Topic: brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Absence seizures (ASs) are generalized non-convulsive seizures characterized by sudden, brief lapses in consciousness, accompanied by spike-and-wave discharges in EEG. In children with Childhood Absence Epilepsy, 30% are pharmaco-resistant and 60% exhibit neuropsychiatric deficits, that precede the epilepsy diagnosis and persist even after seizure control with medication. Thus, there is the need to fully understand and control both ASs and their comorbidities.Increased thalamic GABA levels have been observed in children with unilateral spike-and-wave discharges and drugs that elevate GABA can

Psychiatric disorders have pathophysiological changes in dysfunction and altered neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), while atypical antipsychotics are able to modulate neuroplasticity. It has been reported that exercise may upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus through the action of beta-hydroxybutyrate. Previously, our study showed that plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate level was reduced by exercise, but significantly increased by exercise+risperidone co-treatment in juvenile female rats. Therefore, this study aimed to assess t

Mutations in Na+/H+ exchanger NHE6 (SLC9A6) underlie several X-linked developmental brain disorders including the neurodegenerative disease Christianson Syndrome (CS). Symptoms include cerebellar atrophy, non-verbal status, seizures and severe cognitive disabilities. NHE6 deletion or loss-of-function mutations lead to attenuated endosomal signaling, dysregulated synaptic transmission and abnormal dendritic branching in vitro and in vivo [1]. In this project, we aim to investigate the localization of wildtype- and CS-associated NHE6 variants in primary neurons, the importance of NHE6 in recepto

Addiction is a highly debilitating condition consisting of compulsive self-administration and seek for the substance of abuse, and its most challenging feature is the high rate of relapse. Addiction and relapse share similarities with a brain process called neural plasticity which acts through the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and its receptor TrkB. Moreover, Somatostatin (SST) expressing interneurons are involved in neuronal plasticity and are important in modulating cocaine-seeking behaviour in mice.We are testing the role of TrkB in Somatostatin(SST)-expressing neurons in the formation

The neurophysiological mechanisms of impaired manual dexterity in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have not been elucidated. Hence, our study aimed to compare healthy subjects (HCO) and mildly affected PD patients and to evaluate associations between parameters: (i) striatal dopaminergic function; (ii) activity of the motor cortex; (iii) brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and (iv) manual dexterity.The study involved fifteen HCO subjects and thirty patients with mild PD. All subjects were assessed by: (i) Positron Emission Computed Tomography with estimation of striatal [18F]Fluorodopa uptake rat

Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a significant health challenge in Europe, characterized by tauopathy and the progressive loss of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. Despite extensive research, effective treatments remain elusive. Utilizing neuroblastoma cells like SH-SY5Y offers a promising avenue to mimic neuronal phenotypes in vitro, aiding in disease mechanism exploration and therapy testing. However, establishing reliable differentiation protocols, especially under serum-free conditions, is imperative.This study aims to refine differentiation protocols and evalu

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neuronal loss, inflammation, reduced neurogenesis, and cognitive impairment. Currently, there is no effective cure for AD, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its agonistic analog MR-409 exhibit several peripheral functions, including neuroprotection and protection against skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the role of GHRH in AD remains to be elucidated. Our in vitro f

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the myelin-forming cells in the Central Nervous System of vertebrates. The role of Adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on adult oligodendrogenesis from subventricular zone neural stem cells (SVZ-NSCs) remains highly unknown. We aimed at studying how these modulators and their putative crosstalk impact OL differentiation from postnatal SVZ-NSCs. For this, C57BL/6 P1-3 mice SVZ-derived neurospheres were pharmacologically exposed to BDNF (30 ng/mL) and ZM 241385 (50 nM), an antagonist for A2ARs. mRNA expression levels of oligoden

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects girls. The detailed disease mechanisms remain unclear and fundamental treatments are yet to be established. The majority of typical RTT cases is triggered by mutations in the methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene. For the analyze of the disease mechanisms and drug development, in vitro models based on iPSC-derived cells with diseased MeCP2 are being investigated. In addition to MeCP2 mutations RTT is also affected by the genetic background, and thus it is necessary to analyze the effect of MeCP2 modifi