• Title/Summary/Keyword: Neurological function

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Neuronal function and dysfunction of CYFIP2: from actin dynamics to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy

  • Zhang, Yinhua;Lee, Yeunkum;Han, Kihoon
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.52 no.5
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    • pp.304-311
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    • 2019
  • The cytoplasmic FMR1-interacting protein family (CYFIP1 and CYFIP2) are evolutionarily conserved proteins originally identified as binding partners of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein whose loss causes the fragile X syndrome. Moreover, CYFIP is a key component of the heteropentameric WAVE regulatory complex (WRC), a critical regulator of neuronal actin dynamics. Therefore, CYFIP may play key roles in regulating both mRNA translation and actin polymerization, which are critically involved in proper neuronal development and function. Nevertheless, compared to CYFIP1, neuronal function and dysfunction of CYFIP2 remain largely unknown, possibly due to the relatively less well established association between CYFIP2 and brain disorders. Despite high amino acid sequence homology between CYFIP1 and CYFIP2, several in vitro and animal model studies have suggested that CYFIP2 has some unique neuronal functions distinct from those of CYFIP1. Furthermore, recent whole-exome sequencing studies identified de novo hot spot variants of CYFIP2 in patients with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE), clearly implicating CYFIP2 dysfunction in neurological disorders. In this review, we highlight these recent investigations into the neuronal function and dysfunction of CYFIP2, and also discuss several key questions remaining about this intriguing neuronal protein.

Clinical Usefulness of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP) in Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Diseases (추간판질환 개에 Somatosensory Evoked Potential(SSEP)의 임상활용)

  • Jeong, Seong-Mok;Hong, Yeon-Jung;Seo, Kang-Moon;Nam, Tchi-Chou
    • Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.397-402
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    • 2002
  • Clinical usefulness of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) as a prognostic tool was evaluated with three dogs showing clinical signs associated with intervertebral disc diseases. Prior to measure SSEP, history taking, physical examination, radiological study and neurological examination were performed. In case 1, poor prognosis was predicted because deep pain was not observed and loss of sensory function was observed in SSEP. And the clinical signs persisted with the conservative treatment. However, in cases 2 and 3, good prognoses were predicted by normal conduction velocity in SSEP that meant the presence of sensory function. The clinical signs of cases 2 and 3 disappeared at days 18 and 13 after treatment, respectively. These results suggest SSEP be used clinically as a prognostic tool in dogs with intervertebral disc diseases.

Reconstruction of Neural Circuits Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

  • Kim, Gyu Hyun;Lee, Sang-Hoon;Lee, Kea Joo
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.46 no.2
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    • pp.100-104
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    • 2016
  • Electron microscopy is currently the only available technique with a spatial resolution sufficient to identify fine neuronal processes and synaptic structures in densely packed neuropil. For large-scale volume reconstruction of neuronal connectivity, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy allows us to acquire thousands of serial images in an automated fashion and reconstruct neural circuits faster by reducing the alignment task. Here we introduce the whole reconstruction procedure of synaptic network in the rat hippocampal CA1 area and discuss technical issues to be resolved for improving image quality and segmentation. Compared to the serial section transmission electron microscopy, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy produced much reliable three-dimensional data sets and accelerated reconstruction by reducing the need of alignment and distortion adjustment. This approach will generate invaluable information on organizational features of our connectomes as well as diverse neurological disorders caused by synaptic impairments.

Critical Roles of Deubiquitinating Enzymes in the Nervous System and Neurodegenerative Disorders

  • Das, Soumyadip;Ramakrishna, Suresh;Kim, Kye-Seong
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.43 no.3
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    • pp.203-214
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    • 2020
  • Post-translational modifications play major roles in the stability, function, and localization of target proteins involved in the nervous system. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway uses small ubiquitin molecules to degrade neuronal proteins. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) reverse this degradation and thereby control neuronal cell fate, synaptic plasticity, axonal growth, and proper function of the nervous system. Moreover, mutations or downregulation of certain DUBs have been found in several neurodegenerative diseases, as well as gliomas and neuroblastomas. Based on emerging findings, DUBs represent an important target for therapeutic intervention in various neurological disorders. Here, we summarize advances in our understanding of the roles of DUBs related to neurobiology.

The Role of a Neurovascular Signaling Pathway Involving Hypoxia-Inducible Factor and Notch in the Function of the Central Nervous System

  • Kim, Seunghee;Lee, Minjae;Choi, Yoon Kyung
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.28 no.1
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    • pp.45-57
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    • 2020
  • In the neurovascular unit, the neuronal and vascular systems communicate with each other. O2 and nutrients, reaching endothelial cells (ECs) through the blood stream, spread into neighboring cells, such as neural stem cells, and neurons. The proper function of neural circuits in adults requires sufficient O2 and glucose for their metabolic demands through angiogenesis. In a central nervous system (CNS) injury, such as glioma, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, damaged ECs can contribute to tissue hypoxia and to the consequent disruption of neuronal functions and accelerated neurodegeneration. This review discusses the current evidence regarding the contribution of oxygen deprivation to CNS injury, with an emphasis on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated pathways and Notch signaling. Additionally, it focuses on adult neurological functions and angiogenesis, as well as pathological conditions in the CNS. Furthermore, the functional interplay between HIFs and Notch is demonstrated in pathophysiological conditions.

Basic Science of the Articular Cartilage (관절 연골에 대한 기초 과학)

  • Kim, Jae-Hwa;Ahn, Chang-Soo
    • Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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    • v.13 no.3
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    • pp.189-192
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    • 2009
  • Although the articular cartilage is only a few milimiters thick, it has surprising stiffness to compression, exceptional ability to distribute load minimizing peak stress on subchondral bone and great durability. In many instances, it help to preserve normal joint function for more than 80 years. Varying in thickness, cell density, matrix composition, mechanical properties even within the same joint, it provides low-friction and pain free-motion. However, it lacks a blood or lymphatic supply and neurological elements are absent. It shows limited healing potential because of poor regenerative capacity.

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Variability of Platelet Reactivity on Antiplatelet Therapy in Neurointervention Procedure

  • Yi, Ho Jun;Hwang, Gyojun;Lee, Byoung Hun
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.62 no.1
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    • pp.3-9
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    • 2019
  • As more intracranial aneurysms and other cerebrovascular pathologies are treated with neurointervention procedure, thromboembolic events that frequently lead to serious neurological deficit or fatal outcomes are increasing. In order to prevent the thromboembolic events, antiplatelet therapy is used in most procedures including coil embolization, stenting, and flow diversion. However, because of variable individual pharmacodynamics responses to antiplatelet drugs, especially clopidogrel, it is difficult for clinicians to select the adequate antiplatelet regimen and its optimal dose. This article reviews the neurointervention literature related to antiplatelet therapy and suggests a strategy for tailoring antiplatelet therapy in individual patients undergoing neurointervention based on the results of platelet function testing.

The Effects of Swim Training on Neurogenesis in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus and Functional Ability After Focal Ischemic Stroke in Rats (수영 훈련이 뇌허혈 유발 흰쥐의 해마 치아이랑에서 뇌신경생성과 기능적 능력에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Ho-Sung;Kim, Deuk-Ho;Lee, Jeong-Pil;Kim, Young-Joo;Shin, Young-Oh;Kim, Sang-Hoon;Kwon, Ki-Wook;Oh, Jae-Keun
    • Physical Therapy Korea
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    • v.12 no.3
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    • pp.11-21
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    • 2005
  • The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of swimming training on brain function after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Therefore, this study was examined on neurogenesis in dentate gyrus of hippocampus using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label proliferating cells and assessed the neurological response following focal cerebral ischemia in rats using neurological motor behavioral test. In an observer-blinded fashion, twenty male Sprague-Dawley (280~310 g, 7 weeks old) rats were divided into four groups: MCAO plus swimming group (ME, $n_1$=5), MCAO plus control group (MC, $n_2$=5), SHAM plus swimming group (SE, $n_3$=5), SHAM plus control group (SC, $n_4$=5). The results of this study were as follows: 1) The limb placing time before and after swimming in the ME group were significantly longer than the MC group (p<.05), the SE group were significantly longer than the SC group (p<.01). 2) The balance beam scores before and after swimming in the ME group was higher than the SE group, the MC group was higher than the SC group but was not significantly different (p>.001). 3) The foot fault index before and after swimming training in ME group was significantly lower (i.e., improved) than the MC group (p<.001) and the SE group (p<.001), the SE group was significantly lower (i.e., improved) than the SC group (p<.001). 4) The mean number of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus in the ME group was significantly higher than the MC group (p<.001) and the SE group (p<.01). The MC group and the SE group was significantly higher than the SC group (p<.001). 5) There was significantly correlation between limb placing time and number of BrdU-positive cells on swimming training, there was positive correlation (r=.807, p<.0001) and between foot fault index and BrdU-positive cells number, there was negative correlation (r=-.503, p<.05). However, between balance beam scores and BrdU-positive cells number, there was no correlation. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the role of swimming training improves behavioral motor function probably by enhancing cell proliferation in that hippocampus. This study provides a model for investigating the stroke rehabilitation that underlies neurogenesis and functional ability.

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Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in a Rat Model of Hemoglobin-Induced Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage

  • Ding, Rui;Lin, Chunnan;Wei, ShanShan;Zhang, Naichong;Tang, Liangang;Lin, Yumao;Chen, Zhijun;Xie, Teng;Chen, XiaoWei;Feng, Yu;Wu, LiHua
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.40 no.2
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    • pp.133-142
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    • 2017
  • Previous studies have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation significantly improves the recovery of neurological function in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Potential repair mechanisms involve anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and angiogenesis. However, few studies have focused on the effects of MSCs on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and subsequent peroxynitrite formation after hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). In this study, MSCs were transplanted intracerebrally into rats 6 hours after HICH. The modified neurological severity score and the modified limb placing test were used to measure behavioral outcomes. Blood-brain barrier disruption and neuronal loss were measured by zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and neuronal nucleus (NeuN) expression, respectively. Concomitant edema formation was evaluated by H&E staining and brain water content. The effect of MSCs treatment on neuroinflammation was analyzed by immunohistochemical analysis or polymerase chain reaction of CD68, Iba1, iNOS expression and subsequent peroxynitrite formation, and by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$). The MSCs-treated HICH group showed better performance on behavioral scores and lower brain water content compared to controls. Moreover, the MSC injection increased NeuN and ZO-1 expression measured by immunochemistry/immunofluorescence. Furthermore, MSCs reduced not only levels of CD68, Iba1 and pro-inflammatory factors, but it also inhibited iNOS expression and peroxynitrite formation in perihematomal regions. The results suggest that intracerebral administration of MSCs accelerates neurological function recovery in HICH rats. This may result from the ability of MSCs to suppress inflammation, at least in part, by inhibiting iNOS expression and subsequent peroxynitrite formation.

DMSO Improves Motor Function and Survival in the Transgenic SOD1-G93AMouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (DMSO 투여된 근위축성 측삭경화증 SOD1-G93A 형질 변환 마우스 모델에서의 근육 기능과 생존 기간 증가 효과)

  • Park, Kyung-Ho;Kim, Yeon-Gyeong;Park, Hyun Woo;Lee, Hee Young;Lee, Jeong Hoon;Patrick, Sweeney;Park, Larry Chong;Park, Jin-Kyu
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.32 no.8
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    • pp.611-621
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    • 2022
  • Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is commonly used as control or vehicle solvent in preclinical research of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to its ability to dissolve lipophilic compounds and cross the blood brain barrier. However, the biochemical effects of DMSO on the outcomes of preclinical research are often overlooked. In the present study, we investigated whether the long-term oral administration of 5% DMSO affects the neurological, functional, and histological disease phenotype of the copper/zinc superoxide dismutase glycine 93 to alanine mutation (SOD1-G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. SOD1-G93A transgenic mice showed shortened survival time and reduced motor function. We found that administration with DMSO led to increased mean survival time, reduced neurological scores, and improved motor performance tested using the rotarod and grip strength tests. On the other hand, DMSO treatment did not attenuate motor neuron loss in the spinal cord and denervation of neuromuscular junctions in the skeletal muscle. These results suggest that DMSO administration could improve the quality of life of the SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS without affecting motor neuron denervation. In conclusion, the use of DMSO as control or vehicle solvent in preclinical research may affect the behavioral outcomes in the SOD1-G93A mouse model. The effect of the vehicle should be thoroughly considered when interpreting therapeutic efficacy of candidate drugs in preclinical research.