synaptic plasticity – Page 3

Cell adhesion presence during adolescence controls the architecture of projection-defined prefrontal cortical neurons and reward-related action strategies later in life

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During teenage years, the brain undergoes important structural changes that set the stage for adult decision-making abilities. This study found that a cell adhesion protein called β1-integrin plays a critical role during adolescence in stabilizing connections between brain cells in the prefrontal cortex. When this protein was missing during the teenage years, adult mice struggled to make good decisions about rewards and could not adjust their behavior when circumstances changed. The research suggests that proper brain development during adolescence requires these cellular adhesion molecules to build the neural circuits needed for intelligent decision-making later in life.

Glutamate-specific gene linked to human brain evolution enhances synaptic plasticity and cognitive processes

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Scientists discovered that a human gene called GLUD2, which evolved as our brains expanded, makes synapses stronger and more plastic through a lactate-dependent process. When they added this gene to mice, the animals showed improved memory, better learning ability, and stronger brain connections. This research suggests that GLUD2 played a key role in the evolution of human intelligence by enhancing the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and adapt to new information.

An antagonism between Spinophilin and Syd-1 operates upstream of memory-promoting presynaptic long-term plasticity

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This research reveals how two brain proteins called Spinophilin and Syd-1 work against each other to control how synapses strengthen during memory formation. When flies learn something new, these proteins reorganize the structure of synaptic connections through managing thin filaments called actin, which allows more neurotransmitters to be released. The study shows that this mechanism is essential for remembering information after learning, but not for the initial learning itself.

Neuronal TIMP2 regulates hippocampus-dependent plasticity and extracellular matrix complexity

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Scientists discovered that a protein called TIMP2, which is naturally higher in young blood, plays a crucial role in maintaining brain memory and learning ability. Using laboratory mice, they found that TIMP2 helps keep the brain’s cellular environment flexible by controlling the buildup of structural proteins around nerve connections. Without adequate TIMP2, the brain develops more rigid connections that interfere with forming new memories and creating new brain cells, mimicking changes seen in aging and cognitive decline.

GluN2B-mediated regulation of silent synapses for receptor specification and addiction memory

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Researchers studied how a specific brain protein called GluN2B affects addiction memories from cocaine use. They found that removing this protein reduced the formation of ‘silent synapses’ – immature brain connections created by cocaine – and weakened drug-related memories. However, this also unexpectedly made mice more active, suggesting that GluN2B normally helps control both addiction memory and activity levels. The findings provide new insights into how addiction memories form and suggest potential ways to treat addiction.

Assessing protein distribution and dendritic spine morphology relationships using structured illumination microscopy in cultured neurons

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This research provides a detailed step-by-step guide for scientists to visualize and measure how proteins are organized inside tiny structures called dendritic spines, which are the connection points between nerve cells in the brain. Using advanced microscopy techniques, researchers can see how different proteins cluster together and how this organization relates to the shape and size of these synaptic connections. Understanding protein arrangement in dendritic spines is important because it helps explain how brain cells communicate and adapt, which has implications for learning, memory, and neurological disorders.

Erythropoietin restrains the inhibitory potential of interneurons in the mouse hippocampus

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Researchers studied how a protein called erythropoietin (EPO) affects brain cells called interneurons in the hippocampus, a region important for memory and learning. They found that EPO treatment reduces the inhibitory activity of certain interneurons, which makes the brain’s excitatory neurons more active. This change in brain balance could potentially help treat psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism that involve imbalanced brain activity.

Deciphering the role of CAPZA2 in neurodevelopmental disorders: insights from mouse models

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Scientists studied a gene called CAPZA2 that helps control how brain cells connect to each other. When this gene doesn’t work properly, mice had trouble learning, remembering things, and interacting socially, similar to intellectual disability in humans. The researchers found that the problem happens because the connections between brain cells become abnormal and don’t mature properly. This research helps explain why some people with mutations in this gene have developmental difficulties and could lead to new treatments.

The Role of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1A (ASIC1A) in the Behavioral and Synaptic Effects of Oxycodone and Other Opioids

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This study examines how a specific type of brain channel called ASIC1A affects how the brain responds to opioid drugs like oxycodone and morphine. Researchers found that mice without this channel showed stronger attraction to opioid-paired locations and had unusual changes in brain connections related to opioid use. The findings suggest that targeting ASIC1A could potentially be a new way to treat opioid addiction by reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these drugs.

Reelin cells and sex-dependent synaptopathology in autism following postnatal immune activation

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Researchers found that infections in newborn mice, particularly males, can disrupt brain development and lead to autism-like behaviors by damaging special brain cells called Reelin+ cells that help synapses mature properly. These damaged synapses failed to develop normally, resulting in social withdrawal and repetitive behaviors similar to autism in humans. Importantly, the study found that male mice were much more susceptible to this immune-triggered damage than female mice. The findings suggest that Reelin could be a promising therapeutic target for treating autism in children who experienced infections early in life.

Research Keyword: synaptic plasticity