Nonhuman primates are increasingly being used as animal models in neuroscience research.However,efficient neuronal tracing techniques for labeling motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the monkey spinal cord ...Nonhuman primates are increasingly being used as animal models in neuroscience research.However,efficient neuronal tracing techniques for labeling motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the monkey spinal cord are lacking.Here,by injecting the cholera toxin B subunit into the sciatic nerve of a rhesus monkey,we successfully labeled the motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the lumbar and sacralspinal cord.Labeled alpha motor neurons were located in lamina IX of the L6–S1 segments,which innervate both flexors and extensors.The labeled primary sensory afferents were mainly myelinated Aβfibers that terminated mostly in laminae I and II of the L4–L7 segments.Together with the labeled proprioceptive afferents,the primary sensory afferents formed excitatory synapses with multiple types of spinal neurons.In summary,our methods successfully traced neuronal connections in the monkey spinal cord and can be used in spinal cord studies when nonhuman primates are used.展开更多
Unwarranted death of neurons is a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases.Since mature neurons are postmitotic and do not replicate,their death usually constitutes an irreversible step in pathology.A logical strateg...Unwarranted death of neurons is a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases.Since mature neurons are postmitotic and do not replicate,their death usually constitutes an irreversible step in pathology.A logical strategy to prevent neurodegeneration would then be to save all neurons that are still alive,i.e.protecting the ones that are still healthy as well as trying to rescue the ones that are damaged and in the process of dying.Regarding the latter,recent experiments have indicated that the possibility of reversing the cell death process and rescuing dying cells is more significant than previously anticipated.In many situations,the elimination of the cell death trigger alone enables dying cells to spontaneously repair their damage,recover,and survive.In this review,we explore the factors,which determine the fate of neurons engaged in the cell death process.A deeper insight into cell death mechanisms and the intrinsic capacity of cells to recover could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.展开更多
Parkinson’s disease(PD)is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.The progressive degeneration of dopamine(DA)producing neurons in the midbrain is the pathological hallmark,which leads to debilitating motor...Parkinson’s disease(PD)is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.The progressive degeneration of dopamine(DA)producing neurons in the midbrain is the pathological hallmark,which leads to debilitating motor symptoms,including tremors,rigidity,and bradykinesia.Drug treatments,such as levodopa,provide symptomatic relief.However,they do not halt disease progression,and their effectiveness diminishes over time(reviewed in Poewe et al.,2017).展开更多
Motor neuron diseases are sporadic or inherited fatal neurodegenerative conditions.They selectively affect the upper and/or lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord and feature a slow onset and a subacute cour...Motor neuron diseases are sporadic or inherited fatal neurodegenerative conditions.They selectively affect the upper and/or lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord and feature a slow onset and a subacute course contingent upon the site of damage.The main types include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,progressive muscular atrophy,primary lateral sclerosis,and progressive bulbar palsy,the pathological processes of which are largely identical,with the main disparity lying in the location of the lesions.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the representative condition in this group of diseases,while other types are its variants.Hence,this article mainly focuses on the advancements and challenges in drug research for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but also briefly addresses several other important degenerative motor neuron diseases.Although the precise pathogenesis remains elusive,recent advancements have shed light on various theories,including gene mutation,excitatory amino acid toxicity,autoimmunology,and neurotrophic factors.The US Food and Drug Administration has approved four drugs for use in delaying the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:riluzole,edaravone,AMX0035,and tofersen,with the latter being the most recent to receive approval.However,following several phaseⅢtrials that failed to yield favorable outcomes,AMX0035 has been voluntarily withdrawn from both the US and Canadian markets.This article presents a comprehensive summary of drug trials primarily completed between January 1,2023,and June 30,2024,based on data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov.Among these trials,five are currently in phaseⅠ,seventeen are in phaseⅡ,and eleven are undergoing phaseⅢevaluation.Notably,24 clinical trials are now investigating potential disease-modifying therapy drugs,accounting for the majority of the drugs included in this review.Some promising drugs being investigated in preclinical studies,such as ATH-1105,are included in our analysis,and another review in frontiers in gene therapy and immunotherapy has demonstrated their therapeutic potential for motor neuron diseases.This article was written to be an overview of research trends and treatment prospects related to motor neuron disease drugs,with the aim of highlighting the latest potentialities for clinical therapy.展开更多
Stroke,particularly ischemic stroke,is the leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.It occurs due to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries,which significantly reduces the delivery of blood,oxygen...Stroke,particularly ischemic stroke,is the leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.It occurs due to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries,which significantly reduces the delivery of blood,oxygen,and essential nutrients to brain tissues.This deprivation triggers a cascade of cellular events that ultimately leads to neuronal death.Recent studies have clarified the multifactorial pathogenesis of ischemic stroke,highlighting the roles of energy failure,excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and apoptosis.This review aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the fundamental mechanisms driving neuronal death triggered by ischemia and to examine the progress of neuroprotective therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate neuronal loss and promote neurological recovery after a stroke.Additionally,we explored widely accepted findings regarding the potential pathways implicated in neuronal death during ischemic stroke,including the interplay of apoptosis,autophagy,pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necrosis,which collectively influence neuronal fate.We also discussed advancements in neuroprotective therapeutics,encompassing a range of interventions from pharmacological modulation to stem cell-based therapies,aimed at reducing neuronal injury and enhancing functional recovery following ischemic stroke.Despite these advancements,challenges remain in translating mechanistic insights into effective clinical therapies.Although neuroprotective strategies have shown promise in preclinical models,their efficacy in human trials has been inconsistent,often due to the complex pathology of ischemic stroke and the timing of interventions.In conclusion,this review synthesizes mechanistic insights into the intricate interplay of molecular and cellular pathways driving neuronal death post-ischemia.It sheds light on cutting-edge advancements in potential neuroprotective therapeutics,underscores the promise of regenerative medicine,and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential clinical breakthroughs.The ongoing evolution of precision-targeted interventions is expected to significantly enhance preventative strategies and improve clinical outcomes.展开更多
Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the ...Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the urgent need to explore new treatment strategies for epilepsy, recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting gliosis, metabolic disturbances, and neural circuit abnormalities as therapeutic strategies. Astrocytes, the largest group of nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system, play several crucial roles in maintaining ionic and energy metabolic homeostasis in neurons, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and modulating synaptic plasticity. This article briefly reviews the critical role of astrocytes in maintaining balance within the central nervous system. Building on previous research, we discuss how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of epilepsy through four key aspects: the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling, dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment, neuroinflammation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits. We summarize relevant basic research conducted over the past 5 years that has focused on modulating astrocytes as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy. We categorize the therapeutic targets proposed by these studies into four areas: restoration of the excitation–inhibition balance, reestablishment of metabolic homeostasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and reconstruction of abnormal neural circuits. These targets correspond to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to epilepsy. Additionally, we need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of translating these identified therapeutic targets into clinical treatments. These limitations arise from interspecies differences between humans and animal models, as well as the complex comorbidities associated with epilepsy in humans. We also highlight valuable future research directions worth exploring in the treatment of epilepsy and the regulation of astrocytes, such as gene therapy and imaging strategies. The findings presented in this review may help open new therapeutic avenues for patients with drugresistant epilepsy and for those suffering from other central nervous system disorders associated with astrocytic dysfunction.展开更多
Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinso...Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.展开更多
Indicaxanthin is a betalain that is abundant in Opuntia ficus-indica orange fruit and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, very little is known about the neuroprotective potential of indicaxa...Indicaxanthin is a betalain that is abundant in Opuntia ficus-indica orange fruit and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, very little is known about the neuroprotective potential of indicaxanthin. This study investigated the impact of indicaxanthin on neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet in mice. The mice were divided into three groups according to different diets: the negative control group was fed a standard diet;the high-fat diet group was fed a high-fat diet;and the high-fat diet + indicaxanthin group was fed a high-fat diet and received indicaxanthin orally(0.86 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Brain apoptosis, redox status, inflammation, and the gut microbiota composition were compared among the different animal groups. The results demonstrated that indicaxanthin treatment reduced neuronal apoptosis by downregulating the expression of proapoptotic genes and increasing the expression of antiapoptotic genes. Indicaxanthin also markedly decreased the expression of neuroinflammatory proteins and genes and inhibited high-fat diet–induced neuronal oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. In addition, indicaxanthin treatment improved the microflora composition by increasing the abundance of healthy bacterial genera, known as producers of short-chain fatty acids(Lachnospiraceae, Alloprovetella, and Lactobacillus), and by reducing bacteria related to unhealthy profiles(Blautia, Faecalibaculum, Romboutsia and Bilophila). In conclusion, indicaxanthin has a positive effect on high-fat diet–induced neuronal damage and on the gut microbiota composition in obese mice.展开更多
Spinal cord injury(SCI) often results in permanent dysfunction of locomotion,sensation,and autonomic regulation,imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society(Anjum et al.,2020).SCI has a complex pathop...Spinal cord injury(SCI) often results in permanent dysfunction of locomotion,sensation,and autonomic regulation,imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society(Anjum et al.,2020).SCI has a complex pathophysiology:an initial primary injury(mechanical trauma,axonal disruption,and hemorrhage) is followed by a progressive secondary injury cascade that involves ischemia,neuronal loss,and inflammation.Given the challenges in achieving regeneration of the injured spinal cord,neuroprotection has been at the forefront of clinical research.展开更多
Aging is considered the main risk factor for the development of several diseases,including the leading neurodegenerative disorders.While the cellular features of aging are complex and multifaceted,neuronal senescence ...Aging is considered the main risk factor for the development of several diseases,including the leading neurodegenerative disorders.While the cellular features of aging are complex and multifaceted,neuronal senescence has emerged as a major contributor and driver of this process in the mammalian cell.Cellular senescence is a programmed response to stress and irreparable damage,which drives the cell into an apoptosis-resistant,non-proliferative state.Senescent cells can also deleteriously affect neighboring,non-senescent cells.Senescence is a complex and multifaceted process associated with a wide range of cellular events,including the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules and the arrest of the cell cycle.展开更多
The NSC-34 cell line is a widely recognized motor neuron model and various neuronal differentiation protocols have been exploited. Under previously reported experimental conditions, only part of the cells resemble dif...The NSC-34 cell line is a widely recognized motor neuron model and various neuronal differentiation protocols have been exploited. Under previously reported experimental conditions, only part of the cells resemble differentiated neurons;however, they do not exhibit extensive and time-prolonged neuritogenesis, and maintain their duplication capacity in culture. The aim of the present work was to facilitate long-term and more homogeneous neuronal differentiation in motor neuron–like NSC-34 cells. We found that the antimitotic drug cytosine arabinoside promoted robust and persistent neuronal differentiation in the entire cell population. Long and interconnecting neuronal processes with abundant growth cones were homogeneously induced and were durable for up to at least 6 weeks in culture. Moreover, cytosine arabinoside was permissive, dispensable, and mostly irreversible in priming NSC-34 cells for neurite initiation and regeneration after mechanical dislodgement. Finally, the expression of the cell proliferation antigen Ki67 was inhibited by cytosine arabinoside, whereas the expression levels of neuronal growth associated protein 43, vimentin, and motor neuron–specific p75, Islet2, homeobox 9 markers were upregulated, as confirmed by western blot and/or confocal immunofluorescence analysis. Overall, these findings support the use of NSC-34 cells as a motor neuron model for properly investigating neurodegenerative mechanisms and prospectively identifying neuroprotective strategies.展开更多
Autophagy is well-known for delivering cargo materials to lysosomes for proteolytic digestion.Recently,autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism in unconventional protein secretion(UPS).This perspective introduces unco...Autophagy is well-known for delivering cargo materials to lysosomes for proteolytic digestion.Recently,autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism in unconventional protein secretion(UPS).This perspective introduces unconventional secretion pathways,focusing on secretory autophagy and its role in secreting protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disorders.We also explore additional neuronal functions of secretory autophagy beyond the release of protein aggregates.We propose autophagosomes as transport organelles that deliver cargo material directly from the endoplasmatic reticulum(ER)to the plasma membrane rather than solely to lysosomes.展开更多
Neuronal cell death is a common outcome of multiple pathophysiological processes and a key factor in neurological dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Neuronal ferroptosis in particular plays an important role in...Neuronal cell death is a common outcome of multiple pathophysiological processes and a key factor in neurological dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Neuronal ferroptosis in particular plays an important role in early brain injury.Bromodomain-containing protein 4,a member of the bromo and extraterminal domain family of proteins,participated in multiple cell death pathways,but the mechanisms by which it regulates ferroptosis remain unclear.The primary aim of this study was to investigate how bromodomain-containing protein 4 affects neuronal ferroptosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro.Our findings revealed that endogenous bromodomain-containing protein 4 co-localized with neurons,and its expression was decreased 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage of the cerebral cortex in vivo.In addition,ferroptosis-related pathways were activated in vivo and in vitro after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Targeted inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in neurons increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular ferrous iron accumulation via ferritinophagy and ultimately led to neuronal ferroptosis.Using cleavage under targets and tagmentation analysis,we found that bromodomain-containing protein 4 enrichment in the Raf-1 promoter region decreased following oxyhemoglobin stimulation in vitro.Furthermore,treating bromodomain-containing protein 4-knockdown HT-22 cell lines with GW5074,a Raf-1 inhibitor,exacerbated neuronal ferroptosis by suppressing the Raf-1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Moreover,targeted inhibition of neuronal bromodomain-containing protein 4 exacerbated early and long-term neurological function deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Our findings suggest that bromodomain-containing protein 4 may have neuroprotective effects after subarachnoid hemorrhage,and that inhibiting ferroptosis could help treat subarachnoid hemorrhage.展开更多
In the face of constantly changing environments,the central nervous system(CNS)rapidly and accurately calculates the body's needs,regulates feeding behavior,and maintains energy homeostasis.The arcuate nucleus of ...In the face of constantly changing environments,the central nervous system(CNS)rapidly and accurately calculates the body's needs,regulates feeding behavior,and maintains energy homeostasis.The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus(ARC)plays a key role in this process,serv-ing as a critical brain region for detecting nutrition-related hormones and regulating appetite and energy homeostasis.Agouti-related protein(AgRP)/neuropeptide Y(NPY)neu-rons in the ARC are core elements that interact with other brain regions through a complex appetite-regulating network to comprehensively control energy homeostasis.In this review,we explore the discovery and research progress of AgRP neurons in regulating feeding and energy metabolism.In addition,recent advances in terms of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis,along with the redundant neural mecha-nisms involved in energy metabolism,are discussed.Finally,the challenges and opportunities in the field of neural regula-tion of feeding and energy metabolism are briefly discussed.展开更多
FK506(Tacrolimus)is a systemic immunosuppressant approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.FK506 has been shown to promote peripheral nerve regeneration,however,its precise mechanism of action and its pathways ...FK506(Tacrolimus)is a systemic immunosuppressant approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.FK506 has been shown to promote peripheral nerve regeneration,however,its precise mechanism of action and its pathways remain unclear.In this study,we established a rat model of sciatic nerve injury and found that FK506 improved the morphology of the injured sciatic nerve,increased the numbers of motor and sensory neurons,reduced inflammatory responses,markedly improved the conduction function of the injured nerve,and promoted motor function recovery.These findings suggest that FK506 promotes peripheral nerve structure recovery and functional regeneration by reducing the intensity of inflammation after neuronal injury and increasing the number of surviving neurons.展开更多
Pain is often comorbid with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.Hyperexcitability of the anterior cingulate cortex has been implicated in pain and pain-related negative emotions that arise from impairme...Pain is often comorbid with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.Hyperexcitability of the anterior cingulate cortex has been implicated in pain and pain-related negative emotions that arise from impairments in inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission.This review primarily aims to outline the main circuitry(including the input and output connectivity)of the anterior cingulate cortex and classification and functions of different gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons;it also describes the neurotransmitters/neuromodulators affecting these neurons,their intercommunication with other neurons,and their importance in mental comorbidities associated with chronic pain disorders.Improving understanding on their role in pain-related mental comorbidities may facilitate the development of more effective treatments for these conditions.However,the mechanisms that regulate gamma-aminobutyric acidergic systems remain elusive.It is also unclear as to whether the mechanisms are presynaptic or postsynaptic.Further exploration of the complexities of this system may reveal new pathways for research and drug development.展开更多
The process of neurite outgrowth and branching is a crucial aspect of neuronal development and regeneration.Axons and dendrites,sometimes referred to as neurites,are extensions of a neuron's cellular body that are...The process of neurite outgrowth and branching is a crucial aspect of neuronal development and regeneration.Axons and dendrites,sometimes referred to as neurites,are extensions of a neuron's cellular body that are used to start networks.Here we explored the effects of diethyl(3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamino)(quinolin-4-yl)methylphosphonate(DDQ)on neurite developmental features in HT22 neuronal cells.In this work,we examined the protective effects of DDQ on neuronal processes and synaptic outgrowth in differentiated HT22cells expressing mutant Tau(mTau)cDNA.To investigate DDQ chara cteristics,cell viability,biochemical,molecular,western blotting,and immunocytochemistry were used.Neurite outgrowth is evaluated through the segmentation and measurement of neural processes.These neural processes can be seen and measured with a fluorescence microscope by manually tracing and measuring the length of the neurite growth.These neuronal processes can be observed and quantified with a fluorescent microscope by manually tracing and measuring the length of the neuronal HT22.DDQ-treated mTau-HT22 cells(HT22 cells transfected with cDNA mutant Tau)were seen to display increased levels of synaptophysin,MAP-2,andβ-tubulin.Additionally,we confirmed and noted reduced levels of both total and p-Tau,as well as elevated levels of microtubule-associated protein 2,β-tubulin,synaptophysin,vesicular acetylcholine transporter,and the mitochondrial biogenesis protein-pe roxisome prolife rator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α.In mTa u-expressed HT22 neurons,we observed DDQ enhanced the neurite characteristics and improved neurite development through increased synaptic outgrowth.Our findings conclude that mTa u-HT22(Alzheimer's disease)cells treated with DDQ have functional neurite developmental chara cteristics.The key finding is that,in mTa u-HT22 cells,DDQ preserves neuronal structure and may even enhance nerve development function with mTa u inhibition.展开更多
Objective:To anatomically and phenotypically characterize the insular cortex(IC)-nucleus tractus soli-tari(NTS)neural pathway.Methods:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental cohorts for neu...Objective:To anatomically and phenotypically characterize the insular cortex(IC)-nucleus tractus soli-tari(NTS)neural pathway.Methods:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental cohorts for neural circuit tracing.Anterograde labeling was achieved by injecting anterograde self-complementary adeno-associated viruses(scAAVs)into the IC.Retrograde tracing involved NTS injections of either retrograde scAAVs or FluoroGold(FG),combined with immunofluorescence histochemical staining to identify IC-originating projection neurons.For postsynaptic neurochemical phenotype characterization,IC was injected with AAV2/1-CaMKII-Cre,while a mixture of AAV2/9-Syn-DIO-mCherry and AAV2/9-VGAT1-EGFP was injected into the NTS.The rats were allowed to survive for one week following scAAVs or FG injection or four weeks after recombinase-dependent systems injection.Then the rats were sacrificed,and serial brain sections were prepared for immunofluorescence histochemical staining(brain section containing FG)and subsequent fluorescence/confocal microscopic analysis.Results:(1)Anterograde viral tracing re-vealed dense axonal terminals from the IC projecting to the medial subnucleus of the NTS,while retrograde tracing re-vealed that IC neurons projecting to the NTS were predominantly localized within the dysgranular layer;(2)IC-NTS projection neurons were exclusive glutamatergic(100%,n=3);(3)NTS neurons receiving IC inputs were mainly lo-calized in the medial subnucleus,and were predominantly GABAergic(79.8±3.2%,n=3).Conclusion:The pres-ent results indicate that a descending pathway from excitatory neurons of the IC terminates onto inhibitory neurons of the NTS,which might represent a potential neuromodulatory target for visceral pain disorders.展开更多
Effective axon regeneration is essential for the successful restoration of nerve functions in patients suffering from axon injury-associated neurological diseases.Certain self-regeneration occurs in injured peripheral...Effective axon regeneration is essential for the successful restoration of nerve functions in patients suffering from axon injury-associated neurological diseases.Certain self-regeneration occurs in injured peripheral axonal branches of dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons but does not occur in their central axonal branches.By performing rat sciatic nerve or dorsal root axotomy,we determined the expression of the dysbindin domain containing 2(DBNDD2)in the DRGs after the regenerative peripheral axon injury or the non-regenerative central axon injury,respectively,and found that DBNDD2 is down-regulated in the DRGs after peripheral axon injury but up-regulated after central axon injury.Furthermore,we found that DBNDD2 expression differs in neonatal and adult rat DRGs and is gradually increased during development.Functional analysis through DBNDD2 knockdown revealed that silencing DBNDD2 promotes the outgrowth of neurites in both neonatal and adult rat DRG neurons and stimulates robust axon regeneration in adult rats after sciatic nerve crush injury.Bioinformatic analysis data showed that transcription factor estrogen receptor 1(ESR1)interacts with DBNDD2,exhibits a similar expression trend as DBNDD2 after axon injury,and may targets DBDNN2.These studies indicate that reduced level of DBNDD2 after peripheral axon injury and low abundance of DBNDD2 in neonates contribute to axon regeneration and thus suggest the manipulation of DBNDD2 expression as a promising therapeutic approach for improving recovery after axon damage.展开更多
The thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN)plays a crucial role in regulating sensory encoding,even at the earliest stages of visual processing,as evidenced by numerous studies.Orientation selectivity,a vital neural response,...The thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN)plays a crucial role in regulating sensory encoding,even at the earliest stages of visual processing,as evidenced by numerous studies.Orientation selectivity,a vital neural response,is essential for detecting objects through edge perception.Here,we demonstrate that somatostatin(SOM)-expressing and parvalbumin(PV)-expressing neurons in the TRN project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and modulate orientation selectivity and the capacity for visual information processing in the primary visual cortex(V1).These findings show that SOM-positive and PV-positive neurons in the TRN are powerful modulators of visual information encoding in V1,revealing a novel role for this thalamic nucleus in influencing visual processing.展开更多
基金supported by a grant from Ministry of Science and Technology China,No.2022ZD0204704(to WW)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82301572(to XZ)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2023M731202(to XZ)。
文摘Nonhuman primates are increasingly being used as animal models in neuroscience research.However,efficient neuronal tracing techniques for labeling motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the monkey spinal cord are lacking.Here,by injecting the cholera toxin B subunit into the sciatic nerve of a rhesus monkey,we successfully labeled the motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the lumbar and sacralspinal cord.Labeled alpha motor neurons were located in lamina IX of the L6–S1 segments,which innervate both flexors and extensors.The labeled primary sensory afferents were mainly myelinated Aβfibers that terminated mostly in laminae I and II of the L4–L7 segments.Together with the labeled proprioceptive afferents,the primary sensory afferents formed excitatory synapses with multiple types of spinal neurons.In summary,our methods successfully traced neuronal connections in the monkey spinal cord and can be used in spinal cord studies when nonhuman primates are used.
基金supported by the following foundations:“Stichting Oogfonds Nederland(No.2023-26)”the“Landelijke Stichting voor Blinden en Slechtzienden(No.2023-24)”that contributed through UitZicht,ZonMw grant(No.435005020)a grant of the Chinese Scholarship Council(No.201809110169)(to TGMFG,CPMR,and WY).
文摘Unwarranted death of neurons is a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases.Since mature neurons are postmitotic and do not replicate,their death usually constitutes an irreversible step in pathology.A logical strategy to prevent neurodegeneration would then be to save all neurons that are still alive,i.e.protecting the ones that are still healthy as well as trying to rescue the ones that are damaged and in the process of dying.Regarding the latter,recent experiments have indicated that the possibility of reversing the cell death process and rescuing dying cells is more significant than previously anticipated.In many situations,the elimination of the cell death trigger alone enables dying cells to spontaneously repair their damage,recover,and survive.In this review,we explore the factors,which determine the fate of neurons engaged in the cell death process.A deeper insight into cell death mechanisms and the intrinsic capacity of cells to recover could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.
基金supported by the DGIST start-up funds from the Ministry of Science and ICT(2024010330)a National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea Government(MSIT)(No.RS-2024-00351442)(to TWK).
文摘Parkinson’s disease(PD)is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.The progressive degeneration of dopamine(DA)producing neurons in the midbrain is the pathological hallmark,which leads to debilitating motor symptoms,including tremors,rigidity,and bradykinesia.Drug treatments,such as levodopa,provide symptomatic relief.However,they do not halt disease progression,and their effectiveness diminishes over time(reviewed in Poewe et al.,2017).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2022YFC2703101(to YC)the National Natural Science Fundation of China,No.82371422(to YC)+1 种基金the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students,No.202310611408(to XW)the 1·3·5 Project for Disciplines of Excellence Clinical Research Fund,West China Hospital,Sichuan University,No.2023HXFH032(to YC)。
文摘Motor neuron diseases are sporadic or inherited fatal neurodegenerative conditions.They selectively affect the upper and/or lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord and feature a slow onset and a subacute course contingent upon the site of damage.The main types include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,progressive muscular atrophy,primary lateral sclerosis,and progressive bulbar palsy,the pathological processes of which are largely identical,with the main disparity lying in the location of the lesions.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the representative condition in this group of diseases,while other types are its variants.Hence,this article mainly focuses on the advancements and challenges in drug research for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but also briefly addresses several other important degenerative motor neuron diseases.Although the precise pathogenesis remains elusive,recent advancements have shed light on various theories,including gene mutation,excitatory amino acid toxicity,autoimmunology,and neurotrophic factors.The US Food and Drug Administration has approved four drugs for use in delaying the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:riluzole,edaravone,AMX0035,and tofersen,with the latter being the most recent to receive approval.However,following several phaseⅢtrials that failed to yield favorable outcomes,AMX0035 has been voluntarily withdrawn from both the US and Canadian markets.This article presents a comprehensive summary of drug trials primarily completed between January 1,2023,and June 30,2024,based on data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov.Among these trials,five are currently in phaseⅠ,seventeen are in phaseⅡ,and eleven are undergoing phaseⅢevaluation.Notably,24 clinical trials are now investigating potential disease-modifying therapy drugs,accounting for the majority of the drugs included in this review.Some promising drugs being investigated in preclinical studies,such as ATH-1105,are included in our analysis,and another review in frontiers in gene therapy and immunotherapy has demonstrated their therapeutic potential for motor neuron diseases.This article was written to be an overview of research trends and treatment prospects related to motor neuron disease drugs,with the aim of highlighting the latest potentialities for clinical therapy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171387 and 31830111(both to SL).
文摘Stroke,particularly ischemic stroke,is the leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.It occurs due to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries,which significantly reduces the delivery of blood,oxygen,and essential nutrients to brain tissues.This deprivation triggers a cascade of cellular events that ultimately leads to neuronal death.Recent studies have clarified the multifactorial pathogenesis of ischemic stroke,highlighting the roles of energy failure,excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and apoptosis.This review aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the fundamental mechanisms driving neuronal death triggered by ischemia and to examine the progress of neuroprotective therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate neuronal loss and promote neurological recovery after a stroke.Additionally,we explored widely accepted findings regarding the potential pathways implicated in neuronal death during ischemic stroke,including the interplay of apoptosis,autophagy,pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necrosis,which collectively influence neuronal fate.We also discussed advancements in neuroprotective therapeutics,encompassing a range of interventions from pharmacological modulation to stem cell-based therapies,aimed at reducing neuronal injury and enhancing functional recovery following ischemic stroke.Despite these advancements,challenges remain in translating mechanistic insights into effective clinical therapies.Although neuroprotective strategies have shown promise in preclinical models,their efficacy in human trials has been inconsistent,often due to the complex pathology of ischemic stroke and the timing of interventions.In conclusion,this review synthesizes mechanistic insights into the intricate interplay of molecular and cellular pathways driving neuronal death post-ischemia.It sheds light on cutting-edge advancements in potential neuroprotective therapeutics,underscores the promise of regenerative medicine,and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential clinical breakthroughs.The ongoing evolution of precision-targeted interventions is expected to significantly enhance preventative strategies and improve clinical outcomes.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No. 2023YFF0714200 (to CW)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 82472038 and 82202224 (both to CW)+3 种基金the Shanghai Rising-Star Program,No. 23QA1407700 (to CW)the Construction Project of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging,No. 18DZ2260400 (to CW)the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars,No. 82025019 (to CL)the Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou)(to CW)。
文摘Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the urgent need to explore new treatment strategies for epilepsy, recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting gliosis, metabolic disturbances, and neural circuit abnormalities as therapeutic strategies. Astrocytes, the largest group of nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system, play several crucial roles in maintaining ionic and energy metabolic homeostasis in neurons, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and modulating synaptic plasticity. This article briefly reviews the critical role of astrocytes in maintaining balance within the central nervous system. Building on previous research, we discuss how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of epilepsy through four key aspects: the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling, dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment, neuroinflammation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits. We summarize relevant basic research conducted over the past 5 years that has focused on modulating astrocytes as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy. We categorize the therapeutic targets proposed by these studies into four areas: restoration of the excitation–inhibition balance, reestablishment of metabolic homeostasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and reconstruction of abnormal neural circuits. These targets correspond to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to epilepsy. Additionally, we need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of translating these identified therapeutic targets into clinical treatments. These limitations arise from interspecies differences between humans and animal models, as well as the complex comorbidities associated with epilepsy in humans. We also highlight valuable future research directions worth exploring in the treatment of epilepsy and the regulation of astrocytes, such as gene therapy and imaging strategies. The findings presented in this review may help open new therapeutic avenues for patients with drugresistant epilepsy and for those suffering from other central nervous system disorders associated with astrocytic dysfunction.
基金financially supported by King Abdulaziz University,Deanship of Scientific Research(DSR)。
文摘Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
基金funding from the European Union -NextGenerationEU through the Italian Ministry of University and Research under PRIN PNRR REG D.R.1718-2022– Project number PRJ-1575 INDICA。
文摘Indicaxanthin is a betalain that is abundant in Opuntia ficus-indica orange fruit and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, very little is known about the neuroprotective potential of indicaxanthin. This study investigated the impact of indicaxanthin on neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet in mice. The mice were divided into three groups according to different diets: the negative control group was fed a standard diet;the high-fat diet group was fed a high-fat diet;and the high-fat diet + indicaxanthin group was fed a high-fat diet and received indicaxanthin orally(0.86 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Brain apoptosis, redox status, inflammation, and the gut microbiota composition were compared among the different animal groups. The results demonstrated that indicaxanthin treatment reduced neuronal apoptosis by downregulating the expression of proapoptotic genes and increasing the expression of antiapoptotic genes. Indicaxanthin also markedly decreased the expression of neuroinflammatory proteins and genes and inhibited high-fat diet–induced neuronal oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. In addition, indicaxanthin treatment improved the microflora composition by increasing the abundance of healthy bacterial genera, known as producers of short-chain fatty acids(Lachnospiraceae, Alloprovetella, and Lactobacillus), and by reducing bacteria related to unhealthy profiles(Blautia, Faecalibaculum, Romboutsia and Bilophila). In conclusion, indicaxanthin has a positive effect on high-fat diet–induced neuronal damage and on the gut microbiota composition in obese mice.
文摘Spinal cord injury(SCI) often results in permanent dysfunction of locomotion,sensation,and autonomic regulation,imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society(Anjum et al.,2020).SCI has a complex pathophysiology:an initial primary injury(mechanical trauma,axonal disruption,and hemorrhage) is followed by a progressive secondary injury cascade that involves ischemia,neuronal loss,and inflammation.Given the challenges in achieving regeneration of the injured spinal cord,neuroprotection has been at the forefront of clinical research.
文摘Aging is considered the main risk factor for the development of several diseases,including the leading neurodegenerative disorders.While the cellular features of aging are complex and multifaceted,neuronal senescence has emerged as a major contributor and driver of this process in the mammalian cell.Cellular senescence is a programmed response to stress and irreparable damage,which drives the cell into an apoptosis-resistant,non-proliferative state.Senescent cells can also deleteriously affect neighboring,non-senescent cells.Senescence is a complex and multifaceted process associated with a wide range of cellular events,including the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules and the arrest of the cell cycle.
基金supported by FATALSDrug Project [Progetti di Ricerca@CNR SAC.AD002.173.058] from National Research Council,Italy (to CV)。
文摘The NSC-34 cell line is a widely recognized motor neuron model and various neuronal differentiation protocols have been exploited. Under previously reported experimental conditions, only part of the cells resemble differentiated neurons;however, they do not exhibit extensive and time-prolonged neuritogenesis, and maintain their duplication capacity in culture. The aim of the present work was to facilitate long-term and more homogeneous neuronal differentiation in motor neuron–like NSC-34 cells. We found that the antimitotic drug cytosine arabinoside promoted robust and persistent neuronal differentiation in the entire cell population. Long and interconnecting neuronal processes with abundant growth cones were homogeneously induced and were durable for up to at least 6 weeks in culture. Moreover, cytosine arabinoside was permissive, dispensable, and mostly irreversible in priming NSC-34 cells for neurite initiation and regeneration after mechanical dislodgement. Finally, the expression of the cell proliferation antigen Ki67 was inhibited by cytosine arabinoside, whereas the expression levels of neuronal growth associated protein 43, vimentin, and motor neuron–specific p75, Islet2, homeobox 9 markers were upregulated, as confirmed by western blot and/or confocal immunofluorescence analysis. Overall, these findings support the use of NSC-34 cells as a motor neuron model for properly investigating neurodegenerative mechanisms and prospectively identifying neuroprotective strategies.
基金supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation)grant LU 2347/3-1(to PL).
文摘Autophagy is well-known for delivering cargo materials to lysosomes for proteolytic digestion.Recently,autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism in unconventional protein secretion(UPS).This perspective introduces unconventional secretion pathways,focusing on secretory autophagy and its role in secreting protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disorders.We also explore additional neuronal functions of secretory autophagy beyond the release of protein aggregates.We propose autophagosomes as transport organelles that deliver cargo material directly from the endoplasmatic reticulum(ER)to the plasma membrane rather than solely to lysosomes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82371310(to YJ),82271306(to JP)the Sichuan Science and Technology Support Program,Nos.2023YFH0069(to JP),2023NSFSC0028(to YJ),2023NSFSC1559(to YJ),2022YFS0615(to JP),2022NSFSC1421(to JP)+1 种基金Scientific Research Project of Sichuan Provincial Health Commission,No.23LCYJ040(to YJ)Youth Foundation of Southwestern Medical University and Southwest Medical University Project,Nos.2020ZRQNA038(to JP),2021ZKZD013(to JP),2021LZXNYD-P01(to YJ),2023QN014(to JP).
文摘Neuronal cell death is a common outcome of multiple pathophysiological processes and a key factor in neurological dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Neuronal ferroptosis in particular plays an important role in early brain injury.Bromodomain-containing protein 4,a member of the bromo and extraterminal domain family of proteins,participated in multiple cell death pathways,but the mechanisms by which it regulates ferroptosis remain unclear.The primary aim of this study was to investigate how bromodomain-containing protein 4 affects neuronal ferroptosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro.Our findings revealed that endogenous bromodomain-containing protein 4 co-localized with neurons,and its expression was decreased 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage of the cerebral cortex in vivo.In addition,ferroptosis-related pathways were activated in vivo and in vitro after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Targeted inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in neurons increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular ferrous iron accumulation via ferritinophagy and ultimately led to neuronal ferroptosis.Using cleavage under targets and tagmentation analysis,we found that bromodomain-containing protein 4 enrichment in the Raf-1 promoter region decreased following oxyhemoglobin stimulation in vitro.Furthermore,treating bromodomain-containing protein 4-knockdown HT-22 cell lines with GW5074,a Raf-1 inhibitor,exacerbated neuronal ferroptosis by suppressing the Raf-1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Moreover,targeted inhibition of neuronal bromodomain-containing protein 4 exacerbated early and long-term neurological function deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Our findings suggest that bromodomain-containing protein 4 may have neuroprotective effects after subarachnoid hemorrhage,and that inhibiting ferroptosis could help treat subarachnoid hemorrhage.
基金supported by Grants from the Research Funds of the Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM(QYPY20220018)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31822026,32271063,31500860,and 32100821)the National Science and Technology Innovation 2030 Major Project of China(2021ZD0203900).
文摘In the face of constantly changing environments,the central nervous system(CNS)rapidly and accurately calculates the body's needs,regulates feeding behavior,and maintains energy homeostasis.The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus(ARC)plays a key role in this process,serv-ing as a critical brain region for detecting nutrition-related hormones and regulating appetite and energy homeostasis.Agouti-related protein(AgRP)/neuropeptide Y(NPY)neu-rons in the ARC are core elements that interact with other brain regions through a complex appetite-regulating network to comprehensively control energy homeostasis.In this review,we explore the discovery and research progress of AgRP neurons in regulating feeding and energy metabolism.In addition,recent advances in terms of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis,along with the redundant neural mecha-nisms involved in energy metabolism,are discussed.Finally,the challenges and opportunities in the field of neural regula-tion of feeding and energy metabolism are briefly discussed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81971177(to YK)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7222198(to NH)the Peking University People's Hospital Research and Development Fund,No.RDX2021-01(to YK)。
文摘FK506(Tacrolimus)is a systemic immunosuppressant approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.FK506 has been shown to promote peripheral nerve regeneration,however,its precise mechanism of action and its pathways remain unclear.In this study,we established a rat model of sciatic nerve injury and found that FK506 improved the morphology of the injured sciatic nerve,increased the numbers of motor and sensory neurons,reduced inflammatory responses,markedly improved the conduction function of the injured nerve,and promoted motor function recovery.These findings suggest that FK506 promotes peripheral nerve structure recovery and functional regeneration by reducing the intensity of inflammation after neuronal injury and increasing the number of surviving neurons.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82374561(to JD),82174490(to JF)the Medical and Health Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province,No.2021RC098(to JD)the Research Project of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University,Nos.2022JKZKTS44(to JD),2022FSYYZZ07(to JF).
文摘Pain is often comorbid with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.Hyperexcitability of the anterior cingulate cortex has been implicated in pain and pain-related negative emotions that arise from impairments in inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission.This review primarily aims to outline the main circuitry(including the input and output connectivity)of the anterior cingulate cortex and classification and functions of different gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons;it also describes the neurotransmitters/neuromodulators affecting these neurons,their intercommunication with other neurons,and their importance in mental comorbidities associated with chronic pain disorders.Improving understanding on their role in pain-related mental comorbidities may facilitate the development of more effective treatments for these conditions.However,the mechanisms that regulate gamma-aminobutyric acidergic systems remain elusive.It is also unclear as to whether the mechanisms are presynaptic or postsynaptic.Further exploration of the complexities of this system may reveal new pathways for research and drug development.
基金supported by NIH grants AG079264(to PHR)and AG071560(to APR)。
文摘The process of neurite outgrowth and branching is a crucial aspect of neuronal development and regeneration.Axons and dendrites,sometimes referred to as neurites,are extensions of a neuron's cellular body that are used to start networks.Here we explored the effects of diethyl(3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamino)(quinolin-4-yl)methylphosphonate(DDQ)on neurite developmental features in HT22 neuronal cells.In this work,we examined the protective effects of DDQ on neuronal processes and synaptic outgrowth in differentiated HT22cells expressing mutant Tau(mTau)cDNA.To investigate DDQ chara cteristics,cell viability,biochemical,molecular,western blotting,and immunocytochemistry were used.Neurite outgrowth is evaluated through the segmentation and measurement of neural processes.These neural processes can be seen and measured with a fluorescence microscope by manually tracing and measuring the length of the neurite growth.These neuronal processes can be observed and quantified with a fluorescent microscope by manually tracing and measuring the length of the neuronal HT22.DDQ-treated mTau-HT22 cells(HT22 cells transfected with cDNA mutant Tau)were seen to display increased levels of synaptophysin,MAP-2,andβ-tubulin.Additionally,we confirmed and noted reduced levels of both total and p-Tau,as well as elevated levels of microtubule-associated protein 2,β-tubulin,synaptophysin,vesicular acetylcholine transporter,and the mitochondrial biogenesis protein-pe roxisome prolife rator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α.In mTa u-expressed HT22 neurons,we observed DDQ enhanced the neurite characteristics and improved neurite development through increased synaptic outgrowth.Our findings conclude that mTa u-HT22(Alzheimer's disease)cells treated with DDQ have functional neurite developmental chara cteristics.The key finding is that,in mTa u-HT22 cells,DDQ preserves neuronal structure and may even enhance nerve development function with mTa u inhibition.
文摘Objective:To anatomically and phenotypically characterize the insular cortex(IC)-nucleus tractus soli-tari(NTS)neural pathway.Methods:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental cohorts for neural circuit tracing.Anterograde labeling was achieved by injecting anterograde self-complementary adeno-associated viruses(scAAVs)into the IC.Retrograde tracing involved NTS injections of either retrograde scAAVs or FluoroGold(FG),combined with immunofluorescence histochemical staining to identify IC-originating projection neurons.For postsynaptic neurochemical phenotype characterization,IC was injected with AAV2/1-CaMKII-Cre,while a mixture of AAV2/9-Syn-DIO-mCherry and AAV2/9-VGAT1-EGFP was injected into the NTS.The rats were allowed to survive for one week following scAAVs or FG injection or four weeks after recombinase-dependent systems injection.Then the rats were sacrificed,and serial brain sections were prepared for immunofluorescence histochemical staining(brain section containing FG)and subsequent fluorescence/confocal microscopic analysis.Results:(1)Anterograde viral tracing re-vealed dense axonal terminals from the IC projecting to the medial subnucleus of the NTS,while retrograde tracing re-vealed that IC neurons projecting to the NTS were predominantly localized within the dysgranular layer;(2)IC-NTS projection neurons were exclusive glutamatergic(100%,n=3);(3)NTS neurons receiving IC inputs were mainly lo-calized in the medial subnucleus,and were predominantly GABAergic(79.8±3.2%,n=3).Conclusion:The pres-ent results indicate that a descending pathway from excitatory neurons of the IC terminates onto inhibitory neurons of the NTS,which might represent a potential neuromodulatory target for visceral pain disorders.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2022YFC2409800 and 2022YFC2409802)Collegiate Natural Science Fund of Jiangsu Province(No.23KJA180006)Nantong University College Students’Innovative Entrepreneurial Training Plan Program(No.2023159).
文摘Effective axon regeneration is essential for the successful restoration of nerve functions in patients suffering from axon injury-associated neurological diseases.Certain self-regeneration occurs in injured peripheral axonal branches of dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons but does not occur in their central axonal branches.By performing rat sciatic nerve or dorsal root axotomy,we determined the expression of the dysbindin domain containing 2(DBNDD2)in the DRGs after the regenerative peripheral axon injury or the non-regenerative central axon injury,respectively,and found that DBNDD2 is down-regulated in the DRGs after peripheral axon injury but up-regulated after central axon injury.Furthermore,we found that DBNDD2 expression differs in neonatal and adult rat DRGs and is gradually increased during development.Functional analysis through DBNDD2 knockdown revealed that silencing DBNDD2 promotes the outgrowth of neurites in both neonatal and adult rat DRG neurons and stimulates robust axon regeneration in adult rats after sciatic nerve crush injury.Bioinformatic analysis data showed that transcription factor estrogen receptor 1(ESR1)interacts with DBNDD2,exhibits a similar expression trend as DBNDD2 after axon injury,and may targets DBDNN2.These studies indicate that reduced level of DBNDD2 after peripheral axon injury and low abundance of DBNDD2 in neonates contribute to axon regeneration and thus suggest the manipulation of DBNDD2 expression as a promising therapeutic approach for improving recovery after axon damage.
基金supported by the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32200789)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32070990).
文摘The thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN)plays a crucial role in regulating sensory encoding,even at the earliest stages of visual processing,as evidenced by numerous studies.Orientation selectivity,a vital neural response,is essential for detecting objects through edge perception.Here,we demonstrate that somatostatin(SOM)-expressing and parvalbumin(PV)-expressing neurons in the TRN project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and modulate orientation selectivity and the capacity for visual information processing in the primary visual cortex(V1).These findings show that SOM-positive and PV-positive neurons in the TRN are powerful modulators of visual information encoding in V1,revealing a novel role for this thalamic nucleus in influencing visual processing.
