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Category: neuroscience – Page 2

Specialized transporters relay lipids to cellular targets

In addition to providing energy, lipids are also essential building blocks of our cell membranes. However, despite their importance, they remain poorly understood. A research team has revealed for the first time the secrets of their transport within cells. Each lipid uses a limited number of proteins to move from its place of production to its place of action. The team has also compiled an inventory of the proteins involved in the transport of hundreds of lipids.

These findings, published in the journal Nature, provide a better picture of the functioning of our cells, as well as of many genetic and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Biologists brought together more than a hundred transfer proteins with hundreds of different lipids. The aim was to obtain the most comprehensive list possible of the ‘pairs’ formed between each protein and the lipids it can carry.

To do this, two experimental methods were combined. The first, carried out in a test tube, provides a highly controlled environment, while the second, which more closely corresponds to the inside of a cell, allows researchers to verify how these bonds are formed under near-real conditions. This is a world first on such a scale and at such a level of complexity. “The ‘‘couples’’ identified show that transfer proteins are not “buses” capable of transporting most lipids, but private chauffeurs with specific characteristics,” explains the senior author.

Scientists have been able to determine, using advanced mathematical models, how three transfer proteins recognise, among all lipids, those that they actually transport. ScienceMission sciencenewshighlights.

Brain neurons process salience, valence and value separately to understand what is important—and what isn’t

The sound of a fire alarm tells us to get out quickly to not get hurt, while the sight of a gas station sign can signal a chance to refuel. In everyday life, we learn to link cues we sense with what they mean, helping us avoid danger or find what we need. But how does the brain sort and prioritize all these cues and their significance to quickly guide our reactions to what we see, hear, feel and sense?

Following new research in mice, scientists hope to be closer to answering this question.

“A sensory cue, like the sound of an alarm, can be more or less attention-grabbing, feel positive or negative, and feel more or less important or motivating for us to act, depending on what outcome we associate with it. These aspects help define the significance we assign to environmental stimuli and are key to driving behavior and decision-making. But how the brain organizes this information to guide appropriate behaviors remains unclear,” explains Assistant Professor Daniel Jercog from the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Copenhagen.

Shingles Vaccine Linked to Slower Biological Aging, Study Finds

Vaccines may do far more than prevent infections.

The way that some inoculations train your immune system could also reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, or heart attacks, and possibly guard against dementia.

New evidence shows that the shingles vaccine is linked to slower aging, with benefits that can last for several years after vaccination.

Key protein can restore aging neural stem cells’ ability to regenerate

Researchers at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have found that a key protein can help to regenerate neural stem cells, which may improve aging-associated decline in neuronal production of an aging brain.

Published in Science Advances, the study identified a transcription factor in the brain, cyclin D-binding myb-like transcription factor 1 (DMTF1), as a critical driver of neural stem cell function during the aging process. Transcription factors are proteins that regulate genes to ensure that they are expressed correctly in the intended cells.

The study, led by Assistant Professor Ong Sek Tong Derrick and first author Dr. Liang Yajing, both from the Department of Physiology and the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program at NUS Medicine, sought to identify biological factors that influence the degeneration of neural stem cell function often associated with aging, and guide the development of therapeutic approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of neurological aging.

Peripheral neuropathy protection by mitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons

For millions living with nerve pain, even a light touch can feel unbearable. Scientists have long suspected that damaged nerve cells falter because their energy factories known as mitochondria don’t function properly.

Now research published in Nature suggests a way forward: supplying healthy mitochondria to struggling nerve cells.

Using human tissue and mouse models, researchers found that replenishing mitochondria significantly reduced pain tied to diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced nerve damage. In some cases, the relief lasted up to 48 hours.

Instead of masking symptoms, the approach could fix what the team sees as the root problem — restoring the energy flow that keeps nerve cells healthy and resilient.

“By giving damaged nerves fresh mitochondria — or helping them make more of their own — we can reduce inflammation and support healing,” said the study’s senior author. “This approach has the potential to ease pain in a completely new way.

The work highlights a previously undocumented role for satellite glial cells, which appear to deliver mitochondria to sensory neurons through tiny channels called tunnelling nanotubes.

When this mitochondrial handoff is disrupted, nerve fibers begin to degenerate — triggering pain, tingling and numbness, often in the hands and feet, the distal ends of the nerve fibers.

Continue reading “Peripheral neuropathy protection by mitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons” | >

Scientists identify promising new target for Alzheimer’s-linked brain inflammation

A multidisciplinary team has developed a selective compound that inhibits an enzyme tied to inflammation in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, while preserving normal brain function and crossing the blood-brain barrier.

The findings are published in the journal npj Drug Discovery.

The driver is an enzyme called calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). The team discovered its role in brain inflammation by studying people who carry the APOE4 gene —the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. While many people who have the APOE4 gene don’t develop the disease, those with elevated levels of cPLA2 generally do.

Beyond Opioids: The New Gene Therapy That Relieves Pain Without the Addiction

The new method is designed to focus specifically on pain-related signals, without interfering with normal activity in other parts of the brain. A new preclinical study has identified a gene therapy approach that focuses directly on pain-processing regions of the brain while avoiding the addiction

Internet Gaming Disorder is affecting a significant portion of young adults

Researchers out of Spain and Italy report a globally pooled Internet Gaming Disorder prevalence of 6.1% among adults ages 18–35. Internet Gaming Disorder is considered a condition for further study in DSM-5-TR, with official classification in ICD-11.

Gaming problems often get viewed as an adolescent concern, while evidence indicates growing vulnerability in young adults. Late adolescents and young adults tend to show higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, along with lower self-esteem, compared to healthy regular gamers.

DSM-5-TR includes nine criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder, including preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, unsuccessful attempts to control gaming habits, loss of interest in previous hobbies, continued excessive gaming despite problems, deception about the extent of gaming, gaming used to escape negative mood, and jeopardizing relationships or opportunities. Diagnosis requires at least five of those nine criteria within 12 months.

Depression’s impact on fairness perceptions depends on socioeconomic status

Depression may make unfair offers seem fairer, but only if you perceive yourself as having high social status. New research explores how socioeconomic status moderates the cognitive distortions associated with depression in financial decision-making.

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