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Pink elephants in the brain?

A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

Molecule restores cognition, memory in Alzheimer’s disease model mice

A UCLA researcher identified a compound that effectively jumpstarts the brain's memory circuitry, restoring cognitive functions in mice with Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The molecule, DDL-920, works by targeting specific neurons to enhance gamma oscillations, which are critical for memory and cognition.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

An artificial hepatocyte growth factor mimetic ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mouse model

A research group developed a long-acting artificial hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic molecule using cyclic peptides and protein engineering. The molecule improved liver fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in a mouse model with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), providing an option for NASH therapeutics.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Scientists create first mouse model with complete, functional human immune system

Researchers have developed a humanized mouse model with a fully functional human immune system, enabling the study of immunotherapy development, disease modeling, and vaccine development. The new model, called TruHuX, mounts specific antibody responses and can develop full-fledged systemic lupus autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2024

New insights into osteoporosis

A research team from Osaka University identified a key osteoporosis-related gene, Men1, and developed a new animal model of the disease. The study found that inactivation of Men1 led to cellular senescence in osteoblasts, reducing bone formation activity and increasing bone resorption.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Korea University identifies novel inhibitor HVH-2930 showing promise in overcoming trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

A novel inhibitor HVH-2930 targeting heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) demonstrates efficacy against drug-resistant breast cancer cells. It selectively downregulates HER2 signaling, crucial for breast cancer progression, without triggering the heat shock response.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Obesity-cancer connection discovery suggests strategies for improving immunotherapy

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center-led research team discovered a connection between obesity and cancer, revealing that macrophages play an unexpected role in the complicated connection. Obesity increases macrophage frequency in tumors and induces PD-1 expression, which can contribute to both increased cancer risk and enhanced resp...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Light-activated drugs targeting adenosine A2A receptors in the brain that induce sleep

Researchers developed a novel light-sensitive drug that enhances extracellular adenosine activity, inducing sleep artificially without genetic modification. The drug overcomes issues with conventional photosensitive drugs, showcasing optochemistry's potential in targeting A2A receptors and regulating brain function.

Small protein plays big role in chronic HIV infection

A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

New treatment target identified for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified PDE4B as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease, where reducing its activity shows promise in improving memory and glucose metabolism. The study suggests that this approach may also protect against other forms of dementia, such as Huntington's disease.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Earliest-yet Alzheimer’s biomarker found in mouse model could point to new targets

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a neural-specific protein, PSD-95, as an early biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. The study found that inhibiting PSD-95 slowed seizure activity in mice with amyloid-beta pathology, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for early-stage Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

New model of key brain tumor feature could help scientists understand how to develop new treatments

A new model of glioblastoma's key feature, oncostreams, could help scientists understand how to develop new treatments for this aggressive brain cancer. The model, developed by a team at the University of Michigan, identifies a potential inhibitor that appears to dismantle oncostreams, leading to better survival in mouse models.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

One step forward, no steps back: new study advances understanding of dopamine’s role in movement

Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment

Scientists have mapped out the proteins involved in motor neurone disease (MND) across its trajectory, identifying potential therapeutic pathways for further investigation. The study found that a protein-folding factor called DNAJB5 is elevated early on in MND, sparking curiosity about its role in disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Interferon-gamma drives brain pathology in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy

In a mouse model of multiple system atrophy, alpha-synuclein overexpression induces neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. IFNγ produced by infiltrating CD4+ T-cells mediates these changes. The study suggests that IFNγ is a potential future disease-modifying therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Towards a better understanding of endothelial cell transformation in cancer progression

A novel reporter cell experimental system enables the visualization of sequential changes during endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) induced by transforming growth factor-β. Researchers identified CD40 as a potential partial EndoMT marker, which suppresses the transition from partial to full EndoMT.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCancer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Immune cells lose ‘killer instinct’ in cancerous tumors – but functionality can be re-awakened

Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Gene behind heart defects in Down syndrome identified

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL have identified a gene that causes heart defects in Down syndrome, a condition resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21. Reducing the overactivity of this gene partially reversed these defects in mice, setting the scene for potential future therapies.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Gender parity in autism research: Synaptic similarities challenge focus on male models

A new study challenges traditional male-focused autism research by revealing striking similarities in synaptic abnormalities and behavioral patterns between male and female mouse models. This finding emphasizes the necessity of considering both sexes to comprehensively grasp the complexities of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

More than skin-deep

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023