The DDHD2-STXBP1 interaction mediates long-term memory via generation of saturated free fatty acids

Lipid dysregulation and delirium in older adults: A review of the current evidence and future directions

Delirium is a complex medical condition marked by acute episodes of cognitive dysfunction and behavioral disturbances, with a multifaceted etiology and challenging management across various clinical settings. Older adults, particularly in postoperative contexts, are at increased risk of developing delirium. Despite extensive research, a single underlying pathophysiological mechanism for delirium remains elusive. However, emerging evidence suggests a correlation between lipid dysregulation and delirium development in elderly patients, especially in postoperative settings. This connection has led to proposed treatments targeting dyslipidemia and associated neuroinflammatory effects in acute-phase delirium. This review aims to synthesize current literature on the relationship between lipid dysregulation and delirium in older adults, highlighting the need for further research into specific neurolipidome constituents and age-related lipid profile changes, potentially uncovering novel therapeutic strategies for delirium.

Neural Excitatory/Inhibitory Imbalance in Motor Aging: From Genetic Mechanisms to Therapeutic Challenges

Neural excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance plays a pivotal role in the aging process. However, despite its significant impact, the role of E/I imbalance in motor dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases has not received sufficient attention. This review explores the mechanisms underlying motor aging through the lens of E/I balance, emphasizing genetic and molecular factors that contribute to this imbalance (such as SCN2A, CACNA1C, GABRB3, GRIN2A, SYT, BDNF…). Key regulatory genes, including REST, vps-34, and STXBP1, are examined for their roles in modulating synaptic activity and neuronal function during aging. With insights drawn from ALS, we discuss how disruptions in E/I balance contribute to the pathophysiology of age-related motor dysfunction. The genes discussed above exhibit a certain association with age-related motor neuron diseases (like ALS), a relationship that had not been previously recognized. Innovative genetic therapies, such as gene editing technology and optogenetic manipulation, are emerging as promising tools for restoring E/I balance, offering hope for ameliorating motor deficits in aging. This review explores the potential of these technologies to intervene in aging-related motor diseases, despite challenges in their direct application to human conditions.

Synaptoneurolipidomics: lipidomics in the study of synaptic function

The brain is an exceptionally lipid-rich organ with a very complex lipid composition. Lipids are central in several neuronal processes, including membrane formation and fusion, myelin packing, and lipid-mediated signal transmission. Lipid diversity is associated with the evolution of higher cognitive abilities in primates, is affected by neuronal activity, and is instrumental for synaptic plasticity, illustrating that lipids are not static components of synaptic membranes. Several lines of evidence suggest that the lipid composition of synapses is unique and distinct from other neuronal subcompartments. Here, we delve into the nascent field of synaptoneurolipidomics, offering an overview of current knowledge on the lipid composition of synaptic junctions and technological advances that will allow us to study the impact on synaptic function.

The effects of APOE4 and familial Alzheimer's disease mutations on free fatty acid profiles in mouse brain are age- and sex-dependent

APOE4 encoding apolipoprotein (Apo)E4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE is key in intercellular lipid trafficking. Fatty acids are essential for brain integrity and cognitive performance and are implicated in neurodegeneration. We determined the sex- and age-dependent effect of AD and APOE4 on brain free fatty acid (FFA) profiles. FFA profiles were determined by LC-MS/MS in hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum of female and male, young (≤3 months) and older (>5 months), transgenic APOE3 and APOE4 mice with and without five familial AD (FAD) mutations (16 groups; n = 7-10 each). In the different brain regions, females had higher levels than males of either saturated or polyunsaturated FFAs or both. In the hippocampus of young males, but not of older males, APOE4 and FAD each induced 1.3-fold higher levels of almost all FFAs. In young and older females, FAD and to a less extent APOE4-induced shifts among saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FFAs without affecting total FFA levels. In cortex and cerebellum, APOE4 and FAD had only minor effects on individual FFAs. The effects of APOE4 and FAD on FFA levels and FFA profiles in the three brain regions were strongly dependent of sex and age, particularly in the hippocampus. Here, most FFAs that are affected by FAD are similarly affected by APOE4. Since APOE4 and FAD affected hippocampal FFA profiles already at young age, these APOE4-induced alterations may modulate the pathogenesis of AD.

Neurolipidomic insights into anxiety disorders: Uncovering lipid dynamics for potential therapeutic advances

Anxiety disorders constitute a spectrum of psychological conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide, imposing a significant health burden. Historically, the development of anxiolytic medications has been largely focused on neurotransmitter function and modulation. However, in recent years, neurolipids emerged as a prime target for understanding psychiatric pathogenesis and developing novel medications. Neurolipids influence various neural activities such as neurotransmission and cellular functioning, as well as maintaining cell membrane integrity. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the alterations in neurolipids associated with an anxious mental state and explore their potential as targets of novel anxiolytic medications. Existing evidence tentatively associates dysregulated neurolipid levels with the etiopathology of anxiety disorders. Notably, preclinical investigations suggest that several neurolipids, including endocannabinoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, may hold promise as potential pharmacological targets. Overall, the current literature tentatively suggests the involvement of lipids in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, hinting at potential prospects for future pharmacological interventions.