Neuroscience
Opposing functions of F-BAR proteins in neuronal membrane protrusion, tubule formation, and neurite outgrowthNeurite formation is a fundamental antecedent to axon and dendrite formation, but the mechanisms that underlie this important process are poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that two F-BAR proteins, CIP4 and FBP17, have opposing functions in early cortical neuron development.
Rate of brain aging and APOE ε4 are synergistic risk factors for Alzheimer’s diseaseThis study describes a gauge for brain aging predictive of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease synergistic with the APOE ε4 allele.
Inhibition of the deubiquitinase USP8 corrects a Drosophila PINK1 model of mitochondria dysfunctionAberrant mitochondrial dynamics contribute to disease conditions. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of USP8 ameliorates mitochondrial phenotypes deriving from loss of function of Drosophila PINK1 and Parkin.
Sequence and expression levels of circular RNAs in progenitor cell types during mouse corticogenesisThis study identifies circular RNAs (circRNAs) in specific cell types of the developing mammalian cortex. This resource addresses the complexity and potential significance of this elusive class of transcripts.
Location-dependent maintenance of intrinsic susceptibility to mTORC1-driven tumorigenesisPer-cell quantification of mTORC1 signaling activity in neural stem/progenitor cells reveals differential signaling, proliferative, and tumor-forming capability between dorsal and ventral cells within a single niche.
Drug screening with human SMN2 reporter identifies SMN protein stabilizers to correct SMA pathologyThis study has established a versatile human SMN2 reporter line for drug screening and identified a novel strategy of targeting cysteine proteases for rescuing SMA pathological phenotypes.
Sex-regulated gene dosage effect of PPARα on synaptic plasticityDifferences in PPARα expression between males and females affect the regulation of GluA1 expression and synaptic plasticity in mice.
Assessment and site-specific manipulation of DNA (hydroxy-)methylation during mouse corticogenesisThis work describes the dynamics of DNA modifications in specific cell types of the developing mammalian cortex. By providing a new method to manipulate this process in vivo, it is shown how this process can influence brain formation.
FUS (fused in sarcoma) is a component of the cellular response to topoisomerase I–induced DNA breakage and transcriptional stressThis work shows that the ALS-associated protein FUS is a component of the cellular response to transcriptional stress induced by topoisomerase I–induced DNA breakage, thereby accumulating at sites of nucleolar rRNA synthesis.
Opposing Roles of apolipoprotein E in aging and neurodegenerationThis study investigates how APOE modulates neuronal function integrity during normal aging and in the context of amyloidosis. This work demonstrates that APOE is a necessary partner of Aβ-dependent neuronal dysfunction and synaptotoxicity but also preserves neuronal network during aging.