AI SummaryThe lab of Edward Boyden at MIT has developed a technology called Expansion Revealing (ExR) that allows researchers to visualize molecular structures at the nanoscale level. By expanding cells using a chemical process, ExR makes previously hidden molecules accessible to fluorescent tags, enabling the study of synaptic proteins and potential targets for therapeutic interventions… Continue reading Making invisible therapy targets visible
Category: Neuroscience
Hepatic soluble epoxide hydrolase activity regulates cerebral Aβ metabolism and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease in mice
AI SummaryThe text shows that the liver may be important in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, as manipulating a specific enzyme in the liver can reduce the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain and improve cognitive abilities in animal models of the disease.How changes in peripheral organs during aging contribute to AD pathogenesis remains… Continue reading Hepatic soluble epoxide hydrolase activity regulates cerebral Aβ metabolism and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease in mice
When computer vision works more like a brain, it sees more like people do
AI SummaryResearchers from MIT and IBM have trained an artificial neural network to process visual information in the same way the brain does, resulting in a computer vision model that is more robust and closely matches human perception. The model was trained using neural activity patterns from the primate brain’s inferior temporal cortex, improving its… Continue reading When computer vision works more like a brain, it sees more like people do
Dissociating distinct cortical networks associated with subregions of the human medial temporal lobe using precision neuroimaging
Using individualized neuroimaging, Reznik et al. find that different subregions of the human memory system are associated with at least three distributed cortical networks. Comparison to non-human primate connectivity data suggests that some anatomical pathways are potentially not present in humans, some are preserved, and some are potentially new.
Cortical somatostatin interneuron subtypes form cell-type-specific circuits
AI SummarySummary: The study developed genetic methods to target specific somatostatin interneuron subtypes in the brain and found that these subtypes have specific connections with different types of pyramidal neurons, suggesting the formation of specific cortical microcircuits.We engineered genetic methods to target the 8 major somatostatin interneuron subtypes within V1 and S1. Upon targeting particular… Continue reading Cortical somatostatin interneuron subtypes form cell-type-specific circuits
Researchers uncover new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
AI SummaryA team of researchers led by Feng Zhang has discovered a programmable RNA-guided system in eukaryotes, using a protein called Fanzor to precisely target and edit the genome of human cells. This system, which has the potential to be delivered more easily to cells and tissues than CRISPR/Cas systems, could be a valuable new… Continue reading Researchers uncover new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
Increased G3BP2-Tau interaction in tauopathies is a natural defense against Tau aggregation
AI SummaryThe study by Wang et al. reveals that the RNA-binding protein G3BP2 can inhibit the aggregation of Tau protein, which is associated with neurodegenerative disorders. This finding suggests that G3BP2 could be a potential target for developing therapies for tauopathies.Several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) promote pathogenic protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. In contrast, Wang et al.… Continue reading Increased G3BP2-Tau interaction in tauopathies is a natural defense against Tau aggregation
Tipping points in neurodegeneration
In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Aβ deposits form slowly, several decades before further pathological events trigger neurodegeneration and dementia. However, a substantial proportion of affected individuals remains non-demented despite AD pathology, raising questions about the underlying factors that determine the transition to clinical disease. Here, we emphasize the critical function of resilience and resistance factors, which… Continue reading Tipping points in neurodegeneration
Without a key extracellular protein, neuronal axons break and synaptic connections fall apart
AI SummaryThe structural integrity of axons in fruit flies requires the protein perlecan in the extracellular matrix surrounding nerve bundles, according to a study conducted by researchers at The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT. Without perlecan, axonal segments can break apart during development, leading to the retraction of synapses and potentially explaining… Continue reading Without a key extracellular protein, neuronal axons break and synaptic connections fall apart
Single genomic enhancers drive experience-dependent GABAergic plasticity to maintain sensory processing in the adult cortex
By identifying two enhancers that cooperatively drive experience-induced Igf1 transcription in mouse cortical VIP interneurons and by analyzing the synaptic and circuit functions of these enhancers, Roethler et al. demonstrate that single experience-induced enhancers maintain information processing in adult neural circuits by modulating E/I ratio to homeostatically restrict neural activity.