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Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

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Full-Text Articles in Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Molecular Studies In Understanding Novel Curcumin-Glucoside Role In The Prevention Of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation In Relevance To Parkinson's Disease, Natasha N. Quailes, Nina Mourao, Megan W. Szobody, Sridhar Srinivasan, Sriya Gullapalli, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Tyler Torres, Kory Deshawn Punch, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Blake Martin, Kelsey Baker, Nikhilesh Anand, Hansapani Rodrigo, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad Sep 2024

Molecular Studies In Understanding Novel Curcumin-Glucoside Role In The Prevention Of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation In Relevance To Parkinson's Disease, Natasha N. Quailes, Nina Mourao, Megan W. Szobody, Sridhar Srinivasan, Sriya Gullapalli, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Tyler Torres, Kory Deshawn Punch, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Blake Martin, Kelsey Baker, Nikhilesh Anand, Hansapani Rodrigo, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: The synuclein deposition in the brain of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the hallmark pathology of the neurodegenerative pathway. The transformation of alpha-synuclein into synuclein monomer, toxic oligomer, and insoluble fibrils are key steps in cell dysfunction. We synthesized a novel molecule, Curcumin-glucoside (Curc-gluc), which has good water solubility and a favorable partition coefficient.

Methods: The present study focuses on α-syn aggregation kinetics in the presence and absence of Curc-gluc and Curcumin; we also tested the effect of Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) Fe binding through a mathematical approach, biophysical techniques, and docking models. In the mathematical approach, we applied …


Characterizing Border Associated Macrophages During Spinal Cord Regeneration, Addison Vogt, Dana Shaw, Mayssa Mokalled Sep 2024

Characterizing Border Associated Macrophages During Spinal Cord Regeneration, Addison Vogt, Dana Shaw, Mayssa Mokalled

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The human central nervous system has limited regenerative ability, with injuries to the spinal cord (SC) often resulting in paralysis. Alternatively, zebrafish have enhanced innate regenerative capacity and regain full motor function following spinal cord injury (SCI). Immune activation following SCI is necessary to provide a permissive environment for tissue repair, but the immune pathways necessary for SC regeneration are not well characterized. In previous data, we have found that while immune activation is persistent into the chronic phases of SCI response in mammals, zebrafish achieve full immune clearance within 48 days post SCI. We hypothesize that one key distinction …


Voltage Set Points For Sodium Channel Inactivation: Intrinsic And Modulatory Mechanisms, Akshay Sharma Sep 2024

Voltage Set Points For Sodium Channel Inactivation: Intrinsic And Modulatory Mechanisms, Akshay Sharma

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

During an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) control sodium ion flow into the cytoplasm of cells by using membrane voltage to alter channel conformation. These membrane proteins exhibit three main functional conformations: closed, open, and fast-inactivated, with transitions between these states dependent on membrane voltage and kinetics. The channels open within 1 millisecond and swiftly transition from open to fast-inactivated within 1-2 milliseconds following membrane depolarization. Subsequent membrane repolarization resets the channels to the closed state. Notably, even at mildly depolarized potentials that preclude channel opening, VGSCs can undergo transitions between the closed and inactivated states, known as closed-state …


Repurposing Bt-11 To Treat Alzheimer’S Disease: Exploring The Glutathione-S-Transferase Lancl2 As A Target, Emily Birnbaum Sep 2024

Repurposing Bt-11 To Treat Alzheimer’S Disease: Exploring The Glutathione-S-Transferase Lancl2 As A Target, Emily Birnbaum

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Approximately 99.6% of potential Alzheimer’s drugs fail, thus developing successful drugs is a high priority. The failure at developing successful drugs relates to the complex nature of the disease itself. Many components act together to trigger a cascade that ultimately results in neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction associated with the disease. In building a multiplex model of Alzheimer’s it is important to understand its specific biological mechanisms. One of these key pathological mechanisms is neuroinflammation. Understanding the pathways involved in neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s is an urgent need, as it poses a promising avenue for future effective therapeutics. Specifically, as many investigational …


Novel Psychoplastogen Dm506 Reduces Cue-Induced Heroin-Seeking And Inhibits Tonic Gaba Currents In The Prelimbic Cortex, Kassandra Looschen, Shailesh N. Khatri, Malabika Maulik, Colin Salisbury, Alaina F. Carman, Katilyn Corriveau, Colton Smith, Dina Manetti, Maria Novella Romanelli, Hugo R. Arias, Cassandra D. Gipson, Swarup Mitra Sep 2024

Novel Psychoplastogen Dm506 Reduces Cue-Induced Heroin-Seeking And Inhibits Tonic Gaba Currents In The Prelimbic Cortex, Kassandra Looschen, Shailesh N. Khatri, Malabika Maulik, Colin Salisbury, Alaina F. Carman, Katilyn Corriveau, Colton Smith, Dina Manetti, Maria Novella Romanelli, Hugo R. Arias, Cassandra D. Gipson, Swarup Mitra

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Opioid use disorder is a major public health crisis that is manifested by persistent drug-seeking behavior and high relapse frequency. Most of the available treatments rely on targeting opioid receptors using small molecules that do not provide sustained symptom alleviation. Psychoplastogens are a novel class of non-opioid drugs that produce rapid and sustained effects on neuronal plasticity, intended to produce therapeutic benefits. Ibogalogs are synthetic derivatives of iboga alkaloids that lack hallucinogenic or adverse side effects. In the current study, we examine the therapeutic potential of DM506, a novel ibogalog lacking any cardiotoxic or hallucinogenic effects, in cue-induced seeking behavior …


The Role Of The Circadian Clock In The Paraventricular Nucleus Of The Hypothalamus In Diurnal Energy Balance, Rachel Van Drunen Aug 2024

The Role Of The Circadian Clock In The Paraventricular Nucleus Of The Hypothalamus In Diurnal Energy Balance, Rachel Van Drunen

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Circadian rhythms are internal biological rhythms that drive oscillations in physiology and metabolism. Maintained at the level of individual cells throughout the body, the circadian clock is necessary for driving tissue-specific temporal programs of energy balance. Though loss of the circadian transcription factor, BMAL1, in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus has revealed its importance in driving rhythms in energy intake and metabolism, its transcriptional functions across time and in individual cell types in the PVN are not well understood. In this study, we show that loss of BMAL1 in the PVN not only results in arrhythmicity in processes …


Cerebrovascular Reactivity Mri As A Biomarker For Cerebral Small Vessel Disease–Related Cognitive Decline: Multi-Site Validation In The Markvcid Consortium, Peiying Liu, Zixuan Lin, Kaisha Hazel, George Pottanat, Cuimei Xu, Dengrong Jiang, Jay J. Pillai, Emma Lucke, Christopher E. Bauer, Brian T. Gold, Steven M. Greenburg, Karl G. Helmer, Kay Jann, Gregory Jicha, Joel Kramer, Pauline Maillard, Rachel M. Mulavelil, Pavel Rodriguez, Claudia L. Satizabal, Kristin Schwab, Sudha Seshadri, Herpreet Singh, Ángel G. Velarde Dediós, Danny J. J. Wang, Rita R. Kalyani, Abhay Moghekar, Paul B. Rosenberg, Sevil Yasar, Marilyn Albert, Hanzhang Lu Aug 2024

Cerebrovascular Reactivity Mri As A Biomarker For Cerebral Small Vessel Disease–Related Cognitive Decline: Multi-Site Validation In The Markvcid Consortium, Peiying Liu, Zixuan Lin, Kaisha Hazel, George Pottanat, Cuimei Xu, Dengrong Jiang, Jay J. Pillai, Emma Lucke, Christopher E. Bauer, Brian T. Gold, Steven M. Greenburg, Karl G. Helmer, Kay Jann, Gregory Jicha, Joel Kramer, Pauline Maillard, Rachel M. Mulavelil, Pavel Rodriguez, Claudia L. Satizabal, Kristin Schwab, Sudha Seshadri, Herpreet Singh, Ángel G. Velarde Dediós, Danny J. J. Wang, Rita R. Kalyani, Abhay Moghekar, Paul B. Rosenberg, Sevil Yasar, Marilyn Albert, Hanzhang Lu

Neurology Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) represent a major factor in cognitive decline in older adults. The present study examined the relationship between cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive function in a multi-site study, using a predefined hypothesis.

METHODS: We conducted the study in a total of three analysis sites and 263 subjects. Each site performed an identical CVR MRI procedure using 5% carbon dioxide inhalation. A global cognitive measure of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and an executive function measure of item response theory (IRT) score were used as outcomes.

RESULTS: CVR …


Early Onset Alzheimer’S Disease Markers In Mouse Hippocampus Unveiled By Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Following Cranial Radiotherapy, Tuba Aksoy Aug 2024

Early Onset Alzheimer’S Disease Markers In Mouse Hippocampus Unveiled By Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Following Cranial Radiotherapy, Tuba Aksoy

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Cranial radiation therapy plays an integral role in the treatment of brain tumors but can lead to progressive cognitive deficits in survivors by mechanisms that are poorly understood. To develop preventive or mitigative strategies, it is crucial to better understand the underlying pathogenesis of radiation-induced cognitive impairments. The study investigated single-cell transcriptomics and DNA methylation changes as potential drivers of persistent cellular dysfunction after radiation exposure, specifically concentrating on the CA1-3 regions of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex due to their role in cognitive functions. Thirteen-week-old mice underwent whole-brain radiation at clinically relevant doses. Following whole-brain radiation, an assessment …


Poly (Adp-Ribose) Polymerase-1 (Parp1) Expression In The Frontal Cortex And Hippocampus In Major Depressive Disorder (Mdd) And Suicide, Ramona Faith Fulkerson Aug 2024

Poly (Adp-Ribose) Polymerase-1 (Parp1) Expression In The Frontal Cortex And Hippocampus In Major Depressive Disorder (Mdd) And Suicide, Ramona Faith Fulkerson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that has a complex pathophysiology. In this study we evaluate the expression of PARP1 and the downstream alarmin protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in two brain areas that have demonstrated pathology in MDD. MDD donors were compared to controls. MDD subgroups that died by suicide were also compared to those that did not die by suicide. Immunoblotting to determine PARP1 and HMGB1 protein expression was performed in white and grey matter from the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. In BA10 white and grey matter, PARP1 protein expression was significantly …


Host-Microbiome Interactions In The Teleost Brain, Amir Mani Varnoosfaderani Jul 2024

Host-Microbiome Interactions In The Teleost Brain, Amir Mani Varnoosfaderani

Biology ETDs

This dissertation investigates host-microbial interactions within the teleost brain, previously considered sterile. Reviewing current literature highlights significant gaps in understanding teleost brain immunity, despite prevalent neurotropic diseases. We mapped the immune profiles of rainbow trout brains and meninges, revealing the olfactory bulbs as the immune effector part of the brain and the optic tectum as a nod2 expression hub. High il6 and il10 levels were noted in the telencephalon. A persistent bacterial community within healthy salmonid brains shares diversity with gut and blood microbiota. Brain bacterial isolates exhibit genomic signatures for brain colonization and polyamine biosynthesis. The microbiota shifts across …


Decentralized Clinical Trials For Medications To Reduce The Risk Of Dementia: Consensus Report And Guidance, Leanne Howard, Carla Abdelnour, Erin Abner, Ricardo F. Allegri, Hiroko H. Dodge, Serge Gauthier, Camilla M. Hoyos, Gregory Jicha, Patrick G. Kehoe, Catherine J. Mummery, Adesola Ogunniyi, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Xiaoying Chen, Jodie R. Titiner, Christopher R. Weber, Ruth Peters Jul 2024

Decentralized Clinical Trials For Medications To Reduce The Risk Of Dementia: Consensus Report And Guidance, Leanne Howard, Carla Abdelnour, Erin Abner, Ricardo F. Allegri, Hiroko H. Dodge, Serge Gauthier, Camilla M. Hoyos, Gregory Jicha, Patrick G. Kehoe, Catherine J. Mummery, Adesola Ogunniyi, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Xiaoying Chen, Jodie R. Titiner, Christopher R. Weber, Ruth Peters

Neurology Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Recent growth in the functionality and use of technology has prompted an increased interest in the potential for remote or decentralized clinical trials in dementia. There are many potential benefits associated with decentralized medication trials, but we currently lack specific recommendations for their delivery in the dementia field.

METHODS: A modified Delphi method engaged an expert panel to develop recommendations for the conduct of decentralized medication trials in dementia prevention. A working group of researchers and clinicians with expertise in dementia trials further refined the recommendations.

RESULTS: Overall, the recommendations support the delivery of decentralized trials in dementia prevention …


A Pathologic Study Of Perivascular Ptdp-43 Lin Bodies In Late-Nc, Ryan K. Shahidehpour, Peter T. Nelson, Adam D. Bachstetter Jul 2024

A Pathologic Study Of Perivascular Ptdp-43 Lin Bodies In Late-Nc, Ryan K. Shahidehpour, Peter T. Nelson, Adam D. Bachstetter

Neurology Faculty Publications

Background TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) pathological inclusions are a distinctive feature in dozens of neurodegenerative pathologies, including limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC). Prior investigations identified vascular-associated TDP-43-positive micro-lesions, known as “Lin bodies,” located on or near the brain capillaries of some individuals with LATE-NC. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the accumulation of Lin bodies and glial cells in LATE-NC and the potential co-localization with ferritin, a protein associated with iron storage. Using multiplexed immunohistochemistry and digital pathology tools, we conducted pathological analyses to investigate the relationship between Lin bodies and glial markers (GFAP for …


Local And Distal Projections Of Vta Gaba Neurons, Trinity M. Pirrone Jun 2024

Local And Distal Projections Of Vta Gaba Neurons, Trinity M. Pirrone

Neuroscience Honors Projects

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the abuse of drugs, compulsive drug seeking, and addiction. Addiction is facilitated by social, environmental, genetic, and neurobiological mechanisms. The underlying neural circuitry of addiction encompasses several brain regions, circuits, and cell types contributing to the reward system both collectively and independently. Evidence has shown that the ventral tegmental area of the brain is a control center of reward, an important mechanism for drug-seeking in addiction. Previous research has described the ventral tegmental area as a highly heterogeneous region containing various cell types serving different roles. GABAergic neurons of the …


Complement Propagates Visual System Pathology After Traumatic Brain Injury, Davis Marchant Borucki Jun 2024

Complement Propagates Visual System Pathology After Traumatic Brain Injury, Davis Marchant Borucki

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Traumatic brain injury is associated with the development of visual system disorders, including deficits in visual acuity. Visual deficits can present with delay and worsen over time, suggesting that ongoing neuroinflammatory changes contribute to their development and progression. Complement activation is strongly associated with the neuroinflammatory response after TBI and has been shown to contribute to neuronal and synaptic loss. However, the contributions of complement activation after TBI to vision loss remains unclear.

Methods: We employed an open skull controlled cortical impact model of traumatic brain injury in adult male mice to study how TBI affects vision. Animals were …


Neural Mechanisms Of Respiratory Interoception, Pei-Ying Sarah Chan, Lu-Yuan Lee, Paul W. Davenport Jun 2024

Neural Mechanisms Of Respiratory Interoception, Pei-Ying Sarah Chan, Lu-Yuan Lee, Paul W. Davenport

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Respiratory interoception is one of the internal bodily systems that is comprised of different types of somatic and visceral sensations elicited by different patterns of afferent input and respiratory motor drive mediating multiple respiratory modalities. Respiratory interoception is a complex system, having multiple afferents grouped into afferent clusters and projecting into both discriminative and affective centers that are directly related to the behavioral assessment of breathing. The multi-afferent system provides a spectrum of input that result in the ability to interpret the different types of respiratory interceptive sensations. This can result in a response, commonly reported as breathlessness or dyspnea. …


Comprehensive Assessment Of Tdp‑43 Neuropathology Data In The National Alzheimer’S Coordinating Center Database, Davis C. Woodworth, Katelynn M. Nguyen, Lorena Sordo, Kiana A. Scambray, Elizabeth Head, Claudia H. Kawas, María M. Corrada, Peter T. Nelson, S. Ahmad Sajjadi Jun 2024

Comprehensive Assessment Of Tdp‑43 Neuropathology Data In The National Alzheimer’S Coordinating Center Database, Davis C. Woodworth, Katelynn M. Nguyen, Lorena Sordo, Kiana A. Scambray, Elizabeth Head, Claudia H. Kawas, María M. Corrada, Peter T. Nelson, S. Ahmad Sajjadi

Neurology Faculty Publications

TDP-43 proteinopathy is a salient neuropathologic feature in a subset of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS-TDP), and in limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC), and is associated with hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-A). We examined TDP-43-related pathology data in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) in two parts: (I) availability of assessments, and (II) associations with clinical diagnoses and other neuropathologies in those with all TDP-43 measures available. Part I: Of 4326 participants with neuropathology data collected using forms that included TDP-43 assessments, data availability was highest for HS-A (97%) and ALS (94%), followed by …


The Role Of Micrornas On Systemic And Central Nervous System- Inflammation In Aged Mice, Anik Banerjee Jun 2024

The Role Of Micrornas On Systemic And Central Nervous System- Inflammation In Aged Mice, Anik Banerjee

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in multiple biological processes, including development, cell differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and cell death. Aberrant regulation of microRNAs is seen in many diseases, such as sepsis, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases such as stroke, and metabolic disorders. Because of their involvement in disease processes, microRNAs have been investigated as both potential biomarkers, and as therapeutic targets. Age-related inflammatory diseases including diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis are important risk factors for infection and sepsis. Intestinal barrier impairment occurs with aging and after brain injuries, including stroke. Both aging and stroke increase the risk of infection and sepsis and are …


Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Induces Anatomical Changes In The Mouse Somatosensory Cortex., Zahra Saad Siddiqui May 2024

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Induces Anatomical Changes In The Mouse Somatosensory Cortex., Zahra Saad Siddiqui

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Atypical tactile responses are implicated in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Our lab reported diminished tactile sensitivity in young adolescent mice with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Here, I employed immunohistochemistry to investigate the anatomical correlates of altered tactile sensitivity observed in mice with PAE. Using our 3-day binge paradigm, I examined changes in the distribution pattern of pre- (thalamocortical afferents) and postsynaptic (pyramidal neurons) partners involved in processing tactile information in the SSC of Postnatal day (P) 7 mice. In rodents, tactile information is relayed somatotopically to the SSC via TC afferents expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 2 …


Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander May 2024

Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander

Student Theses and Dissertations

Aerobic metabolism is known to generate damaging ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that have the potential to cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. ROS are highly reactive atoms or molecules that rapidly interact with other molecules within a cell. Intracellular accumulation can result in oxidative damage, dysfunction, and cell death. Due to the limitations of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) detectors, other impacts of ROS exposure may have been missed. HyPer7, a genetically encoded sensor, measures hydrogen peroxide emissions precisely and sensitively, even at sublethal levels, during …


The Effect Of Novel Microtubule Modulators On Experimental Lewy Body Disease, Anuj S. Jamenis May 2024

The Effect Of Novel Microtubule Modulators On Experimental Lewy Body Disease, Anuj S. Jamenis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Lewy body disorders, α-synuclein aggregates are believed to destabilize the microtubular framework. However, microtubules are a challenging therapeutic target, as excessive rigidity or flexibility afforded by microtubule modulators may be neurotoxic. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate dual-acting microtubule- stabilizing/destabilizing agents in cellular and animal models of early-stage Lewy body disease.

In Aim 1 we tested the dual-acting tricylic pyrimido[4,5-b]indole analogs AG161-47 and AG161-41 in an in vitro preformed fibril induced model of Lewy body disease. We found that both compounds reduced preformed fibril-seeded α-synucleinopathy without toxicity in primary hippocampal cultures. AG161-47 subtly impacted microtubule …


Inflammaging In The Alzheimer’S Brain And Beyond: Insights From A Transgenic Mouse Model On The Sex-Specific Pathophysiology Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Alicia Jeanne Barber May 2024

Inflammaging In The Alzheimer’S Brain And Beyond: Insights From A Transgenic Mouse Model On The Sex-Specific Pathophysiology Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Alicia Jeanne Barber

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Aging and sex are major risk factors for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Compared to men, women experience worse neuropathological burden and cognitive decline despite living longer with the disease. Similarly, male 3xTg-AD mice, developed to model Alzheimer’s disease, no longer consistently exhibit standard Alzheimer’s neuropathology yet experience higher rates of mortality - providing a unique opportunity to further elucidate this dichotomy. We hypothesized that sex differences in the biological aging process yield distinct pathological and molecular Alzheimer’s disease signatures in males and females, which could be harnessed for therapeutic and biomarker development.

We aged male and female, 3xTg-AD and B6129 …


Unveiling The Nexus Of Cellular Quality Control: Exploring The Interplay Between Ribosome-Associated Protein Quality Control And Mitochondrial Quality Control Pathways, Foozhan Tahmasebinia May 2024

Unveiling The Nexus Of Cellular Quality Control: Exploring The Interplay Between Ribosome-Associated Protein Quality Control And Mitochondrial Quality Control Pathways, Foozhan Tahmasebinia

Biological Sciences Theses and Dissertations

In eukaryotic cells, the intricate interplay between cellular quality control mechanisms is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and safeguarding the integrity of vital processes, spanning from macromolecule synthesis to the renewal of entire cellular organelles.

Disruption of these networks can lead to severe diseases such as metabolic disorders, underscoring the interconnected nature and feedback control mechanisms inherent in biological systems, including cellular quality control systems. This interconnectedness extends to the intricate communication between organelles, enabling coordinated functioning and adaptation to changing cellular conditions, particularly in response to stressors.

While the exact mechanisms governing these communications within cellular quality control systems remain …


Screen For Beneficial Genetic And Chemical Modifiers In Drosophila Models Of Als And Traumatic Brain Injury, Will Bonderer May 2024

Screen For Beneficial Genetic And Chemical Modifiers In Drosophila Models Of Als And Traumatic Brain Injury, Will Bonderer

Biological Sciences Theses and Dissertations

The underlying molecular processes of aberrant protein expression in neurodegeneration are intricate and multifaceted, with ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) emerging as a promising avenue of exploration. Ribosome-associated quality control is integral to cellular function. Its evolutionarily conserved pathway encompasses a network of mechanisms designed to ensure the fidelity of protein synthesis, folding, and degradation within the cells of all eukaryotes. The ribosome, central to protein synthesis, plays a pivotal role in this quality control network, and its malfunction can lead to the accumulation of misfolded or aberrant proteins. In the context of neurodegenerative disorders, this dysfunction can have dire consequences. …


The Relationship Between Amygdala And Orbitofrontal Cortex Volume In The Context Of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Rahul Alla May 2024

The Relationship Between Amygdala And Orbitofrontal Cortex Volume In The Context Of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Rahul Alla

Honors Scholar Theses

Disobedient and rebellious attitude in children is on the rise and this type of behavior is categorized as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). ODD in children can be identified as a persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior or vindictiveness toward others according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5, Fifth Edition) of Mental Disorders.1 Children with ODD typically have difficulty regulating and processing their emotions. Issues with regulating emotions is defined as the process by which individuals “influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how they experience and express them”.2 Dysregulation of emotions …


Microglial Dynamics And Mechanisms Underlying The Phagocytosis Of Dying Oligodendrocytes, Genaro E. Olveda May 2024

Microglial Dynamics And Mechanisms Underlying The Phagocytosis Of Dying Oligodendrocytes, Genaro E. Olveda

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Myelin is a complex multilamellar structure, generated by oligodendrocytes, that ensheaths axons and is a vital component for neural processing. Degeneration of both oligodendrocytes and their myelin sheaths is a common pathological feature associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Efficient removal of the cellular and myelin debris is crucial for remyelination and prevention of further degeneration. Microglia, the primary phagocytes of the CNS, are thought to play a key role in this process. To investigate the cellular dynamics underlying microglia-mediated clearance of degenerating oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths, at the single cell level, we developed a novel model for inducible cortical …


Isolation Of Aged Mouse Primary Microglia As A Model System For Alzheimer’S Disease Research, Michael Landis May 2024

Isolation Of Aged Mouse Primary Microglia As A Model System For Alzheimer’S Disease Research, Michael Landis

Biology Honors Papers

Microglia and their role as the immune cells of the central nervous system are an emerging area of interest within Alzheimer’s research, particularly as they have shown in a benevolent and malevolent cellular context. Models of Alzheimer’s disease are very light in studying microglia, so in this study a model of microglia isolated from aged mice is established in order to study the phagocytic activity and protein expression of microglia in response to Amyloid Beta. The cells were isolated from aged mice and cultured before being used to confirm cellular identity, as well as to measure phagocytic activity. This study …


Exploring The Neuroprotective Effects Of Cannabinoids On Oxygen Glucose Deprived Neurons In An In-Vitro Model Of Stroke, Bhavya Chatragadda, Emily Potts, Hang Ma, Navindra Seeram, Claudia Fallini May 2024

Exploring The Neuroprotective Effects Of Cannabinoids On Oxygen Glucose Deprived Neurons In An In-Vitro Model Of Stroke, Bhavya Chatragadda, Emily Potts, Hang Ma, Navindra Seeram, Claudia Fallini

Senior Honors Projects

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and decreased mobility worldwide. During stroke, neuronal damage results from both the initial oxygen-glucose deprivation and the increase in excitotoxicity and oxidative stress after restoration of blood flow, a phase called Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI). Reducing the impact of these processes could result in better outcomes for post-stroke patients by preventing excessive neuronal death. Many natural compounds derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant have been tested for neuroprotective effects due to their potential antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that neurons treated with cannabinoids immediately after experiencing an acute ischemic event will have an overall …


Assessing The Role Of Stim1 And Stim2 In Microglial Response To Spinal Cord Injury., Sarayu Alli May 2024

Assessing The Role Of Stim1 And Stim2 In Microglial Response To Spinal Cord Injury., Sarayu Alli

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Microglia, immune cells of the central nervous system, constantly survey their environment for damage. Once damage is detected, they are activated into become reactive, resulting in morphological changes, such as larger cell bodies, and functional changes, such as releasing inflammatory mediators. The switch from surveying to reactive occurs because the microglia received signals that sense danger in the environment. The release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is involved in store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), a signaling pathway. Recent studies have shown that calcium release from the intracellular stores is a factor of microglial activation. SOCE is specific to monitoring low calcium …


Optimization Of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Antibody For Immunohistochemistry Fluorescence Detection In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Madison Thurber May 2024

Optimization Of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Antibody For Immunohistochemistry Fluorescence Detection In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Madison Thurber

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter produced through the catecholamine synthesis pathway that affects brain activity. Unregulated dopamine levels can lead to various diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Optimization of an immunohistochemistry protocol will allow for the quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase antibody, which indirectly allows for dopamine quantification in dopaminergic regions within the brain. However, the antibody concentration to give the optimal signal-to-noise ratio in IHC varies across studies. Through this experiment, I determined the concentration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH) antibody for immunohistochemistry that gave the best signal-to-background noise ratio within several known dopaminergic regions …


The Role Of Oncomodulin In The Central Nervous System Inflammation, Evan Paltjon May 2024

The Role Of Oncomodulin In The Central Nervous System Inflammation, Evan Paltjon

Honors Theses

Acoustic overexposure in mice leads to an excess of calcium influx in outer hair cells (OHCs) and causes permanent hearing loss due to death of OHCs. Oncomodulin is a parvalbumin calcium buffering protein located in OHCs of the cochlea. Early pilot studies indicate that genetic deletion of OCM results in immune-related pathology throughout the cochlea. Why and how this occurs is unknown. Studies in wild type (WT) and OCM knockout (KO) mice demonstrate greater numbers of immune cells are associated with noise exposure in an OCM knockout than in WT. Expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) leads to the recruitment …