Dendritic Spines
Articles tagged with Dendritic Spines
New synaptic formation in adolescence challenges conventional views of brain development
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the brain forms new, high-density clusters of synapses on specific segments of dendrites during adolescence, challenging the 'adolescent synaptic pruning' hypothesis. This discovery may offer new hope for understanding the biological basis of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental condi...
Puberty triggers brain rewiring in genetic condition tied to autism
Researchers have found that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity patterns in individuals with a rare genetic disorder tied to autism. The study suggests that synaptic dysfunction during development may contribute to the condition's behavioral challenges.
How the brain links related memories formed close in time
Researchers isolated precise location of memory overlap in cells using advanced imaging techniques in mice, showing that memories are stored in dendritic compartments. Linked memories consistently engaged the same groups of neurons and their dendritic branches.
Study suggests new molecular strategy for treating fragile X syndrome
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a new approach to treating fragile X syndrome by enhancing the activity of a specific component of 'NMDA' receptors. This strategy normalizes protein synthesis, neural activity and seizure susceptibility in hippocampus of fragile X lab mice, offering a promising therapeutic target.
Human proteins identified that explain inter-individual differences in functional brain connectivity
Researchers identified hundreds of brain proteins associated with inter-individual differences in functional connectivity and structural covariation. The proteins were enriched for those involved in synapses, energy metabolism, and RNA processing, providing insights into the mechanistic basis of human cognition and behavior.
Synaptic strength regulates sleep quantity and quality
Researchers developed a novel molecular tool, SYNCit-K, that enhances synaptic strength, leading to induced sleep and improved sleep quality in mice. The study reveals the role of synaptic connections in controlling sleep homeostasis.
Social network of synapses controls their actions
A recent study suggests that synaptic plasticity is a collective action, where the behavior of one synapse influences others. The researchers found that strong competition among neighboring spines affects their dynamics and influences the direction and extent of plasticity. Understanding how neurons manage synaptic resources may contri...
Memory loss in aging and dementia: Dendritic spine head diameter predicts memory in old age
A study published in Science Advances found that the quality of synapses, specifically dendritic spine head diameter, predicts episodic memory performance in older adults. Researchers suggest targeting pathways that maintain spine head diameter or synaptic strength may yield greater therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Upgrading brain storage: Quantifying how much information our synapses can hold
Salk scientists develop new method to quantify synaptic features, revealing high precision of plasticity and up to 10 times more storage capacity. The technique uses information theory to analyze synapse pairs from a rat hippocampus, offering a scalable approach for studying brain function.
Morphine tolerance results from Tiam1-mediated maladaptive plasticity in spinal neurons
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that blocking Tiam1 activity in spinal neurons abrogates morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia in a mouse model. Prolonged morphine treatment increased activated Tiam1 levels, leading to dendritic spine morphological changes.
Neuropathic pain: The underlying mechanism and a potential therapeutic target are revealed in mice
Researchers uncover a pathophysiological mechanism that initiates and sustains neuropathic pain in mice, identifying Tiam1 as a potential therapeutic target. Targeting spinal Tiam1 with antisense oligonucleotides alleviates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity, offering promise for treating chronic pain.
Chronic pain-induced depression: Underlying mechanism revealed in mice, showing how ketamine acts as antidepressant in chronic pain
Researchers have uncovered the underlying mechanism driving depressive systems in chronic pain, identifying a potential therapeutic target for treatment. Tiam1 protein modulates neural connections, leading to hypersensitivity and depression; ketamine blocks this effect, alleviating symptoms.
Blood pressure drug holds promise for treating PTSD
Researchers found that clonidine, a common blood pressure medication, can reduce the consolidation of traumatic memories in PTSD patients. By interacting with the adrenergic receptor axis, clonidine interferes with cofilin's ability to form mushroom-shaped dendritic spines, which are essential for memory formation. This suggests that c...
University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine team reveals underpinnings of how motor memory forms
A University of Ottawa research team has made new discoveries on how motor skills are learned and stored in the brain. By studying mice, they found that a specific transcription factor called NPAS4 regulates gene changes in inhibitory neurons, leading to the formation of learning-associated neuron ensembles.
Psychedelic spurs growth of neural connections lost in depression
A recent study by Yale researchers found that psilocybin increases the density of dendritic spines, aiding information transmission between neurons and potentially treating depression. Mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements after receiving psilocybin, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect.
Shootin1a - the missing link underlying learning and memory
The study reveals that shootin1a mechanically links polymerizing actin with cell adhesion molecules in dendritic spines, enhancing coupling and allowing structural plasticity. This finding is significant as changes in dendritic spine plasticity have been implicated in various neurological disorders.
A new approach to analyzing the morphology of dendritic spines
Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University propose a novel approach to analyzing dendritic spine shapes by considering clusterization methods. This approach can provide more accurate understanding of synaptic input and its relationship with learning, memory, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Unlocking the mysteries of the brain
A study by the University of Montreal has revealed the rules of synaptic plasticity, a process underlying learning and memory. The research found that dendritic spines, tiny protrusions on neurons, amplify or suppress incoming information based on its strength.
An excessive amount of propionic acid (PPA) in food preservatives may hinder brain development
A recent study published in Molecular Brain suggests that an imbalance of human gut microorganisms and excessive propionic acid consumption may contribute to autism. The researchers found that propionic acid disrupts autophagy, a natural cell mechanism, leading to reduced dendritic spine formation and hindering child brain development.
New target for drug intervention in Alzheimer's disease identified
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified LIMK1, a serine/threonine kinase, as a promising target for interventions against Alzheimer's disease. The enzyme is linked to the degradation of dendritic spines, which may play a role in dementia progression.
Ketamine reverses neural changes underlying depression-related behaviors in mice
Researchers found ketamine restores functional connectivity and ensemble activity of neurons and eliminates depression-related behaviors. Dendritic spine formation is crucial for maintaining remission, but its slow process may indicate that it's a consequence of ketamine-induced rescue of prefrontal cortex circuit activity.
Why is ketamine an antidepressant?
Researchers found that ketamine restores dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex of mice with depression-like behavior. Healthy dendritic spines are crucial for long-term antidepressant effects, suggesting interventions to enhance their survival may be helpful in sustaining ketamine's benefits.
Alzheimer's drug repairs brain damage after alcohol binges in rodents
A study led by Duke Health found that a short course of the Alzheimer's drug donepezil can reverse structural and genetic brain changes caused by alcohol exposure in rats. This reverses dendritic spine density, affecting learning and memory. The research identifies a specific gene target for potential repair.
Researchers identify gene largely accounting for 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome
Scientists have identified the OTUD7A gene as a key contributor to the clinical characteristics of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, a complex neurological condition. The study found that mice deficient in the gene Otud7a have fewer dendritic spines, which may be related to the neurological deficits observed in patients.
When the brain's wiring breaks
Scientists have discovered that axon damage leads to shrinking dendritic spines and rising excitability in neurons, but also found that blocking gene activity with netrin-1 can reverse these changes. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for brain injury patients.
Scientists develop light-controllable tool to study CaMKII kinetics in learning and memory
Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a photo-inducible CaMKII inhibitor to study intracellular signaling cascades. The tool revealed that CaMKII activation persists for approximately 1 minute, contradicting previous studies, and is necessary only for short periods of time for LTP and animal learning.
Optimized sensors to study learning and memory
Scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience created new molecular biosensors to study the activity of ERK and PKA proteins in dendritic spines. The team found that these proteins' activity spreads along the length of the dendrite, influencing nearby spines.
New software automates brain imaging
Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a new software to automate the process of observing and quantifying long-term structural plasticity in dendritic spines. The software allows for efficient imaging and stimulation of multiple dendritic spines simultaneously, increasing productivity and reducing costs.
FRET-FLIM optimization shows activity of two signaling molecules in single dendritic spine
Researchers developed a new molecular tag to visualize two signaling proteins' activity in a single dendritic spine in real time. The technique, combining FRET and FLIM, allows for high spatial and temporal accuracy, enabling scientists to study biochemical dynamics of proteins with increased efficiency.
New insights into neural computations in cerebral cortex
Scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience found that dendrites play an active role in cortical processing and shape how neurons encode visual information. The arrangement of synaptic connections within the dendritic field supports this active role, enabling neurons to exhibit diverse selectivity.
An initiation mechanism for dendritic spines discovered
Scientists identify protein MIM as a key player in initiating dendritic spines, which form the basis of neuronal connections. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying brain diseases with altered dendritic spine density.
Brain scientists figure out how a protein crucial to learning and memory works
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the flow of calcium ions into synapses activates CaMKII, which then unhooks SynGAP from scaffolding, spurring Ras signaling to begin. This discovery moves neuroscientists closer to understanding how learning and memory work and developing interventions for problems related to them.
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder associated with dendritic spine loss in brain
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with dendritic spine loss, suggesting shared pathophysiological features. Individuals with these disorders have reduced average spine density and number of spines per dendrite compared to control group individuals.
Sleep after learning strengthens connections between brain cells and enhances memory
Researchers found that sleep after learning encourages the growth of dendritic spines in mice, which helps consolidate and strengthen new memories. The activity of brain cells during deep sleep is critical for this process, suggesting a physical mechanism for how sleep enhances memory formation.
Study identifies protein that contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that caspase-2 is a key regulator of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that inhibiting this protein could prevent neuronal damage and cognitive decline associated with the disease.
After 100 years, understanding the electrical role of dendritic spines
Dendritic spines play a vital role in isolating and amplifying electrical signals received at synapses, enabling neurons to communicate with each other. The discovery sheds light on the brain's complex processing mechanisms and may lead to advances in treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.
Some harmful effects of light at night can be reversed
A new study suggests that chronic exposure to artificial light at night can lead to depressive symptoms in rodents, which can be reversed by returning to a standard light-dark cycle. The study found that blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor, a protein involved in depression, prevented the development of depressive-like symptoms.
Yale team discovers unexpected source of diabetic neuropathy pain
Researchers have identified an unexpected source of diabetic neuropathy pain in laboratory rats with diabetes: changes in the structure of dendritic spines. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy by targeting abnormal spines to alleviate pain.
Tau disrupts neural communication prior to neurodegeneration
A new study reveals how tau protein disrupts neuronal communication at synapses before obvious neuron damage, leading to early memory deficits and impaired synaptic function. The research identifies aberrant mislocalization of tau proteins in dendritic spines as a key mechanism driving disease progression.
Why estrogen makes you smarter
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a way to mimic estrogen's effects on brain cells without increasing cancer risk. By activating an estrogen receptor, they increased the number of connections between brain cells, improving mental performance.
How some brain cells hook up surprises researchers
Microglia, immune cells long thought to be dormant, are found to constantly interact with synapses, creating and eliminating them. This discovery challenges current views of the brain and its functions.
Scientists glimpse dance of skeletons inside neurons
Researchers have discovered two coordinated dance moves performed by skeletons inside neurons during long-term potentiation, a process linked to learning and memory. This finding provides insight into developmental disorders such as Williams syndrome, which affects cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Searching for causes of neural disconnection in schizophrenia
Studies found higher and lower levels of genes regulating spine plasticity in individuals with schizophrenia. These alterations may contribute to layer-specific deficits in dendritic spines, a structural abnormality relevant to the disorder. Further research aims to develop new treatments targeting these disturbances.
Why symptoms of schizophrenia emerge in young adulthood
Two studies found that anomalies in the DISC1 gene and its interaction with Kal-7 protein disrupt dendritic spine formation, leading to weaker connections between neurons. This abnormal connectivity is thought to contribute to the onset of schizophrenia symptoms in young adulthood.
Scripps Research study shows how microscopic changes to brain cause schizophrenic behavior in mice
Researchers discovered that mice lacking neuregulin develop dendritic spine abnormalities and exhibit hallmarks of schizophrenia, supporting the hypothesis that glutamatergic neurons play a crucial role. The study suggests that developmental defects in brain structure may contribute to schizophrenia's onset.
UCR researchers propose minocycline as a promising drug for patients with Fragile X syndrome
UC Riverside-led researchers found that minocycline can mature dendritic spines in mice with Fragile X syndrome, leading to improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety. The study's findings have already impacted future therapies, including a new clinical trial in Toronto.
Location, location, location
Neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that transportation of brain transcripts is essential for growth and connection between neurons, forming the basis of memory and learning. This discovery may provide clues to understanding mental retardation and overall brain functioning.
Short-term stress can affect learning and memory
Researchers found that acute stress activates corticotropin-releasing hormones, disrupting memory formation by disintegrating dendritic spines. Blocking CRH molecules' interaction can eliminate stress damage to these structures.
New understanding of basic units of memory
A molecular recycling plant has been found in the brain that enables nerve cells to record new experiences and maintain memories over time. This process involves the constant movement of receptors around synapses, which are then recycled and returned intact.
Structure essential for brain remodeling identified
The study found that recycling endosomes transport cargo needed to grow new synapses, leading to advances in understanding Alzheimer's disease, autism, and age-related memory loss. The discovery may lead to potential treatments for these conditions by targeting critical cellular processes.
Proteins anchor memories in our brain
A University of Utah study suggests that proteins serve as anchors, holding other proteins in place to strengthen synapses and contribute to forming and retaining memories. The research is relevant not only to how memory and learning work but also to Alzheimer's disease, which involves a breakdown in protein movement within synapses.
'Molecular portals' in brain cells identified
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered molecular portals in dendritic spines of neurons that facilitate endocytosis of receptors. This finding reveals a previously unknown level of organization in the brain, with implications for understanding neural connections and memory.
New technique visualizes the function of synaptic channels
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have developed a new technique to visualize the function of synaptic channels using optical fluctuation analysis. The study revealed that individual synapses typically hold only about six calcium channels, which open with high probability in response to action potentials.
Do Neurons Learn By Growing Thorns? Emergence Of Dendritic Spines Is Associated With Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discovered that long-term potentiation in hippocampal neurons is linked to the emergence of new dendritic spines. This phenomenon suggests that structural changes play a crucial role in storing information in the brain.