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Yuasa-Kawada J, Kinoshita-Kawada M, Hiramoto M, Yamagishi S, Mishima T, Yasunaga S, Tsuboi Y, Hattori N, Wu JY. Neuronal guidance signaling in neurodegenerative diseases: Key regulators that function at neuron-glia and neuroimmune interfaces. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:612-635. [PMID: 39995079 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01330] [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: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
The nervous system processes a vast amount of information, performing computations that underlie perception, cognition, and behavior. During development, neuronal guidance genes, which encode extracellular cues, their receptors, and downstream signal transducers, organize neural wiring to generate the complex architecture of the nervous system. It is now evident that many of these neuroguidance cues and their receptors are active during development and are also expressed in the adult nervous system. This suggests that neuronal guidance pathways are critical not only for neural wiring but also for ongoing function and maintenance of the mature nervous system. Supporting this view, these pathways continue to regulate synaptic connectivity, plasticity, and remodeling, and overall brain homeostasis throughout adulthood. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses have further revealed many neuronal guidance genes to be associated with a wide range of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Although the precise mechanisms by which aberrant neuronal guidance signaling drives the pathogenesis of these diseases remain to be clarified, emerging evidence points to several common themes, including dysfunction in neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells, along with dysregulation of neuron-microglia-astrocyte, neuroimmune, and neurovascular interactions. In this review, we explore recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which aberrant neuronal guidance signaling contributes to disease pathogenesis through altered cell-cell interactions. For instance, recent studies have unveiled two distinct semaphorin-plexin signaling pathways that affect microglial activation and neuroinflammation. We discuss the challenges ahead, along with the therapeutic potentials of targeting neuronal guidance pathways for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Particular focus is placed on how neuronal guidance mechanisms control neuron-glia and neuroimmune interactions and modulate microglial function under physiological and pathological conditions. Specifically, we examine the crosstalk between neuronal guidance signaling and TREM2, a master regulator of microglial function, in the context of pathogenic protein aggregates. It is well-established that age is a major risk factor for neurodegeneration. Future research should address how aging and neuronal guidance signaling interact to influence an individual's susceptibility to various late-onset neurological diseases and how the progression of these diseases could be therapeutically blocked by targeting neuronal guidance pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Satoru Yamagishi
- Department of Optical Neuroanatomy, Institute of Photonics Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takayasu Mishima
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Sakura, Japan
| | - Shin'ichiro Yasunaga
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshio Tsuboi
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jane Y Wu
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genetic Medicine, Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Wu H, Dong L, Jin S, Zhao Y, Zhu L. Innovative gene delivery systems for retinal disease therapy. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:542-552. [PMID: 39665817 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00797] [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: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 11/10/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The human retina, a complex and highly specialized structure, includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals. However, genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can lead to retinal damage that severely impairs vision or causes blindness. Treatment options for retinal diseases are limited, and there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Cell and gene therapies are promising because of the efficacy of delivery systems that transport therapeutic genes to targeted retinal cells. Gene delivery systems hold great promise for treating retinal diseases by enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to affected cells or by converting endogenous cells into functional ones to facilitate nerve regeneration, potentially restoring vision. This review focuses on two principal categories of gene delivery vectors used in the treatment of retinal diseases: viral and non-viral systems. Viral vectors, including lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses, exploit the innate ability of viruses to infiltrate cells, which is followed by the introduction of therapeutic genetic material into target cells for gene correction. Lentiviruses can accommodate exogenous genes up to 8 kb in length, but their mechanism of integration into the host genome presents insertion mutation risks. Conversely, adeno-associated viruses are safer, as they exist as episomes in the nucleus, yet their limited packaging capacity constrains their application to a narrower spectrum of diseases, which necessitates the exploration of alternative delivery methods. In parallel, progress has also occurred in the development of novel non-viral delivery systems, particularly those based on liposomal technology. Manipulation of the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within liposomes and the development of new lipid formulations have led to the creation of advanced non-viral vectors. These innovative systems include solid lipid nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles. Compared with their viral counterparts, non-viral delivery systems offer markedly enhanced loading capacities that enable the direct delivery of nucleic acids, mRNA, or protein molecules into cells. This bypasses the need for DNA transcription and processing, which significantly enhances therapeutic efficiency. Nevertheless, the immunogenic potential and accumulation toxicity associated with non-viral particulate systems necessitates continued optimization to reduce adverse effects in vivo . This review explores the various delivery systems for retinal therapies and retinal nerve regeneration, and details the characteristics, advantages, limitations, and clinical applications of each vector type. By systematically outlining these factors, our goal is to guide the selection of the optimal delivery tool for a specific retinal disease, which will enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes while paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Thiesler H, Hildebrandt H. Polysialic acid-Siglec immune checkpoints of microglia and macrophages: Perspectives for therapeutic intervention. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:661-662. [PMID: 39688555 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hauke Thiesler
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School and Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Cao H, Shang L, Hu D, Huang J, Wang Y, Li M, Song Y, Yang Q, Luo Y, Wang Y, Cai X, Liu J. Neuromodulation techniques for modulating cognitive function: Enhancing stimulation precision and intervention effects. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:491-501. [PMID: 39665818 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00836] [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: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function, holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace, medicine, life sciences, and brain research. These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions, modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks, thereby regulating cognitive function. Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception, learning and memory, attention, spatial cognition, and physical function. To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population, this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions. This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention, including deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays. The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets. Invasive stimulation methods, which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation. Non-invasive methods, particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques, are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population. These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets. This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology. It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation. Additionally, researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Deheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianzi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Liu Z, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Ning B. Metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes: Emerging roles of lactate. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:421-432. [PMID: 39688570 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00776] [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: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system, facilitating essential brain functions, including energy supply, signaling, and epigenetic modulation. Moreover, it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming. Nonetheless, the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system. The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed. Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases. In the nervous system, lactate plays an essential role. However, its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation. The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic, especially in lactylation modification, a key determinant in this process. Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine, acetylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation modifications, which are closely linked to several neurological disorders. In addition, exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Liu
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yijian Guo
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yulei Gao
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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6
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Wu S, Chen J. Is age-related myelinodegenerative change an initial risk factor of neurodegenerative diseases? Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:648-658. [PMID: 40326982 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00848] [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: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Myelination, the continuous ensheathment of neuronal axons, is a lifelong process in the nervous system that is essential for the precise, temporospatial conduction of action potentials between neurons. Myelin also provides intercellular metabolic support to axons. Even minor disruptions in the integrity of myelin can impair neural performance and increase susceptibility to neurological diseases. In fact, myelin degeneration is a well-known neuropathological condition that is associated with normal aging and several neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. In the central nervous system, compact myelin sheaths are formed by fully mature oligodendrocytes. However, the entire oligodendrocyte lineage is susceptible to changes in the biological microenvironment and other risk factors that arise as the brain ages. In addition to their well-known role in action potential propagation, oligodendrocytes also provide intercellular metabolic support to axons by transferring energy metabolites and delivering exosomes. Therefore, myelin degeneration in the aging central nervous system is a significant contributor to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Interventions that mitigate age-related myelin degeneration can improve neurological function in aging individuals. In this review, we investigate the changes in myelin that are associated with aging and their underlying mechanisms. We also discuss recent advances in understanding how myelin degeneration in the aging brain contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and explore the factors that can prevent, slow down, or even reverse age-related myelin degeneration. Future research will enhance our understanding of how reducing age-related myelin degeneration can be used as a therapeutic target for delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangchan Wu
- Sanhang Institute for Brain Science and Technology (SiBST), School of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Sanhang Institute for Brain Science and Technology (SiBST), School of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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7
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Fu H, Li J, Zhang C, Gao G, Ge Q, Guan X, Cui D. Pathological axonal enlargement in connection with amyloidosis, lysosome destabilization, and bleeding is a major defect in Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:790-799. [PMID: 40326989 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01440] [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: 11/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202602000-00047/figure1/v/2025-05-05T160104Z/r/image-tiff Alzheimer's disease is a multi-amyloidosis disease characterized by amyloid-β deposits in brain blood vessels, microaneurysms, and senile plaques. How amyloid-β deposition affects axon pathology has not been examined extensively. We used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining to analyze the forebrain tissue slices of Alzheimer's disease patients. Widespread axonal amyloidosis with distinctive axonal enlargement was observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. On average, amyloid-β-positive axon diameters in Alzheimer's disease brains were 1.72 times those of control brain axons. Furthermore, axonal amyloidosis was associated with microtubule-associated protein 2 reduction, tau phosphorylation, lysosome destabilization, and several blood-related markers, such as apolipoprotein E, alpha-hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin type A1C, and hemin. Lysosome destabilization in Alzheimer's disease was also clearly identified in the neuronal soma, where it was associated with the co-expression of amyloid-β, Cathepsin D, alpha-hemoglobin, actin alpha 2, and collagen type IV. This suggests that exogenous hemorrhagic protein intake influences neural lysosome stability. Additionally, the data showed that amyloid-β-containing lysosomes were 2.23 times larger than control lysosomes. Furthermore, under rare conditions, axonal breakages were observed, which likely resulted in Wallerian degeneration. In summary, axonal enlargement associated with amyloidosis, micro-bleeding, and lysosome destabilization is a major defect in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This finding suggests that, in addition to the well-documented neural soma and synaptic damage, axonal damage is a key component of neuronal defects in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Fu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Marine Equipment, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jilong Li
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo Gao
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Ge
- Institute of Marine Equipment, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinping Guan
- Department of Automation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- The Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Eldar D, Albert S, Tatyana A, Galina S, Albert R, Yana M. Optogenetic approaches for neural tissue regeneration: A review of basic optogenetic principles and target cells for therapy. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:521-533. [PMID: 39995064 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00685] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics has revolutionized the field of neuroscience by enabling precise control of neural activity through light-sensitive proteins known as opsins. This review article discusses the fundamental principles of optogenetics, including the activation of both excitatory and inhibitory opsins, as well as the development of optogenetic models that utilize recombinant viral vectors. A considerable portion of the article addresses the limitations of optogenetic tools and explores strategies to overcome these challenges. These strategies include the use of adeno-associated viruses, cell-specific promoters, modified opsins, and methodologies such as bioluminescent optogenetics. The application of viral recombinant vectors, particularly adeno-associated viruses, is emerging as a promising avenue for clinical use in delivering opsins to target cells. This trend indicates the potential for creating tools that offer greater flexibility and accuracy in opsin delivery. The adaptations of these viral vectors provide advantages in optogenetic studies by allowing for the restricted expression of opsins through cell-specific promoters and various viral serotypes. The article also examines different cellular targets for optogenetics, including neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and Schwann cells. Utilizing specific promoters for opsin expression in these cells is essential for achieving precise and efficient stimulation. Research has demonstrated that optogenetic stimulation of both neurons and glial cells-particularly the distinct phenotypes of microglia, astrocytes, and Schwann cells-can have therapeutic effects in neurological diseases. Glial cells are increasingly recognized as important targets for the treatment of these disorders. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the emerging field of bioluminescent optogenetics, which combines optogenetic principles with bioluminescent proteins to visualize and manipulate neural activity in real time. By integrating molecular genetics techniques with bioluminescence, researchers have developed methods to monitor neuronal activity efficiently and less invasively, enhancing our understanding of central nervous system function and the mechanisms of plasticity in neurological disorders beyond traditional neurobiological methods. Evidence has shown that optogenetic modulation can enhance motor axon regeneration, achieve complete sensory reinnervation, and accelerate the recovery of neuromuscular function. This approach also induces complex patterns of coordinated motor neuron activity and promotes neural reorganization. Optogenetic approaches hold immense potential for therapeutic interventions in the central nervous system. They enable precise control of neural circuits and may offer new treatments for neurological disorders, particularly spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davletshin Eldar
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Sufianov Albert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Research and Educational Institute of Neurosurgery, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russia
| | - Ageeva Tatyana
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Sufianova Galina
- Department of Pharmacology, Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Rizvanov Albert
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Division of Medical and Biological Sciences, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
| | - Mukhamedshina Yana
- OpenLab Gene and Cell Technologies, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Division of Medical and Biological Sciences, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
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9
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Cui Z, He J, Li A, Wang J, Yang Y, Wang K, Liu Z, Ouyang Q, Su Z, Hu P, Xiao G. Novel insights into non-coding RNAs and their role in hydrocephalus. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:636-647. [PMID: 39688559 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00963] [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: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 11/16/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation. This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus, one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. In this review, we first outline the basic concepts and incidence of hydrocephalus along with the limitations of existing treatments for this condition. Then, we outline the definition, classification, and biological role of non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we analyze the roles of non-coding RNAs in the formation of hydrocephalus in detail. Specifically, we have focused on the potential significance of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, including glymphatic pathways, neuroinflammatory processes, and neurological dysplasia, on the basis of the existing evidence. Lastly, we review the potential of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of hydrocephalus and for the creation of innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyue Cui
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - An Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junqiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yijian Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qian Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhuzhou Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhangjie Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke 's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pingsheng Hu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Gelei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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10
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Fok AHK, Lam CHM, Lai CSW. Specific dendritic spine modifications and dendritic transport: From in vitro to in vivo. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:665-666. [PMID: 39819974 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Albert H K Fok
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada (Fok AHK)
| | - Charlotte H M Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Lam CHM, Lai CSW)
| | - Cora S W Lai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Lam CHM, Lai CSW)
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Center, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Lai CSW)
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Lai CSW)
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11
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Du X, Wang Y, Wang X, Tian X, Jing W. Neural circuit mechanisms of epilepsy: Maintenance of homeostasis at the cellular, synaptic, and neurotransmitter levels. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:455-465. [PMID: 40326979 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00537] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, a common neurological disorder, is characterized by recurrent seizures that can lead to cognitive, psychological, and neurobiological consequences. The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves neuronal dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, and neural circuit levels. Abnormal molecular signaling pathways or dysfunction of specific cell types can lead to epilepsy by disrupting the normal functioning of neural circuits. The continuous emergence of new technologies and the rapid advancement of existing ones have facilitated the discovery and comprehensive understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms underlying epilepsy. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the current understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms in epilepsy based on various technologies, including electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, deep brain stimulation, and brain-computer interfaces. Additionally, this review discusses these mechanisms from three perspectives: structural, synaptic, and transmitter circuits. The findings reveal that the neural circuit mechanisms of epilepsy encompass information transmission among different structures, interactions within the same structure, and the maintenance of homeostasis at the cellular, synaptic, and neurotransmitter levels. These findings offer new insights for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and enhancing its clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Du
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Brain Disease and Aging Research (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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12
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Shao YQ, Wang YC, Wang L, Ruan HZ, Liu YF, Zhang TH, Weng SJ, Yang XL, Zhong YM. Topical administration of GLP-1 eyedrops improves retinal ganglion cell function by facilitating presynaptic GABA release in early experimental diabetes. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:800-810. [PMID: 38934389 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00001] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202602000-00048/figure1/v/2025-05-05T160104Z/r/image-tiff Diabetic retinopathy is a prominent cause of blindness in adults, with early retinal ganglion cell loss contributing to visual dysfunction or blindness. In the brain, defects in γ-aminobutyric acid synaptic transmission are associated with pathophysiological and neurodegenerative disorders, whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 has demonstrated neuroprotective effects. However, it is not yet clear whether diabetes causes alterations in inhibitory input to retinal ganglion cells and whether and how glucagon-like peptide-1 protects against neurodegeneration in the diabetic retina through regulating inhibitory synaptic transmission to retinal ganglion cells. In the present study, we used the patch-clamp technique to record γ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in retinal ganglion cells from streptozotocin-induced diabetes model rats. We found that early diabetes (4 weeks of hyperglycemia) decreased the frequency of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in retinal ganglion cells without altering their amplitude, suggesting a reduction in the spontaneous release of γ-aminobutyric acid to retinal ganglion cells. Topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 eyedrops over a period of 2 weeks effectively countered the hyperglycemia-induced downregulation of GABAergic mIPSC frequency, subsequently enhancing the survival of retinal ganglion cells. Concurrently, the protective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on retinal ganglion cells in diabetic rats were eliminated by topical administration of exendin-9-39, a specific glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist, or SR95531, a specific antagonist of the γ-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptor. Furthermore, extracellular perfusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 was found to elevate the frequencies of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in both ON- and OFF-type retinal ganglion cells. This elevation was shown to be mediated by activation of the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor/Ca 2+ /protein kinase C signaling pathway downstream of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor activation. Moreover, multielectrode array recordings revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 functionally augmented the photoresponses of ON-type retinal ganglion cells. Optomotor response tests demonstrated that diabetic rats exhibited reductions in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity that were significantly ameliorated by topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1. These results suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 facilitates the release of γ-aminobutyric acid onto retinal ganglion cells through the activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, leading to the de-excitation of retinal ganglion cell circuits and the inhibition of excitotoxic processes associated with diabetic retinopathy. Collectively, our findings indicate that the γ-aminobutyric acid system has potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating early-stage diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, the topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 eyedrops represents a non-invasive and effective treatment approach for managing early-stage diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Ma Y, Han Y. Targeting the brain's glymphatic pathway: A novel therapeutic approach for cerebral small vessel disease. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:433-442. [PMID: 39688573 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00821] [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: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease encompasses a group of neurological disorders characterized by injury to small blood vessels, often leading to stroke and dementia. Due to its diverse etiologies and complex pathological mechanisms, preventing and treating cerebral small vessel vasculopathy is challenging. Recent studies have shown that the glymphatic system plays a crucial role in interstitial solute clearance and the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Increasing evidence also suggests that dysfunction in glymphatic clearance is a key factor in the progression of cerebral small vessel disease. This review begins with a comprehensive introduction to the structure, function, and driving factors of the glymphatic system, highlighting its essential role in brain waste clearance. Afterwards, cerebral small vessel disease was reviewed from the perspective of the glymphatic system, after which the mechanisms underlying their correlation were summarized. Glymphatic dysfunction may lead to the accumulation of metabolic waste in the brain, thereby exacerbating the pathological processes associated with cerebral small vessel disease. The review also discussed the direct evidence of glymphatic dysfunction in patients and animal models exhibiting two subtypes of cerebral small vessel disease: arteriolosclerosis-related cerebral small vessel disease and amyloid-related cerebral small vessel disease. Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space is an important non-invasive tool for assessing the clearance function of the glymphatic system. However, the effectiveness of its parameters needs to be enhanced. Among various nervous system diseases, including cerebral small vessel disease, glymphatic failure may be a common final pathway toward dementia. Overall, this review summarizes prevention and treatment strategies that target glymphatic drainage and will offer valuable insight for developing novel treatments for cerebral small vessel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Ma
- Department of Neurology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Desai M, Gulati K, Agrawal M, Ghumra S, Sahoo PK. Stress granules: Guardians of cellular health and triggers of disease. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:588-597. [PMID: 39995077 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01196] [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: 10/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Stress granules are membraneless organelles that serve as a protective cellular response to external stressors by sequestering non-translating messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and regulating protein synthesis. Stress granules formation mechanism is conserved across species, from yeast to mammals, and they play a critical role in minimizing cellular damage during stress. Composed of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein complexes, stress granules are enriched not only in mRNAs but also in noncoding RNAs and various proteins, including translation initiation factors and RNA-binding proteins. Genetic mutations affecting stress granule assembly and disassembly can lead to abnormal stress granule accumulation, contributing to the progression of several diseases. Recent research indicates that stress granule dynamics are pivotal in determining their physiological and pathological functions, with acute stress granule formation offering protection and chronic stress granule accumulation being detrimental. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of stress granules under diverse physiological conditions, such as regulation of mRNA transport, mRNA translation, apoptosis, germ cell development, phase separation processes that govern stress granule formation, and their emerging implications in pathophysiological scenarios, such as viral infections, cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegeneration, and neuronal trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghal Desai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Keya Gulati
- College of Science and Liberal Arts, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Manasi Agrawal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shruti Ghumra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pabitra K Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ, USA
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15
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Solomon B, Voronov-Goldman M. Amyloid-β is NOT only the most promising target for Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:681-682. [PMID: 39665791 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beka Solomon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
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16
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Cao W. FIREproof: Intricacies of microglial biology. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:663-664. [PMID: 39820240 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Gao B, Wang H, Hu S, Zhong K, Liu X, Deng Z, Li Y, Tong A, Zhou L. Sox2-overexpressing neural stem cells alleviate ventricular enlargement and neurological dysfunction in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:769-779. [PMID: 40326987 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01491] [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: 11/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202602000-00045/figure1/v/2025-05-05T160104Z/r/image-tiff Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases. However, only 1%-10% of transplanted NSCs survive in the ischemic and hypoxic microenvironment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Sox2 is an important factor for NSCs to maintain proliferation. Therefore, Sox2-overexpressing NSCs (NSCSox2) may be more successful in improving neurological dysfunction after posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. In this study, human NSCSox2 was transplanted into a posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus mouse model, and retinoic acid was administered to further promote NSC differentiation. The results showed that NSCSox2 attenuated the ventricular enlargement caused by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and improved neurological function. NSCSox2 also promoted nerve regeneration, inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted M2 polarization (anti-inflammatory phenotype), thereby reducing cerebrospinal fluid secretion in choroid plexus. These findings suggest that NSCSox2 rescued ventricular enlargement and neurological dysfunction induced by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus through neural regeneration and modulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Haoxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shuang Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ziang Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuanyou Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital),School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shizuishan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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18
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Liu M, Meng Y, Ouyang S, Zhai M, Yang L, Yang Y, Wang Y. Neuromodulation technologies improve functional recovery after brain injury: From bench to bedside. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:506-520. [PMID: 39851132 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00652] [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: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous recovery frequently proves maladaptive or insufficient because the plasticity of the injured adult mammalian central nervous system is limited. This limited plasticity serves as a primary barrier to functional recovery after brain injury. Neuromodulation technologies represent one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine. These techniques utilize electricity, magnetism, sound, and light to restore or optimize brain functions by promoting reorganization or long-term changes that support functional recovery in patients with brain injury. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects and underlying mechanisms of neuromodulation technologies in supporting motor function recovery after brain injury. Many of these technologies are widely used in clinical practice and show significant improvements in motor function across various types of brain injury. However, studies report negative findings, potentially due to variations in stimulation protocols, differences in observation periods, and the severity of functional impairments among participants across different clinical trials. Additionally, we observed that different neuromodulation techniques share remarkably similar mechanisms, including promoting neuroplasticity, enhancing neurotrophic factor release, improving cerebral blood flow, suppressing neuroinflammation, and providing neuroprotection. Finally, considering the advantages and disadvantages of various neuromodulation techniques, we propose that future development should focus on closed-loop neural circuit stimulation, personalized treatment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and precision stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Clinical College of Anhui Medical University (The 904 Hospital of PLA), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yijing Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Clinical College of Anhui Medical University (The 904 Hospital of PLA), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siguang Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Clinical College of Anhui Medical University (The 904 Hospital of PLA), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng'ai Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 904 Hospital of PLA, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Likun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Clinical College of Anhui Medical University (The 904 Hospital of PLA), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Clinical College of Anhui Medical University (The 904 Hospital of PLA), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuhai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Clinical College of Anhui Medical University (The 904 Hospital of PLA), Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
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19
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Sha S, Ren L, Xing X, Guo W, Wang Y, Li Y, Cao Y, Qu L. Recent advances in immunotherapy targeting amyloid-beta and tauopathies in Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:577-587. [PMID: 39885674 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00846] [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: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 12/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, primarily due to amyloid-beta protein deposition and tau protein phosphorylation. Effectively reducing the cytotoxicity of amyloid-beta42 aggregates and tau oligomers may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Conventional drugs, such as donepezil, can only alleviate symptoms and are not able to prevent the underlying pathological processes or cognitive decline. Currently, active and passive immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and tau have shown some efficacy in mice with asymptomatic Alzheimer's disease and other transgenic animal models, attracting considerable attention. However, the clinical application of these immunotherapies demonstrated only limited efficacy before the discovery of lecanemab and donanemab. This review first discusses the advancements in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and active and passive immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and tau proteins. Furthermore, it reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various immunotherapies and considers their future prospects. Although some antibodies have shown promise in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, substantial clinical data are still lacking to validate their effectiveness in individuals with moderate Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sha
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lina Ren
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaona Xing
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Luohu People's Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wanshu Guo
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yunpeng Cao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Le Qu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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20
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Saiyisan A, Zeng S, Zhang H, Wang Z, Wang J, Cai P, Huang J. Chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI for neurodegenerative diseases: An update on clinical and preclinical studies. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:553-568. [PMID: 39885672 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01246] [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: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging is an advanced imaging technique that enables the detection of compounds at low concentrations with high sensitivity and spatial resolution and has been extensively studied for diagnosing malignancy and stroke. In recent years, the emerging exploration of chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging for detecting pathological changes in neurodegenerative diseases has opened up new possibilities for early detection and repetitive scans without ionizing radiation. This review serves as an overview of chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging with detailed information on contrast mechanisms and processing methods and summarizes recent developments in both clinical and preclinical studies of chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the past 15 years relevant to clinical and preclinical applications. The findings suggest that chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to detect molecular changes and altered metabolism, which may aid in early diagnosis and assessment of the severity of neurodegenerative diseases. Although promising results have been observed in selected clinical and preclinical trials, further validations are needed to evaluate their clinical value. When combined with other imaging modalities and advanced analytical methods, chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging shows potential as an in vivo biomarker, enhancing the understanding of neuropathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahelijiang Saiyisan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shihao Zeng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huabin Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ziyan Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Pei Cai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jianpan Huang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Tam Wing Fan Neuroimaging Research Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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21
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Chen H, Li N, Cai Y, Ma C, Ye Y, Shi X, Guo J, Han Z, Liu Y, Wei X. Exosomes in neurodegenerative diseases: Therapeutic potential and modification methods. Neural Regen Res 2026; 21:478-490. [PMID: 40326981 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00720] [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: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
In recent years, exosomes have garnered extensive attention as therapeutic agents and early diagnostic markers in neurodegenerative disease research. Exosomes are small and can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to target deep brain lesions. Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomes derived from different cell types may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the expression of various inflammatory cytokines, mRNAs, and disease-related proteins, thereby halting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and exhibiting beneficial effects. However, exosomes are composed of lipid bilayer membranes and lack the ability to recognize specific target cells. This limitation can lead to side effects and toxicity when they interact with non-specific cells. Growing evidence suggests that surface-modified exosomes have enhanced targeting capabilities and can be used as targeted drug-delivery vehicles that show promising results in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of existing research aimed at devising approaches to modify exosomes and elucidating their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings indicate that exosomes can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier to facilitate drug delivery and can also serve as early diagnostic markers for neurodegenerative diseases. We introduce the strategies being used to enhance exosome targeting, including genetic engineering, chemical modifications (both covalent, such as click chemistry and metabolic engineering, and non-covalent, such as polyvalent electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, ligand-receptor binding, aptamer-based modifications, and the incorporation of CP05-anchored peptides), and nanomaterial modifications. Research into these strategies has confirmed that exosomes have significant therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases. However, several challenges remain in the clinical application of exosomes. Improvements are needed in preparation, characterization, and optimization methods, as well as in reducing the adverse reactions associated with their use. Additionally, the range of applications and the safety of exosomes require further research and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanhao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
- School of Intelligent Information Engineering, Medicine & Technology College of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chunyan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yutong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhibo Han
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Engineering Technologies for Cell Pharmaceuticals, National Engineering Research Center of Cell Products, AmCellGene Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Detection Technology and Systems, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xunbin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Cancer Hospital & Institute, International Cancer Institute, Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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22
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Zhu S, Diao S, Liu X, Zhang Z, Liu F, Chen W, Lu X, Luo H, Cheng X, Liao Q, Li Z, Chen J. Biomaterial-based strategies: a new era in spinal cord injury treatment. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3476-3500. [PMID: 40095657 PMCID: PMC11974648 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00844] [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: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Enhancing neurological recovery and improving the prognosis of spinal cord injury have gained research attention recently. Spinal cord injury is associated with a complex molecular and cellular microenvironment. This complexity has prompted researchers to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and changes and to identify effective treatment strategies. Traditional approaches for spinal cord injury repair include surgery, oral or intravenous medications, and administration of neurotrophic factors; however, the efficacy of these approaches remains inconclusive, and serious adverse reactions continue to be a concern. With advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, emerging strategies for spinal cord injury repair now involve nanoparticle-based nanodelivery systems, scaffolds, and functional recovery techniques that incorporate biomaterials, bioengineering, stem cell, and growth factors as well as three-dimensional bioprinting. Ideal biomaterial scaffolds should not only provide structural support for neuron migration, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation but also mimic the mechanical properties of natural spinal cord tissue. Additionally, these scaffolds should facilitate axon growth and neurogenesis by offering adjustable topography and a range of physical and biochemical cues. The three-dimensionally interconnected porous structure and appropriate physicochemical properties enabled by three-dimensional biomimetic printing technology can maximize the potential of biomaterials used for treating spinal cord injury. Therefore, correct selection and application of scaffolds, coupled with successful clinical translation, represent promising clinical objectives to enhance the treatment efficacy for and prognosis of spinal cord injury. This review elucidates the key mechanisms underlying the occurrence of spinal cord injury and regeneration post-injury, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, axon regeneration, and angiogenesis. This review also briefly discusses the critical role of nanodelivery systems used for repair and regeneration of injured spinal cord, highlighting the influence of nanoparticles and the factors that affect delivery efficiency. Finally, this review highlights tissue engineering strategies and the application of biomaterial scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury. It discusses various types of scaffolds, their integrations with stem cells or growth factors, and approaches for optimization of scaffold design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sijun Diao
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhujun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fujun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiyue Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huiyang Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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23
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Nair A, Khanna J, Kler J, Ragesh R, Sengupta K. Nuclear envelope and chromatin choreography direct cellular differentiation. Nucleus 2025; 16:2449520. [PMID: 39943681 PMCID: PMC11834525 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2449520] [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: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 12/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
The nuclear envelope plays an indispensable role in the spatiotemporal organization of chromatin and transcriptional regulation during the intricate process of cell differentiation. This review outlines the distinct regulatory networks between nuclear envelope proteins, transcription factors and epigenetic modifications in controlling the expression of cell lineage-specific genes during differentiation. Nuclear lamina with its associated nuclear envelope proteins organize heterochromatin via Lamina-Associated Domains (LADs), proximal to the nuclear periphery. Since nuclear lamina is mechanosensitive, we critically examine the impact of extracellular forces on differentiation outcomes. The nuclear envelope is spanned by nuclear pore complexes which, in addition to their central role in transport, are associated with chromatin organization. Furthermore, mutations in the nuclear envelope proteins disrupt differentiation, resulting in developmental disorders. Investigating the underlying nuclear envelope controlled regulatory mechanisms of chromatin remodelling during lineage commitment will accelerate our fundamental understanding of developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjitha Nair
- Chromosome Biology Lab (CBL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jayati Khanna
- Chromosome Biology Lab (CBL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jashan Kler
- Chromosome Biology Lab (CBL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rohith Ragesh
- Chromosome Biology Lab (CBL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kundan Sengupta
- Chromosome Biology Lab (CBL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Maharashtra, India
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24
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Ji J, Gong C, Lu G, Zhang J, Liu B, Liu X, Lin J, Wang P, Thomas BB, Humayun MS, Zhou Q. Potential of ultrasound stimulation and sonogenetics in vision restoration: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3501-3516. [PMID: 39688549 PMCID: PMC11974640 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00841] [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: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Vision restoration presents a considerable challenge in the realm of regenerative medicine, while recent progress in ultrasound stimulation has displayed potential as a non-invasive therapeutic approach. This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of current research on ultrasound-stimulated neuromodulation, emphasizing its potential as a treatment modality for various nerve injuries. By examining of the efficacy of different types of ultrasound stimulation in modulating peripheral and optic nerves, we can delve into their underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, the review underscores the potential of sonogenetics in vision restoration, which involves leveraging pharmacological and genetic manipulations to inhibit or enhance the expression of related mechanosensitive channels, thereby modulating the strength of the ultrasound response. We also address how methods such as viral transcription can be utilized to render specific neurons or organs highly responsive to ultrasound, leading to significantly improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gengxi Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Junhang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baoqiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xunan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Junhao Lin
- Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Biju B. Thomas
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Qifa Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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Jurkovicova-Tarabova B, Stringer RN, Sevcikova Tomaskova Z, Weiss N. Electrophysiological characterization of sourced human iPSC-derived motor neurons. Channels (Austin) 2025; 19:2480713. [PMID: 40131207 PMCID: PMC11938304 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2025.2480713] [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: 01/28/2025] [Revised: 02/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons provide a powerful platform for studying motor neuron diseases. These cells enable human-specific modeling of disease mechanisms and high-throughput drug screening. While commercially available iPSC-derived motor neurons offer a convenient alternative to time-intensive differentiation protocols, their electrophysiological properties and maturation require comprehensive evaluation to validate their utility for research and therapeutic applications. In this study, we characterized the electrophysiological properties of commercially available iPSC-derived motor neurons. Immunofluorescence confirmed the expression of motor neuron-specific biomarkers, indicating successful differentiation and maturation. Electrophysiological recordings revealed stable passive membrane properties, maturation-dependent improvements in action potential kinetics, and progressive increases in repetitive firing. Voltage-clamp analyses confirmed the functional expression of key ion channels, including high- and low-voltage-activated calcium channels, TTX-sensitive and TTX-insensitive sodium channels, and voltage-gated potassium channels. While the neurons exhibited hallmark features of motor neuron physiology, high input resistance, depolarized resting membrane potentials, and limited firing capacity suggest incomplete electrical maturation. Altogether, these findings underscore the potential of commercially available iPSC-derived motor neurons as a practical resource for MND research, while highlighting the need for optimized protocols to support prolonged culture and full maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumila Jurkovicova-Tarabova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Robin N. Stringer
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Sevcikova Tomaskova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Weiss
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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26
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Xu S, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang X, Wang W. External stimuli-responsive drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. Drug Deliv 2025; 32:2476140. [PMID: 40126105 PMCID: PMC11934192 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2025.2476140] [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: 01/07/2025] [Revised: 02/24/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Posterior segment eye diseases represent the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness globally. Current therapies still have notable drawbacks, including the need for frequent invasive injections and the associated risks of severe ocular complications. Recently, the utility of external stimuli, such as light, ultrasound, magnetic field, and electric field, has been noted as a promising strategy to enhance drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. In this review, we briefly summarize the main physiological barriers against ocular drug delivery, focusing primarily on the recent advancements that utilize external stimuli to improve treatment outcomes for posterior segment eye diseases. The advantages of these external stimuli-responsive drug delivery strategies are discussed, with illustrative examples highlighting improved tissue penetration, enhanced control over drug release, and targeted drug delivery to ocular lesions through minimally invasive routes. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in the translational research of external stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms, aiming to bridge existing gaps toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yaming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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27
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Floor E, Su J, Chatterjee M, Kuipers ES, IJssennagger N, Heidari F, Giordano L, Wubbolts RW, Mihăilă SM, Stapels DAC, Vercoulen Y, Strijbis K. Development of a Caco-2-based intestinal mucosal model to study intestinal barrier properties and bacteria-mucus interactions. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2434685. [PMID: 39714032 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2434685] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal mucosal barrier is a dynamic system that allows nutrient uptake, stimulates healthy microbe-host interactions, and prevents invasion by pathogens. The mucosa consists of epithelial cells connected by cellular junctions that regulate the passage of nutrients covered by a mucus layer that plays an important role in host-microbiome interactions. Mimicking the intestinal mucosa for in vitro assays, particularly the generation of a mucus layer, has proven to be challenging. The intestinal cell-line Caco-2 is widely used in academic and industrial laboratories due to its capacity to polarize, form an apical brush border, and reproducibly grow into confluent cell layers in different culture systems. However, under normal culture conditions, Caco-2 cultures lack a mucus layer. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that Caco-2 cultures can form a robust mucus layer when cultured under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions on Transwell inserts with addition of vasointestinal peptide (VIP) in the basolateral compartment. We demonstrate that unique gene clusters are regulated in response to ALI and VIP single stimuli, but the ALI-VIP combination treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of multiple mucin genes and proteins, including secreted MUC2 and transmembrane mucins MUC13 and MUC17. Expression of tight junction proteins was significantly altered in the ALI-VIP condition, leading to increased permeability to small molecules. Commensal Lactiplantibacillus plantarum bacteria closely associated with the Caco-2 mucus layer and differentially colonized the surface of the ALI cultures. Pathogenic Salmonella enterica were capable of invading beyond the mucus layer and brush border. In conclusion, Caco-2 ALI-VIP cultures provide an accessible and straightforward way to culture an in vitro intestinal mucosal model with improved biomimetic features. This novel in vitro intestinal model can facilitate studies into mucus and epithelial barrier functions and in-depth molecular characterization of pathogenic and commensal microbe-mucus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Floor
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jinyi Su
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maitrayee Chatterjee
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- The TIM Company, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Elise S Kuipers
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Noortje IJssennagger
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Danone Research and Innovation Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Faranak Heidari
- Div. Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Giordano
- Div. Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Richard W Wubbolts
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M Mihăilă
- Div. Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne A C Stapels
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Vercoulen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Strijbis
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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28
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Narukawa M, Nojiri K, Matsuda R, Murata M, Sakate S, Kuga S, Ue H. Changes in taste and odor sensitivities during repeated bicycle ergometer exercises. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2025; 22:2441769. [PMID: 39682029 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2441769] [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: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective nutritional support is essential for maintaining good performance during exercise. Taste and olfaction are key senses for food intake, and understanding how their sensitivities change during exercise is important for effective nutritional support. However, the effects of exercise on taste and odor sensitivities remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in taste and odor sensitivities during repeated endurance exercise using a bicycle ergometer. METHODS A total of 20 women (mean age; 21.6 ± 0.2 years) participated in the study, completing four 60-minute segments, each comprising 50 minutes of bicycle ergometer exercise at an exercise intensity of 60% heart rate reserve and a 10-minute sensory test. The sensory tests were conducted five times in total: after each exercise segment and once before exercise as a control. Four concentrations (×0.5, ×0.75, ×1, and × 1.25) of a commercially available isotonic beverage were used as taste samples, and the subjects evaluated the taste intensity, preference, and odor intensity. Four types of food odorants were used as odor samples, and the subjects rated their preference. The subjects also reported their perceived fatigue levels during the taste and odor tests. Fatigue levels and taste intensity were rated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale, and taste and odor preferences and odor intensity were evaluated using a scoring method. RESULTS The degree of physical fatigue significantly increased with each successive bicycle exercise segment. The taste intensity and preference for beverages with higher concentrations increased as the number of exercise segments increased, showing a significant increase in taste intensity for the × 1.25 solution in the final segment compared with before the tests. On the other hand, no significant effect was observed on the perceived odor intensity of the isotonic beverages. Similarly, there was no significant effect on the preference for odor samples due to repeated exercise. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that taste sensitivity may change with prolonged exercise. Additionally, since odor intensity and preference were not significantly affected by repeated exercise, odor sensitivity may be less impacted by exercise than taste sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Narukawa
- Kyoto Women's University, Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Nojiri
- T. Hasegawa Co., Ltd., Business Solution Division, R&D Center, Technical Research Institute, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Rina Matsuda
- Kyoto Women's University, Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Momo Murata
- Kyoto Women's University, Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seiji Sakate
- Kyoto Women's University, Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kuga
- Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Ue
- Kyoto City University of Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Kyoto, Japan
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29
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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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30
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Zhang J, Tang H, Zuo L, Liu H, Li Z, Jing J, Wang Y, Liu T. Altered effective connectivity within brain lesioned regions and cognitive impairment after stroke. Cogn Neurodyn 2025; 19:36. [PMID: 39917314 PMCID: PMC11794930 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-024-10209-7] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Poststroke cognitive impairments (PSCI) reflect widespread network dysfunction due to structural damage, abnormal neural activity, or abnormal connections in affected brain regions. The exact influence of these lesioned regions on the related functional network and their role in PSCI remains unclear. We recruited 35 first-time stroke patients who had basal ganglia infarcts and PSCI, along with 29 age-matched healthy controls. We utilized T1-weighted imaging to inspect structural damage with regional gray matter volume (GMV). Resting-state fMRI data were utilized to examine spontaneous activities with regional Wavelet-ALFF metric, investigate dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) by seeding the region with damaged GMV, and further study effective connectivity within the abnormal dFC network and its impact on PSCI. In comparison to HC, patients showed significant reduced GMV in the bilateral Rolandic operculum (ROL), along with notable abnormal Wavelet-ALFF values in the right Precuneus (PCUN) and left Cerebellum_9 (CER9). Particularly, an abnormal dFC network seeded in the left ROL, demonstrating significantly differential between PSCI and HC groups and remaining consistent across all time windows, was observed. This abnormal dFC network comprised the left ROL as the seed region, the right ROL, bilateral PCUN, bilateral CER9, right Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG), and right Parahippocampal Gyrus (PHG). Notably, in patients, impaired functions across various cognitive domains significantly influenced the altered effective connections among the abnormal regions, particularly impacting the connections between structurally damaged regions and those with abnormal spontaneous activity. These findings suggest that altered effective connectivity networks within lesioned regions may contribute to deficits in various cognitive domains in PSCI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11571-024-10209-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Hui Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Lijun Zuo
- Department of Neurology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070 China
| | - Hao Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Zixiao Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070 China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Department of Neurology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070 China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070 China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
- Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
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31
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Valle J. Biofilm-associated proteins: from the gut biofilms to neurodegeneration. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2461721. [PMID: 39898557 PMCID: PMC11792866 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2461721] [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: 10/25/2024] [Revised: 12/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2025] [Indexed: 02/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Human microbiota form a biofilm with substantial consequences for health and disease. Numerous studies have indicated that microbial communities produce functional amyloids as part of their biofilm extracellular scaffolds. The overlooked interplay between bacterial amyloids and the host may have detrimental consequences for the host, including neurodegeneration. This work gives an overview of the biofilm-associated amyloids expressed by the gut microbiota and their potential role in neurodegeneration. It discusses the biofilm-associated proteins (BAPs) of the gut microbiota, maps the amyloidogenic domains of these proteins, and analyzes the presence of bap genes within accessory genomes linked with transposable elements. Furthermore, the evidence supporting the existence of amyloids in the gut are presented. Finally, it explores the potential interactions between BAPs and α-synuclein, extending the literature on amyloid cross-kingdom interactions. Based on these findings, this study propose that BAP amyloids act as transmissible catalysts, facilitating the misfolding, accumulation, and spread of α-synuclein aggregates. This review contributes to the understanding of complex interactions among the microbiota, transmissible elements, and host, which is crucial for developing novel therapeutic approaches to combat microbiota-related diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaione Valle
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
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32
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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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Baig SS, Dorney S, Aziz M, Bell SM, Ali AN, Su L, Redgrave JN, Majid A. Optimizing non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for treatment in stroke. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3388-3399. [PMID: 39665799 PMCID: PMC11974653 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00945] [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: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. There is an unmet need for neuromodulatory therapies that can mitigate against neurovascular injury and potentially promote neurological recovery. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation has been demonstrated to show potential therapeutic effects in both acute and chronic stroke. However, previously published research has only investigated a narrow range of stimulation settings and indications. In this review, we detail the ongoing studies of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in stroke through systematic searches of registered clinical trials. We summarize the upcoming clinical trials of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in stroke, highlighting their indications, parameter settings, scope, and limitations. We further explore the challenges and barriers associated with the implementation of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in acute stroke and stroke rehabilitation, focusing on critical aspects such as stimulation settings, target groups, biomarkers, and integration with rehabilitation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheharyar S. Baig
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Samantha Dorney
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mudasar Aziz
- Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster, UK
| | - Simon M. Bell
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ali N. Ali
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Li Su
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jessica N. Redgrave
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Arshad Majid
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Agadagba SK, Yau SY, Liang Y, Dalton K, Thompson B. Bidirectional causality of physical exercise in retinal neuroprotection. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3400-3415. [PMID: 39688575 PMCID: PMC11974656 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00942] [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: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/16/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is recognized as an effective intervention to improve mood, physical performance, and general well-being. It achieves these benefits through cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote the release of neuroprotective factors. Interestingly, reduced levels of physical exercise have been implicated in several central nervous system diseases, including ocular disorders. Emerging evidence has suggested that physical exercise levels are significantly lower in individuals with ocular diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy. Physical exercise may have a neuroprotective effect on the retina. Therefore, the association between reduced physical exercise and ocular diseases may involve a bidirectional causal relationship whereby visual impairment leads to reduced physical exercise and decreased exercise exacerbates the development of ocular disease. In this review, we summarize the evidence linking physical exercise to eye disease and identify potential mediators of physical exercise-induced retinal neuroprotection. Finally, we discuss future directions for preclinical and clinical research in exercise and eye health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K. Agadagba
- Center for Eye and Vision Research Limited, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Suk-yu Yau
- Center for Eye and Vision Research Limited, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Center for Eye and Vision Research Limited, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kristine Dalton
- Center for Eye and Vision Research Limited, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- Center for Eye and Vision Research Limited, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Shentu W, Kong Q, Zhang Y, Li W, Chen Q, Yan S, Wang J, Lai Q, Xu Q, Qiao S. Functional abnormalities of the glymphatic system in cognitive disorders. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3430-3447. [PMID: 39820293 PMCID: PMC11974647 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01049] [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: 09/06/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Various pathological mechanisms represent distinct therapeutic targets for cognitive disorders, but a balance between clearance and production is essential for maintaining the stability of the brain's internal environment. Thus, the glymphatic system may represent a common pathway by which to address cognitive disorders. Using the established model of the glymphatic system as our foundation, this review disentangles and analyzes the components of its clearance mechanism, including the initial inflow of cerebrospinal fluid, the mixing of cerebrospinal fluid with interstitial fluid, and the outflow of the mixed fluid and the clearance. Each section summarizes evidence from experimental animal models and human studies, highlighting the normal physiological properties of key structures alongside their pathological manifestations in cognitive disorders. The same pathologic manifestations of different cognitive disorders appearing in the glymphatic system and the same upstream influences are main points of interest of this review. We conclude this article by discussing new findings and outlining the limitations identified in current research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuyue Shentu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Kong
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yier Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wenyao Li
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiulu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Medical & Health Group Hangzhou Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sicheng Yan
- Department of Neurology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qilun Lai
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Song Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Very E, Leroy A, Richaud L, Vaiva G, Jardri R, Roullet P, Taib S, Bourcier A, Loubinoux I, Birmes P. Hippocampal connectivity changes after traumatic memory reactivation with propranolol for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized fMRI study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2025; 16:2466886. [PMID: 40261001 PMCID: PMC12016248 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2466886] [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: 09/04/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Reactivation of traumatic memory under the influence of propranolol has shown encouraging clinical results in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the neural correlates remain unknown. To identify these correlates, we examined the changes in brain functional connectivity specifically associated with the influence of propranolol and their correlation with improvement in PTSD symptoms.Objectives: To identify resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) changes specifically associated with propranolol after a traumatic memory reactivation procedure (TMRP) in PTSD patients.Method: Thirty patients (50% of women) with PTSD were enrolled in a randomized controlled study comprised of six sessions of a traumatic memory reactivation procedure (TMRP) under the influence of propranolol (n = 16), compared to the same reactivation under a placebo (n = 14). Patients were scanned twice by functional magnetic resonance before and after treatment. Resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) was compared across groups and over time.Results: Post versus pretreatment comparisons found an increase in rs-FC between the right hippocampus and the left parahippocampal gyrus in the propranolol group, but not in the placebo group. Symptom improvement in both groups were associated with an increase in rs-FC between the parahippocampal gyrus and both the supramarginal gyrus and the amygdala.Conclusions: During TMRP treatment, propranolol appears to constrain functional connectivity changes in the explicit memory brain system. These findings require further replication and exploration but could distinguish the effect of TMRP on the brain from other forms of PTSD psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Very
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
- CHU de Purpan, Hopital de Psychiatrie, Toulouse, France
| | - A. Leroy
- Univ. Lille, INSERM, Centre Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (U-1172), PSY Team, Lille, France
- CHU de Lille, Hopital Fontan, Plateforme CURE, Lille, France
- Centre National de Ressources et Résilience pour les psychotraumatismes (CN2R Lille-Paris), Lille, France
| | - L. Richaud
- CHU de Purpan, Hopital de Psychiatrie, Toulouse, France
| | - G. Vaiva
- CHU de Lille, Hopital Fontan, Plateforme CURE, Lille, France
- Centre National de Ressources et Résilience pour les psychotraumatismes (CN2R Lille-Paris), Lille, France
| | - R. Jardri
- CHU de Lille, Hopital Fontan, Plateforme CURE, Lille, France
| | - P. Roullet
- University of Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Centre Régional du Psychotraumatisme Occitanie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - S. Taib
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
- CHU de Purpan, Hopital de Psychiatrie, Toulouse, France
| | - A. Bourcier
- Cabinet de Sante Bonne Nouvelle, Paris, France
| | - I. Loubinoux
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - P. Birmes
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
- CHU de Purpan, Hopital de Psychiatrie, Toulouse, France
- Centre Régional du Psychotraumatisme Occitanie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
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Kühner C, de Waal M, Steenkamp L, van Zwol I, Goudriaan A, Thomaes K. The impact of types of childhood maltreatment on the severity of PTSD and comorbid personality disorder symptoms. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2025; 16:2491172. [PMID: 40261043 PMCID: PMC12016238 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2491172] [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: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Childhood maltreatment is associated with various psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personality disorders (PDs). Previous research has suggested that PTSD and PD are highly comorbid. However, the impact of different types of childhood maltreatment on the severity of PTSD and PD symptoms in a clinical population with PTSD/PD symptoms remains unclear.Objective: We aimed to clarify the role of (a) the overall severity and (b) the severity of subtypes of childhood maltreatment on the severity of (a) PTSD and (b) comorbid PD symptoms.Methods: Data was collected from participants (N = 197) seeking treatment for PTSD with comorbid PD symptoms at a trauma expertise centre in the Netherlands. We assessed childhood maltreatment using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-short form (CTQ-sf), PTSD severity with the Clinician-administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), and PD severity with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders (SCID-5-PD). Data were analyzed using linear and Poisson regression.Results: We found that emotional neglect was the most prevalent form of childhood maltreatment (80.7%), followed by emotional abuse (72.6%). Sexual and emotional abuse shared independent associations with the severity of PTSD. The overall maltreatment severity and emotional abuse were significantly associated with the severity of comorbid borderline PD symptoms. Sexual abuse was significantly associated with the severity of comorbid avoidant PD symptoms. None of the childhood maltreatment types were significantly associated with the severity of comorbid obsessive-compulsive PD symptoms.Conclusions: We demonstrated the relationship between childhood sexual and emotional abuse and PTSD severity in people with PTSD and comorbid PD symptoms. This has important implications since emotional abuse usually does not fulfil the A-criterion required for the diagnosis of PTSD. We recommend routinely assessing emotional abuse in trauma- and PD treatment, and investigating the effectiveness of adapting trauma treatment for emotional abuse.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03833453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Kühner
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Research Department, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sinai Centrum/Arkin Mental Health Care, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen de Waal
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Research Department, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Steenkamp
- Sinai Centrum/Arkin Mental Health Care, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
| | - Isabel van Zwol
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Research Department, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke Goudriaan
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Research Department, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Thomaes
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sinai Centrum/Arkin Mental Health Care, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
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Lei Y, Zhou R, Mao Q, Qiu X, Mu D. The roles of pleiotrophin in brain injuries: a narrative review of the literature. Ann Med 2025; 57:2452353. [PMID: 39829367 PMCID: PMC11749013 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2452353] [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: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 12/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pleiotrophin (PTN), a secreted multifunctional growth factor, is highly expressed in the developing brain. Recently, many studies have indicated that PTN participates in the development of brain and plays a neuroprotection after brain injury, especially promoting neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth, stimulating oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination, modulating neuroinflammation, and so on. OBJECTIVE However, no reviews comprehensively summarize the roles of PTN in brain injuries. Considering this, this review focuses on the roles and related regulatory pathways of PTN in brain injuries, what is known to date. METHODS PubMed and Embase databases have been searched, and related studies are compiled and summarized. RESULTS Our review has found PTN participates in the repairment of brain injuries, including hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, preterm white matter injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, mainly based on animal data and small sample size studies. Besides, PTN interacts with receptors, such as, Z-type protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor and syndecan-3, regulating related pathways in these events. CONCLUSION It suggests PTN as a promising candidate for the treatment of brain injuries clinically. However, the evidence is early in its development. Further multi-center and large-sample studies are warranted to support our findings and determine the clinical value of PTN for treating brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Lei
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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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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40
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Wutikeli H, Xie T, Xiong W, Shen Y. ELAV/Hu RNA-binding protein family: key regulators in neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases. RNA Biol 2025; 22:1-11. [PMID: 40000387 PMCID: PMC11926907 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2471133] [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: 11/04/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2025] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
The ELAV/Hu family represents a crucial group of RNA-binding proteins predominantly expressed in neurons, playing significant roles in mRNA transcription and translation. These proteins bind to AU-rich elements in transcripts to regulate the expression of cytokines, growth factors, and the development and maintenance of neurons. Elav-like RNA-binding proteins exhibit remarkable molecular weight conservation across different species, highlighting their evolutionary conservation. Although these proteins are widely expressed in the nervous system and other cell types, variations in the DNA sequences of the four Elav proteins contribute to their distinct roles in neurological disorders, cancer, and other Diseases . Elavl1, a ubiquitously expressed family member, is integral to processes such as cell growth, ageing, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory diseases. Elavl2, primarily expressed in the nervous and reproductive systems, is critical for central nervous system and retinal development; its dysregulation has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Both Elavl3 and Elavl4 are restricted to the nervous system and are involved in neuronal differentiation and excitability. Elavl3 is essential for cerebellar function and has been associated with epilepsy, while Elavl4 is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the ELAV/Hu family's role in nervous system development, neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huxitaer Wutikeli
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Special Administrative Region (SAR), Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjun Xiong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin Shen
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Wang S, Li F, Feng X, Feng M, Niu X, Jiang X, Chen W, Bai R. Promoting collagen synthesis: a viable strategy to combat skin ageing. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2025; 40:2488821. [PMID: 40213810 PMCID: PMC11995770 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2025.2488821] [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: 01/20/2025] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Skin ageing is a complex physiological process primarily characterised by the deepening of wrinkles and the sagging of the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As skin ages, it experiences structural and functional changes in collagen, including a decrease in collagen synthesis and an increase in collagen hydrolysis. Thus, promoting collagen synthesis represents a practical strategy for mitigating skin ageing. This review systematically described the functions, classifications and biosynthesis process of collagen, as well as its role in skin ageing. Additionally, the major signalling pathways and targets associated with collagen synthesis were also discussed. More importantly, the review provided a detailed summary of natural products with collagen synthesis-promoting effects and highlighted small molecule compounds with potential anti-ageing activity, especially PPARδ agonists. The relevant content offers potential targets and lead compounds for the development of anti-skin ageing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Feifan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xilong Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Meiling Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaotian Niu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wenchao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Renren Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
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Huang L, Liu M, Li Z, Li B, Wang J, Zhang K. Systematic review of amyloid-beta clearance proteins from the brain to the periphery: implications for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:3574-3590. [PMID: 39820231 PMCID: PMC11974662 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00865] [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: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta clearance plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the variation in functional proteins involved in amyloid-beta clearance and their correlation with amyloid-beta levels remain unclear. In this study, we conducted meta-analyses and a systematic review using studies from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, including journal articles published from inception to June 30, 2023. The inclusion criteria included studies comparing the levels of functional proteins associated with amyloid-beta clearance in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain of healthy controls, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between these functional proteins and amyloid-beta levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed via the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale. Owing to heterogeneity, we utilized either a fixed-effect or random-effect model to assess the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the standard mean difference (SMD) among healthy controls, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and patients with Alzheimer's disease. The findings revealed significant alterations in the levels of insulin-degrading enzymes, neprilysin, matrix metalloproteinase-9, cathepsin D, receptor for advanced glycation end products, and P-glycoprotein in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. In cerebrospinal fluid, the levels of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 are altered, whereas the levels of TREM2, CD40, CD40L, CD14, CD22, cathepsin D, cystatin C, and α2 M in peripheral blood differ. Notably, TREM2 and cathepsin D showed changes in both brain (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.47, P < 0.001, I2 = 78.4%; SMD = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.01-2.48, P = 0.048, I2 = 90.1%) and peripheral blood (SMD = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.35-1.66, P = 0.003, I2 = 96.5%; SMD = 7.55, 95% CI: 3.92-11.18, P < 0.001, I2 = 98.2%) samples. Furthermore, correlations were observed between amyloid-beta levels and the levels of TREM2 ( r = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04-0.28, P = 0.009, I2 = 74.7%), neprilysin ( r = -0.47, 95% CI: -0.80-0.14, P = 0.005, I2 = 76.1%), and P-glycoprotein ( r = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.51-0.11, P = 0.002, I2 = 0.0%) in patients with Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 and cathepsin D could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, whereas triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, neprilysin, and P-glycoprotein may represent potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiahe Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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Zhao X, Qiu Y, Liang L, Fu X. Interkingdom signaling between gastrointestinal hormones and the gut microbiome. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2456592. [PMID: 39851261 PMCID: PMC11776477 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2456592] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2025] [Indexed: 01/26/2025] Open
Abstract
The interplay between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones plays a pivotal role in the health of the host and the development of diseases. As a vital component of the intestinal microecosystem, the gut microbiota influences the synthesis and release of many gastrointestinal hormones through mechanisms such as modulating the intestinal environment, producing metabolites, impacting mucosal barriers, generating immune and inflammatory responses, and releasing neurotransmitters. Conversely, gastrointestinal hormones exert feedback regulation on the gut microbiota by modulating the intestinal environment, nutrient absorption and utilization, and the bacterial biological behavior and composition. The distributions of the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones are anatomically intertwined, and close interactions between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones are crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. Interventions leveraging the interplay between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones have been employed in the clinical management of metabolic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as bariatric surgery and fecal microbiota transplantation, offering promising targets for the treatment of dysbiosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lanfan Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangsheng Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Kostin A, Suntsova N, Kumar S, Gvilia I. Chemogenetic inhibition of corticotropin releasing hormone neurons in the paraventricular nucleus attenuates traumatic stress-induced deficit of NREM sleep, but not REM sleep in mice. Stress 2025; 28:2465393. [PMID: 39957245 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2025.2465393] [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: 10/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Present study was aimed to elucidate the role of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons located in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in the mechanisms of stress-induced insomnia. Experiments were done in the rodent model of traumatic stress, mice exposure to the predator (rat) odor. Sleep changes associated with this model of stress were first assessed in adult male C57BL/6J wild-type mice (n = 12). The effect of chemogenetic silencing of CRH neurons within the PVN on traumatic stress-induced insomnia was examined in adult male CRH-ires-Cre mice using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) technology. Animals received bilateral injections of inhibitory DREADD vector AAV-hSyn-DIO-hM4Di-mCherry (n = 10) or control AAV-hSyn-DIO-mCherry virus (n = 10) into the PVN during surgery. The DREADD was activated by intraperitoneal injection of clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) prior to the induction of traumatic stress. The exposure of mice to rat odor induced strong long-lasting suppression of both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stages in both experiments. Selective suppression of CRH neurons within the PVN alleviated acute insomnia by significantly increasing the time spent in NREM sleep but it did not counteract the stress-induced deficit in REM sleep. These findings suggest a specific role for CRH-secreting neurons within the PVN in the suppression of NREM sleep during acute insomnia caused by predator odor stress, whereas REM sleep suppression is controlled by a different mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Kostin
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Suntsova
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, CA, USA
| | - Irma Gvilia
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Qing L, Qian X, Zhu H, Wang J, Sun J, Jin Z, Tang X, Zhao Y, Wang G, Zhao J, Chen W, Tian P. Maternal-infant probiotic transmission mitigates early-life stress-induced autism in mice. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2456584. [PMID: 39931863 PMCID: PMC11817528 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2456584] [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: 11/09/2024] [Revised: 12/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Autism, a disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, presents significant challenges for prevention and treatment. While maternal-infant gut microbiota has been a focus in autism research, preventive strategies targeting maternal gut microbiota remain underexplored. This study demonstrates that prenatal probiotic intake can effectively prevent maternal separation-induced autistic-like behaviors in offspring without altering the embryonic neurodevelopment in mice. Using specific PCR primers and cross-fostering experiments, we traced the vertical transmission of probiotics, primarily via fecal/vaginal contamination. Early probiotic colonization conferred resilience against stress-induced gut pathogenic microbes and Th17-mediated peripheral inflammation while significantly inhibiting hypermyelination and neuroinflammation linked to systemic inflammation. Microbial metabolites like tyrosol and xanthurenic acid alleviated neuroinflammation and hypermyelination in vitro, though the causal relationship among neuroinflammation, hypermyelination, and autism in vivo requires further validation. These findings underscore the importance of the maternal-infant microbiota transmission window in autism prevention and highlight the clinical potential of prenatal probiotic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Huiyue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jingge Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhiying Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yingqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Peijun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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46
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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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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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Zhu K, Guo Z, Zhang Y, Li S, Wang X, Xu R, Duan P. Latent profile analysis of emotional inhibition in older adults with gastrointestinal tumors: A cross-sectional study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2025; 12:100677. [PMID: 40144345 PMCID: PMC11937281 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2025.100677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the current status of emotional inhibition in older adults with gastrointestinal tumors and to analyse its influencing factors. Methods From September to November 2024, 362 older adults with gastrointestinal tumors completed a self-designed questionnaire on demographic and clinical characteristics, an emotional inhibition scale, a self-esteem scale, and a multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Latent profile analysis was used to classify emotional inhibition in the participants, and multiple logistic regression was used to analyse the factors influencing each subgroup. Results Based on the level of emotional inhibition, older adults with gastrointestinal cancer were divided into three subgroups: "low emotional inhibition-active disclosure" (40.0%), "medium emotional inhibition" (41.2%), and "high emotional inhibition-disguise feelings group" (18.8%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sex, living conditions, disease stage, self-esteem level, and perceived social support were factors influencing participants' emotional inhibition (P < 0.05). Conclusions Emotional inhibition levels vary among older adults with gastrointestinal cancer. Medical staff should consider the characteristics, self-esteem, and perceived social support of the patients. Additionally, more targeted interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural group therapy or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, should be developed to reduce patients' emotional inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Zhu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhangrong Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Peibei Duan
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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49
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de la Rosa Vázquez J, Lee A. Role of the C-terminal domain in modifying pH-dependent regulation of Ca v1.4 Ca 2+ channels. Channels (Austin) 2025; 19:2473074. [PMID: 40116026 PMCID: PMC11934190 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2025.2473074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2025] [Accepted: 02/21/2025] [Indexed: 03/23/2025] Open
Abstract
In the retina, Ca2+ influx through Cav1.4 Ca2+ channels triggers neurotransmitter release from rod and cone photoreceptors. Changes in extracellular pH modify channel opening, enabling a feedback regulation of photoreceptor output that contributes to the encoding of color and contrast. However, the mechanisms underlying pH-dependent modulation of Cav1.4 are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Cav1.4 in pH-dependent modulation of Ba2+ currents (IBa) in HEK293T cells transfected with the full length CaV1.4 (FL) or variants lacking portions of the CTD due to alternative splicing (Δe47) or a disease-causing mutation (K1591X). While extracellular alkalinization caused an increase in IBa for each variant, the magnitude of this increase was significantly diminished (~40-50%) for both CTD variants; K1591X was unique in showing no pH-dependent increase in maximal conductance. Moreover, the auxiliary α2δ-4 subunit augmented the pH sensitivity of IBa, as compared to α2δ-1 or no α2δ, for FL and K1591X but not Δe47. We conclude that the CTD and α2δ-4 are critical determinants of pH-dependent modulation of Cav1.4 and may influence the processing of visual information in normal and diseased states of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan de la Rosa Vázquez
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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50
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Fan HL, Chen JL, Liu ST, Lee JT, Huang SM, Wu ZF, Lai HC. Remimazolam induced cytotoxicity mediated through multiple stress pathways and acted synergistically with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Redox Rep 2025; 30:2475696. [PMID: 40053437 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2025.2475696] [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] [Indexed: 03/09/2025] Open
Abstract
The primary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involves surgical removal of the primary tumor, but this creates a favorable environment for the proliferation and spread of residual and circulating cancer cells. The development of remimazolam-based balanced anesthesia is crucial for future antitumor applications. It is important to understand the mechanisms of cytotoxicity for HCC in detail. We performed cell viability analysis, western blotting analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and flow cytometry analysis in two HCC cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Our data demonstrated that remimazolam induced cytotoxicity by suppressing cell proliferation, inhibiting G1 phase progression, and affecting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading to apoptosis, DNA damage, cytosolic ROS elevation, lipid peroxidation, autophagy, mitochondrial depolarization, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Inhibitors of apoptosis, autophagic cell death, and ferroptosis and a ROS scavenger failed to rescue cell death caused by remimazolam besylate. Our combination index revealed that remimazolam besylate has the potential to act as a sensitizer for targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for HCC. Our findings open up new possibilities for combinatory HCC therapy using remimazolam, leveraging its dual functional roles in surgery and drug therapy for liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Lung Fan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jia-Lin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shu-Ting Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jia-Tong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Ming Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Fu Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Center for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hou-Chuan Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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