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Laveneziana P, Fossé Q, Bret M, Patout M, Dudoignon B, Llontop C, Morélot-Panzini C, Cayetanot F, Bodineau L, Straus C, Similowski T. Defective exercise-related expiratory muscle recruitment in patients with PHOX2B mutations: A clue to neural determinants of the congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Pulmonology 2025; 31:2416790. [PMID: 38403573 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The human congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is caused by mutations in the PHOX2B (paired-like homeobox 2B) gene. Genetically engineered PHOX2B rodents exhibit defective development of the brainstem retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), a carbon dioxide sensitive structure that critically controls expiratory muscle recruitment. This has been linked to a blunted exercise ventilatory response. Whether this can be extrapolated to human CCHS is unknown and represents the objective of this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen adult CCHS patients and 13 healthy participants performed an incremental symptom-limited cycle cardiopulmonary exercise test. Responses were analyzed using guideline approaches (ventilation V'E, tidal volume VT, breathing frequency, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production) complemented by a breathing pattern analysis (i.e. expiratory and inspiratory reserve volume, ERV and IRV). RESULTS A ventilatory response occurred in both study groups, as follows: V'E and VT increased in CCHS patients until 40 W and then decreased, which was not observed in the healthy participants (p<0.001). In the latter, exercise-related ERV and IRV decreases attested to concomitant expiratory and inspiratory recruitment. In the CCHS patients, inspiratory recruitment occurred but there was no evidence of expiratory recruitment (absence of any ERV decrease, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Assuming a similar organization of respiratory rhythmogenesis in humans and rodents, the lack of exercise-related expiratory recruitment observed in our CCHS patients is compatible with a PHOX2B-related defect of a neural structure that would be analogous to the rodents' RTN. Provided corroboration, ERV recruitment could serve as a physiological outcome in studies aiming at correcting breathing control in CCHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Laveneziana
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpitaux Pitié-Salpêtrière, Saint-Antoine et Tenon, Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles de la Respiration, de l'Exercice et de la Dyspnée (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Syndrome d'Ondine" (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Q Fossé
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpitaux Pitié-Salpêtrière, Saint-Antoine et Tenon, Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles de la Respiration, de l'Exercice et de la Dyspnée (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - M Bret
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Pneumologie (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
| | - M Patout
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Syndrome d'Ondine" (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service des Pathologies du Sommeil (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
| | - B Dudoignon
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert Debré, Service de Physiologie Pédiatrique Centre du Sommeil-CRMR Hypoventilations alvéolaires rares, INSERM NeuroDiderot, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - C Llontop
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Pneumologie (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
| | - C Morélot-Panzini
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Syndrome d'Ondine" (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Pneumologie (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
| | - F Cayetanot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - L Bodineau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - C Straus
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpitaux Pitié-Salpêtrière, Saint-Antoine et Tenon, Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles de la Respiration, de l'Exercice et de la Dyspnée (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Syndrome d'Ondine" (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
| | - T Similowski
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Syndrome d'Ondine" (Département R3S), F-75013 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, F-75013 Paris, France
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Li Y, Noguchi Y. The role of beta band phase resetting in audio-visual temporal order judgment. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:28. [PMID: 39823079 PMCID: PMC11735826 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 10/26/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2025] Open
Abstract
The integration of auditory and visual stimuli is essential for effective language processing and social perception. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying audio-visual (A-V) integration by investigating the temporal dynamics of multisensory regions in the human brain. Specifically, we evaluated inter-trial coherence (ITC), a neural index indicative of phase resetting, through scalp electroencephalography (EEG) while participants performed a temporal-order judgment task that involved auditory (beep, A) and visual (flash, V) stimuli. The results indicated that ITC phase resetting was greater for bimodal (A + V) stimuli compared to unimodal (A or V) stimuli in the posterior temporal region, which resembled the responses of A-V multisensory neurons reported in animal studies. Furthermore, the ITC got lager as the stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) between beep and flash approached 0 ms. This enhancement in ITC was most clearly seen in the beta band (13-30 Hz). Overall, these findings highlight the importance of beta rhythm activity in the posterior temporal cortex for the detection of synchronous audiovisual stimuli, as assessed through temporal order judgment tasks. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11571-024-10183-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueying Li
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai- cho, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
| | - Yasuki Noguchi
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai- cho, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
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Wang H, Xu X, Yang Z, Zhang T. Alterations of synaptic plasticity and brain oscillation are associated with autophagy induced synaptic pruning during adolescence. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:2. [PMID: 39749102 PMCID: PMC11688264 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Adolescent brain development is characterized by significant anatomical and physiological alterations, but little is known whether and how these alterations impact the neural network. Here we investigated the development of functional networks by measuring synaptic plasticity and neural synchrony of local filed potentials (LFPs), and further explored the underlying mechanisms. LFPs in the hippocampus were recorded in young (21 ~ 25 days), adolescent (1.5 months) and adult (3 months) rats. Long term potentiation (LTP) and neural synchrony were analyzed. The results showed that the LTP was the lowest in adolescent rats. During development, the theta coupling strength was increased progressively but there was no significant change of gamma coupling between young rats and adolescent rats. The density of dendrite spines was decreased progressively during development. The lowest levels of NR2A, NR2B and PSD95 were detected in adolescent rats. Importantly, it was found that the expression levels of autophagy markers were the highest during adolescent compared to that in other developmental stages. Moreover, there were more co-localization of autophagosome and PSD95 in adolescent rats. It suggests that autophagy is possibly involved in synaptic elimination during adolescence, and further impacts synaptic plasticity and neural synchrony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 PR China
| | - Xiaxia Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 PR China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- College of Medicine Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 PR China
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Sall I, Foxall R, Felth L, Maret S, Rosa Z, Gaur A, Calawa J, Pavlik N, Whistler JL, Whistler CA. Gut dysbiosis was inevitable, but tolerance was not: temporal responses of the murine microbiota that maintain its capacity for butyrate production correlate with sustained antinociception to chronic morphine. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2446423. [PMID: 39800714 PMCID: PMC11730370 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2446423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of opioids are compromised by the development of analgesic tolerance, which necessitates higher dosing for pain management thereby increasing the liability for drug dependence and addiction. Rodent models indicate opposing roles of the gut microbiota in tolerance: morphine-induced gut dysbiosis exacerbates tolerance, whereas probiotics ameliorate tolerance. Not all individuals develop tolerance, which could be influenced by differences in microbiota, and yet no study design has capitalized upon this natural variation. We leveraged natural behavioral variation in a murine model of voluntary oral morphine self-administration to elucidate the mechanisms by which microbiota influences tolerance. Although all mice shared similar morphine-driven microbiota changes that largely masked informative associations with variability in tolerance, our high-resolution temporal analyses revealed a divergence in the progression of dysbiosis that best explained sustained antinociception. Mice that did not develop tolerance maintained a higher capacity for production of the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate known to bolster intestinal barriers and promote neuronal homeostasis. Both fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) from donor mice that did not develop tolerance and dietary butyrate supplementation significantly reduced the development of tolerance independently of suppression of systemic inflammation. These findings could inform immediate therapies to extend the analgesic efficacy of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Sall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
- Graduate program in Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Randi Foxall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Lindsey Felth
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Soren Maret
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Zachary Rosa
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anirudh Gaur
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Calawa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
- Microbiology Graduate Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Nadia Pavlik
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Whistler
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cheryl A. Whistler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
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Gao S, Zhu R, Qin Y, Tang W, Zhou H. Sg-snn: a self-organizing spiking neural network based on temporal information. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:14. [PMID: 39801909 PMCID: PMC11718035 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Neurodynamic observations indicate that the cerebral cortex evolved by self-organizing into functional networks, These networks, or distributed clusters of regions, display various degrees of attention maps based on input. Traditionally, the study of network self-organization relies predominantly on static data, overlooking temporal information in dynamic neuromorphic data. This paper proposes Temporal Self-Organizing (TSO) method for neuromorphic data processing using a spiking neural network. The TSO method incorporates information from multiple time steps into the selection strategy of the Best Matching Unit (BMU) neurons. It enables the coupled BMUs to radiate the weight across the same layer of neurons, ultimately forming a hierarchical self-organizing topographic map of concern. Additionally, we simulate real neuronal dynamics, introduce a glial cell-mediated Glial-LIF (Leaky Integrate-and-fire) model, and adjust multiple levels of BMUs to optimize the attention topological map.Experiments demonstrate that the proposed Self-organizing Glial Spiking Neural Network (SG-SNN) can generate attention topographies for dynamic event data from coarse to fine. A heuristic method based on cognitive science effectively guides the network's distribution of excitatory regions. Furthermore, the SG-SNN shows improved accuracy on three standard neuromorphic datasets: DVS128-Gesture, CIFAR10-DVS, and N-Caltech 101, with accuracy improvements of 0.3%, 2.4%, and 0.54% respectively. Notably, the recognition accuracy on the DVS128-Gesture dataset reaches 99.3%, achieving state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yu Qin
- Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Hao Zhou
- Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Bhattacharyya R, Jha BK. A fuzzy based computational model to analyze the influence of mitochondria, buffer, and ER fluxes on cytosolic calcium distribution in neuron cells. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:25. [PMID: 39816214 PMCID: PMC11729615 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025] Open
Abstract
A free calcium ion in the cytosol is essential for many physiological and physical functions. Also, it is known as a second messenger as the quantity of free calcium ions is an essential part of brain signaling. In this work, we have attempted to study calcium signaling in the presence of mitochondria, buffer, and endoplasmic reticulum fluxes. Small organelles called mitochondria are found in the nervous system and are involved in several cellular functions, including energy production, response to stress, calcium homeostasis regulation, and pathways leading to cell death. It has been discovered that buffer, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria significantly affect calcium signaling. To investigate how various circumstances impact the quantity of calcium in the cytosol, a mathematical model of a second-order linear partial differential equation with fuzzy boundary conditions has been developed. Systems having ambiguous or imprecise boundary values can be effectively modeled and simulated with the help of fuzzy boundary conditions. Models can provide more dependable and instructive outcomes and become adaptable to real-world circumstances by implementing fuzzy logic into boundary conditions. In this paper, we observed the Fuzzy Laplace Transform to solve variable coefficient fuzzy differential equations using triangular fuzzy numbers. It is noted that maintaining the delicate calcium ion balance, which controls essential cellular functions, depends on the buffer affinity. Also, neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc. are linked to disruptions in the control of components such as buffers, mitochondria, and the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Bhattacharyya
- Department of Mathematics, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, 382426 India
| | - Brajesh Kumar Jha
- Department of Mathematics, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, 382426 India
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Hu H, Wan S, Hu Y, Wang Q, Li H, Zhang N. Deciphering the role of APOE in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: from genetic insights to therapeutic horizons. Ann Med 2025; 57:2445194. [PMID: 39745195 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2445194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 10/26/2024] [Accepted: 11/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the walls of medium and small vessels of the brain and leptomeninges, is a major cause of lobar hemorrhage in elderly individuals. Among the genetic risk factors for CAA that continue to be recognized, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the most significant and prevalent, as its variants have been implicated in more than half of all patients with CAA. While the presence of the APOE ε4 allele markedly increases the risk of CAA, the ε2 allele confers a protective effect relative to the common ε3 allele. These allelic variants encode three APOE isoforms that differ at two amino acid positions. The primary physiological role of APOE is to mediate lipid transport in the brain and periphery; however, it has also been shown to be involved in a wide array of biological functions, particularly those involving Aβ, in which it plays a known role in processing, production, aggregation, and clearance. The challenges posed by the reliance on postmortem histological analyses and the current absence of an effective intervention underscore the urgency for innovative APOE-targeted strategies for diagnosing CAA. This review not only deepens our understanding of the impact of APOE on the pathogenesis of CAA but can also help guide the exploration of targeted therapies, inspiring further research into the therapeutic potential of APOE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantian Hu
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siqi Wan
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuetao Hu
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanyu Li
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Thanh Tung N, Lee YL, Liu WT, Lin YC, Chang JH, Xuan Thao HN, Ba Dung H, Viet Trung L, Phan Chung Thuy T, Thi Hien N, Tsai CY, Lo CC, Lo K, Ho KF, Chuang KJ, Chuang HC. Impact of PM 2.5, relative humidity, and temperature on sleep quality: a cross-sectional study in Taipei. Ann Med 2025; 57:2448733. [PMID: 39782744 PMCID: PMC11721938 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2448733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION TWe investigated impacts of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), relative humidity (RH), and temperature on sleep stages and arousal. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional analysis involving 8,611 participants was conducted at a sleep center in Taipei. We estimated individual-level exposure to RH, temperature, and PM2.5 over 1-day, 7-day, and 30-day periods. Linear regression models assessed the relationship between these environmental factors and sleep parameters across different seasons. Mediation analysis was used to explore PM2.5, RH, and temperature roles in these relationships. RESULTS A 1% increase in RH over 1 and 7 days was associated with changes in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages and increases in the arousal index across all seasons. A 1°C increase in temperature over similar periods led to increases in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During cold season, changes in RH and temperature were linked to variations in arousal and NREM sleep stages. In hot season, RH and temperature increases were correlated with changes in NREM sleep stages and arousal. Across all groups, a 1-μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels was associated with alterations in NREM and REM sleep stages and increases in the arousal index. We found PM2.5 levels mediated relationships between RH, temperature, and various sleep stages, particularly in cold season. CONCLUSIONS Lower RH and temperature, contributing to deep sleep reduction and increased arousal, were influenced by elevated PM2.5 exposure, especially during colder months. Enhancing environmental quality and reducing PM2.5 levels may lead to improved sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thanh Tung
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Te Liu
- Sleep Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chien Lin
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Hwa Chang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huynh Nguyen Xuan Thao
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Ba Dung
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lam Viet Trung
- General Surgery Department, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tran Phan Chung Thuy
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Hien
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Cheng-Yu Tsai
- Sleep Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Research Center of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Health, Research Center of Thoracic Medicine, School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Professional Master Program in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chen Lo
- Sleep Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang Lo
- Sleep Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kin Fai Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an, China
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Yin H, Sun X, Yang K, Lan Y, Lu Z. Regulation of dentate gyrus pattern separation by hilus ectopic granule cells. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:10. [PMID: 39801911 PMCID: PMC11718051 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) in hippocampus is reported to perform pattern separation, converting similar inputs into different outputs and thus avoiding memory interference. Previous studies have found that human and mice with epilepsy have significant pattern separation defects and a portion of adult-born granule cells (abGCs) migrate abnormally into the hilus, forming hilus ectopic granule cells (HEGCs). For the lack of relevant pathophysiological experiments, how HEGCs affect pattern separation remains unclear. Therefore, in this paper, we will construct the DG neuronal circuit and focus on discussing effects of HEGCs on pattern separation numerically. The obtained results showed that HEGCs impaired pattern separation efficiency since the sparse firing of granule cells (GCs) was destroyed. We provided new insights into the underlining mechanisms of HEGCs impairing pattern separation through analyzing two excitatory circuits: GC-HEGC-GC and GC-Mossy cell (MC)-GC, both of which involve the participation of HEGCs within the DG. It is revealed that the recurrent excitatory circuit GC-HEGC-GC formed by HEGCs mossy fiber sprouting significantly enhanced GCs activity, consequently disrupted pattern separation. However, another excitatory circuit had negligible effects on pattern separation due to the direct and indirect influences of MCs on GCs, which in turn led to the GCs sparse firing. Thus, HEGCs impair DG pattern separation mainly through the GC-HEGC-GC circuit and therefore ablating HEGCs may be one of the effective ways to improve pattern separation in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Yin
- School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Mathematics and Information Networks, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Sun
- School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Mathematics and Information Networks, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Mathematics and Information Networks, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yueheng Lan
- School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Mathematics and Information Networks, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, #10 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100876 People’s Republic of China
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10
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Zhang F, Qiu W, Qing W, Li J, Chang H, Yu R, Zhou Y, Liao Q. Inhibition of mPFC norepinephrine improved chronic post-thoracotomy pain in adult rats. Ann Med 2025; 57:2451759. [PMID: 39829262 PMCID: PMC11749160 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2451759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) is characterized by high incidence, long duration, and severity of pain. Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a brain region closely associated with chronic pain, and norepinephrine is involved in pain regulation. But the role of mPFC norepinephrine in CPTP and its possible mechanism is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats underwent sham or thoracotomy, and were microinjected with pAAV.Syn.shDβH.eGFP(AAV2/9) or vehicle into contralateral mPFC on the 3rd day after thoracotomy. The pain of rats was evaluated by mechanical withdrawal threshold and cold pain threshold around thoracotomy incision. Norepinephrine in mPFC microdialysates were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The mPFC was collected to assess norepinephrine synthase (dopamine beta-hydroxylase, DβH) and metabolic enzyme (monoamine oxidase A/B, MAO-A/B and catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT), bradykinin, bradykinin receptor 2 (Bdkrb2), neuroinflammation (Iba1, IL-6 and TNF-α), Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and IL-33. RESULTS Right thoracotomy reduced the mechanical withdrawal threshold and cold pain threshold around incision, the expression of AQP4 and IL-33, increased norepinephrine, DβH, bradykinin, Bdkrb2, Iba1 and IL-6, but had no impact on MAO-A, MAO-B, COMT and TNF-α in contralateral mPFC. Inhibition of norepinephrine in contralateral mPFC increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold and cold pain threshold, the expression of AQP4 and IL-33, reduced norepinephrine, DβH, Bdkrb2, Iba1 and TNF-α, but had no significant effect on bradykinin and IL-6 in contralateral mPFC after right thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of norepinephrine in contralateral mPFC after thoracotomy improved CPTP. The potential mechanisms may include rescuing the expression of AQP4 and IL-33, as well as reducing neuroinflammation and Bdkrb2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Weicheng Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenxiang Qing
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Huan Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rili Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yanjun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qin Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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11
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Su CW, Yang F, Lai R, Li Y, Naeem H, Yao N, Zhang SP, Zhang H, Li Y, Huang ZG. Unraveling the functional complexity of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system: insights from molecular anatomy to neurodynamic modeling. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:29. [PMID: 39866663 PMCID: PMC11757662 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2025] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC), as the primary source of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain, is central to modulating cognitive and behavioral processes. This review synthesizes recent findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the LC-NE system, highlighting its molecular diversity, neurophysiological properties, and role in various brain functions. We discuss the heterogeneity of LC neurons, their differential responses to sensory stimuli, and the impact of NE on cognitive processes such as attention and memory. Furthermore, we explore the system's involvement in stress responses and pain modulation, as well as its developmental changes and susceptibility to stressors. By integrating molecular, electrophysiological, and theoretical modeling approaches, we shed light on the LC-NE system's complex role in the brain's adaptability and its potential relevance to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wang Su
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Fan Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Runchen Lai
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Yanhai Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Hadia Naeem
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Nan Yao
- Department of Applied Physics, Xi’an University of Technology, 710054 Shaanxi, China
| | - Si-Ping Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Haiqing Zhang
- Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, 710003 Shaanxi China
| | - Youjun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Zi-Gang Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
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12
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Zhou Z, Lin M, Zhou X, Zhang C. Implementation of memristive emotion associative learning circuit. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:13. [PMID: 39801920 PMCID: PMC11717764 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Psychological studies have demonstrated that the music can affect memory by triggering different emotions. Building on the relationships among music, emotion, and memory, a memristor-based emotion associative learning circuit is designed by utilizing the nonlinear and non-volatile characteristics of memristors, which includes a music judgment module, three emotion generation modules, three emotional homeostasis modules, and a memory module to implement functions such as learning, second learning, forgetting, emotion generation, and emotional homeostasis. The experimental results indicate that the proposed circuit can simulate the learning and forgetting processes of human under different music circumstances, demonstrate the feasibility of memristors in biomimetic circuits, verify the impact of music on memory, and provide a foundation for in-depth research and application development of the interaction mechanism between emotion and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangzhi Zhou
- School of Electronics and Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018 China
| | - Mi Lin
- School of Electronics and Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018 China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhou
- School of Electronics and Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018 China
| | - Chong Zhang
- School of Electronics and Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018 China
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13
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Domenie ED, Cusumano P, Montagnese S, Costa R. Sleep timing in flies from "adolescence" to adulthood. Fly (Austin) 2025; 19:2448022. [PMID: 39773381 PMCID: PMC11702927 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2024.2448022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess sleep timing in Drosophila melanogaster at different ages, within the setting of an enforced schedule of varying light-dark stimuli, simulating light exposure variations between four typical office working days and one free day spent outside by a human, for a total of 30 days. Locomotor activity recording started when male flies were 3 days old. Flies exhibited a bimodal activity pattern, with a morning and an evening peak, and clear anticipation of the lights on and lights off transitions. From experimental day 10 (i.e. 12-day-old flies) onwards, a decrease in activity counts/increase in sleep amount were observed. On free days, a rise in activity counts and a reduction in sleep amount during the lights on interval was observed and was also present, albeit less obvious, on the subsequent working day during the lights off interval. A progressive delay in sleep onset was observed in the first days of the experiment, peaking on day 4 (i.e. 6-day-old flies), after which sleep onset timing gradually advanced. A delay in sleep offset was also observed for the first 13 days of the experiment, after which sleep offset stabilized. In conclusion, 'adolescent' flies exhibited changes in sleep timing that were reminiscent of those of human adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Cusumano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Chronobiology Section, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Rodolfo Costa
- Chronobiology Section, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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14
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Ke M, Yao X, Cao P, Liu G. Reconstruction and application of multilayer brain network for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy based on link prediction. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:7. [PMID: 39780908 PMCID: PMC11703786 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) exhibits abnormal functional connectivity of brain networks at multiple frequencies. We used the multilayer network model to address the heterogeneous features at different frequencies and assess the mechanisms of functional integration and segregation of brain networks in JME patients. To address the possibility of false edges or missing edges during network construction, we combined multilayer networks with link prediction techniques. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were procured from 40 JME patients and 40 healthy controls. The Multilayer Network framework is utilized to integrate information from different frequency bands and to fuse similarity metrics for link prediction. Finally, calculate the entropy of the multiplex degree and multilayer clustering coefficient of the reconfigured multilayer frequency network. The results showed that the multilayer brain network of JME patients had significantly reduced ability to integrate and separate information and significantly correlated with severity of JME symptoms. This difference was particularly evident in default mode network (DMN), motor and somatosensory network (SMN), and auditory network (AN). In addition, significant differences were found in the precuneus, suboccipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, thalamus, and insula. Results suggest that JME patients have abnormal brain function and reduced cross-frequency interactions. This may be due to changes in the distribution of connections within and between the DMN, SMN, and AN in multiple frequency bands, resulting in unstable connectivity patterns. The generation of these changes is related to the pathological mechanisms of JME and may exacerbate cognitive and behavioral problems in patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11571-024-10191-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ke
- School of Computer and Communication, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050 China
| | - Xinyi Yao
- School of Computer and Communication, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050 China
| | - Peihui Cao
- School of Computer and Communication, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050 China
| | - Guangyao Liu
- Department of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 China
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15
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Zhang Y, Mo C, Ai P, He X, Xiao Q, Yang X. Pharmacomicrobiomics: a new field contributing to optimizing drug therapy in Parkinson's disease. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2454937. [PMID: 39875349 PMCID: PMC11776486 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2454937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 11/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota, which act as a determinant of pharmacokinetics, have long been overlooked. In recent years, a growing body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiota influence drug metabolism and efficacy. Conversely, drugs also exert a substantial influence on the function and composition of the gut microbiota. Pharmacomicrobiomics, an emerging field focusing on the interplay of drugs and gut microbiota, provides a potential foundation for making certain advances in personalized medicine. Understanding the communication between gut microbiota and antiparkinsonian drugs is critical for precise treatment of Parkinson's disease. Here, we provide a historical overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and antiparkinsonian drugs. Moreover, we discuss potential mechanistic insights into the complex associations between gut microbiota and drug metabolism. In addition, we also draw attention to microbiota-based biomarkers for predicting antiparkinsonian drug efficacy and examine current state-of-the-art knowledge of microbiota-based strategies to optimize drug therapy in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengjun Mo
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Penghui Ai
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqin He
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Xiao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Zhao D, Si B. Formation of cognitive maps in large-scale environments by sensorimotor integration. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:19. [PMID: 39801918 PMCID: PMC11717777 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Hippocampus in the mammalian brain supports navigation by building a cognitive map of the environment. However, only a few studies have investigated cognitive maps in large-scale arenas. To reveal the computational mechanisms underlying the formation of cognitive maps in large-scale environments, we propose a neural network model of the entorhinal-hippocampal neural circuit that integrates both spatial and non-spatial information. Spatial information is relayed from the grid units in medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) by integrating multimodal sensory-motor signals. Non-spatial, such as object, information is imparted from the visual units in lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) by encoding visual scenes through a deep neural network. The synaptic weights from the grid units and the visual units to the place units in the hippocampus are learned by a competitive learning rule. We simulated the model in a large box maze. The place units in the model form irregularly-spaced multiple fields across the environment. When the strength of visual inputs is dominant, the responses of place units become conjunctive and egocentric. These results point to the key role of the hippocampus in balancing spatial and non-spatial information relayed via LEC and MEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongye Zhao
- Information Science Academy, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Beijing, 100086 China
| | - Bailu Si
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206 China
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17
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Vidman S, Ma YHE, Fullenkamp N, Plant GW. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies for regeneration after central nervous system injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3063-3075. [PMID: 39715081 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the progression of stem cell therapies has shown great promise in advancing the nascent field of regenerative medicine. Considering the non-regenerative nature of the mature central nervous system, the concept that "blank" cells could be reprogrammed and functionally integrated into host neural networks remained intriguing. Previous work has also demonstrated the ability of such cells to stimulate intrinsic growth programs in post-mitotic cells, such as neurons. While embryonic stem cells demonstrated great potential in treating central nervous system pathologies, ethical and technical concerns remained. These barriers, along with the clear necessity for this type of treatment, ultimately prompted the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells. The advantage of pluripotent cells in central nervous system regeneration is multifaceted, permitting differentiation into neural stem cells, neural progenitor cells, glia, and various neuronal subpopulations. The precise spatiotemporal application of extrinsic growth factors in vitro, in addition to microenvironmental signaling in vivo, influences the efficiency of this directed differentiation. While the pluri- or multipotency of these cells is appealing, it also poses the risk of unregulated differentiation and teratoma formation. Cells of the neuroectodermal lineage, such as neuronal subpopulations and glia, have been explored with varying degrees of success. Although the risk of cancer or teratoma formation is greatly reduced, each subpopulation varies in effectiveness and is influenced by a myriad of factors, such as the timing of the transplant, pathology type, and the ratio of accompanying progenitor cells. Furthermore, successful transplantation requires innovative approaches to develop delivery vectors that can mitigate cell death and support integration. Lastly, host immune responses to allogeneic grafts must be thoroughly characterized and further developed to reduce the need for immunosuppression. Translation to a clinical setting will involve careful consideration when assessing both physiologic and functional outcomes. This review will highlight both successes and challenges faced when using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell transplantation therapies to promote endogenous regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Vidman
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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18
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Huggon L, Clayton EL. Beginning from the end: the presynaptic terminal as a pathomechanism hub in frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3217-3218. [PMID: 39715090 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Huggon
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, UK (Huggon L, Clayton EL)
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK (Huggon L, Clayton EL)
| | - Emma L Clayton
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, UK (Huggon L, Clayton EL)
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK (Huggon L, Clayton EL)
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19
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Deng F, Yang D, Qing L, Chen Y, Zou J, Jia M, Wang Q, Jiang R, Huang L. Exploring the interaction between the gut microbiota and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A signaling pathway: a potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3095-3112. [PMID: 39589173 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the gut microbiota and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in the host's central nervous system plays a crucial role in neurological diseases and enhances communication along the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiota influences the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway through its metabolites, which activates the vagus nerve and modulates the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Conversely, alterations in the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway can affect the composition of the gut microbiota, creating a dynamic network of microbial-host interactions. This reciprocal regulation affects neurodevelopment, neurotransmitter control, and behavioral traits, thus playing a role in the modulation of neurological diseases. The coordinated activity of the gut microbiota and the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway regulates processes such as amyloid-β protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal energy metabolism, microglial activation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter release, which collectively influence the onset and progression of neurological diseases. This study explores the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and cAMP-PKA signaling pathway, along with its implications for potential therapeutic interventions in neurological diseases. Recent pharmacological research has shown that restoring the balance between gut flora and cAMP-PKA signaling pathway may improve outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases and emotional disorders. This can be achieved through various methods such as dietary modifications, probiotic supplements, Chinese herbal extracts, combinations of Chinese herbs, and innovative dosage forms. These findings suggest that regulating the gut microbiota and cAMP-PKA signaling pathway may provide valuable evidence for developing novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengcheng Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lingxi Qing
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jilian Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Meiling Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Runda Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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20
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Liang J, Yang F, Li Z, Li Q. Epigenetic regulation of the inflammatory response in stroke. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3045-3062. [PMID: 39589183 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic, and there are few effective treatments for either type. Immunologic mechanisms play a critical role in secondary brain injury following a stroke, which manifests as cytokine release, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuronal cell death, and ultimately behavioral impairment. Suppressing the inflammatory response has been shown to mitigate this cascade of events in experimental stroke models. However, in clinical trials of anti-inflammatory agents, long-term immunosuppression has not demonstrated significant clinical benefits for patients. This may be attributable to the dichotomous roles of inflammation in both tissue injury and repair, as well as the complex pathophysiologic inflammatory processes in stroke. Inhibiting acute harmful inflammatory responses or inducing a phenotypic shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state at specific time points after a stroke are alternative and promising therapeutic strategies. Identifying agents that can modulate inflammation requires a detailed understanding of the inflammatory processes of stroke. Furthermore, epigenetic reprogramming plays a crucial role in modulating post-stroke inflammation and can potentially be exploited for stroke management. In this review, we summarize current findings on the epigenetic regulation of the inflammatory response in stroke, focusing on key signaling pathways including nuclear factor-kappa B, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and mitogen-activated protein kinase as well as inflammasome activation. We also discuss promising molecular targets for stroke treatment. The evidence to date indicates that therapeutic targeting of the epigenetic regulation of inflammation can shift the balance from inflammation-induced tissue injury to repair following stroke, leading to improved post-stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Artificial Intelligence in Cerebrovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Digital Healthcare for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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21
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Ntetsika T, Catrina SB, Markaki I. Understanding the link between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease: role of brain insulin resistance. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3113-3123. [PMID: 39715083 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease are chronic diseases linked to a growing pandemic that affects older adults and causes significant socio-economic burden. Epidemiological data supporting a close relationship between these two aging-related diseases have resulted in the investigation of shared pathophysiological molecular mechanisms. Impaired insulin signaling in the brain has gained increasing attention during the last decade and has been suggested to contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease through the dysregulation of several pathological processes. The contribution of type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, with emphasis on brain insulin resistance, is extensively discussed in this article and new therapeutic strategies targeting this pathological link are presented and reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Ntetsika
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergiu-Bogdan Catrina
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Diabetes, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioanna Markaki
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Neurology, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Fan Z, Jia M, Zhou J, Zhu Z, Wu Y, Lin X, Qian Y, Lian J, Hua X, Dong J, Fang Z, Liu Y, Chen S, Xue X, Yue J, Zhu M, Wang Y, Huang Z, Teng H. Pharmacological targeting cGAS/STING/NF-κB axis by tryptanthrin induces microglia polarization toward M2 phenotype and promotes functional recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3287-3301. [PMID: 38993129 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00031/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff The M1/M2 phenotypic shift of microglia after spinal cord injury plays an important role in the regulation of neuroinflammation during the secondary injury phase of spinal cord injury. Regulation of shifting microglia polarization from M1 (neurotoxic and proinflammatory type) to M2 (neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory type) after spinal cord injury appears to be crucial. Tryptanthrin possesses an anti-inflammatory biological function. However, its roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms in spinal cord injury remain unknown. In this study, we found that tryptanthrin inhibited microglia-derived inflammation by promoting polarization to the M2 phenotype in vitro . Tryptanthrin promoted M2 polarization through inactivating the cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, we found that targeting the cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway with tryptanthrin shifted microglia from the M1 to M2 phenotype after spinal cord injury, inhibited neuronal loss, and promoted tissue repair and functional recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord injury. Finally, using a conditional co-culture system, we found that microglia treated with tryptanthrin suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that by targeting the cGAS/STING/NF-κB axis, tryptanthrin attenuates microglia-derived neuroinflammation and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury through shifting microglia polarization to the M2 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Fan
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mengxian Jia
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhoule Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yumin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaowu Lin
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiming Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiashu Lian
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Hua
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianhong Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zheyu Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sibing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiumin Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Juanqing Yue
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Minyu Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhihui Huang
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Honglin Teng
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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23
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Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA. Secretome of polarized macrophages: potential for targeting inflammatory dynamics in spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3231-3232. [PMID: 39715096 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal (Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA)
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal (Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA)
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal (Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA)
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal (Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA)
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal (Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA)
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal (Monteiro A, Monteiro S, Silva NA)
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24
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Li S, Li J, Chen G, Lin T, Zhang P, Tong K, Chen N, Liu S. Exosomes originating from neural stem cells undergoing necroptosis participate in cellular communication by inducing TSC2 upregulation of recipient cells following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3273-3286. [PMID: 38993124 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00030/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff We previously demonstrated that inhibiting neural stem cells necroptosis enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury. While exosomes are recognized as playing a pivotal role in neural stem cells exocrine function, their precise function in spinal cord injury remains unclear. To investigate the role of exosomes generated following neural stem cells necroptosis after spinal cord injury, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing and validated that neural stem cells originate from ependymal cells and undergo necroptosis in response to spinal cord injury. Subsequently, we established an in vitro necroptosis model using neural stem cells isolated from embryonic mice aged 16-17 days and extracted exosomes. The results showed that necroptosis did not significantly impact the fundamental characteristics or number of exosomes. Transcriptome sequencing of exosomes in necroptosis group identified 108 differentially expressed messenger RNAs, 104 long non-coding RNAs, 720 circular RNAs, and 14 microRNAs compared with the control group. Construction of a competing endogenous RNA network identified the following hub genes: tuberous sclerosis 2 ( Tsc2 ), solute carrier family 16 member 3 ( Slc16a3 ), and forkhead box protein P1 ( Foxp1 ). Notably, a significant elevation in TSC2 expression was observed in spinal cord tissues following spinal cord injury. TSC2-positive cells were localized around SRY-box transcription factor 2-positive cells within the injury zone. Furthermore, in vitro analysis revealed increased TSC2 expression in exosomal receptor cells compared with other cells. Further assessment of cellular communication following spinal cord injury showed that Tsc2 was involved in ependymal cellular communication at 1 and 3 days post-injury through the epidermal growth factor and midkine signaling pathways. In addition, Slc16a3 participated in cellular communication in ependymal cells at 7 days post-injury via the vascular endothelial growth factor and macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings confirm that exosomes derived from neural stem cells undergoing necroptosis play an important role in cellular communication after spinal cord injury and induce TSC2 upregulation in recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Bone Tissue Repair and Translational Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Bone Tissue Repair and Translational Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Penghui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Bone Tissue Repair and Translational Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kuileung Tong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ningning Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Bone Tissue Repair and Translational Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaoyu Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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25
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Serneels PJ, Schutter JDD, Groef LD, Moons L, Bergmans S. Oligodendroglial heterogeneity in health, disease, and recovery: deeper insights into myelin dynamics. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3179-3192. [PMID: 39665821 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of research asserted that the oligodendroglial lineage comprises two cell types: oligodendrocyte precursor cells and oligodendrocytes. However, recent studies employing single-cell RNA sequencing techniques have uncovered novel cell states, prompting a revision of the existing terminology. Going forward, the oligodendroglial lineage should be delineated into five distinct cell states: oligodendrocyte precursor cells, committed oligodendrocyte precursor cells, newly formed oligodendrocytes, myelin-forming oligodendrocytes, and mature oligodendrocytes. This new classification system enables a deeper understanding of the oligodendroglia in both physiological and pathological contexts. Adopting this uniform terminology will facilitate comparison and integration of data across studies. This, including the consolidation of findings from various demyelinating models, is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases. Additionally, comparing injury models across species with varying regenerative capacities can provide insights that may lead to new therapeutic strategies to overcome remyelination failure. Thus, by standardizing terminology and synthesizing data from diverse studies across different animal models, we can enhance our understanding of myelin pathology in central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, all of which involve oligodendroglial and myelin dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Jan Serneels
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie D De Schutter
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Cellular Communication & Neurodegeneration Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Bergmans
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Chen Y, Wei Y, Liu J, Zhu T, Zhou C, Zhang D. Spatial transcriptomics combined with single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals glial cell heterogeneity in the human spinal cord. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3302-3316. [PMID: 38934400 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00032/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions, including sensation, the response to infection and acute injury, and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Glial cells include astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, and satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Despite the greater understanding of glial cell types and functional heterogeneity achieved through single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models, few studies have investigated the transcriptomic profiles of glial cells in the human spinal cord. Here, we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in the human spinal cord. To explore the conservation and divergence across species, we compared these findings with those from mice. In the human spinal cord, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes were each divided into six distinct transcriptomic subclusters. In the mouse spinal cord, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes were divided into five, four, and five distinct transcriptomic subclusters, respectively. The comparative results revealed substantial heterogeneity in all glial cell types between humans and mice. Additionally, we detected sex differences in gene expression in human spinal cord glial cells. Specifically, in all astrocyte subtypes, the levels of NEAT1 and CHI3L1 were higher in males than in females, whereas the levels of CST3 were lower in males than in females. In all microglial subtypes, all differentially expressed genes were located on the sex chromosomes. In addition to sex-specific gene differences, the levels of MT-ND4 , MT2A , MT-ATP6 , MT-CO3 , MT-ND2 , MT-ND3 , and MT-CO2 in all spinal cord oligodendrocyte subtypes were higher in females than in males. Collectively, the present dataset extensively characterizes glial cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for exploring the cellular basis of spinal cord-related illnesses, including chronic pain, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yiyong Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Donghang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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27
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Xu Z, Yu M, Song Y. Inspires effective alternatives to backpropagation: predictive coding helps understand and build learning. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3215-3216. [PMID: 39715089 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Xu
- School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China (Xu Z, Yu M)
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Xu Z, Song Y)
| | - Miao Yu
- School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China (Xu Z, Yu M)
| | - Yuhang Song
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Xu Z, Song Y)
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28
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Salasova A, Nykjær A. Emerging potential of progranulin-dependent SorCS2 signaling in healthy and diseased nervous systems. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2591-2593. [PMID: 39503427 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Salasova
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience DANDRITE-Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, and Centre of Excellence PROMEMO, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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29
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Zhang Y, Liang Y, Gu Y. The dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2495-2512. [PMID: 39314145 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults. Despite its prevalence, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In addition to the most widely accepted causes, which include excessive amyloid-beta aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, numerous studies have shown that the dopaminergic system is also closely associated with the occurrence and development of this condition. Dopamine is a crucial catecholaminergic neurotransmitter in the human body. Dopamine-associated treatments, such as drugs that target dopamine receptor D and dopamine analogs, can improve cognitive function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms as well as ameliorate other clinical manifestations. However, therapeutics targeting the dopaminergic system are associated with various adverse reactions, such as addiction and exacerbation of cognitive impairment. This review summarizes the role of the dopaminergic system in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on currently available dopamine-based therapies for this disorder and the common side effects associated with dopamine-related drugs. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the potential connections between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease, thus helping to clarify the mechanisms underlying the condition and exploring more effective therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Zhang
- International Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixue Gu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
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30
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Qin Y, Zhu W, Guo T, Zhang Y, Xing T, Yin P, Li S, Li XJ, Yang S. Reduced mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor expression by mutant androgen receptor contributes to neurodegeneration in a model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy pathology. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2655-2666. [PMID: 38934406 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202509000-00027/figure1/v/2024-11-05T132919Z/r/image-tiff Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by extended CAG trinucleotide repeats in the androgen receptor gene, which encodes a ligand-dependent transcription factor. The mutant androgen receptor protein, characterized by polyglutamine expansion, is prone to misfolding and forms aggregates in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in the brain in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy patients. These aggregates alter protein-protein interactions and compromise transcriptional activity. In this study, we reported that in both cultured N2a cells and mouse brain, mutant androgen receptor with polyglutamine expansion causes reduced expression of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor. Overexpression of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor ameliorated the neurotoxicity of mutant androgen receptor through the inhibition of mutant androgen receptor aggregation. Conversely, knocking down endogenous mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor in the mouse brain exacerbated neuronal damage and mutant androgen receptor aggregation. Our findings suggest that inhibition of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor expression by mutant androgen receptor is a potential mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Qin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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31
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Jin J, Zhang H, Lu Q, Tian L, Yao S, Lai F, Liang Y, Liu C, Lu Y, Tian S, Zhao Y, Ren W. Nanocarrier-mediated siRNA delivery: a new approach for the treatment of traumatic brain injury-related Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2538-2555. [PMID: 39314170 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease share pathological similarities, including neuronal loss, amyloid-β deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, traumatic brain injury can exacerbate Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies, potentially leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Nanocarriers offer a potential solution by facilitating the delivery of small interfering RNAs across the blood-brain barrier for the targeted silencing of key pathological genes implicated in traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease. Unlike traditional approaches to neuroregeneration, this is a molecular-targeted strategy, thus avoiding non-specific drug actions. This review focuses on the use of nanocarrier systems for the efficient and precise delivery of siRNAs, discussing the advantages, challenges, and future directions. In principle, siRNAs have the potential to target all genes and non-targetable proteins, holding significant promise for treating various diseases. Among the various therapeutic approaches currently available for neurological diseases, siRNA gene silencing can precisely "turn off" the expression of any gene at the genetic level, thus radically inhibiting disease progression; however, a significant challenge lies in delivering siRNAs across the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles have received increasing attention as an innovative drug delivery tool for the treatment of brain diseases. They are considered a potential therapeutic strategy with the advantages of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, targeted drug delivery, enhanced drug stability, and multifunctional therapy. The use of nanoparticles to deliver specific modified siRNAs to the injured brain is gradually being recognized as a feasible and effective approach. Although this strategy is still in the preclinical exploration stage, it is expected to achieve clinical translation in the future, creating a new field of molecular targeted therapy and precision medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease associated with traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jin
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huajing Zhang
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory for Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianying Lu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory for Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Linqiang Tian
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory for Research of Trauma and Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
- Clinical Medical Center of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Sanqiao Yao
- Institutes of Health Central Plain, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Feng Lai
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory for Research of Trauma and Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Yangfan Liang
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanchuan Liu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujia Lu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sijia Tian
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanmei Zhao
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory for Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjie Ren
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory for Research of Trauma and Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
- Clinical Medical Center of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
- Institutes of Health Central Plain, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
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Su C, Huang T, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Chen X. Glucocorticoid receptor signaling in the brain and its involvement in cognitive function. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2520-2537. [PMID: 39248182 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates the secretion of glucocorticoids in response to environmental challenges. In the brain, a nuclear receptor transcription factor, the glucocorticoid receptor, is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis's negative feedback loop and plays a key role in regulating cognitive equilibrium and neuroplasticity. The glucocorticoid receptor influences cognitive processes, including glutamate neurotransmission, calcium signaling, and the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated pathways, through a combination of genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Protein interactions within the central nervous system can alter the expression and activity of the glucocorticoid receptor, thereby affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress-related cognitive functions. An appropriate level of glucocorticoid receptor expression can improve cognitive function, while excessive glucocorticoid receptors or long-term exposure to glucocorticoids may lead to cognitive impairment. Patients with cognitive impairment-associated diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, aging, depression, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, and addiction, often present with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid receptor expression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the functions of the glucocorticoid receptor in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive activities. It emphasizes that appropriate glucocorticoid receptor signaling facilitates learning and memory, while its dysregulation can lead to cognitive impairment. This provides clues about how glucocorticoid receptor signaling can be targeted to overcome cognitive disability-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonglin Su
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Long Z, Ge C, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Zeng Q, Tang Q, Dong Z, He G. Enhanced autophagic clearance of amyloid-β via histone deacetylase 6-mediated V-ATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification protects against Alzheimer's disease in vitro and in vivo. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2633-2644. [PMID: 38993141 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202509000-00025/figure1/v/2024-11-05T132919Z/r/image-tiff Recent studies have suggested that abnormal acidification of lysosomes induces autophagic accumulation of amyloid-β in neurons, which is a key step in senile plaque formation. Therefore, restoring normal lysosomal function and rebalancing lysosomal acidification in neurons in the brain may be a new treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Microtubule acetylation/deacetylation plays a central role in lysosomal acidification. Here, we show that inhibiting the classic microtubule deacetylase histone deacetylase 6 with an histone deacetylase 6 shRNA or thehistone deacetylase 6 inhibitor valproic acid promoted lysosomal reacidification by modulating V-ATPase assembly in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, we found that treatment with valproic acid markedly enhanced autophagy, promoted clearance of amyloid-β aggregates, and ameliorated cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown neuroprotective mechanism in Alzheimer's disease, in which histone deacetylase 6 inhibition by valproic acid increases V-ATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Long
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanhua Ge
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yueyang Zhao
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua Zeng
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Tang
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Physiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifang Dong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guiqiong He
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Carretero VJ, Álvarez-Merz I, Hernández-Campano J, Kirov SA, Hernández-Guijo JM. Targeting harmful effects of non-excitatory amino acids as an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2454-2463. [PMID: 39314160 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in cerebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented. Nevertheless, the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied. The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra. Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids (L-alanine, glycine, L-glutamine, and L-serine) at their plasma concentrations. These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia, along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia. It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels, leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation. Thus, previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. Understanding these pathways could highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, School of Medicine, Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Neurobiology-Research Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jorge Hernández-Campano
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, School of Medicine, Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergei A Kirov
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jesús M Hernández-Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, School of Medicine, Univ. Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Neurobiology-Research Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
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Hashemolhosseini S, Gessler L. Crosstalk among canonical Wnt and Hippo pathway members in skeletal muscle and at the neuromuscular junction. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2464-2479. [PMID: 39248171 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion, posture, and metabolic regulation. To understand physiological processes, exercise adaptation, and muscle-related disorders, it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function. The process of muscle contraction, orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events, is at the core of skeletal muscle function. Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction. Within muscle fibers, calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force. Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling. The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis. Myogenic regulators coordinate the differentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers. Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability. Several muscle-related diseases, including congenital myasthenic disorders, sarcopenia, muscular dystrophies, and metabolic myopathies, are underpinned by dysregulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle. Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function, enhancing regeneration, and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways. Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, a critical regulator of myogenesis, muscle regeneration, and metabolic function, and the Hippo signaling pathway. In recent years, more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers, and at the neuromuscular junction. In fact, research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways, focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology. However, an in-depth discussion of the non-canonical Wnt pathway, the fibro/adipogenic precursors, or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Hashemolhosseini
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Goncalves K, Przyborski S. Modulation of the Nogo signaling pathway to overcome amyloid-β-mediated neurite inhibition in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurites. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2645-2654. [PMID: 39105379 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202509000-00026/figure1/v/2024-11-05T132919Z/r/image-tiff Neuronal cell death and the loss of connectivity are two of the primary pathological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β peptides, a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, is believed to induce neuritic abnormalities, including reduced growth, extension, and abnormal growth cone morphology, all of which contribute to decreased connectivity. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms governing this response remain unknown. In this study, we used an innovative approach to demonstrate the effect of amyloid-β on neurite dynamics in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems, in order to provide more physiologically relevant culture geometry. We utilized various methodologies, including the addition of exogenous amyloid-β peptides to the culture medium, growth substrate coating, and the utilization of human-induced pluripotent stem cell technology, to investigate the effect of endogenous amyloid-β secretion on neurite outgrowth, thus paving the way for potential future applications in personalized medicine. Additionally, we also explore the involvement of the Nogo signaling cascade in amyloid-β-induced neurite inhibition. We demonstrate that inhibition of downstream ROCK and RhoA components of the Nogo signaling pathway, achieved through modulation with Y-27632 (a ROCK inhibitor) and Ibuprofen (a Rho A inhibitor), respectively, can restore and even enhance neuronal connectivity in the presence of amyloid-β. In summary, this study not only presents a novel culture approach that offers insi |