Articles tagged with Synapse Formation
A team of scientists at VIB and KU Leuven has discovered a key role for Prl-1 phosphatase in specifying the formation of neuronal circuits in the brain. The discovery, made using a genetic single-cell approach in fruit flies, sheds light on how complex brain patterns develop during early development.
Researchers have discovered genetic switches that ignite axon formation, revealing the role of PTBP2 and SHTN1 genes. The study shows how alternative splicing enables neurons to produce long axons, essential for neural communication.
A team led by W. Christopher Risher discovered that the α2δ-1 receptor is necessary for synapse structure and brain connectivity, implicating astrocyte-to-neuron signaling in psychiatric disorders such as autism and addiction.
A biochemical reconstitution approach demonstrated that multivalent interaction networks formed by major PSD scaffold proteins lead to formation of PSD-like assemblies via phase separation. These assemblies can cluster receptors, concentrate enzymes, and promote actin bundle formation.
Researchers found that high homocysteine levels in mice lead to increased tau tangles, nerve cell death, and impaired learning and memory. The study suggests a potential link between hyperhomocysteinemia and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of 5-lipoxygenase in disease progression.
Researchers have identified an asymmetric role for pre-synaptic cadherin/catenin complexes in stabilizing post-synaptic spines. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of symmetry in synaptogenesis and has implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
The Gruber Foundation has awarded $1.5 million to three top scientists for their groundbreaking work in cosmology, genetics and neuroscience. Sandra Faber, Stephen Elledge, and Joshua Sanes have been recognized for their pioneering research on galaxy structure, DNA damage response pathway, and synapse formation.
Scientists at HKUST discover how PSD proteins form in living cells via phase-transition, revealing a possible answer to the long-standing question of PSD formation. The study also found that defects in these proteins can alter synaptic signaling activity and contribute to brain disorders.
Researchers at National Institute for Physiological Sciences have discovered that microglia, immune cells in the brain, directly contact neurons to form new connections and strengthen brain connectivity. This finding could deepen understanding of developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers from Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a spatiotemporally controlled method to induce and visualize synapse formation in cortical neurons. The study reveals that GABA is the common molecule setting the balance between inhibitory and excitatory synaptic contacts in early postnatal stages.
Researchers discover that AMPK, a protein activated during fasting, regulates 'hunger' neurons involved in feeding behavior, leading to increased food intake and body weight. Blocking AMPK activity reduces hunger and AgRP neuron firing, even after fasting.
A peptide derived from collagen protein promotes the formation of neuronal synapses in the brain, potentially helping to treat schizophrenia. Collagen XIX-deficient mice display symptoms similar to those seen in humans with the disorder.
Researchers created the first 3D neuronal culture with functioning neurons and astrocytes, using a sponge-like elastomeric scaffold. The technique allowed for direct comparison between 2D and 3D cultures, showing that 3D cultures have improved functional complexity and organization.
A study found that Lavado cocoa extract reduces β-amyloid formation, which damages nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease. The extract also rescues synaptic function, a potential target for an effective Alzheimer's disease drug.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that the gene SRPX2 is necessary for vocalizations and synapse formation in mice. The study adds to scientific understanding of how language develops and how synapses are formed.
Researchers have discovered a simple homeostatic rule that governs the formation of new neural networks in the visual cortex, enabling the brain to adapt to changes. The theory also sheds light on how synapses are formed and abandoned, with implications for understanding learning processes and treating neurological diseases.
ADAM10, a protein that prevents β-amyloid formation, is removed from synapses through association with AP2. This study identifies pathological mechanisms controlling protein localization at the synapse in Alzheimer's disease.
A team of scientists at Brown University has made a breakthrough in understanding the neurological signaling breakdown in Angelman syndrome, a disorder affecting thousands of children. They demonstrated how a synthesized compound called CN2097 works to restore neural functions impaired by the disease.
Researchers found uncoordinated gene expression in sponges, suggesting a mechanism for the evolution of neural synapses may be more ancient than thought. The study sheds light on the origins of the nervous system and its development in different animal species.
New connections between brain cells form in clusters as animals learn to perform a new task, according to a study published in Nature. The researchers found that clustered synapses are more likely to persist through the learning sessions and after training stopped.
Researchers found that GABA interneurons initially form many tentative connections, which are later pruned back by a mechanism triggered by GABA. This process helps refine neural networks and eliminate incompatible contacts.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered a chemical compound in the brain that can weaken synaptic connections between neurons. This finding may provide a potential explanation for memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how neural circuits self-assemble. By observing the formation of inhibitory synapses, they found that GABA transmission regulates synaptic adhesion. The discovery sheds light on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study from UC Davis Health System identifies a key protein called SynDIG1 that plays a crucial role in creating and sustaining synapses, essential for learning, memory, and perception. The research fills a major gap in understanding the molecular foundations of higher cognitive abilities and brain disorders.
A Duke University researcher has discovered a receptor that receives messages from astrocytes, which can form excitatory synapses in the brain. The discovery may explain why people develop epilepsy or have neuropathic pain, and could lead to new therapies for these conditions.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a key molecular player in guiding synapse formation in the brain, advancing understanding of brain development and potential approaches to countering brain disorders. The study also pinpoints the biochemical mechanism by which anti-seizure drug gabapentin works.
The study reveals that alpha-synuclein aggregates can pass to new, healthy cells, contributing to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that cell-to-cell transmission of alpha-synuclein occurs through endocytosis and is linked to impaired quality-control systems in recipient cells.
A study by McGill University researchers has captured an image of a mechanism underlying long-term memory formation. New proteins are made locally at the synapse, increasing synaptic strength and reinforcing memories.
Researchers at UC Davis have visualized the formation of a new synapse using neuroligin, a protein linked to autism. The study reveals the dynamic process of molecule recruitment, showing how neuroligin stabilizes adhesion between neurons and recruits other proteins important for synapse function.
Researchers have discovered a protein complex that regulates axon growth and development in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. The complex, composed of UNC-69 and UNC-76 proteins, plays a crucial role in maintaining normal presynaptic organization and regulating vesicle trafficking.
Scientists have developed fruit flies with fluorescent genes to study memory formation, discovering that a specific set of neurons, called projection neurons, show increased active connections after learning. The new synaptic activity disappeared within minutes but the flies continued to avoid the odor they associated with the shock.
Researchers have identified the matchmaker protein SYG-1, which guides nerve cells to form synapses during embryonic development. This discovery may lead to new treatments for disorders such as chronic epilepsy and chronic pain, where synapse formation goes awry.
Researchers used a new microscope technique to study how experiences rewire the brain. They found that synapses and spines on dendrites formed and disappeared daily, with some persisting for months.
Researchers discovered SynCAM plays a major role in synaptic formation, crucial for brain function and neural network development. The study provides insights into the process of synaptic transmission and its importance in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.