Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most prominent cause of dementia.In 2019,over 57.4million people were living with AD and other dementia subtypes,a number which is ex...Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most prominent cause of dementia.In 2019,over 57.4million people were living with AD and other dementia subtypes,a number which is expected to increase to over 152.8 million in the next 25years.This ever-increasing burden has resulted in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases rising to one of the top 10 causes of death globally (O'Connell et al.,2024).展开更多
The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves gl...The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves global alterations,making understanding plastic responses triggered by local damage difficult.One key feature of the dentate gyrus is that it contains a well-defined neurogenic niche,the subgranular zone,and beyond neurogenesis,newly born granule cells may maintain a“young”phenotype throughout life,adding to the plastic nature of the structure.Here,we present a novel experimental model of local brain damage in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures that results in the activation of adjacent newly born granule cells.A small piece of filter paper was placed on the surface of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus,which evoked a foreign body reaction of astrocytes,along with the activation of local young neurons expressing doublecortin.Forty-eight hours after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive cells increased in the subgranular zone in the direct vicinity of the foreign body,whereas overall increased doublecortin immunoreactivity was observed in the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.Foreign body placement in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region evoked a comparable local astroglial reaction but did not lead to an increase in doublecortin-immunoreactive in either the CA1 region or the adjacent dentate gyrus.Seven days after foreign body placement in the dentate gyrus,the increase in doublecortin-immunoreactivity was no longer observed,indicating the transient activation of young cells.However,7 days after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive granule cells coimmunoreactive for calbindin was lower than that under the control conditions.As calbindin is a marker for mature granule cells,this result suggests that activated young cells remain at a more immature stage following foreign body placement.Live imaging of retrovirally green fluorescent protein-labeled newly born granule cells revealed the orientation and growth of their dendrites toward the foreign body placement.This novel experimental model of foreign body placement in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures could serve as a valuable tool for studying both glial reactivity and neuronal plasticity,specifically of newly born neurons under controlled in vitro conditions.展开更多
Over a century ago,the first clinical and neuropathological insights into major neurodegenerative diseases began to emerge:the description of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)by Alois Alzheimer in 1906,frontotemporal dementia ...Over a century ago,the first clinical and neuropathological insights into major neurodegenerative diseases began to emerge:the description of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)by Alois Alzheimer in 1906,frontotemporal dementia by Arnold Pick in the same years,and Lewy bodies by Friedrich Lewy in 1912.These foundational studies laid the groundwork for the classification of what we now recognize as distinct neurodegenerative entities(Allali,2024).展开更多
Advances in Alzheimer's disease(AD)research have deepened our understanding,yet the mechanisms driving its progression remain unclear.Although a range of in vivo biomarkers is now available(e.g.,measurements of am...Advances in Alzheimer's disease(AD)research have deepened our understanding,yet the mechanisms driving its progression remain unclear.Although a range of in vivo biomarkers is now available(e.g.,measurements of amyloidbeta(Aβ)and ta u accumulation-the molecular hallmarks of AD-structural magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),assessments of brain metabolism,and,more recently,blood-based markers),a definitive diagnosis of AD continues to be challenging.For example,Frisoni et al.展开更多
The neurovascular unit plays a critical role in maintaining brain structure,function,and homeostasis.Following ischemic stroke,dysfunction and dysregulation of this unit contribute to nerve-blood vessel uncoupling.Int...The neurovascular unit plays a critical role in maintaining brain structure,function,and homeostasis.Following ischemic stroke,dysfunction and dysregulation of this unit contribute to nerve-blood vessel uncoupling.Intermittent theta-burst stimulation is a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation that operates within the theta wave range and can either promote or inhibit cortical excitability.Previous studies have shown that intermittent theta wave stimulation has neuroprotective effects,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In this study,mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion were treated with intermittent theta-burst stimulation.The results showed that intermittent theta-burst stimulation significantly improved neurological function and motor recovery,reduced apoptosis in the peri-infarct region,and activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.Additionally,intermittent theta-burst stimulation suppressed inflammation through the PI3K/AKT/GSK3βand NF-κB pathways.Notably,intermittent theta-burst stimulation strengthened A2 astrocyte-blood vessel coupling,and the effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation were reversed by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.These findings demonstrate that intermittent theta-burst stimulation promotes neurovascular unit remodeling and improves neurological outcomes by modulating microglia and astrocytes via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3βand NF-κB signaling pathways.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common origin of sporadic dementia.Rare familial forms have identified a central role for toxicity based on aggregation of peptide fragments generated from amyloid precursor protein...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common origin of sporadic dementia.Rare familial forms have identified a central role for toxicity based on aggregation of peptide fragments generated from amyloid precursor protein(APP),named amyloid-beta(Aβ),which exists in two common forms,Aβ_(1-40)(Aβ_(40))and Aβ_(1-42)(Aβ_(42)).The latter is more neurotoxic.A common clinical biomarker measured in blood is the ratio Aβ_(42)/Aβ_(40).展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurotoxic amyloid beta(Aβ)deposition in the brain.Neurons can internalize and exocytose Aβ;however,the molecular pathways governing Aβreleas...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurotoxic amyloid beta(Aβ)deposition in the brain.Neurons can internalize and exocytose Aβ;however,the molecular pathways governing Aβrelease remain poorly understood.To identify key regulators of Aβ42 transport,we applied formaldehyde cross-linking of protein complexes combined with co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis to identify TMED10 as a novel Aβ42-interacting protein.In cultured neurons,TMED10 knockdown(KD)increased intracellular Aβ42 levels by preventing Aβ42 exocytosis.TMED10 expression was significantly reduced in the cortex of AD patients.Overexpression of TMED10 in primary neurons mitigated the toxic effects of exogenous Aβ42.In 5×FAD mice,overexpression of TMED10 via tail vein injection of a brain-penetrable adeno-associated virus improved cognitive function and reduced Aβ42 plaque accumulation.Together,these findings position TMED10 as a potential regulator of Aβ42 exocytosis and underscore the need for further studies to evaluate its therapeutic potential in AD.展开更多
Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, ...Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These communications govern numerous critical brain processes, including angiogenesis, neurovascular unit homeostasis, blood–brain barrier integrity, cerebral blood flow regulation, and immune response initiation. Glial cells and pericytes participate in dynamic and reciprocal interactions, with each influencing and adjusting the functionality of the other. Pericytes have the ability to control astrocyte polarization, trigger differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and initiate immunological responses in microglia. Various neurological disorders that compromise the integrity of the blood–brain barrier can disrupt these communications, impair waste clearance, and hinder cerebral blood circulation, contributing to neuroinflammation. In the context of neurodegeneration, these disruptions exacerbate pathological processes, such as neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired tissue repair. This article explores the complex interactions between pericytes and various glial cells in both healthy and pathological states of the central nervous system. It highlights their essential roles in neurovascular function and disease progression, providing important insights that may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and guide potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in future research.展开更多
Male sexual behaviors,including mounting,intromission,and ejaculation,are not only critical for reproduction but also serve as a model for understanding how the brain orchestrates sequential motor and motivational pro...Male sexual behaviors,including mounting,intromission,and ejaculation,are not only critical for reproduction but also serve as a model for understanding how the brain orchestrates sequential motor and motivational processes.While previous studies have identified key brain regions involved in sexual behaviors,such as the medial preoptic area(MPOA)and the nucleus accumbens(NAc)[14],the neural mechanisms governing the transitions between different phases of male sexual behavior remain poorly understood.展开更多
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells are used in cell-replacement and regenerative therapeutic strategies after traumatic central nervous system injury.Traumatic injury alters the h...Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells are used in cell-replacement and regenerative therapeutic strategies after traumatic central nervous system injury.Traumatic injury alters the host microenvironment,which in turn affects the functionality of transplanted human neural stem/progenitor cells and potentially limits their benefits for neurorepair.However,the underlying mechanisms through which the host environment alters the fate and functionality of transplanted human neural stem/progenitor cells remain poorly understood.Here,we showed that massive deposition of blood-derived fibrinogen in a mouse model of spinal cord injury contributed to an altered lesion environment.Fibrinogen promoted human neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation into reactive astrocytes by activating the BMP receptor signaling pathway and inducing of the transcriptional regulator inhibitor of DNA binding 3.ID3-depleted human neural stem/progenitor cells,generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,reduced astrocyte formation in response to astrogenic stimuli.Instead,ID3-depleted human neural stem/progenitor cells had a bipolar,immature glial progenitor cell phenotype.These modified cells secreted extracellular vesicles with a distinct miRNA profile that enhanced neurite outgrowth.We conclude that targeting inhibitor of DNA binding 3 in human neural stem/progenitor cells can beneficially modulate their functionality and cell fate in the injured central nervous system toward glial progenitor cells,potentially enhancing their capacity to promote central nervous system repair.展开更多
The brain functions as a closed-loop system that continuously generates behavior in response to the external environment and adjusts actions based on the outcomes.Traditional research methodologies in neuroscience,esp...The brain functions as a closed-loop system that continuously generates behavior in response to the external environment and adjusts actions based on the outcomes.Traditional research methodologies in neuroscience,especially those employed in brain imaging experiments,have mainly adopted an open-loop paradigm(Grosenick et al.,2015).Functional neural circuits are analyzed offline and subsequently tested through manipulation of neuronal activities within specific regions or with genetic markers.By establishing a closed-loop research paradigm,functional ensembles can be detected and tested in real time with temporal sequences.These functional ensembles,rather than brain regions or genetically labeled neural populations,serve as fundamental units of neural networks,offering valuable insights into the dissection of neural circuits.The closed-loop research paradigm also enables the capture of high-dimensional activities of internal brain dynamics and precise elucidation of physiological processes such as learning,decision-making,and sleep.展开更多
Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition.E...Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition.Exosomes are natural cell-derived vesicles that mediate signal transduction between cells under physiological and pathological conditions.They have low immunogenicity,good stability,high delivery efficiency,and the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.These physiological properties of exosomes have the potential to lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment of ischemic stroke.The rapid development of nanotechnology has advanced the application of engineered exosomes,which can effectively improve targeting ability,enhance therapeutic efficacy,and minimize the dosages needed.Advances in technology have also driven clinical translational research on exosomes.In this review,we describe the therapeutic effects of exosomes and their positive roles in current treatment strategies for ischemic stroke,including their antiinflammation,anti-apoptosis,autophagy-regulation,angiogenesis,neurogenesis,and glial scar formation reduction effects.However,it is worth noting that,despite their significant therapeutic potential,there remains a dearth of standardized characterization methods and efficient isolation techniques capable of producing highly purified exosomes.Future optimization strategies should prioritize the exploration of suitable isolation techniques and the establishment of unified workflows to effectively harness exosomes for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke.Ultimately,our review aims to summarize our understanding of exosome-based treatment prospects in ischemic stroke and foster innovative ideas for the development of exosome-based therapies.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxid...Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxidative stress mediates excessive oxidative responses, and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis as a primary or secondary pathological event is widely accepted. As a member of the selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme family, glutathione peroxidase 4 reduces esterified phospholipid hydroperoxides to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. With the discovery of ferroptosis, the central role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in anti-lipid peroxidation in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, has received widespread attention. Increasing evidence suggests that glutathione peroxidase 4 expression is inhibited in the Alzheimer's disease brain, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, which are closely associated with pathological damage in Alzheimer's disease. Several therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological treatments, ameliorate pathological damage and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and enhancing glutathione peroxidase 4 activity. Therefore, glutathione peroxidase 4 upregulation may be a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the gene structure, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of glutathione peroxidase 4, a discussion on the important role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in pathological events closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the advances in small-molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most prior studies on this subject used animal models, and relevant clinical studies are lacking. Future clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic effects of strategies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
Stem cell-based brain repair is a promising emergent therapy for Parkinson's disease based on years of foundational research using human fetal donors as a cell source.Unlike current therapeutic options for patient...Stem cell-based brain repair is a promising emergent therapy for Parkinson's disease based on years of foundational research using human fetal donors as a cell source.Unlike current therapeutic options for patients,this approach has the potential to provide longterm stem cell–derived reconstruction and restoration of the dopaminergic input to denervated regions of the brain allowing for restoration of certain functions to patients.The ultimate clinical success of stem cell–derived brain repair will depend on both the safety and efficacy of the approach and the latter is dependent on the ability of the transplanted cells to survive and differentiate into functional dopaminergic neurons in the Parkinsonian brain.Because the pre-clinical literature suggests that there is considerable variability in survival and differentiation between studies,the aim of this systematic review was to assess these parameters in human stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitor transplant studies in animal models of Parkinson's disease.A defined systematic search of the PubMed database was completed to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024.After screening,76 articles were included in the analysis from which 178 separate transplant studies were identified.From these,graft survival could be assessed in 52 studies and differentiation in 129 studies.Overall,we found that graft survival ranged from<1% to 500% of cells transplanted,with a median of 51%of transplanted cells surviving in the brain;while dopaminergic differentiation of the cells ranged from 0% to 46% of cells transplanted with a median of 3%.This systematic review suggests that there is considerable scope for improvement in the differentiation of stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitors to maximize the therapeutic potential of this approach for patients.展开更多
Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment o...Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte–derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42–induced Alzheimer's disease–like inflammation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data and secreted proteins in supernatants from the monocyte-derived microglia showed that the monocyte-derived microglia resembled Alzheimer's disease–like neuroinflammation in human brain microglia after incubation with amyloid-β42. Maresin 1 restored homeostasis by down-regulating inflammatory pathway related gene expression induced by amyloid-β42 in monocyte-derived microglia, protection of maresin 1 against the effects of amyloid-β42 is mediated by a re-balancing of inflammatory transcriptional networks in which modulation of gene transcription in the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway plays a major part. We pinpointed molecular targets that are associated with both neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic targets by maresin 1. In conclusion, monocyte-derived microglia represent a relevant in vitro microglial model for studies on Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation and drug response for individual patients. Maresin 1 ameliorates amyloid-β42–induced changes in several genes of importance in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
Fetal intracranial tumors are rare,accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9%of all pediatric tumors,though the true incidence may be underestimated.These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features,ima...Fetal intracranial tumors are rare,accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9%of all pediatric tumors,though the true incidence may be underestimated.These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features,imaging characteristics,and clinical behavior compared to their postnatal counterparts.This review summarizes the current understanding of the prenatal diagnosis and characterization of fetal brain tumors,with a particular focus on the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).We discuss the advantages of advanced MR sequences in enhancing lesion detection and anatomical delineation following suspicious findings on obstetric ultrasound.Common tumor types encountered in utero—including teratomas,as-trocytomas,medulloblastomas,choroid plexus papillomas,and craniopharyngiomas—are reviewed in terms of imaging fea-tures,differential diagnosis,and clinical implications.Furthermore,the review addresses the diagnostic challenges,prognostic considerations,and the potential role of fetal MRI in guiding perinatal management and parental counseling.展开更多
The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions a...The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)re...Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)remains a challenge mainly due to the obstruction from brain barriers.Immune cells infiltrating the CNS in the pathological state have inspired the development of strategies for CNS foundation drug delivery.Herein,we outline the three major brain barriers in the CNS and the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate across the blood–brain barrier.We subsequently review biomimetic strategies utilizing immune cell-based nanoparticles for the delivery of nanoparticles/drugs to the CNS,as well as recent progress in rationally engineering immune cell-based DDS for CNS diseases.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities of immune cell-based DDS in CNS diseases to promote their clinical development.展开更多
Huntington’s disease(HD)is a genetic disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of the striatum and cortex.Patients can present with a variety of symptoms that can broadly be classified into motor symptoms...Huntington’s disease(HD)is a genetic disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of the striatum and cortex.Patients can present with a variety of symptoms that can broadly be classified into motor symptoms,inclusive of choreatic movements and rigidity,mood and psychiatric symptoms,such as depression and apathy,and cognitive symptoms,such as cognitive decline.The causal mutation underlying HD results from an expansion of a CAG repeat sequence on the IT15 gene,resulting in the formation and accumulation of a mutant huntingtin protein.展开更多
Brain organoids encompass a large collection of in vitro stem cell–derived 3D culture systems that aim to recapitulate multiple aspects of in vivo brain development and function.First,this review provides a brief int...Brain organoids encompass a large collection of in vitro stem cell–derived 3D culture systems that aim to recapitulate multiple aspects of in vivo brain development and function.First,this review provides a brief introduction to the current state-of-the-art for neuroectoderm brain organoid development,emphasizing their biggest advantages in comparison with classical two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models.However,despite their usefulness for developmental studies,a major limitation for most brain organoid models is the absence of contributing cell types from endodermal and mesodermal origin.As such,current research is highly investing towards the incorporation of a functional vasculature and the microglial immune component.In this review,we will specifically focus on the development of immune-competent brain organoids.By summarizing the different approaches applied to incorporate microglia,it is highlighted that immune-competent brain organoids are not only important for studying neuronal network formation,but also offer a clear future as a new tool to study inflammatory responses in vitro in 3D in a brainlike environment.Therefore,our main focus here is to provide a comprehensive overview of assays to measure microglial phenotype and function within brain organoids,with an outlook on how these findings could better understand neuronal network development or restoration,as well as the influence of physical stress on microglia-containing brain organoids.Finally,we would like to stress that even though the development of immune-competent brain organoids has largely evolved over the past decade,their full potential as a pre-clinical tool to study novel therapeutic approaches to halt or reduce inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration still needs to be explored and validated.展开更多
文摘Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most prominent cause of dementia.In 2019,over 57.4million people were living with AD and other dementia subtypes,a number which is expected to increase to over 152.8 million in the next 25years.This ever-increasing burden has resulted in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases rising to one of the top 10 causes of death globally (O'Connell et al.,2024).
基金funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftungsupported by DFG (SCH W534/6-1 to SWS)
文摘The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves global alterations,making understanding plastic responses triggered by local damage difficult.One key feature of the dentate gyrus is that it contains a well-defined neurogenic niche,the subgranular zone,and beyond neurogenesis,newly born granule cells may maintain a“young”phenotype throughout life,adding to the plastic nature of the structure.Here,we present a novel experimental model of local brain damage in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures that results in the activation of adjacent newly born granule cells.A small piece of filter paper was placed on the surface of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus,which evoked a foreign body reaction of astrocytes,along with the activation of local young neurons expressing doublecortin.Forty-eight hours after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive cells increased in the subgranular zone in the direct vicinity of the foreign body,whereas overall increased doublecortin immunoreactivity was observed in the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.Foreign body placement in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region evoked a comparable local astroglial reaction but did not lead to an increase in doublecortin-immunoreactive in either the CA1 region or the adjacent dentate gyrus.Seven days after foreign body placement in the dentate gyrus,the increase in doublecortin-immunoreactivity was no longer observed,indicating the transient activation of young cells.However,7 days after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive granule cells coimmunoreactive for calbindin was lower than that under the control conditions.As calbindin is a marker for mature granule cells,this result suggests that activated young cells remain at a more immature stage following foreign body placement.Live imaging of retrovirally green fluorescent protein-labeled newly born granule cells revealed the orientation and growth of their dendrites toward the foreign body placement.This novel experimental model of foreign body placement in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures could serve as a valuable tool for studying both glial reactivity and neuronal plasticity,specifically of newly born neurons under controlled in vitro conditions.
文摘Over a century ago,the first clinical and neuropathological insights into major neurodegenerative diseases began to emerge:the description of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)by Alois Alzheimer in 1906,frontotemporal dementia by Arnold Pick in the same years,and Lewy bodies by Friedrich Lewy in 1912.These foundational studies laid the groundwork for the classification of what we now recognize as distinct neurodegenerative entities(Allali,2024).
文摘Advances in Alzheimer's disease(AD)research have deepened our understanding,yet the mechanisms driving its progression remain unclear.Although a range of in vivo biomarkers is now available(e.g.,measurements of amyloidbeta(Aβ)and ta u accumulation-the molecular hallmarks of AD-structural magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),assessments of brain metabolism,and,more recently,blood-based markers),a definitive diagnosis of AD continues to be challenging.For example,Frisoni et al.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,Nos.2021ZD0202805(to XX),2019YFA0709504(to XX)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82172544(to YW),32471083(to XX),81972140(to JW),82272604(to HX),82102491(to SC)+1 种基金the Brain Science and Brain-Like Research Project of Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital,No.ynnkxyb202410(to JZ)Shanghai Science and Technology Committee Sailing Program,No.23YF1403800(to LL).
文摘The neurovascular unit plays a critical role in maintaining brain structure,function,and homeostasis.Following ischemic stroke,dysfunction and dysregulation of this unit contribute to nerve-blood vessel uncoupling.Intermittent theta-burst stimulation is a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation that operates within the theta wave range and can either promote or inhibit cortical excitability.Previous studies have shown that intermittent theta wave stimulation has neuroprotective effects,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.In this study,mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion were treated with intermittent theta-burst stimulation.The results showed that intermittent theta-burst stimulation significantly improved neurological function and motor recovery,reduced apoptosis in the peri-infarct region,and activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.Additionally,intermittent theta-burst stimulation suppressed inflammation through the PI3K/AKT/GSK3βand NF-κB pathways.Notably,intermittent theta-burst stimulation strengthened A2 astrocyte-blood vessel coupling,and the effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation were reversed by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.These findings demonstrate that intermittent theta-burst stimulation promotes neurovascular unit remodeling and improves neurological outcomes by modulating microglia and astrocytes via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3βand NF-κB signaling pathways.
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common origin of sporadic dementia.Rare familial forms have identified a central role for toxicity based on aggregation of peptide fragments generated from amyloid precursor protein(APP),named amyloid-beta(Aβ),which exists in two common forms,Aβ_(1-40)(Aβ_(40))and Aβ_(1-42)(Aβ_(42)).The latter is more neurotoxic.A common clinical biomarker measured in blood is the ratio Aβ_(42)/Aβ_(40).
基金supported by research grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0804502)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82101545)+1 种基金the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2022-I2M-1-002)National High-Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2022-PUMCH-D-002).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurotoxic amyloid beta(Aβ)deposition in the brain.Neurons can internalize and exocytose Aβ;however,the molecular pathways governing Aβrelease remain poorly understood.To identify key regulators of Aβ42 transport,we applied formaldehyde cross-linking of protein complexes combined with co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis to identify TMED10 as a novel Aβ42-interacting protein.In cultured neurons,TMED10 knockdown(KD)increased intracellular Aβ42 levels by preventing Aβ42 exocytosis.TMED10 expression was significantly reduced in the cortex of AD patients.Overexpression of TMED10 in primary neurons mitigated the toxic effects of exogenous Aβ42.In 5×FAD mice,overexpression of TMED10 via tail vein injection of a brain-penetrable adeno-associated virus improved cognitive function and reduced Aβ42 plaque accumulation.Together,these findings position TMED10 as a potential regulator of Aβ42 exocytosis and underscore the need for further studies to evaluate its therapeutic potential in AD.
文摘Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These communications govern numerous critical brain processes, including angiogenesis, neurovascular unit homeostasis, blood–brain barrier integrity, cerebral blood flow regulation, and immune response initiation. Glial cells and pericytes participate in dynamic and reciprocal interactions, with each influencing and adjusting the functionality of the other. Pericytes have the ability to control astrocyte polarization, trigger differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and initiate immunological responses in microglia. Various neurological disorders that compromise the integrity of the blood–brain barrier can disrupt these communications, impair waste clearance, and hinder cerebral blood circulation, contributing to neuroinflammation. In the context of neurodegeneration, these disruptions exacerbate pathological processes, such as neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired tissue repair. This article explores the complex interactions between pericytes and various glial cells in both healthy and pathological states of the central nervous system. It highlights their essential roles in neurovascular function and disease progression, providing important insights that may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and guide potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in future research.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32525031,32500896,32571210,and 32171233)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2025M772776 and BX20250148)+2 种基金the Sanqin Talent Special Support Program(2024STD04)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(ZR2025MS1180)the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China(2019JC-07,2021TD-37,2023-ZDLSF-23,and 2024JC-YBMS-146).
文摘Male sexual behaviors,including mounting,intromission,and ejaculation,are not only critical for reproduction but also serve as a model for understanding how the brain orchestrates sequential motor and motivational processes.While previous studies have identified key brain regions involved in sexual behaviors,such as the medial preoptic area(MPOA)and the nucleus accumbens(NAc)[14],the neural mechanisms governing the transitions between different phases of male sexual behavior remain poorly understood.
基金supported by a Fill in the Gap fellowship(Medical Faculty Freiburg)(to JDL)a Fritz Thyssen Stiftung grant,a European Stroke Research Foundation(ESRF)grant,a Wings for Life foundation grantthe DFG grants SCHA 1442/8-1,SCHA 1442/8-3,and SCHA 1442/9-1(to CS).
文摘Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells are used in cell-replacement and regenerative therapeutic strategies after traumatic central nervous system injury.Traumatic injury alters the host microenvironment,which in turn affects the functionality of transplanted human neural stem/progenitor cells and potentially limits their benefits for neurorepair.However,the underlying mechanisms through which the host environment alters the fate and functionality of transplanted human neural stem/progenitor cells remain poorly understood.Here,we showed that massive deposition of blood-derived fibrinogen in a mouse model of spinal cord injury contributed to an altered lesion environment.Fibrinogen promoted human neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation into reactive astrocytes by activating the BMP receptor signaling pathway and inducing of the transcriptional regulator inhibitor of DNA binding 3.ID3-depleted human neural stem/progenitor cells,generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,reduced astrocyte formation in response to astrogenic stimuli.Instead,ID3-depleted human neural stem/progenitor cells had a bipolar,immature glial progenitor cell phenotype.These modified cells secreted extracellular vesicles with a distinct miRNA profile that enhanced neurite outgrowth.We conclude that targeting inhibitor of DNA binding 3 in human neural stem/progenitor cells can beneficially modulate their functionality and cell fate in the injured central nervous system toward glial progenitor cells,potentially enhancing their capacity to promote central nervous system repair.
文摘The brain functions as a closed-loop system that continuously generates behavior in response to the external environment and adjusts actions based on the outcomes.Traditional research methodologies in neuroscience,especially those employed in brain imaging experiments,have mainly adopted an open-loop paradigm(Grosenick et al.,2015).Functional neural circuits are analyzed offline and subsequently tested through manipulation of neuronal activities within specific regions or with genetic markers.By establishing a closed-loop research paradigm,functional ensembles can be detected and tested in real time with temporal sequences.These functional ensembles,rather than brain regions or genetically labeled neural populations,serve as fundamental units of neural networks,offering valuable insights into the dissection of neural circuits.The closed-loop research paradigm also enables the capture of high-dimensional activities of internal brain dynamics and precise elucidation of physiological processes such as learning,decision-making,and sleep.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071291(to YY),82301464(to HM)the Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University,No.2022JBGS03(to YY)+2 种基金a grant from Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province,Nos.YDZJ202302CXJD061(to YY),20220303002SF(to YY)a grant from Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory,No.YDZJ202302CXJD017(to YY)Talent Reserve Program of First Hospital of Jilin University,No.JDYYCB-2023002(to ZNG)。
文摘Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition.Exosomes are natural cell-derived vesicles that mediate signal transduction between cells under physiological and pathological conditions.They have low immunogenicity,good stability,high delivery efficiency,and the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.These physiological properties of exosomes have the potential to lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment of ischemic stroke.The rapid development of nanotechnology has advanced the application of engineered exosomes,which can effectively improve targeting ability,enhance therapeutic efficacy,and minimize the dosages needed.Advances in technology have also driven clinical translational research on exosomes.In this review,we describe the therapeutic effects of exosomes and their positive roles in current treatment strategies for ischemic stroke,including their antiinflammation,anti-apoptosis,autophagy-regulation,angiogenesis,neurogenesis,and glial scar formation reduction effects.However,it is worth noting that,despite their significant therapeutic potential,there remains a dearth of standardized characterization methods and efficient isolation techniques capable of producing highly purified exosomes.Future optimization strategies should prioritize the exploration of suitable isolation techniques and the establishment of unified workflows to effectively harness exosomes for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke.Ultimately,our review aims to summarize our understanding of exosome-based treatment prospects in ischemic stroke and foster innovative ideas for the development of exosome-based therapies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82071442 (to LS)a grant from the Jilin Provincial Department of Finance,No.JLSWSRCZX2021-004 (to LS)。
文摘Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxidative stress mediates excessive oxidative responses, and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis as a primary or secondary pathological event is widely accepted. As a member of the selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme family, glutathione peroxidase 4 reduces esterified phospholipid hydroperoxides to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. With the discovery of ferroptosis, the central role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in anti-lipid peroxidation in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, has received widespread attention. Increasing evidence suggests that glutathione peroxidase 4 expression is inhibited in the Alzheimer's disease brain, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, which are closely associated with pathological damage in Alzheimer's disease. Several therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological treatments, ameliorate pathological damage and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and enhancing glutathione peroxidase 4 activity. Therefore, glutathione peroxidase 4 upregulation may be a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the gene structure, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of glutathione peroxidase 4, a discussion on the important role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in pathological events closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the advances in small-molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most prior studies on this subject used animal models, and relevant clinical studies are lacking. Future clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic effects of strategies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
基金supported by research grants from the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research(grant numbers:17244 and 023410)Science Foundation Ireland(Grant Numbers:19/FFP/6554)(to ED)。
文摘Stem cell-based brain repair is a promising emergent therapy for Parkinson's disease based on years of foundational research using human fetal donors as a cell source.Unlike current therapeutic options for patients,this approach has the potential to provide longterm stem cell–derived reconstruction and restoration of the dopaminergic input to denervated regions of the brain allowing for restoration of certain functions to patients.The ultimate clinical success of stem cell–derived brain repair will depend on both the safety and efficacy of the approach and the latter is dependent on the ability of the transplanted cells to survive and differentiate into functional dopaminergic neurons in the Parkinsonian brain.Because the pre-clinical literature suggests that there is considerable variability in survival and differentiation between studies,the aim of this systematic review was to assess these parameters in human stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitor transplant studies in animal models of Parkinson's disease.A defined systematic search of the PubMed database was completed to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024.After screening,76 articles were included in the analysis from which 178 separate transplant studies were identified.From these,graft survival could be assessed in 52 studies and differentiation in 129 studies.Overall,we found that graft survival ranged from<1% to 500% of cells transplanted,with a median of 51%of transplanted cells surviving in the brain;while dopaminergic differentiation of the cells ranged from 0% to 46% of cells transplanted with a median of 3%.This systematic review suggests that there is considerable scope for improvement in the differentiation of stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitors to maximize the therapeutic potential of this approach for patients.
基金supported by the China Scholarship Council(to YW)the Swedish Research Council,No.2018-02601(to MS)+7 种基金the Alzheimer Foundation,No.AF-980695(to MS)the Stockholm County Council,No.RS2020-0731(to MS)the Foundation of Old Servants(to MS)the Gun and Bertil Stohne Foundation(to MS)the?hlén Foundation,No.233055(to MS)The Swedish Fund for Research without Animal Experiments(to MS)the Swedish Dementia Foundation(to MS)the Brain foundation,No.FO2022-0131(to MS)。
文摘Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte–derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42–induced Alzheimer's disease–like inflammation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data and secreted proteins in supernatants from the monocyte-derived microglia showed that the monocyte-derived microglia resembled Alzheimer's disease–like neuroinflammation in human brain microglia after incubation with amyloid-β42. Maresin 1 restored homeostasis by down-regulating inflammatory pathway related gene expression induced by amyloid-β42 in monocyte-derived microglia, protection of maresin 1 against the effects of amyloid-β42 is mediated by a re-balancing of inflammatory transcriptional networks in which modulation of gene transcription in the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway plays a major part. We pinpointed molecular targets that are associated with both neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic targets by maresin 1. In conclusion, monocyte-derived microglia represent a relevant in vitro microglial model for studies on Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation and drug response for individual patients. Maresin 1 ameliorates amyloid-β42–induced changes in several genes of importance in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
基金supported by the Medical Innovation Research Special Project of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(Grant/Award Number:23Y11907800)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant/Award Number:YG2023ZD22)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Child Brain and Development(Grant/Award Number:24dz2260100).
文摘Fetal intracranial tumors are rare,accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9%of all pediatric tumors,though the true incidence may be underestimated.These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features,imaging characteristics,and clinical behavior compared to their postnatal counterparts.This review summarizes the current understanding of the prenatal diagnosis and characterization of fetal brain tumors,with a particular focus on the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).We discuss the advantages of advanced MR sequences in enhancing lesion detection and anatomical delineation following suspicious findings on obstetric ultrasound.Common tumor types encountered in utero—including teratomas,as-trocytomas,medulloblastomas,choroid plexus papillomas,and craniopharyngiomas—are reviewed in terms of imaging fea-tures,differential diagnosis,and clinical implications.Furthermore,the review addresses the diagnostic challenges,prognostic considerations,and the potential role of fetal MRI in guiding perinatal management and parental counseling.
文摘The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204634,82174047,81622051)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LQ22H280010)the Foundation of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University(2021ZR03).
文摘Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)remains a challenge mainly due to the obstruction from brain barriers.Immune cells infiltrating the CNS in the pathological state have inspired the development of strategies for CNS foundation drug delivery.Herein,we outline the three major brain barriers in the CNS and the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate across the blood–brain barrier.We subsequently review biomimetic strategies utilizing immune cell-based nanoparticles for the delivery of nanoparticles/drugs to the CNS,as well as recent progress in rationally engineering immune cell-based DDS for CNS diseases.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities of immune cell-based DDS in CNS diseases to promote their clinical development.
文摘Huntington’s disease(HD)is a genetic disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of the striatum and cortex.Patients can present with a variety of symptoms that can broadly be classified into motor symptoms,inclusive of choreatic movements and rigidity,mood and psychiatric symptoms,such as depression and apathy,and cognitive symptoms,such as cognitive decline.The causal mutation underlying HD results from an expansion of a CAG repeat sequence on the IT15 gene,resulting in the formation and accumulation of a mutant huntingtin protein.
基金funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skodowska-Curie grant agreement No.813263(PMSMat Train,granted to UF,PP,MV,and DP)provided by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders(FWO-Vlaanderen)of the Flemish Government(FWO sabbatical bench fee K800224N granted to PP)and ERA-NET Re Park(granted to PP)。
文摘Brain organoids encompass a large collection of in vitro stem cell–derived 3D culture systems that aim to recapitulate multiple aspects of in vivo brain development and function.First,this review provides a brief introduction to the current state-of-the-art for neuroectoderm brain organoid development,emphasizing their biggest advantages in comparison with classical two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models.However,despite their usefulness for developmental studies,a major limitation for most brain organoid models is the absence of contributing cell types from endodermal and mesodermal origin.As such,current research is highly investing towards the incorporation of a functional vasculature and the microglial immune component.In this review,we will specifically focus on the development of immune-competent brain organoids.By summarizing the different approaches applied to incorporate microglia,it is highlighted that immune-competent brain organoids are not only important for studying neuronal network formation,but also offer a clear future as a new tool to study inflammatory responses in vitro in 3D in a brainlike environment.Therefore,our main focus here is to provide a comprehensive overview of assays to measure microglial phenotype and function within brain organoids,with an outlook on how these findings could better understand neuronal network development or restoration,as well as the influence of physical stress on microglia-containing brain organoids.Finally,we would like to stress that even though the development of immune-competent brain organoids has largely evolved over the past decade,their full potential as a pre-clinical tool to study novel therapeutic approaches to halt or reduce inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration still needs to be explored and validated.
