Articles tagged with Neurons
Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how support cells contribute to hair cell regeneration after damage or death. Approximately half of the dividing support cells differentiated into hair cells, while the rest self-renewed, maintaining a reserve force for regenerative action.
Researchers created miniature brains from patient skin cells to study autism, finding altered gene expression networks and an imbalance in neuron type. Suppressing a key gene corrected this bias, suggesting possible clinical interventions.
A new project at Brown University aims to make cells 'smart' enough to emit light precisely when needed to control themselves or their neighbors. This could lead to new ways to treat problems like epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism behind brain growth abnormalities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, revealing how PTEN gene mutations alter the trajectory of early brain development. Excess glia cells and changes in β-Catenin signaling contribute to the observed brain overgrowth.
Researchers from the UPV/EHU's Biophysics Unit have published a study in Nature that reveals the molecular architecture of cell fission processes. The study found evidence of an intermediate structure during membrane splitting, which may be a common feature in all fusion and fission processes.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed an antibody that selectively detects and destroys a toxic protein causing widespread neurodegeneration after TBI, potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease and CTE. The treatment restores neurons' structural and functional abilities.
A University of Toronto research team discovered a new link between the genetic cause of ALS and its pathology, suggesting that C9orf72's mislocalization leads to TDP-43 buildup. This breakthrough offers new avenues for research and potential treatment or cure.
Researchers have created an artificial enzyme that can stimulate genes to work harder in specific tissues, offering hope for treating genetic diseases. The hybrid enzymes, which are fully synthetic and recognize target genes via RNA decoys, amplify gene expression in a limited way and only when the gene is active.
A new study reveals how synchronized gene activation is achieved in developing neurons through a TTP/miR-9 regulatory pair, which limits messenger destabilization and ensures coordinated accumulation of neuronal proteins.
A study published in PNAS reveals that the neurotransmitter GABA plays a crucial role in encoding seasonal changes through changes in chloride levels. By blocking GABA activity, researchers were able to synchronize the brain's internal clock, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with disrupted seasonal rhythms.
Stem cell transplantation has been shown to accelerate healing in laboratory rats with severe burns. The treatment uses bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which enhanced local blood supply, modulated the immune system, and secreted growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties.
A study published in Cell suggests that adult neural stem cells are pre-programmed to make specific neurons before birth, contradicting the long-held assumption of their potential for neural repair. The researchers found that the precise type of neuron each stem cell can develop into is determined by its location on the ventricle wall.
Researchers discovered that actin polymerization powered by the Arp2/3 complex is essential for forming and moving autophagosomes. The formation of 'actin comet tails' propels these compartments toward lysosomes for final processing, enabling cells to recycle misfolded proteins and damaged organelles.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University have identified two new genes, taranis and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), as crucial for regulating normal sleep patterns in flies. The researchers found that these genes interact with other proteins to create a molecular machine that suppresses wakefulness and promotes sleep.
Scientists identified a microscopic structure in worms called C. elegans as the first sensor of the Earth's magnetic field. This discovery sheds light on how animals like geese and sea turtles navigate using the magnetic field, which varies from spot to spot on Earth.
A study published in NMR in Biomedicine found that brain cell density remains constant with age, contrary to previous assumptions that brain cell loss is associated with aging. The researchers used ultra-high-field MRI scans to make detailed images of the brain, revealing preserved cell density throughout the brain.
Dr. Vijay Tiwari is awarded the Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung Award for his pioneering work on understanding how cells change from regular to metastatic cells. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, which have significant implications for treating cancer and other diseases.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Monica Dus found a hormone that triggers digestive response to real sugar but not artificial sweeteners in fruit flies, suggesting humans may have similar mechanism. This discovery helps explain why diet foods fail to satiate hunger and lead to weight gain.
Researchers discovered that high doses of antioxidants can disrupt intracellular signaling in neural stem cells, leading to a decrease in their stemness properties. However, treatment with antioxidants improved stem cell function, but only up to a point.
Researchers have identified novel populations of nerve cells that regulate appetite, thermogenesis, and physical activity. Deleting the BDNF gene impairs thermogenesis and causes hyperphagia and severe obesity. The study reveals two distinct types of BDNF neurons with different biological roles.
A new study reveals that fragile X proteins FMRP and FXR2P play a vital role in the maturation of newly formed adult neurons. Mice lacking FXR2P had impaired learning and memory tasks, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for fragile X syndrome and autism. The study's findings also highlight the importance of fostering new nerve ce...
Researchers at Salk Institute found that a low glycemic index diet reduced symptoms of autism in mice, including impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The diet may influence gut bacteria and inflammation, which are linked to the development of autism.
A specialized PET tracer has been developed to visualize the function of nerve cells that lead to neuronal loss and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. The tracer binds to a transporter of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, allowing for the quantification of cholinergic neuron loss and its effects on cognition.
Researchers found that female mice are unable to detect male pheromones until they enter the ovulation cycle, where hormones such as progesterone decrease and allow them to sense potential partners. This study highlights the nose's role in making important decisions about behavior influenced by hormonal signals.
A new research team at RI-MUHC has developed a glutamate biosensor platform using revolutionary protein engineering technology Cyto-iGluSnFR. This platform allows for the detection of glutamate levels in brain cells, enabling the screening of millions of chemical compounds to develop new drugs targeting EAATs.
Researchers have identified a key role for microglia in the development of chronic pain, including hyperalgesia and allodynia. Microglia-to-neuron signaling is crucial for these effects, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers identified the PRDM12 gene essential for pain-sensing neurons in humans, which could lead to the development of new pain treatments. The study found that genetic variants of PRDM12 block the production of pain-sensing neurons, leading to conditions like congenital insensitivity to pain.
Researchers have developed high-throughput techniques to quickly and easily give every cell in a sample a unique genetic barcode, enabling scientists to analyze complex tissues at the single-cell level. This breakthrough allows for deeper understanding of cell diversity and gene expression.
Researchers created a human embryonic stem cell model that allows real-time tracking of cellular behavior during early human development. The study discovered critical molecular cues required for the formation of the neurovascular unit, comprising endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and autonomic neurons.
Researchers have identified and corrected defects in diseased cells, restoring normal activity in Cockayne syndrome patients. The study reveals the role of an enzyme, HTRA3 protease, in mitochondrial defects that contribute to premature aging. Therapeutic strategies using HTRA3 inhibitors or antioxidants may soon be tested in patients.
Researchers found that FDA-approved cancer drugs nilotinib or bafetinib can prevent overgrowth of neuron endings associated with Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. The study used fruit fly models, showing the drugs did not harm healthy brain development.
A Northwestern University team developed a novel graphene-based ink that can print large, robust 3D structures while preserving the material's unique properties. The ink allows for the creation of flexible and strong scaffolds that can support stem cells and promote differentiation into neuron-like cells.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies use a brain structure called the ellipsoid body to navigate and maintain their bearings. The ellipsoid body cells locked onto visual patterns, allowing the fly to track its orientation in the dark.
Researchers found macrophages accumulate in different parts of the brain during HIV infection, leading to neurological damage. The study provides new insights into the timing and dynamics of white blood cell traffic in the central nervous system.
Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.
A study published in Cell reveals the 3D structure of tubulin tyrosine ligase-7 (TTLL7) bound to microtubules, providing insights into how chemical markers influence cell functions. The findings also shed light on how disruptions in these patterns can lead to neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have developed a miniature fiber-optic microscope that can penetrate deeply into the brain of a living mouse. This breakthrough technology allows scientists to study brain function in unprecedented detail and has potential human applications in understanding brain disease and developing new treatments.
Mark Grimes, a UM professor, used new data analysis techniques to study childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He discovered functional compartmentalization of signaling proteins in cancer cells, which could lead to triggering cell death and improving therapeutic progress.
A new study reveals that protein aggregates accumulate in the proteome of C. elegans as it ages, overwhelming the machinery of protein quality control and impairing cell function. However, long-lived worms deposit surplus proteins in insoluble aggregates enriched with molecular chaperones, which may help maintain healthy aging.
Scientists developed a new model to simulate grid cells in non-Euclidean spaces, revealing heptagonal symmetry on a pseudospherical surface. This finding suggests that the brain may be able to encode non-conventional geometries and abstract spaces.
Researchers found neural crest cells and early pluripotent cells share similar genetic expression patterns, suggesting a subset of blastula cells may have retained activity for pluripotency. This discovery could be useful in regenerative medicine and understanding human diseases.
Researchers have developed a new chemogenetic technique that enables them to switch specific behaviors in mice on and off, demonstrating the control of brain circuits over behavior. This tool, KORD, has the potential to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy by modulating neurons.
Rudolf Jaenisch received the March of Dimes Developmental Biology Prize for establishing the basis of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. His research holds great promise in regenerative medicine, potentially treating human diseases such as sickle-cell anemia and Parkinson's disease.
A study confirms that GM-CSF drives inflammation and neuronal damage in MS, explaining why INF-Beta is effective at reducing MS attacks. The cytokine is also identified as a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discover that WDR5 plays a crucial role in the final step of cell division, promoting the disassembly of midbody microtubules and contributing to abscission. The study reveals that WDR5 localizes to the dark zone of the midbody, a previously considered 'junk' structure.
Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a long-sought component of the neural network that controls eating, finding that the melanoncortin 4 receptor-regulated circuit inhibits and controls hunger. Activating this circuit reduces feeding in mice and removes feelings of intense hunger.
Neurons, not astrocytes, consume glucose and produce lactate in the brain, according to a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications. This discovery has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and stroke.
A new study reveals that tinnitus is represented differently in the brain compared to normal sounds, and that it may not be just a 'gap' left by hearing damage. The discovery could inform treatments such as neurofeedback and electromagnetic brain stimulation.
Researchers successfully use gene-editing technology to prevent mutated mitochondrial DNA from being passed down to offspring in mice, offering a potential cure for maternally inherited genetic disorders. The approach involves injecting mRNA into mother's oocytes or early embryos and could be easily implemented in IVF clinics worldwide.
Neuroscientists have identified a novel brain circuit responsible for anxiety during nicotine withdrawal, which could lead to new treatments for smokers trying to quit. The study found that a region called the interpeduncular nucleus is activated and causes anxiety, offering a distinct target for dampening affective symptoms.
Researchers at TSRI find that nicotine exposure promotes alcohol dependence in rat models, with those exposed to both nicotine and alcohol showing rapid escalation of drinking behavior and compulsive consumption.
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new tool for understanding ALS by transforming skin cells into brain cells affected by the disease. The resulting cell library, now publicly available, will enable scientists to study the disease in greater detail and potentially discover new treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that touch-sensing neurons integrate position and touch information as soon as it reaches the brain, challenging long-held views on how this is done. This integration enables complex sensory processing and informs efforts to improve prosthetic limbs.
Researchers at Caltech discovered that certain bacteria in the gut are essential for producing peripheral serotonin. The study found that mice with normal gut microbes had higher levels of serotonin than those without, and that specific species of bacteria elevated serotonin levels.
A new priority program funded by the German Research Foundation will develop next-generation optogenetic tools with higher light sensitivity. The program aims to expand optogenetics' application in basic research and medicine, particularly for treating vision and hearing impairments, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac diseases.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people who participated in arts, crafts, and social activities in middle and old age were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those who did not. Computer use was also associated with a reduced risk of MCI.
A team of researchers has found tiny genetic triggers inside brain cells that regulate appetite and weight. The discovery reveals how a protein called Islet 1 and two small stretches of DNA act as triggers for the Pomc gene, which controls feelings of fullness or hunger.
Researchers identify molecular pathway reducing misfolded proteins implicated in ALS and dementia. Inactivating specific genes can improve mobility in roundworms and human cells, suggesting potential therapeutic value.
Echoes and fluctuations in volume are key cues for judging sound distance, a finding that opens up new possibilities for improving hearing aids and prostheses. Researchers used tiny microphones to record rabbit sounds and simulated modulated noise, measuring neural responses in the midbrain.
A Georgetown University Medical Center study found that brain neurons learn words quickly by tuning to recognize complete words as visual objects, not parts of them. The 'visual word form area' in the left side of the visual cortex remembers how whole words look, facilitating fast reading and helping people with reading difficulties.