scholarly journals The relevance of brain evolution for the biomedical sciences

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom V Smulders
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Brain Evolution ◽  
Linear Process ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Biomedical Sciences ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain

Most biomedical neuroscientists realize the importance of the study of brain evolution to help them understand the differences and similarities between their animal model of choice and the human brains in which they are ultimately interested. Many think of evolution as a linear process, going from simpler brains, as those of rats, to more complex ones, as those of humans. However, in reality, every extant species' brain has undergone as long a period of evolution as has the human brain, and each brain has its own species-specific adaptations. By understanding the variety of existing brain types, we can more accurately reconstruct the brains of common ancestors, and understand which brain traits (of humans as well as other species) are derived and which are ancestral. This understanding also allows us to identify convergently evolved traits, which are crucial in formulating hypotheses about structure–function relationships in the brain. A thorough understanding of the processes and patterns of brain evolution is essential to generalizing findings from ‘model species’ to humans, which is the backbone of modern biomedical science.

scholarly journals Evolution of Courtship Songs in Xenopus: Vocal Pattern Generation and Sound Production

2015 ◽  
Vol 145 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 302-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Leininger ◽  
Darcy B. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Pattern Generation ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Evolutionary Trajectories ◽  
Strong Candidate ◽  
Species Specific

The extant species of African clawed frogs (Xenopus and Silurana) provide an opportunity to link the evolution of vocal characters to changes in the responsible cellular and molecular mechanisms. In this review, we integrate several robust lines of research: evolutionary trajectories of Xenopus vocalizations, cellular and circuit-level mechanisms of vocalization in selected Xenopus model species, and Xenopus evolutionary history and speciation mechanisms. Integrating recent findings allows us to generate and test specific hypotheses about the evolution of Xenopus vocal circuits. We propose that reduced vocal sex differences in some Xenopus species result from species-specific losses of sexually differentiated neural and neuromuscular features. Modification of sex-hormone-regulated developmental mechanisms is a strong candidate mechanism for reduced vocal sex differences.

Language in Our Brain

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela D. Friederici ◽  
Noam Chomsky
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Brain Evolution ◽  
Human Language ◽  
Language Faculty ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Processing Language

The language faculty is grounded in the human brain and allows any infant to learn any language. In her book, Angela D. Friederici offers a neurobiological theory of human language by integrating data from adult language processing, language development and brain evolution across primates. Describing the brain basis of language in its functional and structural neuroanatomy as well as its neurodynamics, she argues that differences in the brain that are species-specific may be at the root of human language.

The Weak Combined Magnetic Fields Reduce the Brain β-Amyloid in an Animal Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease

PIERS Online ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia V. Bobkova ◽  
Vadim V. Novikov ◽  
Natalia I. Medvinskaya ◽  
Irina Yu. Aleksandrova ◽  
Eugenii E. Fesenko
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Sporadic Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Combined Magnetic Fields ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals MicroRNA profiling of the pig periaqueductal grey (PAG) region reveals candidates potentially related to sex-dependent differences

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko ◽  
Maria Oczkowicz ◽  
Artur Gurgul ◽  
Tomasz Szmatoła ◽  
Monika Bugno-Poniewierska
Keyword(s):  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Differential Expression Analysis ◽  
Mirna Profile ◽  
Human Model ◽  
Periaqueductal Grey ◽  
Neurological Research ◽  
Downstream Analysis ◽  
Neuron Growth ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background MicroRNAs indirectly orchestrate myriads of essential biological processes. A wide diversity of miRNAs of the neurodevelopmental importance characterizes the brain tissue, which, however, exhibits region-specific miRNA profile differences. One of the most conservative regions of the brain is periaqueductal grey (PAG) playing vital roles in significant functions of this organ, also those observed to be sex-influenced. The domestic pig is an important livestock species but is also believed to be an excellent human model. This is of particular importance for neurological research because of the similarity of pig and human brains as well as difficult access to human samples. However, the pig PAG profile has not been characterized so far. Moreover, molecular bases of sex differences connected with brain functioning, including miRNA expression profiles, have not been fully deciphered yet. Methods Thus, in this study, we applied next-generation sequencing to characterize pig PAG expressed microRNAs. Furthermore, we performed differential expression analysis between females and males to identify changes of the miRNA profile and reveal candidates underlying sex-related differences. Results As a result, known brain-enriched, and new miRNAs which will expand the available profile, were identified. The downstream analysis revealed 38 miRNAs being differentially expressed (DE) between female and male samples. Subsequent pathway analysis showed that they enrich processes vital for neuron growth and functioning, such as long-term depression and axon guidance. Among the identified sex-influenced miRNAs were also those associated with the PAG physiology and diseases related to this region. Conclusions The obtained results broaden the knowledge on the porcine PAG miRNAome, along with its dynamism reflected in different isomiR signatures. Moreover, they indicate possible mechanisms associated with sex-influenced differences mediated via miRNAs in the PAG functioning. They also provide candidate miRNAs for further research concerning, i.e., sex-related bases of physiological and pathological processes occurring in the nervous system. Graphical abstract

Sources of the Scalp-Recorded Amplitude-Modulation Following Response

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (04) ◽  
pp. 188-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeyuki Kuwada ◽  
Julia S. Anderson ◽  
Ranjan Batra ◽  
Douglas C. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Natacha Teissier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Amplitude Modulation ◽  
Single Unit ◽  
Modulation Frequency ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
High Modulation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Single Unit Recordings ◽  
Composite Response ◽  
The Brain

The scalp-recorded amplitude-modulation following response (AMFR)” is gaining recognition as an objective audiometric tool, but little is known about the neural sources that underlie this potential. We hypothesized, based on our human studies and single-unit recordings in animals, that the scalp-recorded AMFR reflects the interaction of multiple sources. We tested this hypothesis using an animal model, the unanesthetized rabbit. We compared AMFRs recorded from the surface of the brain at different locations and before and after the administration of agents likely to enhance or suppress neural generators. We also recorded AMFRs locally at several stations along the auditory neuraxis. We conclude that the surface-recorded AMFR is indeed a composite response from multiple brain generators. Although the response at any modulation frequency can reflect the activity of more than one generator, the AMFRs to low and high modulation frequencies appear to reflect a strong contribution from cortical and subcortical sources, respectively.

scholarly journals Breeder Diet Strategies for Generating Ttpa-Null and Wild-Type Mice with Low Vitamin E Status to Assess Neurological Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine M Ranard ◽  
Matthew J Kuchan ◽  
John W Erdman
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Neurological Outcomes ◽  
Transfer Protein ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Vitamin E Status

ABSTRACT Studying vitamin E [α-tocopherol (α-T)] metabolism and function in the brain and other tissues requires an animal model with low α-T status, such as the transgenic α-T transfer protein (Ttpa)–null (Ttpa−/−) mouse model. Ttpa+/− dams can be used to produce Ttpa−/− and Ttpa+/+mice for these studies. However, the α-T content in Ttpa+/− dams’ diet requires optimization; diets must provide sufficient α-T for reproduction, while minimizing the transfer of α-T to the offspring destined for future studies that require low baseline α-T status. The goal of this work was to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of 2 breeding diet strategies on reproduction outcomes and offspring brain α-T concentrations. These findings will help standardize the breeding methodology used to generate the Ttpa−/− mice for neurological studies.

scholarly journals Limbic Expression of mRNA Coding for Chemoreceptors in Human Brain—Lessons from Brain Atlases

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6858
Author(s):  
Fanny Gaudel ◽  
Gaëlle Guiraudie-Capraz ◽  
François Féron
Keyword(s):  
G Proteins ◽  
The Body ◽  
Trace Amines ◽  
Chemical Senses ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Human Brains ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain Atlases

Animals strongly rely on chemical senses to uncover the outside world and adjust their behaviour. Chemical signals are perceived by facial sensitive chemosensors that can be clustered into three families, namely the gustatory (TASR), olfactory (OR, TAAR) and pheromonal (VNR, FPR) receptors. Over recent decades, chemoreceptors were identified in non-facial parts of the body, including the brain. In order to map chemoreceptors within the encephalon, we performed a study based on four brain atlases. The transcript expression of selected members of the three chemoreceptor families and their canonical partners was analysed in major areas of healthy and demented human brains. Genes encoding all studied chemoreceptors are transcribed in the central nervous system, particularly in the limbic system. RNA of their canonical transduction partners (G proteins, ion channels) are also observed in all studied brain areas, reinforcing the suggestion that cerebral chemoreceptors are functional. In addition, we noticed that: (i) bitterness-associated receptors display an enriched expression, (ii) the brain is equipped to sense trace amines and pheromonal cues and (iii) chemoreceptor RNA expression varies with age, but not dementia or brain trauma. Extensive studies are now required to further understand how the brain makes sense of endogenous chemicals.

scholarly journals SHR/NCrl rats as a model of ADHD can be discriminated from controls based on their brain, blood, or urine metabolomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Dupuy ◽  
Pierre Castelnau ◽  
Sylvie Mavel ◽  
Antoine Lefevre ◽  
Lydie Nadal-Desbarats ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Pathophysiological Condition ◽  
The Brain ◽  
And Oxidative Stress ◽  
Peripheral Samples

AbstractAttention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying ADHD are still poorly understood, and its diagnosis remains difficult due to its heterogeneity. Metabolomics is a recent strategy for the holistic exploration of metabolism and is well suited for investigating the pathophysiology of diseases and finding molecular biomarkers. A few clinical metabolomic studies have been performed on peripheral samples from ADHD patients but are limited by their access to the brain. Here, we investigated the brain, blood, and urine metabolomes of SHR/NCrl vs WKY/NHsd rats to better understand the neurobiology and to find potential peripheral biomarkers underlying the ADHD-like phenotype of this animal model. We showed that SHR/NCrl rats can be differentiated from controls based on their brain, blood, and urine metabolomes. In the brain, SHR/NCrl rats displayed modifications in metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress further supporting their importance in the pathophysiology of ADHD bringing news arguments in favor of the Neuroenergetic theory of ADHD. Besides, the peripheral metabolome of SHR/NCrl rats also shared more than half of these differences further supporting the importance of looking at multiple matrices to characterize a pathophysiological condition of an individual. This also stresses out the importance of investigating the peripheral energy and oxidative stress metabolic pathways in the search of biomarkers of ADHD.

A fingerprint of amyloid plaques in a bitransgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease obtained by statistical unmixing analysis of hyperspectral Raman data

The Analyst ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 144 (23) ◽  
pp. 7049-7056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emerson A. Fonseca ◽  
Lucas Lafetá ◽  
Renan Cunha ◽  
Hudson Miranda ◽  
João Campos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Amyloid Plaques ◽  
Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain Tissues

We have found different Raman signatures of AB fibrils and in brain tissues from unmixed analysis, providing a detailed image of amyloid plaques in the brain, with the potential to be used as biomarkers.

The brain 3β-HSD up-regulation in response to deteriorating effects of background emotional stress: an animal model of multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sogol Meknatkhah ◽  
Monireh-Sadat Mousavi ◽  
Pouya Sharif Dashti ◽  
Leila Azizzadeh Pormehr ◽  
Gholam Hossein Riazi
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Emotional Stress ◽  
The Brain
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