scholarly journals Prenatal Visual Exposure to a Predator Influences Lateralization in Goldbelly Topminnows

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1257
Author(s):  
Marco Dadda ◽  
Veronica Vendramin ◽  
Christian Agrillo
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Brain Lateralization ◽  
Light Stimulation ◽  
Visual Exposure ◽  
Motor Tests ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Open Question ◽  
The Brain

The role of genetic and environmental factors in modulating the development of brain lateralization is far from being fully understood, and the presence of individual differences in several lateralized functions is still an open question. In goldbelly topminnows, the genetic basis of asymmetrical functions in the brain has been studied, and recently it has been found that light stimulation influences the expression of lateralization of newborns. Here, we investigated whether prenatal exposure to predators affects the development of lateralization in 10-day-old topminnows born from females exposed to a real or to a simulated predator during pregnancy. Offspring from females exposed to a real predator were lateralized in both visual and motor tests, whereas fish from females exposed to a simulated predator were not and did not differ from controls. Prenatal exposure to a real predator might promote the alignment of lateralization in the same direction in different individuals.

scholarly journals Value Representations in the Rodent Orbitofrontal Cortex Drive Learning, not Choice

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Miller ◽  
Matthew M. Botvinick ◽  
Carlos D. Brody
Keyword(s):  
Orbitofrontal Cortex ◽  
Future Expectations ◽  
Neural Representations ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Expected Values ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Reward Information ◽  
To Receive ◽  
The Brain

AbstractHumans and animals make predictions about the rewards they expect to receive in different situations. In formal models of behavior, these predictions are known as value representations, and they play two very different roles. Firstly, they drive choice: the expected values of available options are compared to one another, and the best option is selected. Secondly, they support learning: expected values are compared to rewards actually received, and future expectations are updated accordingly. Whether these different functions are mediated by different neural representations remains an open question. Here we employ a recently-developed multi-step task for rats that computationally separates learning from choosing. We investigate the role of value representations in the rodent orbitofrontal cortex, a key structure for value-based cognition. Electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic perturbations indicate that these representations do not directly drive choice. Instead, they signal expected reward information to a learning process elsewhere in the brain that updates choice mechanisms.

scholarly journals Genetic Aspects of Congenital and Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scientifica ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip F. Giampietro
Keyword(s):  
Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Congenital Scoliosis ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Technologies ◽  
Vertebral Development ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
The Brain

Congenital and idiopathic scoliosis represent disabling conditions of the spine. While congenital scoliosis (CS) is caused by morphogenic abnormalities in vertebral development, the cause(s) for idiopathic scoliosis is (are) likely to be varied, representing alterations in skeletal growth, neuromuscular imbalances, disturbances involving communication between the brain and spine, and others. Both conditions are characterized by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneities, which contribute to the difficulties in understanding their genetic basis that investigators face. Despite the differences between these two conditions there is observational and experimental evidence supporting common genetic mechanisms. This paper focuses on the clinical features of both CS and IS and highlights genetic and environmental factors which contribute to their occurrence. It is anticipated that emerging genetic technologies and improvements in phenotypic stratification of both conditions will facilitate improved understanding of the genetic basis for these conditions and enable targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

scholarly journals Investigating the Role of Brain Lateralization and Gender in Paranormal Beliefs

2019 ◽  
pp. 589-596
Author(s):  
Abdolvahed Narmashiri ◽  
Ahmad Sohrabi ◽  
Javad Hatami ◽  
Azita Amirfakhraei ◽  
Shaniya Haghighat
Keyword(s):  
Brain Lateralization ◽  
Left Brain ◽  
Paranormal Belief ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Paranormal Beliefs ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Brain

Introduction: Brain lateralization is associated with human behavior. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of brain lateralization on the scores of paranormal beliefs. Methods: The study population included 180 students of Sanandaj universities, Sanandaj City, Iran who were selected with convenience sampling method (100 left-brained males, 6 left-brained females, 56 both left- and right-brained males and 22 both left- and right-brained females). The research tools were the paranormal belief scale developed by Blackmore (1994), as well as the brain lateralization questionnaire (1985). Results: The obtained findings suggested a significant difference between the left-brain and right-brained people in terms of paranormal beliefs. A significant difference was also found between the left-brained males and both left- and right-brained females in terms of paranormal beliefs. Conclusion: The paranormal beliefs of the left-brained cases were different from both left- and right-brained subjects, which can be seen between the left-brained males and both left- and right-brained females.

scholarly journals Toxic Damage to Motor Neurons

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-421
Author(s):  
M. N. Zakharova ◽  
I. S. Bakulin ◽  
A. A. Abramova
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Toxic Damage ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Brain And Spinal Cord ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract—Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactor disease in the development of which both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Specifically, the effects of organic and inorganic toxic substances can result in an increased risk of ALS development and the acceleration of disease progression. It was described that some toxins can induce potentially curable ALS-like syndromes. In this case, the specific treatment for the prevention of the effects of the toxic factor may result in positive clinical dynamics. In this article, we review the main types of toxins that can damage motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord leading to the development of the clinical manifestation of ALS, briefly present historical data on studies on the role of toxic substances, and describe the main mechanisms of the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease associated with their action.

scholarly journals Genetic basis and dual adaptive role of floral pigmentation in sunflowers

eLife ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Todesco ◽  
Natalia Bercovich ◽  
Amy Kim ◽  
Ivana Imerovski ◽  
Gregory L Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Myb Transcription Factor ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Pollinator Attraction ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Floral Displays ◽  
Adaptive Role

Variation in floral displays, both between and within species, has been long known to be shaped by the mutualistic interactions that plants establish with their pollinators. However, increasing evidence suggests that abiotic selection pressures influence floral diversity as well. Here, we analyse the genetic and environmental factors that underlie patterns of floral pigmentation in wild sunflowers. While sunflower inflorescences appear invariably yellow to the human eye, they display extreme diversity for patterns of ultraviolet pigmentation, which are visible to most pollinators. We show that this diversity is largely controlled by cis-regulatory variation affecting a single MYB transcription factor, HaMYB111, through accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing flavonol glycosides in ligules (the ‘petals’ of sunflower inflorescences). Different patterns of ultraviolet pigments in flowers are strongly correlated with pollinator preferences. Furthermore, variation for floral ultraviolet patterns is associated with environmental variables, especially relative humidity, across populations of wild sunflowers. Ligules with larger ultraviolet patterns, which are found in drier environments, show increased resistance to desiccation, suggesting a role in reducing water loss. The dual role of floral UV patterns in pollinator attraction and abiotic response reveals the complex adaptive balance underlying the evolution of floral traits.

scholarly journals Brain Lateralization and Cognitive Capacity

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1996
Author(s):  
Lesley J. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Brain Lateralization ◽  
Additional Increase ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Brain

One way to increase cognitive capacity is to avoid duplication of functions on the left and right sides of the brain. There is a convincing body of evidence showing that such asymmetry, or lateralization, occurs in a wide range of both vertebrate and invertebrate species. Each hemisphere of the brain can attend to different types of stimuli or to different aspects of the same stimulus and each hemisphere analyses information using different neural processes. A brain can engage in more than one task at the same time, as in monitoring for predators (right hemisphere) while searching for food (left hemisphere). Increased cognitive capacity is achieved if individuals are lateralized in one direction or the other. The advantages and disadvantages of individual lateralization are discussed. This paper argues that directional, or population-level, lateralization, which occurs when most individuals in a species have the same direction of lateralization, provides no additional increase in cognitive capacity compared to individual lateralization although directional lateralization is advantageous in social interactions. Strength of lateralization is considered, including the disadvantage of being very strongly lateralized. The role of brain commissures is also discussed with consideration of cognitive capacity.

scholarly journals The Molecular Basis of Depression: Implications of Sex-Related Differences in Epigenetic Regulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayako Kawatake-Kuno ◽  
Toshiya Murai ◽  
Shusaku Uchida
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
The Brain

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although the etiology and pathophysiology of MDD remain poorly understood, aberrant neuroplasticity mediated by the epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression within the brain, which may occur due to genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of this disorder. Evidence has also been reported for sex-related differences in the pathophysiology of MDD, with female patients showing a greater severity of symptoms, higher degree of functional impairment, and more atypical depressive symptoms. Males and females also differ in their responsiveness to antidepressants. These clinical findings suggest that sex-dependent molecular and neural mechanisms may underlie the development of depression and the actions of antidepressant medications. This review discusses recent advances regarding the role of epigenetics in stress and depression. The first section presents a brief introduction of the basic mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. The second section reviews their contributions to neural plasticity, the risk of depression, and resilience against depression, with a particular focus on epigenetic modulators that have causal relationships with stress and depression in both clinical and animal studies. The third section highlights studies exploring sex-dependent epigenetic alterations associated with susceptibility to stress and depression. Finally, we discuss future directions to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of MDD, which would contribute to optimized and personalized therapy.

scholarly journals Genetic basis and dual adaptive role of floral pigmentation in sunflowers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Todesco ◽  
Natalia Bercovich ◽  
Amy Kim ◽  
Ivana Imerovski ◽  
Gregory L Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Floral Traits ◽  
Myb Transcription Factor ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Floral Displays ◽  
Adaptive Role

Variation in floral displays, both between and within species, has been long known to be shaped by the mutualistic interactions that plants establish with their pollinators. However, increasing evidence suggests that abiotic selection pressures influence floral diversity as well. Here we analyze the genetic and environmental factors that underlie patterns of floral pigmentation in wild sunflowers. While sunflower inflorescences appear invariably yellow to the human eye, they display extreme diversity for patterns of ultraviolet pigmentation, which are visible to most pollinators. We show that this diversity is largely controlled by cis-regulatory variation at a single MYB transcription factor, HaMYB111, through accumulation of UV-absorbing flavonol glycosides. As expected, different patterns of ultraviolet pigments in flowers have a strong effect on pollinator preferences. However, variation for floral ultraviolet patterns is also associated with environmental variables, especially relative humidity, across populations of wild sunflowers. Larger ultraviolet patterns, which are found in drier environments, limit transpiration, therefore reducing water loss. The dual role of floral UV patterns in pollination attraction and abiotic responses reveals the complex adaptive balance underlying the evolution of floral traits.

scholarly journals Modulation of Tumor Tolerance in Primary Central Nervous System Malignancies

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore S. Johnson ◽  
David H. Munn ◽  
Bernard L. Maria
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes ◽  
Tolerance Mechanism ◽  
Antigen Presenting ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Infiltrating Lymphocytes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Central nervous system tumors take advantage of the unique immunology of the CNS and develop exquisitely complex stromal networks that promote growth despite the presence of antigen-presenting cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. It is precisely this immunological paradox that is essential to the survival of the tumor. We review the evidence for functional CNS immune privilege and the impact it has on tumor tolerance. In this paper, we place an emphasis on the role of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells in maintaining stromal and vascular quiescence, and we underscore the importance of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity as a myeloid-driven tumor tolerance mechanism. Much remains to be discovered regarding the tolerogenic mechanisms by which CNS tumors avoid immune clearance. Thus, it is an open question whether tumor tolerance in the brain is fundamentally different from that of peripheral sites of tumorigenesis or whether it simply stands as a particularly strong example of such tolerance.

The Role of Mitochondria in the Genesis of Neuroaxonal Dystrophy in the Brains of Aging Mice

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 372-373
Author(s):  
J.E. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy ◽  
Nucleus Gracilis ◽  
Dystrophic Axons ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Nucleus Cuneatus

Although neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) has been examined by light and electron microscopy for years, the nature of the components in the dystrophic axons is not well understood. The present report examines nucleus gracilis and cuneatus (the dorsal column nuclei) in the brain stem of aging mice.Mice (C57BL/6J) were sacrificed by aldehyde perfusion at ages ranging from 3 months to 23 months. Several brain areas and parts of other organs were processed for electron microscopy.At 3 months of age, very little evidence of NAD can be discerned by light microscopy. At the EM level, a few axons are found to contain dystrophic material. By 23 months of age, the entire nucleus gracilis is filled with dystrophic axons. Much less NAD is seen in nucleus cuneatus by comparison. The most recurrent pattern of NAD is an enlarged profile, in the center of which is a mass of reticulated material (reticulated portion; or RP).

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