Epigenetic mechanisms

…Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in orchestrating the behaviour of stem cells during development. We are interested in the mechanisms that regulate gene expression in neural stem cells, which have implications for our understanding of neocortex development an

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of motor disability in children. Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and prematurity are main risk factors. Administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to mothers before 33 weeks' amenorrhea (SA) reduces the occurrence of CP at 2 years by around 30%. At this age, the white matter composed by oligodendrocytes, is particularly vulnerable. However, at long term, MgSO4 neuroprotective effects are not significant.Given the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA), its association with MgSO4 may optimize and prolong this neuroprotection in p

With their Janus-faced property of being at once dynamic and stable, epigenetic mechanisms have for long been proposed to act as potential molecular mnemonics, but a cell type-specific, locus-restricted and temporally controllable interrogation thereof has thus far been lacking. Over the past years, accumulating evidence has shown that memories are likely encoded in sparse populations of brain cells, so-called engrams, which have, with a few exceptions, received little molecular attention. Here, we combine c-Fos driven engram tagging technologies with CRISPR-based epigenetic editing in vivo to

Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), are pivotal in regulating diverse biological processes, including inflammation and pain. Histone H3 is a crucial protein that significantly regulates gene expression following tissue injury-associated pain. Previously, we found that spinal Pdyn neurons contribute to burn injury-induced heat hyperalgesia via histone H3 phosphorylation-dependent signaling. We suspect that burn injury affects additional histone post-translational modifications beyond histone H3 phosphorylation at serine 10.In our study, we aimed

Epigenetic mechanisms are leveraged throughout development to maintain gene activity states. The polycomb group family of proteins are an essential class of epigenetic regulator, critical for neurodevelopment. Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 alters chromatin through the deposition of H2A ubiquitination(H2AK119ub1), in contrast, Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex removes H2AK119ub1. The antagonistic relationship maintains the appropriate balance of H2AK119ub within the cell to control gene expression. MBD5 plays an important role in stabilizing the PR-DUB. Mutations in MBD5 gene

Precise control of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms is vital for proper brain development. Genetic variations affecting these epigenetic processes have been linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability and developmental delay. However, our understanding of the landscape of epigenetic factors orchestrating gene expression during brain development remains incomplete. Here, we investigate Epc1, a scaffold protein of the histone acetyltransferase complex NuA4/Tip60, whose role in the central nervous system remains unexplored. Using a knockout

…revealing the molecular and receptor mechanisms that underlie this fema

…expression, as controlled in part by epigenetic mechanisms present in the parental gametes. In this presentation an internationally recognized research advocate explains why researchers concerned about the origins of increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should look beyond genetics in probing the origins of dysregulated transcription of brain-related genes. The culprit for a subset of cases, she

The inhibitory actions of the heterogeneous collection of GABAergic interneurons tremendously influence cortical information processing, which is reflected by diseases like autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia that involve defects in cortical inhibition. Apart from the regulation of physiological processes like synaptic transmission, proper interneuron function also relies on their correct development. Hence, decrypting regulatory networks that direct proper cortical interneuron development as well as adult functionality is of great interest, as this helps to identify critical events implicated

Join us to hear about degrees and careers in neuroscience, what it’s like to be a neuroscientist, the wide range of career options open to you after a neuroscience degree, first-hand examples of career paths in neuroscience, and some tips and thoughts to help you in your own careers. This free and friendly webinar will give you the chance to ask questions from people with different experiences in neuroscience: - Emma Soopramanien, the BNA Committee Representative for Students and Early Career Researchers – Emma has just completed her undergraduate course in neuroscience, and will be hosting th