Articles tagged with Neurotransmitters
A recent study published in Geroscience found that trigonelline, a plant alkaloid in coffee, significantly improved spatial learning and memory performance in senescence-accelerated mice. The researchers also identified the underlying molecular mechanisms, including reduced neuroinflammation and increased neurotransmitter release.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
A Penn State-led research team discovered that somatostatin signaling acts to dampen communication among cell types in the prefrontal cortex, promoting exploratory and risk-taking-like behavior. The findings suggest that somatostatin fine-tunes circuits to promote certain behaviors, including decision making.
Research found that very light exercise can improve prefrontal executive function, with pupil dilation during exercise indicating subsequent improvement. Pupil-linked neural activity was also shown to activate the brain's noradrenergic arousal system.
In a new study, Salk Institute scientists discovered that dopamine regulates anxious worm behavior in the presence of nipping predators. The findings illuminate how this dopamine-regulated brain pathway may be related to anxiety and could provide insight into human conditions like PTSD.
A team of researchers at IISc has designed a small molecular fluorogenic probe that can sense Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme linked to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The probe is designed to detect AChE levels in the early stages of the disease, which become imbalanced.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara discovered a unique pathway in fruit flies that reduces the sensation of pain from heat, with a single pair of neurons called 'Epi' neurons playing a crucial role. The Epi neurons produce a neuropeptide that suppresses thermal nociception, contradicting their role in fly larvae.
Researchers found that a specific neuropeptide affects two separate groups of neurons, promoting aggressive behavior in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of neuronal communication using neuropeptides.
Researchers have observed beta-arrestin molecules directly controlling receptor-mediated signals in living cells using advanced microscopy. The study reveals a new mechanism of how these proteins interact with receptors on the plasma membrane, enabling efficient control of signal flow and desensitization.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...
Researchers have developed a new detection method using carbon nanotubes to measure the duration of dopamine release in the brain. This allows for more robust detection and monitoring of neurotransmitters, which is crucial for understanding neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have developed a system called PhAST, which uses light-emitting enzymes and ion channels to transmit information between neurons. This method has shown promising results in restoring communication in defective circuits and modifying animal behavior.
Astrocytes tune down overactive neurons during acute stress, helping to regulate attention and perception. This discovery provides new hope for treating attention disorders like ADHD.
Research at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin identifies a possible explanation for migraine frequency during menstruation: higher levels of CGRP, a neurotransmitter that triggers migraines. The study found significant differences in CGRP concentrations between women with migraines and those without, suggesting a hormonal link.
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a significant imbalance in the gut microbiome of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that over 30% of micro-organisms and bacterial genes tested had altered abundances, indicating a widespread imbalance in the microbiome.
University of Copenhagen researchers made a groundbreaking discovery about the mammalian brain, finding that a vital enzyme that enables brain signals is switching on and off at random intervals. This challenges the long-held assumption that these enzymes are active at all times to convey essential signals continuously.
A study found that very light exercise activates brain pathways leading to improved mood and cognitive function. Researchers used pupillometry, a reliable indicator of arousal, to measure pupil dilation during graded exercise.
Researchers found that administering nitric oxide to preterm mice after birth can reverse symptoms of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, including sensory and cognitive disorders. A clinical trial is now underway to test this treatment in human preterm infants.
Researchers developed an AI-based tool to calculate harmful effects of medicines, reducing risks of confusion, blurred vision, and falls. The International Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Tool (IACT) provides a more accurate scoring system, supporting personalized medicine approaches.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that glutamate signaling regulates the seasonal response of bean bugs' reproduction, controlled by circadian rhythm genes. The researchers found that extracellular glutamate levels were higher under short-day conditions and disrupted when reduced or increased.
A KAIST research team has discovered a new role for somatostatin, a protein-based neurotransmitter, in reducing the toxicity caused by Alzheimers disease. When somatostatin is met with copper and Aβ proteins, it attenuates the toxicity and agglomeration of metal-Aβ complexes.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'toolbox' to study receptor mobility in the brain, revealing its critical role in certain types of memory. The study used high-resolution imaging and manipulation techniques to observe receptor dynamics in intact brain tissue, providing new insights into the mechanisms controlling memory.
A recent study published in eLife has revealed that high levels of soluble tau protein impair signaling between neurons, leading to cognitive decline. The research suggests that targeting the binding site of dynamin, a protein that binds to microtubules, may rescue synaptic transmission and prevent memory impairment.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to alter the type of synapses between brain cells using enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for brain disorders caused by faulty synaptic information processing and exchange.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that ATP secreted from sensory neuron-interneuron crosstalk triggers inflammation spread across joints, acting as a neurotransmitter and inflammation enhancer. Blocking this pathway prevents the spread of inflammation.
A new study reveals that running increases dopamine release and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, leading to improved learning, memory, and motor skills. The findings provide insight into the long-term effects of exercise on the brain and may lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at University of Bonn identified a key enzyme, RIM1, that maintains synaptic homeostasis and prevents excessive brain activity. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism.
A new study published in Nature Immunology finds that B cells produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which blocks white blood cell production and reduces cardiovascular inflammation. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart failure.
Researchers have solved atomic-level structures of the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a crucial step in understanding its function. The new findings could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders such as congenital myasthenic syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
The locus coeruleus, a tiny cell structure in the brainstem, regulates our brain's sensitivity to relevant information. Noradrenaline, produced by the blue spot, modulates alpha oscillations, allowing us to focus attention.
Researchers have identified a key protein in the brain that regulates habituation, a mechanism essential for focus and attention. The study found that a decrease in this protein leads to hypersensitivity and symptoms similar to those seen in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.
Scientists have uncovered the structure of a Black Widow neurotoxin using cryo-electron microscopy, which could lead to the development of an antidote and new pesticides. The findings are a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanism of the toxin.
Researchers found that packaging neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles is a major source of energy consumption, even when the vesicles are filled and inactive. The process, known as proton efflux, continues to consume energy due to a 'leaky' energy threshold set by evolution.
Researchers have genetically engineered bacteria to detect specific chemicals in the gut, which can help maintain balanced neurotransmitter levels. The bacteria, called Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, produce enzymes that degrade or synthesize target chemicals, potentially alleviating mental health issues.
A study at the University of Turku found that brain function regulating satiety and appetite is altered before obesity develops, with family background risk factors contributing to these changes. The findings suggest the brain and central nervous system are key targets for treating obesity.
A team of researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory has developed a system called HySyn, which uses neuropeptides from Hydra to synthetically reconnect neural circuits in the C. elegans brain. This allows for the creation of an artificial synapse that rewires a behavioral circuit, enabling the worm to communicate more effectively.
Researchers found impaired neurotransmitter release and synaptic signaling in human-derived neurons from patients with schizophrenia and a rare genetic mutation. This discovery provides insight into the cellular pathways perturbed in schizophrenia and offers a lead for studying this biology.
Researchers found that scorpion venom triggers a systemic neuroimmune reaction leading to pulmonary edema and cardiac alterations. Administration of corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, can quickly inhibit the inflammatory process and prevent death in mice.
A study found that a molecular system regulates electrical signals in the brain, enabling learning and memory. The research also identified a molecule that controls this process, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.
Researchers discovered that Synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7) constrains neurotransmitter release at synapses, acting as a volume dial to regulate signal output. The study found that reducing SYT7 increases neurotransmitter release, while increasing it reduces release significantly.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for synaptotagmin-1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder, a rare condition affecting neurotransmitter release. By analyzing mutated proteins and their effects on neuron communication, the team identified a familiar drug, 4-AP, as a possible therapeutic option to alleviate symptoms.
Researchers found that isoflurane weakens the transmission of electrical signals between neurons, particularly at higher frequency impulses. The anesthetic preferentially blocks these high frequency signals, while having minimal effect on low frequency impulses that control life-supporting functions.
A study modelled psilocybin's interaction with the brain, explaining its therapeutic effects on depression, anxiety and addiction. The research integrated data from various imaging techniques to reveal the stimulation of serotonin receptors 5-HT2A involved in psychoactive modulation.
A study modeling psilocybin's effects on brain activity reveals the importance of coupling neuronal and neurotransmitter systems at the whole-brain level. The findings support the development of treatments for depression, anxiety, and addiction using this psychedelic drug.
A new preclinical study reveals that a lack of BIN1 leads to defective neurotransmitter transmission, impairing brain cell communication and memory consolidation. The study suggests that BIN1 plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission and may be involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed innovative methods to image and reconstruct mitochondria at the synaptic level, revealing higher mitochondrial volumes in mature calyx of Held. This finding supports the idea that increased mitochondrial volume enables the high energy demands of a more active mature calyx.
A WPI biologist has discovered that a key component in a worm's communication system can be repurposed to take on a different function, providing insights into the workings of evolution. This finding could have significant implications for drug interaction research, agricultural bio-engineering, and our understanding of genetic inherit...
Researchers have discovered that immune cells produce brain chemicals like acetylcholine to fight off infections and control chronic virus infections. This breakthrough, published in Science, solves a puzzle scientists have pondered for over a century.
Researchers have discovered that protein droplets, which self-organize into liquid-like structures inside cells, enable neurons to transmit signals quickly and efficiently. In the immune system, droplets of a danger-sensing enzyme trigger an immune response by generating signals that launch defense mechanisms.
The University of Hong Kong research team developed a C-reactive protein sensor integrated onto a medical catheter, enabling real-time CRP sensing with a thickness less than one micrometer. This allows doctors to take immediate actions, speeding up testing and curing of inflammation by 30 times.
A study by NC State University researchers reveals that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a neurotransmitter involved in itching sensations, plays no role in pain transmission. This finding could lead to the development of specific drugs or therapies to block pain signals closer to their source.
Researchers have visualized the intricate three-dimensional structure of three neural proteins and discovered their surprising cooperation in releasing chemical messages. The study suggests that the complex interaction locks down the SNARE proteins, requiring synchronization of neurotransmitter release.
Researchers at MPFI uncovered the role of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in determining neurotransmitter release and brain function. The team developed new methods to directly monitor channel impact, revealing a previously unknown region of the alpha subunit controlling channel positioning.
Researchers elucidate mechanisms behind synaptic vesicle motion, finding that type, size of synapse and vesicle composition impact motility. Tracking vesicles reveals active transport to specific destinations, providing clues for neuronal diseases.
Researchers found that a single docking site uses a single cluster of calcium channels and that both numbers change with brain age, establishing the first clear link between morphology and function of docking sites.
A Penn expert is investigating the neurological basis of loss of smell, which can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The researcher found evidence suggesting damage to neurotransmitter and neuromodulator receptors in the forebrain may be a common factor behind smell loss.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo discovered that short-term hearing loss can cause auditory nerve cells to change their behavior and shape. The study found that these changes are related to neurotransmitters, with cells depleting their reserves and decreasing vesicle storage space when it's quiet.