Articles tagged with Neuromuscular Junctions
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found that inhibiting the GLUD1 enzyme improves muscle strength and coordination in DMD mouse models, offering a potential therapeutic pathway for treating the disease. The study suggests a promising approach to restore muscle function beyond symptom relief.
A recent study suggests that tiny antenna-like structures on cells called primary cilia could be a potential therapeutic target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Researchers have identified mutations in the C21orf2 gene, which impair primary cilia formation and structure, leading to motor neuron death.
Researchers at Shimane University have found a way to prolong the therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin-A by blocking the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. This breakthrough could lead to reduced frequency and cost of injections, improving patient outcomes and convenience.
Scientists have successfully restored damaged nerve-to-muscle connections in a highly aggressive mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using grafted replacement motor neurons and optical nerve stimulation. The treatment improved muscle contraction force by over 13-fold, suggesting its potential for treating ALS patients.
Researchers have successfully used AAV1.NT-3 gene therapy to improve muscle physiology and prevent age-related sarcopenia in mice. The treatment resulted in restored muscle mass, strength, and neural connections, offering a potential new option for managing this debilitating condition.
Researchers identified important molecules to study and manipulate specific glial cells integral to synapses. This discovery provides a highly specific glial 'bar code', identifying vital cell subtype and enabling targeted therapy development for neuromuscular diseases such as ALS and SMA.
Researchers developed a platform to coculture neurons and muscle cells, capturing the emergence of neuromuscular junctions and synchronized bursting patterns. The study provides new insights into biohybrid machines and their potential applications in fields like intelligent drug delivery and environment sensing.
Researchers developed functional neuromuscular organoids that form complex neuronal networks directing muscle tissue contraction. These organoids overcome limitations in studying human neuromuscular diseases, which are caused by defects in the control of body movement.
Research found that strength training reduces endurance muscle fiber number by producing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which remodels neuromuscular synapses. This results in a decline in endurance muscles and an increase in strength muscles.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new way in which nerve cells control movement by dynamically adjusting neurotransmitter production. This finding opens up new avenues for treating diseases such as myasthenia gravis and spinal muscular atrophy.
A new study found that antibodies stimulate a molecule in muscle to keep nerves attached, preserving neuromuscular synapses and slowing disease progression in a mouse model of aggressive ALS. The treatment extended the lifespan of ALS mice and improved function of critical breathing muscles.
Scientists discovered that resveratrol preserves neuromuscular synapses and muscle fibers in aging mice, mirroring the effects of a low-calorie diet and exercise. Metformin also showed neuroprotective qualities, slowing muscle fiber aging without affecting neuromuscular junctions.
A naturally occurring growth factor called FGFBP1 is secreted by muscle fibers to maintain neuromuscular junctions. However, ALS patients have reduced levels of FGFBP1 due to the accumulation of TGF-beta, a growth factor associated with the immune system.
MSU scientists identified disrupted neuromuscular synaptic function as the underlying cause of motor dysfunction in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). This discovery offers new avenues for gene therapy targeting muscle tissue.
A new inherited neuromuscular disorder has been identified, resulting from a genetic mutation disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The condition affects multiple generations and is associated with mutations in the synaptotagmin 2 protein.
A mitochondrial gene defect in the citrate carrier SLC25A1 may underlie deficits in neuromuscular transmission. Investigators identified a homozygous mutation in this gene in two siblings with congenital myasthenic syndrome, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability.
Research by IDIBELL-UB reveals that exposure to IDPN nitrile leads to accumulations of neurofilaments similar to those found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This finding suggests a potential link between environmental toxins and ALS, with implications for new treatment approaches.
A protein called biglycan is essential for stabilizing synapses at the neuromuscular junction, a process crucial for muscle control and long-term health. Research suggests that biglycan could be a potential therapy for motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and ALS.
Researchers found that agrin and LRP4 form two diverse work teams to activate MuSK, enabling communication between neurons and muscles. This discovery may lead to new treatments for myasthenia gravis and other muscle diseases, as well as insights into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that nestin recruits cdk5 to the muscle membrane, initiating dispersion and regulating neuromuscular junction formation. The study sheds light on signaling mechanisms connecting brain to muscle and may aid future treatments for neuromuscular diseases.
Harvard researchers have found that exercise and caloric restriction can reverse the deterioration of nerve connections in older mice, a potential explanation for their age-related benefits. The study reveals that these lifestyle factors can attenuate or even reverse the decline in synapses, which are crucial for brain function.
Research reveals that mutations in the LMNA gene disrupt neuromuscular junction organization, leading to muscle fiber innervation disruption. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at NYU Langone's Skirball Institute have discovered the missing link between Agrin and MuSK, essential molecules for neuromuscular synapse formation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into causes of myasthenia gravis and ALS.
A new study reveals that laminin influences post-synaptic patterning by corraling cell surface receptors on the muscle side of the synapse. Maturation of the muscle side was slowed in mice lacking specific laminin chains, highlighting the protein's role in coordinating nerve and muscle fiber development.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have shown that neurotrophin signaling is essential for maintaining normal synapse health. The study used a novel gene therapy technique to block neurotrophin activity and demonstrated the disassembly of synapses in adult mice, highlighting the potential therapeutic benef...
Researchers found that a muscle protein rapidly disappears from synapses when not receiving nerve signals, supporting the idea of rapid molecular changes in learning. This discovery may explain why withdrawal of certain agents can be fatal to patients on respirators.
Researchers found that muscle fibers strengthen their relationship with one nerve and ignore the rest, a finding that could help explain how memories are soldered into the brain. The study suggests that synapse elimination may be a step-wise process where the muscle fiber decides which healthy axon to keep.