PLA2G2E from peri-infarct-surviving neurons metabolizes phosphatidylserine to DGLA and 15-HETrE, which triggers functional recovery after ischemic stroke. These reparative lipid mediators induce PADI4 in peri-infarct-surviving neurons to initiate neural repair-associated gene expression through histone citrullination, demonstrating brain-autonomous extensive repair capabilities through lipid metabolism.
Tag: Lipid and Membrane Biochemistry
Atlas of human brain blood vessels highlights changes in Alzheimer’s disease
AI SummaryScientists from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, and The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have created a molecular atlas of human brain vasculature and its changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) across six brain regions. The researchers characterized over 22,514 vascular cells from different… Continue reading Atlas of human brain blood vessels highlights changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Scientists discover how mutations in a language gene produce speech deficits
AI SummaryMutations in the gene Foxp2 have been linked to speech disorders, specifically apraxia. Researchers from MIT and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University conducted a study on mice and found that these mutations disrupt the formation of dendrites and neuronal synapses in the brain, affecting the ability to produce high-frequency sounds. The mutations prevent… Continue reading Scientists discover how mutations in a language gene produce speech deficits
New technologies reveal cross-cutting breakdowns in Alzheimer’s disease
After decades of fundamental scientific and drug discovery research, Alzheimer’s disease has remained inscrutable and incurable, with a bare minimum of therapeutic progress. But in a new review article in Nature Neuroscience, MIT scientists write that by employing the new research capability of single-cell profiling, the field has rapidly achieved long-sought insights with strong potential for both… Continue reading New technologies reveal cross-cutting breakdowns in Alzheimer’s disease
Professor Emeritus Richard Wurtman, influential figure in translational research, dies at 86
AI SummaryRichard Wurtman, a prominent neurochemist and neuropharmacologist who was a member of the MIT faculty for 44 years, has died at the age of 86. Wurtman’s research on neurotransmitters and the impact of nutrition on brain function has made significant contributions to our understanding of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and premenstrual syndrome. He… Continue reading Professor Emeritus Richard Wurtman, influential figure in translational research, dies at 86
Using light to manipulate neuron excitability
AI SummaryMIT and Harvard researchers have developed a new technique to achieve longer-term changes in neuron activity using light exposure to alter the electrical capacitance of neurons’ membranes. This manipulation of excitability could help understand brain processes, aging, diseases, and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.Nearly 20 years ago, scientists developed ways to stimulate or silence… Continue reading Using light to manipulate neuron excitability
Silent synapses are abundant in the adult brain
AI SummaryMIT neuroscientists have discovered that the adult brain contains silent synapses, immature connections between neurons that remain inactive until they are recruited to help form new memories. About 30% of synapses in the adult mouse brain are silent, and the researchers believe this helps the brain continuously form new memories without modifying existing synapses.… Continue reading Silent synapses are abundant in the adult brain
Alzheimer’s risk gene undermines insulation of brain’s “wiring”
AI SummaryA new study published in Nature by an MIT-based team provides insight into how the APOE4 gene variant increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study shows that APOE4 disrupts the management of cholesterol in brain cells called oligodendrocytes, leading to a deficiency in the fatty insulation of neurons known as myelin, which impairs… Continue reading Alzheimer’s risk gene undermines insulation of brain’s “wiring”