the activation of HCN channels in vlPAG in bone cancer rats, thereby promoting the development of bone cancer pain.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xixi Wang, Sifei Gan, Zeru Zhang, Pengfei Zhu, Chen Hong Li, Fang Luo
Summary: Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a paradoxical pain condition caused by prolonged use of opioids. In this study, we found that layer V pyramidal neurons in the infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC) exhibit hyperexcitability in male rats with OIH, leading to aggravated behavioral hyperalgesia. Inhibition of these neurons alleviates OIH pain in males but worsen pain in control rats. We also identified that the reduced hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) and decreased HCN1 expression in IL-mPFC output neurons contribute to the hyperexcitability and maintenance of OIH pain in male rats.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Erika Meyer, Jessica Mendes Bonato, Marco Aurelio Mori, Bianca Andretto Mattos, Francisco Silveira Guimaraes, Humberto Milani, Alline Cristina de Campos, Rubia Maria Weffort de Oliveira
Summary: CBD has been shown to attenuate memory deficits induced by ischemia and reduce neurodegeneration in the hippocampal CA1 region, while also increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Additionally, CBD protects neurons against the negative effects of ischemia on dendritic spine number and dendritic arborization length. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of CBD on ischemia-induced memory impairments involve synaptic plasticity changes in the hippocampus.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Kathryn Lynn Carzoli, Georgios Kogias, Jessica Fawcett-Patel, Siqiong June Liu
Summary: Carzoli et al. demonstrate that fear memory formation is driven by activity in cerebellar interneurons, which involves an increase in intrinsic excitability specific to learning and the loss of endocannabinoid-HCN signaling. This highlights the significance of moving beyond traditional investigations of memory formation focused on synaptic plasticity.
Article
Neurosciences
Marco de Curtis, Laura Librizzi, Laura Uva
Summary: Seizures affecting the limbic regions, such as the hippocampus, are common and often resistant to medication. This study examines the network mechanisms involved in the generation of olfactory-limbic epileptiform patterns and discusses the potential relevance of these findings for human focal epilepsy. The interactions within olfactory-limbic circuits, including region-specific seizure-like events and cortical control, are investigated using in vitro preparations and pro-convulsive drugs.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Valentina Licheri, Giuseppe Talani, Giovanni Biggio, Enrico Sanna
Summary: It is well known that ethanol affects neuronal function through its interaction with membrane proteins and intracellular pathways. This study investigated the effect of ethanol on HCN channels in CA3 pyramidal neurons and found that ethanol modulates HCN-mediated Ih in a concentration-dependent and bi-directional manner. This modulation was mimicked by forskolin and antagonized by drugs that interfere with the AC/cAMP/PKA pathway and selective HCN inhibitor ZD7288.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lars Nyberg, Fredrik Magnussen, Anders Lundquist, William Baare, David Bartres-Faz, Lars Bertram, C. J. Boraxbekk, Andreas M. Brandmaier, Christian A. Drevon, Klaus Ebmeier, Paolo Ghisletta, Richard N. Henson, Carme Junque, Rogier Kievit, Maike Kleemeyer, Ethan Knights, Simone Kuhn, Ulman Lindenberger, Brenda W. J. H. Penninx, Sara Pudas, Oystein Sorensen, Lidia Vaque-Alcazar, Kristine B. Walhovd, Anders M. Fjell
Summary: Despite the modest association between education and cortical volume, higher education does not influence the rates of brain aging. The findings challenge the assumption that education slows down brain aging.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Maryam Naseh, Mahnaz Bayat, Somayeh Akbari, Jafar Vatanparast, Mohammad Shabani, Afshin Borhani Haghighi, Masoud Haghani
Summary: The study evaluated the therapeutic effect of valproate (VPA) treatment on cognitive impairment, hippocampal neuronal loss, and spatial memory deficits induced by cerebral ischemia. The results showed that VPA treatment significantly reduced the infarct volume and improved spatial learning-memory, fear memory, and anxiety. The induction of long-term potentiation via postsynaptic mechanisms may be responsible for the improvement in cognitive impairment.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Carmen Falcone, Elisa Penna, Tiffany Hong, Alice F. Tarantal, Patrick R. Hof, William D. Hopkins, Chet C. Sherwood, Stephen C. Noctor, Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
Summary: Interlaminar astrocytes (ILAs) are a unique subset of cortical astrocytes found in layer I, originating likely from radial glial (RG) cells, proliferating locally during gestation, and extending interlaminar processes postnatally. Studies on three primate species and mice revealed that ILAs exhibit increased density and morphological complexity with age, express multiple markers including RG and astrocyte markers, and show differences between primate species and mice. These findings suggest a lineal relationship between RG cells and ILAs.
Review
Neurosciences
Solene Clavreul, Laura Dumas, Karine Loulier
Summary: In the mammalian brain, astrocytes form a diverse population with variations in morphology, molecular makeup, function, and location. Recent studies have shed light on the development and maturation of astrocytes in the cerebral cortex, providing a better understanding of their diversity. However, the origins of this diversity are still unclear, and further research using advanced tools and techniques is underway.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cuihong Jia, Chiharu Lovins, Hannah M. Malone, Matthew P. Keasey, Theo Hagg
Summary: Blood vitronectin (VTN) leaking into the brain after stroke exacerbates tissue loss by increasing IL-6 expression in female mice. Inhibiting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) reduces brain injury size, inflammation, and motor dysfunction in female, but not male, mice. Selective gene deletion of FAK in astrocytes reduces IL-6 expression and mitigates infarct size and inflammation. VTN signaling can be targeted to mitigate harmful inflammation in female stroke patients.
JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tao Wang, Yusheng Zhang, Weiwu Chen, Jin Tao, Qiao Xue, Wei Ge, Wanchen Dou, Chao Ma
Summary: This study utilized a high throughput quantitative proteomic approach to evaluate proteomic changes in the hippocampus and motor cortex in a rat model of cerebral palsy (CP) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with hypoxia/ischemia (H/I). The research revealed that neuroinflammatory responses in the brain induced by the CP model could be reversed by the topical application of Baimai ointment. Furthermore, the application of Baimai ointment not only alleviated motor deficits in CP model rats, but also restored the proteomes in the brain cortex.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yilong Zhao, Huajun Yang, Wei Shan, Anchen Guo, Qun Wang
Summary: Moderate ethanol preconditioning protects against ischemic brain injury by upregulating the expression of BKCa channels in rats.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhengguang Guo, Chen Shao, Yang Zhang, Wenying Qiu, Wenting Li, Weimin Zhu, Qian Yang, Yin Huang, Lili Pan, Yuepan Dong, Haidan Sun, Xiaoping Xiao, Wei Sun, Chao Ma, Liwei Zhang
Summary: This study provides a global multiregional proteomic map of the human cerebral cortex by analyzing 29 Brodmann areas. The findings identify cluster-specific and BA-specific signature proteins that are closely associated with specialized functions and disease vulnerability.
GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Yasmine Kamen, Helena Pivonkova, Kimberley A. Evans, Ragnhildur T. Karadottir
Summary: Studies show that oligodendrocyte precursor cells and myelinating oligodendrocytes exhibit different developmental origins and functional states, which may impact myelination and repair in the adult brain.
Article
Pathology
Peter Androvic, Sarka Benesova, Eva Rohlova, Mikael Kubista, Lukas Valihrach
Summary: This study compared the performance of commercially available small RNA-Seq library preparation methods for quantification of miRNAs in biofluids. The results showed that there was no single protocol outperforming others across all metrics, and different methods exhibited biases in measuring miRNA profiles, with varying performance in minimizing biases.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Ingrid Vargova, Jan Kriska, Jessica C. F. Kwok, James W. Fawcett, Pavla Jendelova
Summary: Spinal cord interneurons play a significant role in circuit reorganization and recovery after spinal cord injury. However, there is a lack of suitable in vitro models for studying regeneration. In this study, a mouse primary spinal cord neuronal culture model was developed to analyze the maturation, morphology, physiology, connectivity, and regeneration of interneurons.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jana Tureckova, Monika Kamenicka, Denisa Kolenicova, Tereza Filipi, Zuzana Hermanova, Jan Kriska, Lenka Meszarosova, Barbora Pukajova, Lukas Valihrach, Peter Androvic, Daniel Zucha, Martina Chmelova, Lydia Vargova, Miroslava Anderova
Summary: This study reveals the impact of amyloid-beta toxicity and tau pathology on astrocyte swelling, volume recovery, and extracellular space diffusion in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. AD progression affects astrocyte ionic/neurotransmitter uptake, leading to enlarged extracellular space and increased obstacles. These changes may disrupt intercellular communication and contribute to cytotoxicity.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Yoichiro Shibuya, Akishige Hokugo, Hiroko Okawa, Takeru Kondo, Daniel Khalil, Lixin Wang, Yvonne Roca, Adam Clements, Hodaka Sasaki, Ella Berry, Ichiro Nishimura, Reza Jarrahy
Summary: Attempts to minimize scarring after surgery remain challenging for surgeons. This study identified a compound (Dwn1) that suppressed the expression of Npas2, a protein involved in wound healing. Treatment with Dwn1 resulted in faster and stronger healing of dermal wounds in mice, with reduced scarring.
Article
Neurosciences
Rocio Valle-Bautista, Berenice Marquez-Valadez, Gabriel Herrera-Lopez, Ernesto Griego, Emilio J. Galvan, Nestor-Fabian Diaz, Jose-Antonio Arias-Montano, Anayansi Molina-Hernandez
Summary: The transient histaminergic system, activated through H-1 receptor, plays a role in the differentiation of deep-layer cortical neurons. Blocking H-1 receptors with chlorpheniramine during neurogenesis leads to decreased levels of deep-layer cortical neurons and impairs learning, wakefulness, and nociception. This study evaluated the long-lasting effects of chlorpheniramine on the differentiation of deep-layer cortical neurons in neonates and 21-day-old pups. The results showed altered expression and distribution of cortical markers, as well as impaired dendritic arborization and lower excitability in response to histamine. These findings suggest the importance of H1 receptors in cortical neurogenesis and its impact on motor activity and cognition.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Balazs V. Varga, Maryam Faiz, Huijuan Yang, Helena Pivonkova, Shangbang Gao, Gabriel Khelifi, Emma Linderoth, Mei Zhen, Ragnhildur Thora Karadottir, Samer M. Hussein, Andras Nagy
Summary: This study identifies signals that regulate the division of human neural stem cells and their ability to generate cortical neurons and glia. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for the development of regenerative and cell-based therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Bernhard Springer, Robin Dreisbach, Klaus-Dieter Schatz, Bernd Kubista, Wenzel Waldstein
Summary: This study evaluated the information quality of YouTube videos regarding postoperative patient information and rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Most of the videos were of poor quality, with videos uploaded by medically trained professionals offering better information. The findings suggest that physicians should provide alternative sources of high-quality information to patients.
ARTHROSCOPY-THE JOURNAL OF ARTHROSCOPIC AND RELATED SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jana Tureckova, Zuzana Hermanova, Valeria Marchetti, Miroslava Anderova
Summary: TRPV4 is a non-selective cation channel expressed in different cell types of the central nervous system. Activation of TRPV4 by various stimuli mediates Ca2+ influx into the cell and is involved in the modulation of neuronal excitability, control of blood flow, and brain edema formation. It is considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cerebral ischemia, but its expression and function in different cell types need further study and evaluation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eliska Kut'akova, Lenka Meszarosova, Petr Baldrian, Zuzana Muenzbergova, Tomas Herben
Summary: Plant-soil feedbacks play a crucial role in species coexistence in dynamic and low-diversity communities. This study investigates whether the feedbacks of a dominant species can be detected in a diverse plant community and to what extent they are influenced by co-occurring species.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lucie Janeckova, Tomas Knotek, Jan Kriska, Zuzana Hermanova, Denisa Kirdajova, Jan Kubovciak, Linda Berkova, Jana Tureckova, Sara Camacho Garcia, Katerina Galuskova, Michal Kolar, Miroslava Anderova, Vladimir Korinek
Summary: In this study, the properties and functions of NG2 glia in the ischemic brain were investigated using transgenic mice and single-cell RNA sequencing. The findings suggest the potential development of neuron-like cells arising from NG2 glia in the ischemic tissue, providing insights into the plasticity of NG2 glia and their capacity for neurogenesis after stroke.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Romana Bohuslavova, Valeria Fabriciova, Ondrej Smolik, Laura Lebron-Mora, Pavel Abaffy, Sarka Benesova, Daniel Zucha, Lukas Valihrach, Zuzana Berkova, Frantisek Saudek, Gabriela Pavlinkova
Summary: NEUROD1 is a transcription factor that plays an important role in pancreatic development and is crucial for the differentiation of endocrine cells. Its deficiency disrupts endocrine cell identity acquisition and compromises their differentiation and functional properties.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kieran D. O'Malley, Henry Schofield, Patrick G. R. Wright, Daniel Hargreaves, Tom Kitching, Marina Bollo Palacios, Fiona Mathews
Summary: Identifying peaks of bat activity through acoustic monitoring can help locate bat colonies, and a triage system based on this method can be used to prioritize survey efforts. This study successfully developed a methodology for predicting woodland occupancy by barbastelle bats using acoustic data, and validated it through citizen science surveys and specialist tracking surveys.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jianfei Chen, Ziwei Chen, Jilong Zhang, Wuchao Zhuang, Xiaotong Zheng
Summary: This study utilized different algorithms to evaluate the stability of internal reference genes in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens. The most suitable reference genes for each type of GI tissue were identified. Commonly used internal reference genes exhibited poor stability and are not recommended for future gene expression studies in the GI region.
Article
Mycology
Relber Aguiar Goncales, Igor Godinho Portis, Thaila Fernanda dos Reis, Luiz Roberto Basso Junior, Roberto Martinez, Heng Zhu, Maristela Pereira, Celia Maria de Almeida Soares, Paulo Sergio Rodrigues Coelho
Summary: In this study, expression analysis of GPI-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was conducted. The findings revealed increased expression levels of certain proteins in the mycelium and yeast forms, and these proteins showed immune reactivity against sera obtained from PCM patients. These results provide valuable information about the function of GPI-anchored proteins and their potential as diagnostic markers.
FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
