Research Topic: molecular mechanisms

The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology

Researchers are rediscovering psychedelic compounds from traditional plants and fungi as potential treatments for mental health conditions and addiction. These substances work by interacting with brain chemistry, particularly serotonin systems, to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and drug cravings. Recent clinical studies show promising results, especially for treating opioid addiction with single doses that can produce lasting improvements. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand how these compounds work and to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.

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Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics

This review examines how psychedelic substances like psilocybin and LSD affect brain structure and function. Research shows these compounds can increase BDNF (a protein crucial for brain health) and promote the growth of new neurons and connections between brain cells. These biological changes may explain why psychedelics have shown promise in treating depression and anxiety, with effects lasting weeks after a single dose.

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Changes of Active Substances in Ganoderma lucidum during Different Growth Periods and Analysis of Their Molecular Mechanism

Scientists studied how the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum changes as it grows, discovering that different growth stages contain different beneficial compounds. The budding stage was found to have the highest levels of powerful healing compounds called triterpenoids and steroids. This research helps identify the best time to harvest the mushroom to get maximum health benefits, improving both quality and standardized production for medicinal use.

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Regulatory effects of Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides on immune function and their application prospects

Lycium barbarum, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years, contains special compounds called polysaccharides that boost the immune system. These compounds work by activating immune cells like macrophages and T cells, and can help fight infections and reduce inflammation. Research shows they may also help with conditions like arthritis, cancer, and gut health by acting as a natural prebiotic that promotes beneficial bacteria.

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Screening of active components of Ganoderma lucidum and decipher its molecular mechanism to improve learning and memory disorders

Researchers used computer analysis and laboratory experiments to understand how a medicinal mushroom called Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) helps improve memory and learning problems. They identified ten key active ingredients in the mushroom that work together to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells. The most important ingredient appears to be a compound called β-sitosterol, which helps prevent memory loss similar to effects seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

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Transcriptomic insights into the molecular mechanism of abietic acid promoting growth and branching in Armillaria gallica

Scientists discovered that abietic acid, a natural compound from pine trees, significantly boosts the growth of Armillaria gallica mushrooms by up to 302% in just three days. This fungus is important because it helps grow Gastrodia elata, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb. By studying which genes turned on in response to abietic acid, researchers found it works by helping the fungus break down nutrients more efficiently and remodel its cell walls for better growth. This discovery could improve cultivation techniques for medicinal mushrooms and their plant partners.

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Dynamic proteomic changes and ultrastructural insights into Pochonia chlamydosporia’s parasitism of Parascaris equorum eggs

Scientists studied how a special fungus called Pochonia chlamydosporia attacks and destroys parasitic worm eggs. Using advanced microscopy and protein analysis, they tracked the fungus through three stages of infection and identified the specific proteins and processes it uses to break down the worm eggs. This research helps us understand how this fungus works so it can be better used as a natural pest control method to protect animals from harmful parasites.

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Plant–Fungi Mutualism, Alternative Splicing, and Defense Responses: Balancing Symbiosis and Immunity

Fungi form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, helping plants absorb nutrients and resist stress. A key process called alternative splicing allows cells to make different versions of proteins from the same genes, fine-tuning how plants and fungi cooperate. This review explains how alternative splicing acts like a molecular switch that balances the plant’s immune system with accepting the beneficial fungus, and how understanding this could help farmers grow healthier crops with less chemical fertilizers.

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N6-methyladenosine-modified circRIMS2 mediates synaptic and memory impairments by activating GluN2B ubiquitination in Alzheimer’s disease

This research reveals how an abnormal RNA molecule called circRIMS2 contributes to Alzheimer’s disease by damaging brain synapses and impairing memory. Scientists found that circRIMS2 levels are elevated through a chemical modification called m6A methylation, and this causes a cascade of events leading to the destruction of important proteins needed for brain communication. The study shows that blocking this damaging pathway using a specially designed peptide can restore memory and synaptic function in Alzheimer’s disease models, offering hope for new therapeutic approaches.

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Effects and molecular mechanism of endophytic elicitors on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants

This review explains how beneficial fungi living inside medicinal plants can boost the production of healing compounds. These endophytic fungi act as natural triggers that activate the plant’s own defense systems, causing it to produce more of the valuable medicinal substances used in traditional and modern medicine. By understanding how this process works, scientists can develop better methods to grow medicinal plants and produce natural drugs more sustainably without depleting wild plant populations.

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