Central nervous system

Jang Hyun Park discusses how adaptive immunity monitors the central nervous system through lymphoid structures in skull bone marrow. The study identifies germinal-centre-like formations containing follicular-helper-like T cells that promote B-cell activation and humoral responses through CD40L, IL-21 and interferon-gamma signalling. In mouse models, these cells respond to CNS-derived antigens and contribute to anti-tumour immunity in the brain. The findings establish a local site of antigen-specific CNS surveillance and raise questions about its role across neurological diseases.

The present study was designed to evaluate age-related alterations of spatial memory in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA). To induce autism-like animal model, the pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected 500 mg/kg NaVPA at the gestation day 12.5. Experiments were carried out on three age groups of control and VPA-treated male offspring: prepubertal adolescence (postnatal day 30); adult (6 months) and old (22 months). Spatial memory and learning process was assessed in the Morris water maze (MWM). The effect of treatment on the learning process were analyzed by Two Way Repeate

The influence of psychosocial stress on antioxidant enzymes (AOE) in the central nervous system is associated with mood disorders. To unravel systemic effects of psychosocial stress we aimed to investigate AOE activity in peripheral organs and erythrocytes of peripubertal rats due to social isolation during peripuberty. Social play with peers during this period is highly rewarding activity abundant in the young of most mammalian species. Absence of peer social support is associated with depression. Male peripubertal Wistar Han rats were either group-housed (3/cage) or single-housed (1/cage) du

As part of the preclinical development for novel pharmaceuticals that target the Central Nervous System, regulatory authorities often request an assessment of potential adverse effects on cognitive function.In this study, we examined cognitive function in a group of eight naïve male cynomolgus monkeys using an automated touch screen device (mCANTAB). The aim was to assess its use under regulatory toxicity study conditions, and to characterize its performance in comparison to the Wisconsin General Test Apparatus methodology for object discrimination (Rose et al., 2015). Secondly, we investigate

S100B is a calcium-binding protein concentrated in astrocytes in the Central Nervous System. It is regarded to act as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern molecule (for review, 1) and, in this respect, it has also been shown to actively participate in neuroinflammatory processes accompanying Experimental Automimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), a recognized animal model for Multiple Sclerosis. In fact both inhibition of S100B activity using pentamidine and of S100B astrocytic synthesis using arundic acid ameliorated clinical and pathologic parameters of the disease (2-4). This study further goes

…The role of lncRNAs in the central nervous system (CNS) is still not well understood. In this project we identified a novel lncRNA that we named CNS-LNC due to its specific expression pattern in the adult bra

…provides oxygen and nutrients for the central nervous system (CNS), but it also restricts the entry of pharmaceutical drugs into the brain. Cell culture models are essential to investigate cerebral drug delivery. Microfluidic chip devices allow complex and physiological modelling of the BBB. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) based technologies, the formation and use of human brain organoids provide simplified 3D modeling. Our aim was to (1) create and optimize a new, dynamic cell culture lab-on-a-chip model by the co-culture of a BBB mode

…in highly complex tissues such as the central nervous system. Most studies in regenerative model systems concentrate solely on molecular or morphological aspects of regeneration, while the examination of functional outcomes in vivo is often overlooked. It is however crucial to assess if morphological regeneration also leads to restoration of function to its pre-injury state.This project addresses axolotl visual behavior through the establishment of a novel assay. Weused a computer-controlled projection syst

Androgen Receptor (AR) is a steroid hormone-activated transcription factor located in the cytoplasm in an inactive state. In response to androgen binding, AR shuttles from the cytosol to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of specific AR target genes. AR is widely expressed throughout the brain, hippocampus, hypothalamic nuclei (like the preoptic area, POA), and amygdala. AR gene is located in the X chromosome; therefore, it is present in a single copy in men. Males lacking or expressing mutant AR display female-like external sexual organs and infertility, which are recapitulated in

…as a multifaceted player in the central nervous system, influencing processes like cellular stress, cell proliferation, and neuroprotection. As UCP2 is co-expressed with oxytocin and vasopressin, the well-known social hormones.Our aim was to explore the role of UCP2 in social behaviour comparing wild-type (WT) and UCP2 knockout (KO) rats using social discrimination test. As possible background mec

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and Tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles, with no effective treatment currently available. To address the complex nature of AD pathology, we investigate a "multiple drugs – multiple targets" approach leveraging miRNA-based therapeutics. miRNAs, short non-coding RNAs, offer unique potential for gene network-based therapies due to their ability to regulate multiple genes within common biological pathways. Dysregulated miR-124 and miR-132, implicated in AD pathology, prese

…the variable regions of IgM, in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. Using in situ hybridization we confirmed prominent expression of Ighm in the spinal cord and found expression in several other CNS areas e.g. deep cortical layers and the hippocamp

…tumor microenvironment (TME) and the central nervous system (CNS) resident cells to support their own survival and growth. Deeper knowledge on these interactions is needed to improve treatment, and therefore glioma models incorporating components of human TME are of great interest. The aim of this work was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro coculture model for assessing physical and functional neuro-glioma interactions. For that, human glioblastoma cell line LN229/GFP-derived spheroids we

…cells of myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS), have been linked to brain aging by their compromised differentiation and regeneration capability. Whether a myelination-independent function of OPCs is involved in brain aging remains unknown. In this study, we herein report a novel role of OPCs in brain aging via disrupting neuronal plasticity. Our results demonstrate that macroautophagy influx declines in aged OPCs, which results in the acc

…in their projections into the central nervous system and elicit diverse behavioral responses, from relatively simple stimulus location-aimed movements to complex movement sequences. How mechanosensory neurons and their postsynaptic circuits influence such diverse behaviors remains unclear. We previously identified nearly all mechanosensory neurons around the Drosophila head whose individual stimulation elicit aimed grooming of specific head parts (e.g. eyes or mouthparts) while their simultaneous stimulation elici

Human organ systems evolved in the context of regular, low- to moderate-intensity endurance physical activity (PA); therefore, our physiology is adapted to relatively high levels of PA. Consequently, chronic inactivity may be a causative factor in the development of non-communicable diseases, including those associated with cognitive decline. Structured, planned exercise, a subcategory of PA, could offset the decline of activity levels in modern societies, however, neither the attributes of effective exercise regimens nor the underlying mechanisms are well determined. It has been suggested tha

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a novel noninvasive modality for neuromodulation in the central nervous system with a high spatial resolution and the ability to target deep brain structures. Rodent studies have shown motor responses following FUS but mostly failed to demonstrate consistent and target-specific effects. Here, we used a high-frequency (4 MHz) transducer with a small focal area to investigate the target-specificity of FUS neuromodulation. Mice were implanted with a large cranial window consisting of an ultrasound-transparent Polymethylpentene membrane. For the experiment, awake mice w

Meninges are a system of three-layered membranes which envelop the Central Nervous System (CNS) at each level of its organization, acting as a protective barrier. Beside this acknowledged role, meninges have emerged as complex structures able to sense, integrate and respond to CNS, external stimuli and injury. Recently, meninges have been suggested as a novel neurogenic niche hosting neural progenitors (NPCs) which can migrate and integrate into the brain cortex. However, their contribution to brain autoimmune disease is still unknown. We aimed to assess the role of meningeal neural progenitor

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. Despite advancements in diagnostic methods, early detection remains challenging. Metabolomic analysis offers a promising, non-invasive approach to identify potential biomarkers for improved diagnostic precision.Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from 24 healthy controls, 48 MS patients, and 20 Non-MS patients with a range of diverse conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory issues, and other neurological disorders were collected during lumbar puncture. NMR analysis on a

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population in the central nervous system, play a crucialrole in regulating neuronal networks in response to sensory input changes. Despite their pivotalrole, the molecular basis underlying astrocytic involvement remains largely unexplored. Ourstudy aims to develop a conceptual framework of astrocytic translatome, elucidating theircontribution following sensory deprivation. To achieve this, we employed Aldh1l1-cre/ERT2 xRPL22tm1.1Psam (Ribotag) mice and induced astrocytic-specific ribosome labelling throughtamoxifen administration. Sensory deprivation wa

…alteration that occurred in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of an in vivo model of OI, using male and female adult Brtl-/+ mice. Histochemical techniques were employed to investigate the morphological changes of CNS, through Hematoxylin & Eosin and Picrosirius r

…the neurovascular unit, allowing the central nervous system (CNS) vitality. The vessels invade the CNS extracellular matrix (ECM) during embryogenesis. Biomaterials can offer the structural guidance and signaling pathways to recapitulate this complex process. Our project (THOR – European Innovation Council-Pathfinder Programme, Grant Agreement number 101099719) uses high-performance functionalized silk fibers w

The meninges are a protective and nutritious tissue that surrounds the central nervous system (CNS) and supports the brain. Recent data, including from our team, have revealed that the meninges contain a myriad of immune cells, such as meningeal macrophages (MM). Interestingly, the meninges penetrate the brain parenchyma and contact sub-structures such as the hippocampus, which is one of the main neurogenic niches. This strategic position of the meninges and thus MM raised the hypothesis that these cells could play a role in hippocampal neonatal neurogenesis. To address this question, we used

Astrocytes were seen for a long time as supportive cells in the central nervous system. However, evidence points to the pivotal role of these cells in brain function, including the modulation of synaptic transmission. Astrocytes express neurotransmitter receptors at the cellular membrane, whose activation may cause somatic calcium elevations and consequently release signaling molecules in the synaptic cleft. The impact of astrocytic signaling in the modulation of neuronal circuits and behavior is still poorly understood. Social behavior results from a complex interaction between brain regions.