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Makarava N, Kushwaha R, Baskakov IV. Reactive astrocytes in prion diseases: Friend or foe? PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012286. [PMID: 38900746 PMCID: PMC11189187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natallia Makarava
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Kushwaha
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ilia V. Baskakov
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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2
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Hay A, Popichak K, Moreno J, Zabel M. The Role of Glial Cells in Neurobiology and Prion Neuropathology. Cells 2024; 13:832. [PMID: 38786054 PMCID: PMC11119027 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100832] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are rare and neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by the misfolding and infectious spread of the prion protein in the brain, causing progressive and irreversible neuronal loss and associated clinical and behavioral manifestations in humans and animals, ultimately leading to death. The brain has a complex network of neurons and glial cells whose crosstalk is critical for function and homeostasis. Although it is established that prion infection of neurons is necessary for clinical disease to occur, debate remains in the field as to the role played by glial cells, namely astrocytes and microglia, and whether these cells are beneficial to the host or further accelerate disease. Here, we review the current literature assessing the complex morphologies of astrocytes and microglia, and the crosstalk between these two cell types, in the prion-infected brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Hay
- Division of Intramural Research, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Katriana Popichak
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Julie Moreno
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark Zabel
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
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Risen SJ, Boland SW, Sharma S, Weisman GM, Shirley PM, Latham AS, Hay AJD, Gilberto VS, Hines AD, Brindley S, Brown JM, McGrath S, Chatterjee A, Nagpal P, Moreno JA. Targeting Neuroinflammation by Pharmacologic Downregulation of Inflammatory Pathways Is Neuroprotective in Protein Misfolding Disorders. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1533-1547. [PMID: 38507813 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00846] [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: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative protein misfolding disorders. This category of progressive diseases includes, but is not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and prion diseases. Shared pathogenesis involves the accumulation of misfolded proteins, chronic neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction, ultimately leading to irreversible neuronal loss, measurable cognitive deficits, and death. Presently, there are few to no effective treatments to halt the advancement of neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesized that directly targeting neuroinflammation by downregulating the transcription factor, NF-κB, and the inflammasome protein, NLRP3, would be neuroprotective. To achieve this, we used a cocktail of RNA targeting therapeutics (SB_NI_112) shown to be brain-penetrant, nontoxic, and effective inhibitors of both NF-κB and NLRP3. We utilized a mouse-adapted prion strain as a model for neurodegenerative diseases to assess the aggregation of misfolded proteins, glial inflammation, neuronal loss, cognitive deficits, and lifespan. Prion-diseased mice were treated either intraperitoneally or intranasally with SB_NI_112. Behavioral and cognitive deficits were significantly protected by this combination of NF-κB and NLRP3 downregulators. Treatment reduced glial inflammation, protected against neuronal loss, prevented spongiotic change, rescued cognitive deficits, and significantly lengthened the lifespan of prion-diseased mice. We have identified a nontoxic, systemic pharmacologic that downregulates NF-κB and NLRP3, prevents neuronal death, and slows the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Though mouse models do not always predict human patient success and the study was limited due to sample size and number of dosing methods utilized, these findings serve as a proof of principle for continued translation of the therapeutic SB_NI_112 for prion disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the success in a murine prion model, we will continue testing SB_NI_112 in a variety of neurodegenerative disease models, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney J Risen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
- Brain Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Sean W Boland
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
- Brain Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Sadhana Sharma
- Sachi Bioworks Inc., Colorado Technology Center, 685 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
| | - Grace M Weisman
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Payton M Shirley
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Amanda S Latham
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Arielle J D Hay
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Vincenzo S Gilberto
- Sachi Bioworks Inc., Colorado Technology Center, 685 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
| | - Amelia D Hines
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Jared M Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Stephanie McGrath
- Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Anushree Chatterjee
- Sachi Bioworks Inc., Colorado Technology Center, 685 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
| | - Prashant Nagpal
- Sachi Bioworks Inc., Colorado Technology Center, 685 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States
| | - Julie A Moreno
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
- Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
- Brain Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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Stepanichev MY, Mamedova DI, Gulyaeva NV. Hippocampus under Pressure: Molecular Mechanisms of Development of Cognitive Impairments in SHR Rats. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:711-725. [PMID: 38831507 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924040102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Data from clinical trials and animal experiments demonstrate relationship between chronic hypertension and development of cognitive impairments. Here, we review structural and biochemical alterations in the hippocampus of SHR rats with genetic hypertension, which are used as a model of essential hypertension and vascular dementia. In addition to hypertension, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system observed in SHR rats already at an early age may be a key factor of changes in the hippocampus at the structural and molecular levels. Global changes at the body level, such as hypertension and neurohumoral dysfunction, are associated with the development of vascular pathology and impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Changes in multiple biochemical glucocorticoid-dependent processes in the hippocampus, including dysfunction of steroid hormones receptors, impairments of neurotransmitter systems, BDNF deficiency, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation are accompanied by the structural alterations, such as cellular signs of neuroinflammation micro- and astrogliosis, impairments of neurogenesis in the subgranular neurogenic zone, and neurodegenerative processes at the level of synapses, axons, and dendrites up to the death of neurons. The consequence of this is dysfunction of hippocampus, a key structure of the limbic system necessary for cognitive functions. Taking into account the available results at various levels starting from the body and brain structure (hippocampus) levels to molecular one, we can confirm translational validity of SHR rats for modeling mechanisms of vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Yu Stepanichev
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia.
| | - Diana I Mamedova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia
| | - Natalia V Gulyaeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia
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Mahbub NU, Islam MM, Hong ST, Chung HJ. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and its effect on α-synuclein and prion protein misfolding: consequences for neurodegeneration. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1348279. [PMID: 38435303 PMCID: PMC10904658 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1348279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal behavior of α-synuclein and prion proteins is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and prion illnesses, respectively, being complex neurological disorders. A primary cause of protein aggregation, brain injury, and cognitive loss in prion illnesses is the misfolding of normal cellular prion proteins (PrPC) into an infectious form (PrPSc). Aggregation of α-synuclein causes disruptions in cellular processes in Parkinson's disease (PD), leading to loss of dopamine-producing neurons and motor symptoms. Alteration in the composition or activity of gut microbes may weaken the intestinal barrier and make it possible for prions to go from the gut to the brain. The gut-brain axis is linked to neuroinflammation; the metabolites produced by the gut microbiota affect the aggregation of α-synuclein, regulate inflammation and immunological responses, and may influence the course of the disease and neurotoxicity of proteins, even if their primary targets are distinct proteins. This thorough analysis explores the complex interactions that exist between the gut microbiota and neurodegenerative illnesses, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD) and prion disorders. The involvement of the gut microbiota, a complex collection of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses etc., in various neurological illnesses is becoming increasingly recognized. The gut microbiome influences neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter synthesis, mitochondrial function, and intestinal barrier integrity through the gut-brain axis, which contributes to the development and progression of disease. The review delves into the molecular mechanisms that underlie these relationships, emphasizing the effects of microbial metabolites such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in regulating brain functioning. Additionally, it looks at how environmental influences and dietary decisions affect the gut microbiome and whether they could be risk factors for neurodegenerative illnesses. This study concludes by highlighting the critical role that the gut microbiota plays in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) and prion disease. It also provides a promising direction for future research and possible treatment approaches. People afflicted by these difficult ailments may find hope in new preventive and therapeutic approaches if the role of the gut microbiota in these diseases is better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Uddin Mahbub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Minarul Islam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Tshool Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hea-Jong Chung
- Gwangju Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Bocharova O, Makarava N, Pandit NP, Molesworth K, Baskakov IV. Multiple steps of prion strain adaptation to a new host. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1329010. [PMID: 38362022 PMCID: PMC10867973 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1329010] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The transmission of prions across species is a critical aspect of their dissemination among mammalian hosts, including humans. This process often necessitates strain adaptation. In this study, we sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying prion adaptation while mitigating biases associated with the history of cross-species transmission of natural prion strains. To achieve this, we utilized the synthetic hamster prion strain S05. Propagation of S05 using mouse PrPC in Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification did not immediately overcome the species barrier. This finding underscores the involvement of factors beyond disparities in primary protein structures. Subsequently, we performed five serial passages to stabilize the incubation time to disease in mice. The levels of PrPSc increased with each passage, reaching a maximum at the third passage, and declining thereafter. This suggests that only the initial stage of adaptation is primarily driven by an acceleration in PrPSc replication. During the protracted adaptation to a new host, we observed significant alterations in the glycoform ratio and sialylation status of PrPSc N-glycans. These changes support the notion that qualitative modifications in PrPSc contribute to a more rapid disease progression. Furthermore, consistent with the decline in sialylation, a cue for "eat me" signaling, the newly adapted strain exhibited preferential colocalization with microglia. In contrast to PrPSc dynamics, the intensity of microglia activation continued to increase after the third passage in the new host. In summary, our study elucidates that the adaptation of a prion strain to a new host is a multi-step process driven by several factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bocharova
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natallia Makarava
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Narayan P. Pandit
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kara Molesworth
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ilia V. Baskakov
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Schiera G, Di Liegro CM, Schirò G, Sorbello G, Di Liegro I. Involvement of Astrocytes in the Formation, Maintenance, and Function of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Cells 2024; 13:150. [PMID: 38247841 PMCID: PMC10813980 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020150] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental structure that protects the composition of the brain by determining which ions, metabolites, and nutrients are allowed to enter the brain from the blood or to leave it towards the circulation. The BBB is structurally composed of a layer of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) bound to each other through tight junctions (TJs). However, its development as well as maintenance and properties are controlled by the other brain cells that contact the BCECs: pericytes, glial cells, and even neurons themselves. Astrocytes seem, in particular, to have a very important role in determining and controlling most properties of the BBB. Here, we will focus on these latter cells, since the comprehension of their roles in brain physiology has been continuously expanding, even including the ability to participate in neurotransmission and in complex functions such as learning and memory. Accordingly, pathological conditions that alter astrocytic functions can alter the BBB's integrity, thus compromising many brain activities. In this review, we will also refer to different kinds of in vitro BBB models used to study the BBB's properties, evidencing its modifications under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sorbello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
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Bocharova O, Makarava N, Pandit NP, Molesworth K, Baskakov IV. Multiple steps of prion strain adaptation to a new host. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563743. [PMID: 37961127 PMCID: PMC10634783 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of prions across species is a critical aspect of their dissemination among mammalian hosts, including humans. This process often necessitates strain adaptation. In this study, we sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying prion adaptation while mitigating biases associated with the history of cross-species transmission of natural prion strains. To achieve this, we utilized the synthetic hamster prion strain S05. Propagation of S05 using mouse PrPC in Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification did not immediately overcome the species barrier. This finding underscores the involvement of factors beyond disparities in primary protein structures. Subsequently, we performed five serial passages to stabilize the incubation time to disease in mice. The levels of PrPSc increased with each passage, reaching a maximum at the third passage, and declining thereafter. This suggests that only the initial stage of adaptation is primarily driven by an acceleration in PrPSc replication. During the protracted adaptation to a new host, we observed significant alterations in the glycoform ratio and sialylation status of PrPSc N-glycans. These changes support the notion that qualitative modifications in PrPSc contribute to a more rapid disease progression. Furthermore, consistent with the decline in sialylation, a cue for "eat me" signaling, the newly adapted strain exhibited preferential colocalization with microglia. In contrast to PrPSc dynamics, the intensity of microglia activation continued to increase after the third passage in the new host. In summary, our study elucidates that the adaptation of a prion strain to a new host is a multi-step process driven by several factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bocharova
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natallia Makarava
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Narayan P. Pandit
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kara Molesworth
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ilia V. Baskakov
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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