Developmental Neurobiology最新文献

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition defined by social deficits, stereotypical or repetitive behaviors, and anxiety. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced mouse model of ASD. The study comprised three groups: the control + sham (saline-treated offsprings receiving sham stimulation), the autistic + sham (VPA-treated offspring receiving sham stimulation), and the autistic + tVNS (VPA-treated offsprings receiving tVNS). Male C57BL/6 mice exposed to VPA on embryonic day 12.5 were evaluated for behavioral and neurobiological alterations. tVNS was applied twice weekly for 3 weeks to investigate its effects on sociability, anxiety-like behaviors, neurogenesis markers, and apoptosis pathways. Behavioral testing, including the three-chamber test, mirrored chamber test, open field test, and elevated plus maze, revealed that tVNS significantly improved sociability and social preference indices, reduced social anxiety, and decreased general anxiety-like behaviors in VPA-induced mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses have shown a decrease in neuron density, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and doublecortin (DCX) expression in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex of VPA-induced mice. Additionally, the increase in caspase-3 immunoreactivity indicates increased apoptosis. tVNS treatment restored BDNF and DCX levels, promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity while significantly reducing caspase-3-mediated apoptosis in affected brain regions. These findings suggest that tVNS may counteract the neural and behavioral deficits associated with ASD by modulating neurogenesis, neuronal plasticity, and apoptosis. The study highlights tVNS as a potential therapeutic intervention for ASD, emphasizing its role in targeting both behavioral alterations and underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

Transition metal complexes (TMCs) have emerged as promising agents in neurotherapeutics due to their redox activity, coordination flexibility, and ability to interact with biomolecular targets. However, their cytotoxic effects on neural tissues remain insufficiently understood, posing challenges for safe and targeted applications. Computational approaches provide powerful tools for unraveling the mechanisms underlying TMC-induced cytotoxicity, enabling the prediction of biological behavior at the molecular level. This study explores how advanced in silico methods, such as molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, are applied to assess the structure, reactivity, and interaction profiles of TMCs in neurological contexts. Particular focus is placed on modeling neurotoxicity mechanisms, evaluating blood–brain barrier penetration, and identifying structure–activity relationships (SARs) relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and pediatric brain cancers. Comparative analyses across different metal centers and ligand frameworks are presented, revealing how variations in electronic structure influence biological outcomes. Moreover, limitations of current computational methodologies are addressed, along with challenges in accurately modeling the neural microenvironment. Opportunities for future research include the integration of machine learning to enhance predictive accuracy, automate compound screening, and guide rational design of neuroactive metal-based drugs. The review also emphasizes the need for standardized protocols to improve reproducibility and biological relevance in computational neurotoxicology. By aligning the capabilities of computational chemistry with the demands of neurobiology, this study highlights a strategic framework for advancing safe, targeted, and effective transition metal-based therapies in the nervous system.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is neuropathologically defined by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau. Although traditionally viewed as a neuron-centric disorder, increasing evidence underscores the pivotal role of glial cells—particularly microglia and astrocytes—in AD pathogenesis. Once regarded as passive support cells, glia are now recognized as active participants in neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and disease progression. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, and astrocytes, key regulators of homeostasis and neurotransmission, undergo significant phenotypic changes in response to AD pathology. These include polarization into pro-inflammatory states, impaired clearance of pathological proteins, and detrimental cross talk that amplifies neuroinflammation and neuronal injury. This review synthesizes current literature on the dualistic roles of glial cells in AD, highlighting their contributions to Aβ and tau pathology, synapse loss, demyelination, neurotransmission deficits, and the neuroinflammatory cycle. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic polarization of glia, the reciprocal interactions between microglia and astrocytes, and their combined impact on neurodegeneration. We further explore both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches targeting glial function, including anti-inflammatory agents, senolytics, deep brain stimulation, exercise, and dietary interventions. By elucidating the multifaceted involvement of glial cells in AD, this review aims to spotlight emerging therapeutic strategies that go beyond neuronal targets, offering new hope for modifying disease progression and improving patient outcomes.

Establishing a proper balance between neuronal excitation (E) and inhibition (I) is essential for healthy brain development, with alterations in this dynamic linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Animal models suggest that hippocampal activity rapidly increases in the early postnatal period, believed to support the development and stabilization of E/I neural circuitry. This process has not yet been examined in humans, however. Utilizing longitudinal data from the Developing Human Connectome Project, the present study evaluated the impact of early hippocampal activity and gestational age at birth on later outcomes in a cohort of preterm infants (N = 58). Hippocampal activity was assessed using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging collected at two timepoints in the early postnatal period (prior to 20 weeks following birth). Increases in hippocampal activity during this early postnatal period predicted better cognitive and motor function at 18 months of age. Greater gestational age was associated with greater hippocampal activity increase between timepoints. Interestingly, no significant relationships were found between baseline hippocampal activity and 18-month outcomes, suggesting that dynamic changes rather than static measures may be especially sensitive to preterm birth and subsequent alterations in neurodevelopmental processes. These findings underscore the importance of changes in early hippocampal function and gestational age as key risk factors for future neurodevelopmental concerns.

Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, unavoidable in modern life, is linked to oxidative stress and ferroptosis, processes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. This study investigated the effects of EMF exposure during different pregnancy trimesters on rat offspring trigeminal ganglia (TGs), focusing on transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) ion channels, and assessed the neuroprotective potential of ferrostatin-1 (Fer), a ferroptosis inhibitor, against EMF-induced damage. Pregnant rats were exposed to 900 MHz EMF for 2 h/day during early (1–7 days, EMF 1), mid (8–14 days, EMF 2), or late (15–21 days, EMF 3) gestation. Fer (2.5 µmol/kg, i.p.) was administered immediately after daily EMF exposure in Fer treatment groups. Offspring TG tissues were analyzed on postnatal Day 28 using histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical approaches. EMF exposure significantly reduced antioxidant capacity and elevated lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, and TRPM2 activation, with the most pronounced alterations in mid-gestation exposure. Fer administration largely normalized these parameters and reduced structural damage in TG. In conclusion, these findings suggest that prenatal EMF triggers ferroptotic/apoptotic neurodegeneration via TRPM2, and that Fer holds promise as a neuroprotective agent.

Silent synapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) represent a key yet underexplored concept in the pathology of this disease, playing a crucial role in cognitive impairments and reduced neuroplasticity. These synapses, due to the inactivity of AMPA receptors under pathological conditions, are unable to efficiently transmit neural signals, leading to disrupted neural communication. This dysfunction is particularly influenced by chronic inflammation, alterations in neurotransmitter dynamics, and a reduction in neurotrophic factors in MS patients. One of the key aspects of understanding silent synapses is that they not only have the potential for reactivation, but they can also contribute to the restoration of neural networks by re-establishing neuroplasticity. Recent research has shown that targeted treatments, including activating NMDA receptors, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and using drugs like ketamine, help restore patients’ cognitive function. Apart from pharmacological therapies, non-pharmacological strategies also include cognitive rehabilitation, physical activity, and noninvasive brain stimulation, which might promote synaptic plasticity and consequently quality of life. Therefore, reactivating latent synapses as a novel and interesting therapy strategy could not only improve cognitive performance in MS patients but also open the road for fresh methods to mend the nervous system and increase their quality of life. Though its specific form has not yet been thoroughly investigated, this approach offers great promise to become a viable MS treatment.