Tag: Lipid and Membrane Biochemistry

Molecule reduces inflammation in Alzheimer’s models

AI SummaryResearchers at MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory have identified a candidate drug, called A11, that reduces inflammation and improves memory in human cell cultures and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease by suppressing the activity of the key inflammatory gene PU.1 without disrupting PU.1’s other important functions. A11 could potentially be used alone… Continue reading Molecule reduces inflammation in Alzheimer’s models

The Expanding Potential of Liquid Biopsy to Detect and Monitor Cancer 

AI SummaryLiquid biopsies, which use circulating biomarkers in the blood to detect and monitor cancer, have become a useful tool in cancer care. Approved liquid biopsy tests detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as biomarkers for targeted treatments, therapy response, and disease progression. Ongoing research is exploring the use of DNA… Continue reading The Expanding Potential of Liquid Biopsy to Detect and Monitor Cancer 

Nature: An unexpected source of innovative tools to study the brain

This story originally appeared in the Fall 2023 issue of BrainScan. ___ Genetic engineer Joseph Kreitz looks to the microscopic world for inspiration in Feng Zhang’s lab at the McGovern Institute. Photo: Steph Steve In their quest to deepen their understanding of the brain, McGovern scientists take inspiration wherever it comes — and sometimes it comes… Continue reading Nature: An unexpected source of innovative tools to study the brain

Study connects neural gene expression differences to functional distinctions

AI SummaryA new MIT study examined how two types of neurons in fruit flies develop their unique functions through gene expression. The study found that the neurons differed in their expression of over 800 genes and manipulating these genes revealed observable differences between the cells. Understanding these molecular differences could provide insights into brain disorders… Continue reading Study connects neural gene expression differences to functional distinctions

Fourteen MIT School of Science professors receive tenure for 2022 and 2023

AI SummaryIn 2022, nine faculty members at MIT’s School of Science received tenure. These faculty members specialize in various fields, such as the immune system’s interaction with the brain, the laws governing fluctuations in active systems, the co-evolution of life and the environment, black holes and cosmology, protein optimization in bacteria, galaxy evolution, dynamics in… Continue reading Fourteen MIT School of Science professors receive tenure for 2022 and 2023

Neuronal γ-secretase regulates lipid metabolism, linking cholesterol to synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

AI SummaryThe authors suppressed γ-secretase in human neurons and observed changes in synaptic activity and number. They found that γ-secretase regulates neurotransmitter release through the regulation of cholesterol levels.Essayan-Perez and Südhof chronically suppressed γ-secretase in human-induced neurons to record their synaptic activity and image their synapses. They show that γ-secretase regulates the probability of neurotransmitter… Continue reading Neuronal γ-secretase regulates lipid metabolism, linking cholesterol to synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

Brain networks encoding memory come together via electric fields, study finds

AI SummaryNew evidence suggests that coordination between brain circuits and networks comes from electric fields. A recent study shows that as animals played working memory games, the electric field that emerged from the underlying electrical activity of participating neurons coordinated the information about what they were remembering across key brain regions. This discovery could have… Continue reading Brain networks encoding memory come together via electric fields, study finds

PLA2G2E-mediated lipid metabolism triggers brain-autonomous neural repair after ischemic stroke

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.