A new cell type is implicated in epilepsy caused by traumatic brain injury
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 · Posted by Tufts University
A new study in mice identifies increased levels of a specific neurotransmitter as a contributing factor connecting traumatic brain injury (TBI) to post-traumatic epilepsy. The findings suggest that damage to brain cells called interneurons disrupts neurotransmitter levels and plays a role in the development of epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury.
Glowing Worms Illuminate Roots of Behavior
Thursday, November 14, 2013 · Posted by Worcester Polytechnic Institute
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and The Rockefeller University in New York has developed a novel system to image brain activity in multiple awake and unconstrained worms. The technology, which makes it possible to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior, can also be used as a high-throughput screening tool for drug development targeting autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.
CSHL neuroscientists identify class of cortical inhibitory neurons that specialize in disinhibition
Thursday, October 3, 2013 · Posted by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
The cerebral cortex contains two major types of neurons: principal neurons that are excitatory and interneurons that are inhibitory, all interconnected within the same network. New research now reveals that one class of inhibitory neurons – called VIP interneurons — specializes in inhibiting other inhibitory neurons in multiple regions of cortex, and does so under specific behavioral conditions.
Protein identified that can disrupt embryonic brain development and neuron migration
Monday, January 14, 2013 · Posted by Ku Leuven
New research by Dr. Eve Seuntjens and Dr. Veronique van den Berghe of the Department of Development and Regeneration (Danny Huylebroeck laboratory, Faculty of Medicine) has identified two proteins, Sip1 and Unc5b, that play an important role in the development and migration of interneurons to the cerebral cortex- a breakthrough in our understanding of early brain development.
Cilia guide neuronal migration in developing brain
Monday, November 12, 2012 · Posted by Emory University
A new study demonstrates the dynamic role cilia play in guiding the migration of neurons in the embryonic brain. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures on the surfaces of cells, but here they are acting more like radio antennae.
Transplantation of Embryonic Neurons Raises Hope for Treating Brain Diseases
Thursday, October 11, 2012 · Posted by University of California – San Francisco
The unexpected survival of embryonic neurons transplanted into the brains of newborn mice in a series of experiments at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) raises hope for the possibility of using neuronal transplantation to treat diseases like Alzheimers, epilepsy, Huntingtons, Parkinsons and schizophrenia.