Ketamine induces plasticity in a norepinephrine-astroglial circuit to promote behavioral perseverance

Duque et al. show that astroglial calcium is recruited at active-to-passive transitions during learned-helplessness-like assays in both zebrafish and mice and that a variety of antidepressant compounds have consistent effects across both species. Ketamine, applied transiently, causes acute norepinephrine-mediated astrocytic hyperactivation followed by prolonged suppression to promote lasting behavioral resilience.

Revisiting reinforcement learning

Dopamine is a powerful signal in the brain, influencing our moods, motivations, movements, and more. The neurotransmitter is crucial for reward-based learning, a function that may be disrupted in a number of psychiatric conditions, from mood disorders to addiction.  Now, researchers led by MIT Institute Professor Ann Graybiel have found surprising patterns of dopamine signaling… Continue reading Revisiting reinforcement learning

Probing Non Peptide Agonists Binding at Human Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor: A Molecular Modelling Study

The N/OFQ – NOP receptor is a fascinating peptidergic system holding the potential to be exploited for the development of, among others, analgesic drugs devoid of side effects associated with classical opioid signalling modulation. To date, up to four among X-ray and Cryo-EM structures of the NOP receptor in complex with the endogenous peptide agonist… Continue reading Probing Non Peptide Agonists Binding at Human Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor: A Molecular Modelling Study

Personal interests can influence how children’s brains respond to language

A new study from the McGovern Institute shows how interests can modulate language processing in children’s brains and paves the way for personalized brain research. The paper, which appears in Imaging Neuroscience, was conducted in the lab of McGovern Institute Investigator John Gabrieli, and led by senior author Anila D’Mello, a former McGovern postdoctoral fellow… Continue reading Personal interests can influence how children’s brains respond to language