Connecting Synaptic Activity with Plasticity-Related Gene Expression: From Molecular Mechanisms to Neurological Disorders

Lung disease manifestations in Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most prevalent chromosomal abnormalities worldwide, affecting 1 in 700 live births. Although multiple organ systems are affected by the chromosomal defects, respiratory failure and lung disease are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality observed in DS. Manifestations of DS in the respiratory system encompass the entire lung starting from the nasopharynx to the trachea/upper airways to the lower airways and alveolar spaces, as well as vascular and lymphatic defects. Most of our knowledge on respiratory illness in persons with DS arises from pediatric studies; however, many of these disorders present early in infancy, supporting developmental mechanisms. In this review, we will focus on the different lung phenotypes in DS, as well as the genetic and molecular pathways that may be contributing to these complications during development.

Effect of Neuroinflammation on Synaptic Organization and Function in the Developing Brain: Implications for Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders

The brain is a plastic organ where both the intrinsic CNS milieu and extrinsic cues play important roles in shaping and wiring neural connections. The perinatal period constitutes a critical time in central nervous system development with extensive refinement of neural connections, which are highly sensitive to fetal and neonatal compromise, such as inflammatory challenges. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammatory cells in the brain such as microglia and astrocytes are pivotal in regulating synaptic structure and function. In this article, we will review the role of glia cells in synaptic physiology and pathophysiology, including microglia-mediated elimination of synapses. We propose that activation of the immune system dynamically affects synaptic organization and function in the developing brain. We will discuss the role of neuroinflammation in altered synaptic plasticity following perinatal inflammatory challenges and potential implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.