Tag: Neurotransmission and Signaling

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen reveals factors that influence the susceptibility of tumor cells to NK cell-mediated killing

Background Natural killer (NK) cells exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell types. Over the past five decades, numerous methodologies have been employed to elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying NK cell-mediated tumor control. While significant progress has been made in elucidating the interactions between NK cells and tumor cells, the regulatory factors governing… Continue reading Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen reveals factors that influence the susceptibility of tumor cells to NK cell-mediated killing

Neuroendocrine Control of Synaptic Transmission by PHAC-1 in C. elegans

A dynamic interplay between fast synaptic signals and slower neuromodulatory signals controls the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance within neuronal circuits. The mechanisms by which neuropeptide signaling is regulated to maintain E/I balance remain uncertain. We designed a genetic screen to isolate genes involved in the peptidergic maintenance of the E/I balance in the C. elegans motor… Continue reading Neuroendocrine Control of Synaptic Transmission by PHAC-1 in C. elegans

The Astrocytic Zinc Transporter ZIP12 Is a Synaptic Protein That Contributes to Synaptic Zinc Levels in the Mouse Auditory Cortex

Synaptically released zinc is a neuronal signaling system that arises from the actions of the presynaptic vesicular zinc transporter protein zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3). Mechanisms that regulate the actions of zinc at synapses are of great importance for many aspects of synaptic signaling in the brain. Here, we identify the astrocytic zinc transporter protein ZIP12… Continue reading The Astrocytic Zinc Transporter ZIP12 Is a Synaptic Protein That Contributes to Synaptic Zinc Levels in the Mouse Auditory Cortex

Identification of a Novel Population of Neuromedin S Expressing Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area That Promote Morphine-Elicited Behavior

Opioid use disorder constitutes a major health and economic burden, but our limited understanding of the underlying neurobiology impedes better interventions. Alteration in the activity and output of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) contributes to drug effects, but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain relatively unexplored. We used translating ribosome affinity… Continue reading Identification of a Novel Population of Neuromedin S Expressing Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area That Promote Morphine-Elicited Behavior

Inhibition of stromal MAOA leading activation of WNT5A enhance prostate cancer immunotherapy by involving the transition of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Background The interaction between stromal cells and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is acknowledged as a critical driver in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters and dietary amines, has been linked to the promotion of prostate tumorigenesis, particularly when upregulated in… Continue reading Inhibition of stromal MAOA leading activation of WNT5A enhance prostate cancer immunotherapy by involving the transition of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Evidence that 40Hz gamma stimulation promotes brain health is expanding

A decade after scientists in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT first began testing whether sensory stimulation of the brain’s 40Hz “gamma” frequency rhythms could treat Alzheimer’s disease in mice, a growing evidence base supporting the idea that it can improve brain health — in humans as well as animals — has… Continue reading Evidence that 40Hz gamma stimulation promotes brain health is expanding