Objective Alzheimer’s disease(AD)has become a significant global concern,but effective drugs able to slow down AD progression is still lacked.Electroacupuncture(EA)has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive impair...Objective Alzheimer’s disease(AD)has become a significant global concern,but effective drugs able to slow down AD progression is still lacked.Electroacupuncture(EA)has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive impairment in individuals with AD.However,the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood.This study aimed at examining the neuroprotective properties of EA and its potential mechanism of action against AD.Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were employed to evaluate the protective effects of EA on Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20).Chemogenetic manipulation was used to activate or inhibit serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN).Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests.Golgi staining,western blot,and immunostaining were utilized to determine EA-induced neuroprotection.Results EA at Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20)effectively ameliorated learning and memory impairments in APP/PS1 mice.EA attenuated dendritic spine loss,increased the expression levels of PSD95,synaptophysin,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus.Activation of serotonergic neurons within the DRN can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD by activating glutamatergic neurons mediated by 5-HT1B.Chemogenetic inhibition of serotonergic neurons in the DRN reversed the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and memory.Conclusion EA can alleviate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by activating serotonergic neurons in the DRN.Further study is necessary to better understand how the serotonergic neurons-related neural circuits involves in EA-induced memory improvement in AD.展开更多
The brain is,after the adipose tissue,the organ with the greatest amount of lipids and diversity in their composition in the human body.In neurons,lipids are involved in signaling pathways controlling autophagy,a lyso...The brain is,after the adipose tissue,the organ with the greatest amount of lipids and diversity in their composition in the human body.In neurons,lipids are involved in signaling pathways controlling autophagy,a lysosome-dependent catabolic process essential for the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis and the function of the primary cilium,a cellular antenna that acts as a communication hub that transfers extracellular signals into intracellular responses required for neurogenesis and brain development.A crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy has been established;however,its role in the control of neuronal activity and homeostasis is barely known.In this review,we briefly discuss the current knowledge regarding the role of autophagy and the primary cilium in neurons.Then we review the recent literature about specific lipid subclasses in the regulation of autophagy,in the control of primary cilium structure and its dependent cellular signaling in physiological and pathological conditions,specifically focusing on neurons,an area of research that could have major implications in neurodevelopment,energy homeostasis,and neurodegeneration.展开更多
Recent studies have revealed that lipid droplets accumulate in neurons after brain injury and evoke lipotoxicity,damaging the neurons.However,how lipids are metabolized by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury ...Recent studies have revealed that lipid droplets accumulate in neurons after brain injury and evoke lipotoxicity,damaging the neurons.However,how lipids are metabolized by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury remains unclear.Herein,we investigated lipid metabolism by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury and identified lipid-lowering compounds to treat spinal cord injury.We found that lipid droplets accumulated in perilesional spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury in mice.Lipid droplet accumulation could be induced by myelin debris in HT22 cells.Myelin debris degradation by phospholipase led to massive free fatty acid production,which increased lipid droplet synthesis,β-oxidation,and oxidative phosphorylation.Excessive oxidative phosphorylation increased reactive oxygen species generation,which led to increased lipid peroxidation and HT22 cell apoptosis.Bromocriptine was identified as a lipid-lowering compound that inhibited phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by reducing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway,thereby inhibiting myelin debris degradation by cytosolic phospholipase A2 and alleviating lipid droplet accumulation in myelin debris-treated HT22 cells.Motor function,lipid droplet accumulation in spinal cord neurons and neuronal survival were all improved in bromocriptine-treated mice after spinal cord injury.The results suggest that bromocriptine can protect neurons from lipotoxic damage after spinal cord injury via the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2-cytosolic phospholipase A2 pathway.展开更多
Midbrain dopaminergic neurons play an important role in the etiology of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.They also represent a potential source of transplanted cells for therapeutic applications.In vi...Midbrain dopaminergic neurons play an important role in the etiology of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.They also represent a potential source of transplanted cells for therapeutic applications.In vitro differentiation of functional midbrain dopaminergic neurons provides an accessible platform to study midbrain neuronal dysfunction and can be used to examine obstacles to dopaminergic neuronal development.Emerging evidence and impressive advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells,with tuned neural induction and differentiation protocols,makes the production of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons feasible.Using SB431542 and dorsomorphin dual inhibitor in an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural induction protocol,we obtained multiple subtypes of neurons,including 20%tyrosine hydroxylase-positive dopaminergic neurons.To obtain more dopaminergic neurons,we next added sonic hedgehog(SHH)and fibroblast growth factor 8(FGF8)on day 8 of induction.This increased the proportion of dopaminergic neurons,up to 75%tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons,with 15%tyrosine hydroxylase and forkhead box protein A2(FOXA2)co-expressing neurons.We further optimized the induction protocol by applying the small molecule inhibitor,CHIR99021(CHIR).This helped facilitate the generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons,and we obtained 31-74%midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 staining.Thus,we have established three induction protocols for dopaminergic neurons.Based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 immunostaining analysis,the CHIR,SHH,and FGF8 combined protocol produces a much higher proportion of midbrain dopaminergic neurons,which could be an ideal resource for tackling midbrain-related diseases.展开更多
It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons.Yet over recent decades,numerous s...It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons.Yet over recent decades,numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system,including humans'.This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant,and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed.Herein,we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury,and describe novel treatment strategies that to rget endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury.Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis,encompassing the activation,proliferation,ectopic migration,diffe rentiation,and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells.Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment,most activated neural stem cells diffe rentiate into glial cells rather than neurons.Consequently,the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function.Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies,including using neurotrophic factors,bioactive materials,and cell reprogramming techniques.Used alone or in combination,these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area,ensure their survival and diffe rentiation into mature functional neurons,and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit.Thus can integration re plenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury,by improving the local microenvironment.By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis,endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons.This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.展开更多
Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may de...Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.展开更多
During brain ischemia,excitotoxicity and peri-infarct depolarization injuries occur and cause cerebral tissue damage.Indeed,anoxic depolarization,consisting of massive neuronal depolarization due to the loss of membra...During brain ischemia,excitotoxicity and peri-infarct depolarization injuries occur and cause cerebral tissue damage.Indeed,anoxic depolarization,consisting of massive neuronal depolarization due to the loss of membrane ion gradients,occurs in vivo or in vitro during an energy failure.The neuromodulator adenosine is released in huge amounts during cerebral ischemia and exerts its effects by activating specific metabotropic receptors,namely:A_(1),A_(2A),A_(2B),and A_(3).The A_(2A)receptor subtype is highly expressed in striatal medium spiny neurons,which are particularly susceptible to ischemic damage.Evidence indicates that the A2Areceptors are upregulated in the rat striatum after stroke and the selective antagonist SCH58261 protects from exaggerated glutamate release within the first 4 hours from the insult and alleviates neurological impairment and histological injury in the following 24 hours.We recently added new knowledge to the mechanisms by which the adenosine A2Areceptor subtype participates in ischemia-induced neuronal death by performing patch-clamp recordings from medium spiny neurons in rat striatal brain slices exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation.We demonstrated that the selective block of A2Areceptors by SCH58261 significantly reduced ionic imbalance and delayed the anoxic depolarization in medium spiny neurons during oxygen and glucose deprivation and that the mechanism involves voltage-gated K+channel modulation and a presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release by the A2Areceptor antagonist.The present review summarizes the latest findings in the literature about the possibility of developing selective ligands of A2Areceptors as advantageous therapeutic tools that may contribute to counteracting neurodegeneration after brain ischemia.展开更多
Aging is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We now understand that a breakdown in the neuronal cytoskeleton, mainly underpinned by protein modifications leading to t...Aging is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We now understand that a breakdown in the neuronal cytoskeleton, mainly underpinned by protein modifications leading to the destabilization of microtubules, is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. This is accompanied by morphological defects across the somatodendritic compartment, axon, and synapse. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubule cytoskeleton and morphology of the neuron during physiological aging is comparatively poor. Several recent studies have suggested that there is an age-related increase in the phosphorylation of the key microtubule stabilizing protein tau, a modification, which is known to destabilize the cytoskeleton in Alzheimer’s disease. This indicates that the cytoskeleton and potentially other neuronal structures reliant on the cytoskeleton become functionally compromised during normal physiological aging. The current literature shows age-related reductions in synaptic spine density and shifts in synaptic spine conformation which might explain age-related synaptic functional deficits. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubular and actin cytoskeleton, with increasing age is extremely limited. When considering the somatodendritic compartment, a regression in dendrites and loss of dendritic length and volume is reported whilst a reduction in soma volume/size is often seen. However, research into cytoskeletal change is limited to a handful of studies demonstrating reductions in and mislocalizations of microtubule-associated proteins with just one study directly exploring the integrity of the microtubules. In the axon, an increase in axonal diameter and age-related appearance of swellings is reported but like the dendrites, just one study investigates the microtubules directly with others reporting loss or mislocalization of microtubule-associated proteins. Though these are the general trends reported, there are clear disparities between model organisms and brain regions that are worthy of further investigation. Additionally, longitudinal studies of neuronal/cytoskeletal aging should also investigate whether these age-related changes contribute not just to vulnerability to disease but also to the decline in nervous system function and behavioral output that all organisms experience. This will highlight the utility, if any, of cytoskeletal fortification for the promotion of healthy neuronal aging and potential protection against age-related neurodegenerative disease. This review seeks to summarize what is currently known about the physiological aging of the neuron and microtubular cytoskeleton in the hope of uncovering mechanisms underpinning age-related risk to disease.展开更多
Glutamatergic projection neurons generate sophisticated excitatory circuits to integrate and transmit information among different cortical areas,and between the neocortex and other regions of the brain and spinal cord...Glutamatergic projection neurons generate sophisticated excitatory circuits to integrate and transmit information among different cortical areas,and between the neocortex and other regions of the brain and spinal cord.Appropriate development of cortical projection neurons is regulated by certain essential events such as neural fate determination,proliferation,specification,differentiation,migration,survival,axonogenesis,and synaptogenesis.These processes are precisely regulated in a tempo-spatial manner by intrinsic factors,extrinsic signals,and neural activities.The generation of correct subtypes and precise connections of projection neurons is imperative not only to support the basic cortical functions(such as sensory information integration,motor coordination,and cognition)but also to prevent the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders(such as intellectual disability,autism spectrum disorders,anxiety,and depression).This review mainly focuses on the recent progress of transcriptional regulations on the development and diversity of neocortical projection neurons and the clinical relevance of the failure of transcriptional modulations.展开更多
Neuronal injury,aging,and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,frontotemporal dementia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and Huntington’s di...Neuronal injury,aging,and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,frontotemporal dementia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and Huntington’s disease are characte rized by significant neuronal loss.Unfo rtunately,the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate.Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reve rse the disease phenotype.Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain,but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation,tumorigenesis,severe inflammation,and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema.Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss,which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy.Thus far,many strategies to transfo rm astrocytes,fibroblasts,microglia,Muller glia,NG2 cells,and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons,or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed thro ugh the regulation of transcription factors,polypyrimidine tra ct binding protein 1(PTBP1),and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system.However,some recent papers did not obtain expected results,and discrepancies exist.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation,summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia,especially astrocytes,and point out that biosafety,new strategies,and the accurate origin of the truly co nverted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies.It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transc ription factors or downregulation of PTBP1 or drug interfe rence therapies.展开更多
Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli.In particular,how these neurons respond to physical exercise...Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli.In particular,how these neurons respond to physical exercise has long been an area of active research.Studies of the vertebrate locomotor system’s adaptability suggest multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of neuronal activity and properties during exercise.In this brief review,we highlight recent results and insights from the field with a focus on the following mechanisms:(a)alterations in neuronal excitability during acute exercise;(b)alterations in neuronal excitability after chronic exercise;(c)exercise-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties via modulation of ion channel activity;(d)exercise-enhanced dendritic plasticity;and(e)exercise-induced alterations in neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis.Our hope is to update the community with a cellular and molecular understanding of the recent mechanisms underlying the adaptability of the vertebrate locomotor system in response to both acute and chronic physical exercise.展开更多
The FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron circuit integrates a piezoelectric ceramic to form a piezoelectric sensing neuron,which can capture external sound signals and simulate the auditory neuron system.Two piezoelectric sensing ...The FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron circuit integrates a piezoelectric ceramic to form a piezoelectric sensing neuron,which can capture external sound signals and simulate the auditory neuron system.Two piezoelectric sensing neurons are coupled by a parallel circuit consisting of a Josephson junction and a linear resistor,and a binaural auditory system is established.Considering the non-singleness of external sound sources,the high–low frequency signal is used as the input signal to study the firing mode transition and synchronization of this system.It is found that the angular frequency of the high–low frequency signal is a key factor in determining whether the dynamic behaviors of two coupled neurons are synchronous.When they are in synchronization at a specific angular frequency,the changes in physical parameters of the input signal and the coupling strength between them will not destroy their synchronization.In addition,the firing mode of two coupled auditory neurons in synchronization is affected by the characteristic parameters of the high–low frequency signal rather than the coupling strength.The asynchronous dynamic behavior and variations in firing modes will harm the auditory system.These findings could help determine the causes of hearing loss and devise functional assistive devices for patients.展开更多
In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTB) knockdown has been sho...In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.e B-GFAP-sh PTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-sh PTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.展开更多
Chx10-expressing V2 a(Chx10+V2 a) spinal interneurons play a large role in the excitatory drive of motoneurons. Chemogenetic ablation studies have demonstrated the essential nature of Chx10+V2 a interneurons in the re...Chx10-expressing V2 a(Chx10+V2 a) spinal interneurons play a large role in the excitatory drive of motoneurons. Chemogenetic ablation studies have demonstrated the essential nature of Chx10+V2 a interneurons in the regulation of locomotor initiation, maintenance, alternation, speed, and rhythmicity. The role of Chx10+V2 a interneurons in locomotion and autonomic nervous system regulation is thought to be robust, but their precise role in spinal motor regulation and spinal cord injury have not been fully explored. The present paper reviews the origin, characteristics, and functional roles of Chx10+V2 a interneurons with an emphasis on their involvement in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury. The diverse functional properties of these cells have only been substantiated by and are due in large part to their integration in a variety of diverse spinal circuits. Chx10+V2 a interneurons play an integral role in conferring locomotion, which integrates various corticospinal, mechanosensory, and interneuron pathways. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that Chx10+V2 a interneurons also play an important role in rhythmic patterning maintenance, leftright alternation of central pattern generation, and locomotor pattern generation in higher order mammals, likely conferring complex locomotion. Consequently, the latest research has focused on postinjury transplantation and noninvasive stimulation of Chx10+V2 a interneurons as a therapeutic strategy, particularly in spinal cord injury. Finally, we review the latest preclinical study advances in laboratory derivation and stimulation/transplantation of these cells as a strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury. The evidence supports that the Chx10+V2 a interneurons act as a new therapeutic target for spinal cord injury. Future optimization strategies should focus on the viability, maturity, and functional integration of Chx10+V2 a interneurons transplanted in spinal cord injury foci.展开更多
Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death which is considered an oxidative iron-dependent process.The lipid hydroperoxidase glutathione peroxidase 4 prevents the iron(Fe2+)-dependent formation of toxic lipid react...Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death which is considered an oxidative iron-dependent process.The lipid hydroperoxidase glutathione peroxidase 4 prevents the iron(Fe2+)-dependent formation of toxic lipid reactive oxygen species.While emerging evidence indicates that inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 as a hallmark of ferroptosis in many cancer cell lines,the involvement of this biochemical pathway in neuronal death remains largely unclear.Here,we investigate,first whether the ferroptosis key players are involved in the neuronal cell death induced by erastin.The second objective was to examine whether there is a cross talk between ferroptosis and autophagy.The third main was to address neuron response to erastin,with a special focus on ferritin and nuclear receptor coactivator 4-mediated ferritinophagy.To test this in neurons,erastin(0.5-8μM)was applied to hippocampal HT22 neurons for 16 hours.In addition,cells were cultured with the autophagy inhibitor,3-methyladenin(10 mM)and/or ferroptosis inhibitors,ferrostatin 1(10-20μM)or deferoxamine(10-200μM)before exposure to erastin.In this study,we demonstrated by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis,that erastin downregulates dramatically the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4,the sodium-independent cystine-glutamate antiporter and nuclear receptor coactivator 4.The protein levels of ferritin and mitochondrial ferritin in HT22 hippocampal neurons did not remarkably change following erastin treatment.In addition,we demonstrated that not only the ferroptosis inhibitor,ferrostatin1/deferoxamine abrogated the ferroptotic cell death induced by erastin in hippocampal HT22 neurons,but also the potent autophagy inhibitor,3-methyladenin.We conclude that(1)erastin-induced ferroptosis in hippocampal HT22 neurons,despite reduced nuclear receptor coactivator 4 levels,(2)that either nuclear receptor coactivator 4-mediated ferritinophagy does not occur or is of secondary importance in this model,(3)that ferroptosis seems to share some features of the autophagic cell death process.展开更多
Threshold switching(TS) memristors can be used as artificial neurons in neuromorphic systems due to their continuous conductance modulation, scalable and energy-efficient properties. In this paper, we propose a low po...Threshold switching(TS) memristors can be used as artificial neurons in neuromorphic systems due to their continuous conductance modulation, scalable and energy-efficient properties. In this paper, we propose a low power artificial neuron based on the Ag/MXene/GST/Pt device with excellent TS characteristics, including a low set voltage(0.38 V)and current(200 nA), an extremely steep slope(< 0.1 m V/dec), and a relatively large off/on ratio(> 10^(3)). Besides, the characteristics of integrate and fire neurons that are indispensable for spiking neural networks have been experimentally demonstrated. Finally, its memristive mechanism is interpreted through the first-principles calculation depending on the electrochemical metallization effect.展开更多
Diabetes,as a metabolic disorder,is accompanied with several gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms,like abdominal pain,gastroparesis,diarrhoea or constipation.Serious and complex enteric nervous system damage is confirmed in t...Diabetes,as a metabolic disorder,is accompanied with several gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms,like abdominal pain,gastroparesis,diarrhoea or constipation.Serious and complex enteric nervous system damage is confirmed in the background of these diabetic motility complaints.The anatomical length of the GI tract,as well as genetic,developmental,structural and functional differences between its segments contribute to the distinct,intestinal region-specific effects of hyperglycemia.These observations support and highlight the importance of a regional approach in diabetes-related enteric neuropathy.Intestinal large and microvessels are essential for the blood supply of enteric ganglia.Bidirectional morpho-functional linkage exists between enteric neurons and enteroglia,however,there is also a reciprocal communication between enteric neurons and immune cells on which intestinal microbial composition has crucial influence.From this point of view,it is more appropriate to say that enteric neurons partake in multidirectional communication and interact with these key players of the intestinal wall.These interplays may differ from segment to segment,thus,the microenvironment of enteric neurons could be considered strictly regional.The goal of this review is to summarize the main tissue components and molecular factors,such as enteric glia cells,interstitial cells of Cajal,gut vasculature,intestinal epithelium,gut microbiota,immune cells,enteroendocrine cells,prooxidants,antioxidant molecules and extracellular matrix,which create and determine a gut region-dependent neuronal environment in diabetes.展开更多
A memristor-coupled heterogenous neural network consisting of two-dimensional(2D)FitzHugh–Nagumo(FHN)and Hindmarsh–Rose(HR)neurons with two time delays is established.Taking the time delays as the control parameters...A memristor-coupled heterogenous neural network consisting of two-dimensional(2D)FitzHugh–Nagumo(FHN)and Hindmarsh–Rose(HR)neurons with two time delays is established.Taking the time delays as the control parameters,the existence of Hopf bifurcation near the stable equilibrium point in four cases is derived theoretically,and the validity of the Hopf bifurcation condition is verified by numerical analysis.The results show that the two time delays can make the stable equilibrium point unstable,thus leading to periodic oscillations induced by Hopf bifurcation.Furthermore,the time delays in FHN and HR neurons have different effects on the firing activity of neural network.Complex firing patterns,such as quiescent state,chaotic spiking,and periodic spiking can be induced by the time delay in FHN neuron,while the neural network only exhibits quiescent state and periodic spiking with the change of the time delay in HR neuron.Especially,phase synchronization between the heterogeneous neurons is explored,and the results show that the time delay in HR neurons has a greater effect on blocking the synchronization than the time delay in FHN neuron.Finally,the theoretical analysis is verified by circuit simulations.展开更多
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the pathological hyper-synchronization of neuronal discharges.The fundamental research of epilepsy mechanisms and the targets of drug design options for its treatment have...Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the pathological hyper-synchronization of neuronal discharges.The fundamental research of epilepsy mechanisms and the targets of drug design options for its treatment have focused on neurons.However,approximately 30%of patients suffering from epilepsy show resistance to standard anti-epileptic chemotherapeutic agents while the symptoms of the remaining 70%of patients can be alleviated but not completely removed by the current medications.Thus,new strategies for the treatment of epilepsy are in urgent demand.Over the past decades,with the increase in knowledge on the role of glia in the genesis and development of epilepsy,glial cells are receiving renewed attention.In a normal brain,glial cells maintain neuronal health and in partnership with neurons regulate virtually every aspect of brain function.In epilepsy,however,the supportive roles of glial cells are compromised,and their interaction with neurons is altered,which disrupts brain function.In this review,we will focus on the role of glia-related processes in epileptogenesis and their contribution to abnormal neuronal activity,with the major focus on the dysfunction of astroglial potassium channels,water channels,gap junctions,glutamate transporters,purinergic signaling,synaptogenesis,on the roles of microglial inflammatory cytokines,microglia-astrocyte interactions in epilepsy,and on the oligodendroglial potassium channels and myelin abnormalities in the epileptic brain.These recent findings suggest that glia should be considered as the promising next-generation targets for designing anti-epileptic drugs that may improve epilepsy and drug-resistant epilepsy.展开更多
Spinal cord injuries affect nearly five to ten individuals per million every year. Spinal cord injury causes damage to the nerves, muscles, and the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, spinal...Spinal cord injuries affect nearly five to ten individuals per million every year. Spinal cord injury causes damage to the nerves, muscles, and the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, spinal injuries are linked to degeneration of axons and myelin, resulting in neuronal impairment and skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. The protection of neurons and promotion of myelin regeneration during spinal cord injury is important for recovery of function following spinal cord injury. Current treatments have little to no effect on spinal cord injury and neurogenic muscle loss. Clemastine, an Food and Drug Administration-approved antihistamine drug, reduces inflammation, protects cells, promotes remyelination, and preserves myelin integrity. Recent clinical evidence suggests that clemastine can decrease the loss of axons after spinal cord injury, stimulating the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature oligodendrocytes that are capable of myelination. While clemastine can aid not only in the remyelination and preservation of myelin sheath integrity, it also protects neurons. However, its role in neurogenic muscle loss remains unclear. This review discusses the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, and the role of clemastine in the protection of neurons, myelin, and axons as well as attenuation of skeletal muscle loss following spinal cord injury.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(No.2021-22154)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82205271,No.82374564,and No.82074566)+1 种基金Wuhan Medical Research Project(No.WZ21Q09)Key Chinese Medicine Project of Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.2023AFD112).
文摘Objective Alzheimer’s disease(AD)has become a significant global concern,but effective drugs able to slow down AD progression is still lacked.Electroacupuncture(EA)has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive impairment in individuals with AD.However,the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood.This study aimed at examining the neuroprotective properties of EA and its potential mechanism of action against AD.Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were employed to evaluate the protective effects of EA on Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20).Chemogenetic manipulation was used to activate or inhibit serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN).Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests.Golgi staining,western blot,and immunostaining were utilized to determine EA-induced neuroprotection.Results EA at Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20)effectively ameliorated learning and memory impairments in APP/PS1 mice.EA attenuated dendritic spine loss,increased the expression levels of PSD95,synaptophysin,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus.Activation of serotonergic neurons within the DRN can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD by activating glutamatergic neurons mediated by 5-HT1B.Chemogenetic inhibition of serotonergic neurons in the DRN reversed the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and memory.Conclusion EA can alleviate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by activating serotonergic neurons in the DRN.Further study is necessary to better understand how the serotonergic neurons-related neural circuits involves in EA-induced memory improvement in AD.
基金funded by grants from Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico,FONDECYT 1200499 to EM,11200592 to MJY,1211329 to ACby the ANID PIA ACT172066 to EM and AC+3 种基金by the ANID postdoctoral fellowship 3210630 to MPHCby the ANID doctoral fellowship 21230122 to DPNby the ANID doctoral fellowship 21211189 to PRby the ANID doctoral fellowship by the ANID doctoral fellowship 21210611 to FDC。
文摘The brain is,after the adipose tissue,the organ with the greatest amount of lipids and diversity in their composition in the human body.In neurons,lipids are involved in signaling pathways controlling autophagy,a lysosome-dependent catabolic process essential for the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis and the function of the primary cilium,a cellular antenna that acts as a communication hub that transfers extracellular signals into intracellular responses required for neurogenesis and brain development.A crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy has been established;however,its role in the control of neuronal activity and homeostasis is barely known.In this review,we briefly discuss the current knowledge regarding the role of autophagy and the primary cilium in neurons.Then we review the recent literature about specific lipid subclasses in the regulation of autophagy,in the control of primary cilium structure and its dependent cellular signaling in physiological and pathological conditions,specifically focusing on neurons,an area of research that could have major implications in neurodevelopment,energy homeostasis,and neurodegeneration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071376(to ZC)and 82001471(to CJ)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai,No.20ZR1410500(to ZC).
文摘Recent studies have revealed that lipid droplets accumulate in neurons after brain injury and evoke lipotoxicity,damaging the neurons.However,how lipids are metabolized by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury remains unclear.Herein,we investigated lipid metabolism by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury and identified lipid-lowering compounds to treat spinal cord injury.We found that lipid droplets accumulated in perilesional spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury in mice.Lipid droplet accumulation could be induced by myelin debris in HT22 cells.Myelin debris degradation by phospholipase led to massive free fatty acid production,which increased lipid droplet synthesis,β-oxidation,and oxidative phosphorylation.Excessive oxidative phosphorylation increased reactive oxygen species generation,which led to increased lipid peroxidation and HT22 cell apoptosis.Bromocriptine was identified as a lipid-lowering compound that inhibited phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by reducing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway,thereby inhibiting myelin debris degradation by cytosolic phospholipase A2 and alleviating lipid droplet accumulation in myelin debris-treated HT22 cells.Motor function,lipid droplet accumulation in spinal cord neurons and neuronal survival were all improved in bromocriptine-treated mice after spinal cord injury.The results suggest that bromocriptine can protect neurons from lipotoxic damage after spinal cord injury via the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2-cytosolic phospholipase A2 pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81771222(to LS)Guangzhou Key Research Program on Brain Science,Nos.202007030011,202206060001(to LS)the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities of China,No.B14036(to KFS)。
文摘Midbrain dopaminergic neurons play an important role in the etiology of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.They also represent a potential source of transplanted cells for therapeutic applications.In vitro differentiation of functional midbrain dopaminergic neurons provides an accessible platform to study midbrain neuronal dysfunction and can be used to examine obstacles to dopaminergic neuronal development.Emerging evidence and impressive advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells,with tuned neural induction and differentiation protocols,makes the production of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons feasible.Using SB431542 and dorsomorphin dual inhibitor in an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural induction protocol,we obtained multiple subtypes of neurons,including 20%tyrosine hydroxylase-positive dopaminergic neurons.To obtain more dopaminergic neurons,we next added sonic hedgehog(SHH)and fibroblast growth factor 8(FGF8)on day 8 of induction.This increased the proportion of dopaminergic neurons,up to 75%tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons,with 15%tyrosine hydroxylase and forkhead box protein A2(FOXA2)co-expressing neurons.We further optimized the induction protocol by applying the small molecule inhibitor,CHIR99021(CHIR).This helped facilitate the generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons,and we obtained 31-74%midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 staining.Thus,we have established three induction protocols for dopaminergic neurons.Based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 immunostaining analysis,the CHIR,SHH,and FGF8 combined protocol produces a much higher proportion of midbrain dopaminergic neurons,which could be an ideal resource for tackling midbrain-related diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNos.82272171 (to ZY),82271403 (to XL),31971279 (to ZY),81941011 (to XL),31730030 (to XL)。
文摘It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons.Yet over recent decades,numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system,including humans'.This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant,and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed.Herein,we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury,and describe novel treatment strategies that to rget endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury.Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis,encompassing the activation,proliferation,ectopic migration,diffe rentiation,and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells.Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment,most activated neural stem cells diffe rentiate into glial cells rather than neurons.Consequently,the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function.Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies,including using neurotrophic factors,bioactive materials,and cell reprogramming techniques.Used alone or in combination,these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area,ensure their survival and diffe rentiation into mature functional neurons,and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit.Thus can integration re plenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury,by improving the local microenvironment.By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis,endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons.This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,Nos.2019A1515010649(to WC),2022A1515012044(to JS)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2018M633091(to JS).
文摘Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.
基金supported by University of Florence RICATEN 2023 to EC.Grant/Award Numbers 58514_InternazionalizzazioneUniversity of Florence,to EC.Parkinson’s UK,Grant/Award Number:H-0902 to AJGWellcome Trust,Grant/Award Number:0926/Z/10/Z to AJG。
文摘During brain ischemia,excitotoxicity and peri-infarct depolarization injuries occur and cause cerebral tissue damage.Indeed,anoxic depolarization,consisting of massive neuronal depolarization due to the loss of membrane ion gradients,occurs in vivo or in vitro during an energy failure.The neuromodulator adenosine is released in huge amounts during cerebral ischemia and exerts its effects by activating specific metabotropic receptors,namely:A_(1),A_(2A),A_(2B),and A_(3).The A_(2A)receptor subtype is highly expressed in striatal medium spiny neurons,which are particularly susceptible to ischemic damage.Evidence indicates that the A2Areceptors are upregulated in the rat striatum after stroke and the selective antagonist SCH58261 protects from exaggerated glutamate release within the first 4 hours from the insult and alleviates neurological impairment and histological injury in the following 24 hours.We recently added new knowledge to the mechanisms by which the adenosine A2Areceptor subtype participates in ischemia-induced neuronal death by performing patch-clamp recordings from medium spiny neurons in rat striatal brain slices exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation.We demonstrated that the selective block of A2Areceptors by SCH58261 significantly reduced ionic imbalance and delayed the anoxic depolarization in medium spiny neurons during oxygen and glucose deprivation and that the mechanism involves voltage-gated K+channel modulation and a presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release by the A2Areceptor antagonist.The present review summarizes the latest findings in the literature about the possibility of developing selective ligands of A2Areceptors as advantageous therapeutic tools that may contribute to counteracting neurodegeneration after brain ischemia.
基金funded by the Gerald Kerkut Charitable Trust (GKT)(to BR)
文摘Aging is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We now understand that a breakdown in the neuronal cytoskeleton, mainly underpinned by protein modifications leading to the destabilization of microtubules, is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. This is accompanied by morphological defects across the somatodendritic compartment, axon, and synapse. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubule cytoskeleton and morphology of the neuron during physiological aging is comparatively poor. Several recent studies have suggested that there is an age-related increase in the phosphorylation of the key microtubule stabilizing protein tau, a modification, which is known to destabilize the cytoskeleton in Alzheimer’s disease. This indicates that the cytoskeleton and potentially other neuronal structures reliant on the cytoskeleton become functionally compromised during normal physiological aging. The current literature shows age-related reductions in synaptic spine density and shifts in synaptic spine conformation which might explain age-related synaptic functional deficits. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubular and actin cytoskeleton, with increasing age is extremely limited. When considering the somatodendritic compartment, a regression in dendrites and loss of dendritic length and volume is reported whilst a reduction in soma volume/size is often seen. However, research into cytoskeletal change is limited to a handful of studies demonstrating reductions in and mislocalizations of microtubule-associated proteins with just one study directly exploring the integrity of the microtubules. In the axon, an increase in axonal diameter and age-related appearance of swellings is reported but like the dendrites, just one study investigates the microtubules directly with others reporting loss or mislocalization of microtubule-associated proteins. Though these are the general trends reported, there are clear disparities between model organisms and brain regions that are worthy of further investigation. Additionally, longitudinal studies of neuronal/cytoskeletal aging should also investigate whether these age-related changes contribute not just to vulnerability to disease but also to the decline in nervous system function and behavioral output that all organisms experience. This will highlight the utility, if any, of cytoskeletal fortification for the promotion of healthy neuronal aging and potential protection against age-related neurodegenerative disease. This review seeks to summarize what is currently known about the physiological aging of the neuron and microtubular cytoskeleton in the hope of uncovering mechanisms underpinning age-related risk to disease.
基金supported by Guangdong Provincial Basic and Applied Basic Research Fund,No.2021A1515011299(to KT)。
文摘Glutamatergic projection neurons generate sophisticated excitatory circuits to integrate and transmit information among different cortical areas,and between the neocortex and other regions of the brain and spinal cord.Appropriate development of cortical projection neurons is regulated by certain essential events such as neural fate determination,proliferation,specification,differentiation,migration,survival,axonogenesis,and synaptogenesis.These processes are precisely regulated in a tempo-spatial manner by intrinsic factors,extrinsic signals,and neural activities.The generation of correct subtypes and precise connections of projection neurons is imperative not only to support the basic cortical functions(such as sensory information integration,motor coordination,and cognition)but also to prevent the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders(such as intellectual disability,autism spectrum disorders,anxiety,and depression).This review mainly focuses on the recent progress of transcriptional regulations on the development and diversity of neocortical projection neurons and the clinical relevance of the failure of transcriptional modulations.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.XDB39050600(to RL)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81971610(to RL)Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Introduction of Talent Research Start-up Fund,No.2021R-008(to JZ)。
文摘Neuronal injury,aging,and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,frontotemporal dementia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and Huntington’s disease are characte rized by significant neuronal loss.Unfo rtunately,the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate.Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reve rse the disease phenotype.Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain,but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation,tumorigenesis,severe inflammation,and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema.Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss,which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy.Thus far,many strategies to transfo rm astrocytes,fibroblasts,microglia,Muller glia,NG2 cells,and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons,or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed thro ugh the regulation of transcription factors,polypyrimidine tra ct binding protein 1(PTBP1),and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system.However,some recent papers did not obtain expected results,and discrepancies exist.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation,summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia,especially astrocytes,and point out that biosafety,new strategies,and the accurate origin of the truly co nverted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies.It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transc ription factors or downregulation of PTBP1 or drug interfe rence therapies.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)to YD(32171129)from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation to YC(2023M731112)from NSFC to RG(32260216)。
文摘Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli.In particular,how these neurons respond to physical exercise has long been an area of active research.Studies of the vertebrate locomotor system’s adaptability suggest multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of neuronal activity and properties during exercise.In this brief review,we highlight recent results and insights from the field with a focus on the following mechanisms:(a)alterations in neuronal excitability during acute exercise;(b)alterations in neuronal excitability after chronic exercise;(c)exercise-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties via modulation of ion channel activity;(d)exercise-enhanced dendritic plasticity;and(e)exercise-induced alterations in neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis.Our hope is to update the community with a cellular and molecular understanding of the recent mechanisms underlying the adaptability of the vertebrate locomotor system in response to both acute and chronic physical exercise.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11605014)。
文摘The FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron circuit integrates a piezoelectric ceramic to form a piezoelectric sensing neuron,which can capture external sound signals and simulate the auditory neuron system.Two piezoelectric sensing neurons are coupled by a parallel circuit consisting of a Josephson junction and a linear resistor,and a binaural auditory system is established.Considering the non-singleness of external sound sources,the high–low frequency signal is used as the input signal to study the firing mode transition and synchronization of this system.It is found that the angular frequency of the high–low frequency signal is a key factor in determining whether the dynamic behaviors of two coupled neurons are synchronous.When they are in synchronization at a specific angular frequency,the changes in physical parameters of the input signal and the coupling strength between them will not destroy their synchronization.In addition,the firing mode of two coupled auditory neurons in synchronization is affected by the characteristic parameters of the high–low frequency signal rather than the coupling strength.The asynchronous dynamic behavior and variations in firing modes will harm the auditory system.These findings could help determine the causes of hearing loss and devise functional assistive devices for patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82071418the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,No.2020J01612 (both to EH)。
文摘In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.e B-GFAP-sh PTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-sh PTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 81870977 (to YW)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of China,No. JQ2021H004 (to YW)+1 种基金PhD research foundation of Mudanjiang Medicine College,No. 2021-MYBSKY-039 (to WYL)Fundamental Research Funds for Heilongjiang Provincial Universities,No. 2021-KYYWF-0469 (to WYL)。
文摘Chx10-expressing V2 a(Chx10+V2 a) spinal interneurons play a large role in the excitatory drive of motoneurons. Chemogenetic ablation studies have demonstrated the essential nature of Chx10+V2 a interneurons in the regulation of locomotor initiation, maintenance, alternation, speed, and rhythmicity. The role of Chx10+V2 a interneurons in locomotion and autonomic nervous system regulation is thought to be robust, but their precise role in spinal motor regulation and spinal cord injury have not been fully explored. The present paper reviews the origin, characteristics, and functional roles of Chx10+V2 a interneurons with an emphasis on their involvement in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury. The diverse functional properties of these cells have only been substantiated by and are due in large part to their integration in a variety of diverse spinal circuits. Chx10+V2 a interneurons play an integral role in conferring locomotion, which integrates various corticospinal, mechanosensory, and interneuron pathways. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that Chx10+V2 a interneurons also play an important role in rhythmic patterning maintenance, leftright alternation of central pattern generation, and locomotor pattern generation in higher order mammals, likely conferring complex locomotion. Consequently, the latest research has focused on postinjury transplantation and noninvasive stimulation of Chx10+V2 a interneurons as a therapeutic strategy, particularly in spinal cord injury. Finally, we review the latest preclinical study advances in laboratory derivation and stimulation/transplantation of these cells as a strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury. The evidence supports that the Chx10+V2 a interneurons act as a new therapeutic target for spinal cord injury. Future optimization strategies should focus on the viability, maturity, and functional integration of Chx10+V2 a interneurons transplanted in spinal cord injury foci.
基金supported in part by a research grant from the Messer Stiftung,No.8571013(to AR).
文摘Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death which is considered an oxidative iron-dependent process.The lipid hydroperoxidase glutathione peroxidase 4 prevents the iron(Fe2+)-dependent formation of toxic lipid reactive oxygen species.While emerging evidence indicates that inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 as a hallmark of ferroptosis in many cancer cell lines,the involvement of this biochemical pathway in neuronal death remains largely unclear.Here,we investigate,first whether the ferroptosis key players are involved in the neuronal cell death induced by erastin.The second objective was to examine whether there is a cross talk between ferroptosis and autophagy.The third main was to address neuron response to erastin,with a special focus on ferritin and nuclear receptor coactivator 4-mediated ferritinophagy.To test this in neurons,erastin(0.5-8μM)was applied to hippocampal HT22 neurons for 16 hours.In addition,cells were cultured with the autophagy inhibitor,3-methyladenin(10 mM)and/or ferroptosis inhibitors,ferrostatin 1(10-20μM)or deferoxamine(10-200μM)before exposure to erastin.In this study,we demonstrated by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis,that erastin downregulates dramatically the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4,the sodium-independent cystine-glutamate antiporter and nuclear receptor coactivator 4.The protein levels of ferritin and mitochondrial ferritin in HT22 hippocampal neurons did not remarkably change following erastin treatment.In addition,we demonstrated that not only the ferroptosis inhibitor,ferrostatin1/deferoxamine abrogated the ferroptotic cell death induced by erastin in hippocampal HT22 neurons,but also the potent autophagy inhibitor,3-methyladenin.We conclude that(1)erastin-induced ferroptosis in hippocampal HT22 neurons,despite reduced nuclear receptor coactivator 4 levels,(2)that either nuclear receptor coactivator 4-mediated ferritinophagy does not occur or is of secondary importance in this model,(3)that ferroptosis seems to share some features of the autophagic cell death process.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.61804079 and 61964012)the open research fund of the National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of RF Integration and Micro-Assembly Technology (Grant No.KFJJ20200102)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China (Grant Nos.BK20211273 and BZ2021031)the Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (Grant No.NY220112)the Foundation of Jiangxi Science and Technology Department (Grant No.20202ACBL21200)。
文摘Threshold switching(TS) memristors can be used as artificial neurons in neuromorphic systems due to their continuous conductance modulation, scalable and energy-efficient properties. In this paper, we propose a low power artificial neuron based on the Ag/MXene/GST/Pt device with excellent TS characteristics, including a low set voltage(0.38 V)and current(200 nA), an extremely steep slope(< 0.1 m V/dec), and a relatively large off/on ratio(> 10^(3)). Besides, the characteristics of integrate and fire neurons that are indispensable for spiking neural networks have been experimentally demonstrated. Finally, its memristive mechanism is interpreted through the first-principles calculation depending on the electrochemical metallization effect.
基金Hungarian NKFIH Fund Project (N.B.),No.FK131789János Bolyai Research Scholarship of The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (N.B.)+1 种基金New National Excellence Program of The Ministry for Innovation and Technology from The Source of The National Research,Development and Innovation Fund (N.B.)No.úNKP-22-5
文摘Diabetes,as a metabolic disorder,is accompanied with several gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms,like abdominal pain,gastroparesis,diarrhoea or constipation.Serious and complex enteric nervous system damage is confirmed in the background of these diabetic motility complaints.The anatomical length of the GI tract,as well as genetic,developmental,structural and functional differences between its segments contribute to the distinct,intestinal region-specific effects of hyperglycemia.These observations support and highlight the importance of a regional approach in diabetes-related enteric neuropathy.Intestinal large and microvessels are essential for the blood supply of enteric ganglia.Bidirectional morpho-functional linkage exists between enteric neurons and enteroglia,however,there is also a reciprocal communication between enteric neurons and immune cells on which intestinal microbial composition has crucial influence.From this point of view,it is more appropriate to say that enteric neurons partake in multidirectional communication and interact with these key players of the intestinal wall.These interplays may differ from segment to segment,thus,the microenvironment of enteric neurons could be considered strictly regional.The goal of this review is to summarize the main tissue components and molecular factors,such as enteric glia cells,interstitial cells of Cajal,gut vasculature,intestinal epithelium,gut microbiota,immune cells,enteroendocrine cells,prooxidants,antioxidant molecules and extracellular matrix,which create and determine a gut region-dependent neuronal environment in diabetes.
基金the National Natural Science Foundations of China(Grant Nos.62171401 and 62071411).
文摘A memristor-coupled heterogenous neural network consisting of two-dimensional(2D)FitzHugh–Nagumo(FHN)and Hindmarsh–Rose(HR)neurons with two time delays is established.Taking the time delays as the control parameters,the existence of Hopf bifurcation near the stable equilibrium point in four cases is derived theoretically,and the validity of the Hopf bifurcation condition is verified by numerical analysis.The results show that the two time delays can make the stable equilibrium point unstable,thus leading to periodic oscillations induced by Hopf bifurcation.Furthermore,the time delays in FHN and HR neurons have different effects on the firing activity of neural network.Complex firing patterns,such as quiescent state,chaotic spiking,and periodic spiking can be induced by the time delay in FHN neuron,while the neural network only exhibits quiescent state and periodic spiking with the change of the time delay in HR neuron.Especially,phase synchronization between the heterogeneous neurons is explored,and the results show that the time delay in HR neurons has a greater effect on blocking the synchronization than the time delay in FHN neuron.Finally,the theoretical analysis is verified by circuit simulations.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education,Science and Technological Development of Republic of Serbia,Nos.451-03-68/2022-14/200007 and 451-03-68/2022-14/200053(to LN and JBP),Grants from European Commission(H2020 MSCA-ITN EU-GliaPhD No.72205)(to PN)Agence Nationale de la Recherche,Nos.ANR-19-CE16-0018-03 and ANR-20CE16-0003-02(to PN)+1 种基金Grants from Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province,China,No.2021RC051(to WS)Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars of Hangzhou City,China,No.2019(to WS).
文摘Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the pathological hyper-synchronization of neuronal discharges.The fundamental research of epilepsy mechanisms and the targets of drug design options for its treatment have focused on neurons.However,approximately 30%of patients suffering from epilepsy show resistance to standard anti-epileptic chemotherapeutic agents while the symptoms of the remaining 70%of patients can be alleviated but not completely removed by the current medications.Thus,new strategies for the treatment of epilepsy are in urgent demand.Over the past decades,with the increase in knowledge on the role of glia in the genesis and development of epilepsy,glial cells are receiving renewed attention.In a normal brain,glial cells maintain neuronal health and in partnership with neurons regulate virtually every aspect of brain function.In epilepsy,however,the supportive roles of glial cells are compromised,and their interaction with neurons is altered,which disrupts brain function.In this review,we will focus on the role of glia-related processes in epileptogenesis and their contribution to abnormal neuronal activity,with the major focus on the dysfunction of astroglial potassium channels,water channels,gap junctions,glutamate transporters,purinergic signaling,synaptogenesis,on the roles of microglial inflammatory cytokines,microglia-astrocyte interactions in epilepsy,and on the oligodendroglial potassium channels and myelin abnormalities in the epileptic brain.These recent findings suggest that glia should be considered as the promising next-generation targets for designing anti-epileptic drugs that may improve epilepsy and drug-resistant epilepsy.
基金supported in part by funding from the Veterans Administration (1IOBX001262, 1I01 BX004269)South Carolina State Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund (SCIRF-2015P-01, SCIRF-2015P-04, SCIRF-2015-I-01, SCIRF#2016 I-03, and SCIRF#2018 I-01)(to AH)+1 种基金supported in part by funding from the National Institutes of Health (1R21NS118393-01)(to AH)a Research Career Scientist award (#IK6BX005964) from the Department of veterans Affairs。
文摘Spinal cord injuries affect nearly five to ten individuals per million every year. Spinal cord injury causes damage to the nerves, muscles, and the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, spinal injuries are linked to degeneration of axons and myelin, resulting in neuronal impairment and skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. The protection of neurons and promotion of myelin regeneration during spinal cord injury is important for recovery of function following spinal cord injury. Current treatments have little to no effect on spinal cord injury and neurogenic muscle loss. Clemastine, an Food and Drug Administration-approved antihistamine drug, reduces inflammation, protects cells, promotes remyelination, and preserves myelin integrity. Recent clinical evidence suggests that clemastine can decrease the loss of axons after spinal cord injury, stimulating the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature oligodendrocytes that are capable of myelination. While clemastine can aid not only in the remyelination and preservation of myelin sheath integrity, it also protects neurons. However, its role in neurogenic muscle loss remains unclear. This review discusses the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, and the role of clemastine in the protection of neurons, myelin, and axons as well as attenuation of skeletal muscle loss following spinal cord injury.
