scholarly journals Spindle Activity Orchestrates Plasticity during Development and Sleep

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Lindemann ◽  
Joachim Ahlbeck ◽  
Sebastian H. Bitzenhofer ◽  
Ileana L. Hanganu-Opatz
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Functional Differences ◽  
Spindle Activity ◽  
Early Brain Development ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

Spindle oscillations have been described during early brain development and in the adult brain. Besides similarities in temporal patterns and involved brain areas, neonatal spindle bursts (NSBs) and adult sleep spindles (ASSs) show differences in their occurrence, spatial distribution, and underlying mechanisms. While NSBs have been proposed to coordinate the refinement of the maturating neuronal network, ASSs are associated with the implementation of acquired information within existing networks. Along with these functional differences, separate synaptic plasticity mechanisms seem to be recruited. Here, we review the generation of spindle oscillations in the developing and adult brain and discuss possible implications of their differences for synaptic plasticity. The first part of the review is dedicated to the generation and function of ASSs with a particular focus on their role in healthy and impaired neuronal networks. The second part overviews the present knowledge of spindle activity during development and the ability of NSBs to organize immature circuits. Studies linking abnormal maturation of brain wiring with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders highlight the importance to better elucidate neonatal plasticity rules in future research.

scholarly journals Role of MicroRNA in Governing Synaptic Plasticity

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqin Ye ◽  
Hongyu Xu ◽  
Xinhong Su ◽  
Xiaosheng He
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Individual Mirnas ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

Although synaptic plasticity in neural circuits is orchestrated by an ocean of genes, molecules, and proteins, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recently, it is well acknowledged that miRNA exerts widespread regulation over the translation and degradation of target gene in nervous system. Increasing evidence suggests that quite a few specific miRNAs play important roles in various respects of synaptic plasticity including synaptogenesis, synaptic morphology alteration, and synaptic function modification. More importantly, the miRNA-mediated regulation of synaptic plasticity is not only responsible for synapse development and function but also involved in the pathophysiology of plasticity-related diseases. A review is made here on the function of miRNAs in governing synaptic plasticity, emphasizing the emerging regulatory role of individual miRNAs in synaptic morphological and functional plasticity, as well as their implications in neurological disorders. Understanding of the way in which miRNAs contribute to synaptic plasticity provides rational clues in establishing the novel therapeutic strategy for plasticity-related diseases.

scholarly journals Current Understanding of the Right Ventricle Structure and Function in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danial Sharifi Kia ◽  
Kang Kim ◽  
Marc A. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Close Link ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease resulting in increased right ventricular (RV) afterload and RV remodeling. PAH results in altered RV structure and function at different scales from organ-level hemodynamics to tissue-level biomechanical properties, fiber-level architecture, and cardiomyocyte-level contractility. Biomechanical analysis of RV pathophysiology has drawn significant attention over the past years and recent work has found a close link between RV biomechanics and physiological function. Building upon previously developed techniques, biomechanical studies have employed multi-scale analysis frameworks to investigate the underlying mechanisms of RV remodeling in PAH and effects of potential therapeutic interventions on these mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of RV structure and function in PAH, highlighting the findings from recent studies on the biomechanics of RV remodeling at organ, tissue, fiber, and cellular levels. Recent progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of RV remodeling in PAH, and effects of potential therapeutics, will be highlighted from a biomechanical perspective. The clinical relevance of RV biomechanics in PAH will be discussed, followed by addressing the current knowledge gaps and providing suggested directions for future research.

scholarly journals Synaptic plasticity induced by differential manipulation of tonic and phasic motoneurons in Drosophila

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole A. Aponte-Santiago ◽  
Kiel G. Ormerod ◽  
Yulia Akbergenova ◽  
J. Troy Littleton
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Neuromuscular Junctions ◽  
Target Display ◽  
Nervous Systems ◽  
Genetic Manipulations ◽  
Muscle Innervation ◽  
Synaptic Boutons ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

AbstractStructural and functional plasticity induced by neuronal competition is a common feature of developing nervous systems. However, the rules governing how postsynaptic cells differentiate between presynaptic inputs are unclear. In this study we characterized synaptic interactions following manipulations of Ib tonic or Is phasic glutamatergic motoneurons that co-innervate postsynaptic muscles at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). After identifying drivers for each neuronal subtype, we performed ablation or genetic manipulations to alter neuronal activity and examined the effects on synaptic innervation and function. Ablation of either Ib or Is resulted in decreased muscle response, with some functional compensation occurring in the tonic Ib input when Is was missing. In contrast, the phasic Is terminal failed to show functional or structural changes following loss of the co-innervating Ib input. Decreasing the activity of the Ib or Is neuron with tetanus toxin light chain resulted in structural changes in muscle innervation. Decreased Ib activity resulted in reduced active zone (AZ) number and decreased postsynaptic subsynaptic reticulum (SSR) volume, with the emergence of filopodial-like protrusions from synaptic boutons of the Ib input. Decreased Is activity did not induce structural changes at its own synapses, but the co-innervating Ib motoneuron increased the number of synaptic boutons and AZs it formed. These findings indicate tonic and phasic neurons respond independently to changes in activity, with either functional or structural alterations in the tonic motoneuron occurring following ablation or reduced activity of the co-innervating phasic input, respectively.Significance StatementBoth invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems display synaptic plasticity in response to behavioral experiences, indicating underlying mechanisms emerged early in evolution. How specific neuronal classes innervating the same postsynaptic target display distinct types of plasticity is unclear. Here, we examined if Drosophila tonic Ib and phasic Is motoneurons display competitive or cooperative interactions during innervation of the same muscle, or compensatory changes when the output of one motoneuron is altered. We established a system to differentially manipulate the motoneurons and examined the effects of cell-type specific changes to one of the inputs. Our findings indicate Ib and Is motoneurons respond differently to activity mismatch or loss of the co-innervating input, with the tonic subclass responding robustly compared to phasic motoneurons.

Steroid-induced hippocampal synaptic plasticity: sex differences and similarities

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUSSELL D. ROMEO ◽  
ELIZABETH M. WATERS ◽  
BRUCE S. MCEWEN
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Neuroendocrine Axis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Function ◽  
Hormonal Milieu ◽  
Hippocampal Structure

Early in development, steroid hormones structurally organize various regions of the CNS. However, steroid hormones continue to affect the structure and function of the CNS throughout the life of the individual. In this review, we discuss sex differences and similarities in steroid-induced synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. Particular emphasis is placed on steroid-induced plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain region important in learning and memory. This topic is relevant to the growing evidence for the actions of sex hormones outside of the reproductive neuroendocrine axis. It also tells an important and emerging story about non-genomic and genomic actions of steroids at the cellular and molecular levels. Specifically, the effects of estrogen and progesterone as well as the androgens and glucocorticoids are discussed. The influence of steroids on hippocampal structure and function can differ vastly between the sexes. However, there are certain similarities that might aid in our understanding of how steroids affect CNS plasticity in general. Although future studies will undoubtedly lead us to a greater understanding of these phenomena, the data reviewed indicate that when studying synaptic plasticity, the sex and hormonal milieu of the individual might significantly influence the outcome and interpretation of the research.

Consequences of Early-Life Experiences on Cognition and Emotion

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.F.G. Naninck ◽  
P.J. Lucassen ◽  
Aniko Korosi
Keyword(s):  
Brain Structure ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Preventive Therapy ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Early Life Events

Perinatal experiences during a critical developmental period program brain structure and function “for life,” thereby determining vulnerability to psychopathology and cognition in adulthood. Although these functional consequences are associated with alterations in HPA-axis activity and hippocampal structure and function, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The parent-offspring relationship (i.e., sensory and nutritional inputs by the mother) is key in mediating these lasting effects. This chapter discusses how early-life events, for example, the amount of maternal care, stress, and nutrition, can affect emotional and cognitive functions later in life. Interestingly, effects of perinatal malnutrition resemble the perinatal stress-induced long-term deficits. Because stress and nutrition are closely interrelated, it proposes that altered stress hormones and changes in specific key nutrients during critical developmental periods act synergistically to program brain structure and function, possibly via epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding how the adult brain is shaped by early experiences is essential to develop behavioural and nutritional preventive therapy.

scholarly journals Microglia: sculptors of neuropathic pain?

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 200260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Ward ◽  
Steven J. West
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Important Target ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Future Therapy

Neuropathic pain presents a huge societal and individual burden. The limited efficacy of current analgesics, diagnostic markers and clinical trial outcome measures arises from an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. A large and growing body of evidence has established the important role of microglia in the onset and possible maintenance of neuropathic pain, and these cells may represent an important target for future therapy. Microglial research has further revealed their important role in structural remodelling of the nervous system. In this review, we aim to explore the evidence for microglia in sculpting nervous system structure and function, as well as their important role in neuropathic pain, and finally integrate these studies to synthesize a new model for microglia in somatosensory circuit remodelling, composed of six key and inter-related mechanisms. Summarizing the mechanisms through which microglia modulate nervous system structure and function helps to frame a better understanding of neuropathic pain, and provide a clear roadmap for future research.

scholarly journals Neuroligin 1 regulates spines and synaptic plasticity via LIMK1/cofilin-mediated actin reorganization

2016 ◽  
Vol 212 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
An Liu ◽  
Zikai Zhou ◽  
Rui Dang ◽  
Yuehua Zhu ◽  
Junxia Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Synapse Development ◽  
Lim Domain ◽  
Actin Reorganization ◽  
Synaptic Regulation ◽  
Subsequent Activation ◽  
Guanosine Triphosphatase ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Activity Dependent

Neuroligin (NLG) 1 is important for synapse development and function, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It is known that at least some aspects of NLG1 function are independent of the presynaptic neurexin, suggesting that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of NLG1 may be sufficient for synaptic regulation. In addition, NLG1 is subjected to activity-dependent proteolytic cleavage, generating a cytosolic CTD fragment, but the significance of this process remains unknown. In this study, we show that the CTD of NLG1 is sufficient to (a) enhance spine and synapse number, (b) modulate synaptic plasticity, and (c) exert these effects via its interaction with spine-associated Rap guanosine triphosphatase–activating protein and subsequent activation of LIM-domain protein kinase 1/cofilin–mediated actin reorganization. Our results provide a novel postsynaptic mechanism by which NLG1 regulates synapse development and function.

Parasite defense mechanisms in bees: behavior, immunity, antimicrobials, and symbionts

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison E. Fowler ◽  
Rebecca E. Irwin ◽  
Lynn S. Adler
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Immune Priming ◽  
Social Bees ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Landscape Scales ◽  
And Function ◽  
Solitary Species

Parasites are linked to the decline of some bee populations; thus, understanding defense mechanisms has important implications for bee health. Recent advances have improved our understanding of factors mediating bee health ranging from molecular to landscape scales, but often as disparate literatures. Here, we bring together these fields and summarize our current understanding of bee defense mechanisms including immunity, immunization, and transgenerational immune priming in social and solitary species. Additionally, the characterization of microbial diversity and function in some bee taxa has shed light on the importance of microbes for bee health, but we lack information that links microbial communities to parasite infection in most bee species. Studies are beginning to identify how bee defense mechanisms are affected by stressors such as poor-quality diets and pesticides, but further research on this topic is needed. We discuss how integrating research on host traits, microbial partners, and nutrition, as well as improving our knowledge base on wild and semi-social bees, will help inform future research, conservation efforts, and management.

Fields of spatial research on urban areas in the context of organisational solutions to new forms of transportation

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
Bartosz Czarnecki
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Transportation System ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Use Of Self ◽  
Large Share ◽  
Main Achievement ◽  
Self Driving Cars

Abstract The paper discusses the spatial consequences of the widespread use of self-driving cars and the resulting changes in the structure of urban areas. Analysing present knowledge on the technology, functionality and future forms of organisation of mobility with this type of means of transportation, conclusions are presented concerning the expected changes in the organisation of space in urban areas. The main achievement of the investigation is an outline of the fields of future research on the spatial consequences of a transportation system with a large share of self-driving cars.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document