Axons, nerve cell projections that carry electrical signals from one cell to another, may look more like pearls on a string than the cylindrical tubes they are commonly believed to resemble, according to a study, which demonstrated that interfering with the formation of pearl-like structures impaired the transmission of electric signals.

Axon pearling is a well-characterized phenomenon that occurs in neurons under stress, including degenerating neurons in neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s also show changes in brain signaling.

“Understanding the structure of axons is important for understanding brain cell signaling,” Shigeki Watanabe, PhD, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior author of the study, said in a university news story. “Axons are the cables that connect our brain tissue, enabling learning, memory and other functions.”

The results were described in the study, “Membrane mechanics dictate axonal pearls-on-a-string morphology and function,” published in Nature Neuroscience.

To learn more, read the full article: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/axon-structure-different-shape-assumed-study-finds/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1QgBYdH1S1J2PlrXdlL0-P-_eAP7ozPPnFUsXSCr9ZiSnvf28uPwV_m0w_aem_fI8cnyQAqYRC6UiLsIVLJg

 

Source: Parkinson’s News Today

By Andrea Lobo 

A large-scale study revealed that genetic variants linked to dyslexia are associated with differences in brain areas controlling motor coordination, vision, and language.

Using data from over a million individuals, researchers calculated genetic “polygenic scores” for dyslexia and analyzed their relationship to brain structures. Higher genetic risk for dyslexia was tied to lower volumes in brain regions related to speech processing and movement, and increased volumes in the visual cortex. Differences in the brain’s internal capsule, which connects regions, were also observed.

These findings suggest that dyslexia is a complex trait involving altered brain development and cognition, potentially aiding earlier diagnosis and personalized interventions.

To learn more, read the full article: https://neurosciencenews.com/genetics-dyslexia-vision-language-28275/

Source: Max Planck Institute

Original Research: Open access.
“Distinct impact modes of polygenic disposition to dyslexia in the adult brain” by Sourena Soheili-Nezhad et al. DRYAD

A new study has developed a breakthrough biomedical tool that can deliver genetic material to edit faulty genes in fetal brain cells. Tested in mice, this technology offers the potential to stop the progression of neurodevelopmental conditions, like Angelman and Rett syndromes, before birth.

The researchers used lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver Cas9 mRNA, enabling gene editing within developing neurons. This innovative approach may one day help treat genetic disorders in-utero, preventing severe symptoms from developing after birth.

Key Facts:

• LNPs successfully deliver Cas9 mRNA to fetal brain cells, enabling gene edits.
• The tool was able to transfect 30% of brain stem cells, allowing wide impact.
• Early intervention could prevent neurodevelopmental disorders like Angelman syndrome.

To learn more, read the full article: https://neurosciencenews.com/eurodevelopment-gene-editing-27938/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGfFGtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSVYl70pPTGhPD6w1MJsaZHjkK2dfDjpcQ6q3o0gyhlxb4KGdtevR9U28A_aem_UEtFuXdp3EblLEkaQImtOw

Author: Nadine Yehya
Source: UC Davis

Within the human brain, movement is influenced by a brain region called the striatum, which sends instructions to motor neurons in the brain. Those instructions are conveyed by two pathways, one that initiates movement (“go”) and one that suppresses it (“no-go”).

In a new study, MIT researchers have discovered an additional two pathways that arise in the striatum and appear to modulate the effects of the go and no-go pathways. These newly discovered pathways connect to dopamine-producing neurons in the brain — one stimulates dopamine release and the other inhibits it.

To learn more, read the full article: https://news.mit.edu/2024/brain-pathways-control-dopamine-release-may-influence-motor-control-1023

Author: Anne Trafton

Source: MIT News

A new study has revealed a link between sunlight exposure, physical activity, and depression using wrist-based activity sensors. Over two weeks, researchers found that individuals with depression had lower physical activity levels, especially in shorter daylight periods, compared to those without depression.

The study suggests that people with depression may experience altered responses to sunlight, potentially limiting their ability to benefit from sunlight’s mood-boosting effects. The findings could pave the way for digital tools that use sunlight exposure data to predict mood patterns and personalize mental health interventions.

To learn more, read the full article: https://neurosciencenews.com/activity-depression-sunlight-27685/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFpHodleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVEhdW5qvWXB2aatTBY0qxSNSLHSB5-wA5BWuvc_gqUwczfw2mOuk8XS4Q_aem_O4flBQcdm3LCce2ZP45ARQ

Author: Charlotte Bhaskar
Source: PLOS

A new study led by scientists has uncovered a mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinson’s. The discovery, based on a family with a history of the disease, sheds light on how this mutation disrupts brain cell communication.

To learn more, read the full article: https://neurosciencenews.com/genetics-early-onset-parkinsons-27689/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFpHVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUy2UzC_2frKHtkGWBekrf9gCa5pnSh1sdyO9SvQx7sD7m0BK0YegWVEeg_aem_x2iYcizX0MrKq5rTjXa4KA

Author: India Jane Wise
Source: VIB