Elevated EGR1 binding at enhancers in excitatory neurons correlates with neuronal subtype-specific epigenetic regulation.

Background: Brain development and neuronal cell specification are accompanied by epigenetic changes that enable the regulation of diverse gene expression patterns. During these processes, transcription factors interact with cell-type-specific epigenetic marks, binding to unique sets of cis-regulatory elements in different cell types. However, the detailed mechanisms through which cell-type-specific gene regulation is established in neurons remain to be explored.

Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Regional and Temporal Dynamics of Gene Expression in the Mouse Brain Across Development and Aging.

Investigating transcriptomic changes during healthy development and aging provides insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate the maturation of brain functions and drive age-related decline. Although it has been speculated that aging may represent a reversal of late-stage brain development, direct molecular comparisons between these two processes have remained limited. This study employs spatial transcriptomics to analyze the mouse brain at three key timepoints: postnatal day 21 (P21), 3 months (adult), and 28 months (aged), to identify region-specific differential gene expression dynamics.

Machine learning identifies genes linked to neurological disorders induced by equine encephalitis viruses, traumatic brain injuries, and organophosphorus nerve agents.

Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (collectively referred to as equine encephalitis viruses---EEV) cause serious neurological diseases and pose a significant threat to the civilian population and the warfighter. Likewise, organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNA) are highly toxic chemicals that pose serious health threats of neurological deficits to both military and civilian personnel around the world. Consequently, only a select few approved research groups are permitted to study these dangerous chemical and biological warfare agents.

Spatial Transcriptomics and Single-Nucleus Multi-Omics Analysis Revealing the Impact of High Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Offspring Brain Development.

Folate, an essential vitamin B9, is crucial for diverse biological processes, including neurogenesis. Folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy is a standard practice for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). However, concerns are growing over the potential risks of excessive maternal FA intake.

Spatial Transcriptomics and Single-Nucleus Multi-omics Analysis Revealing the Impact of High Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Offspring Brain Development.

Folate, an essential vitamin B9, is crucial for diverse biological processes including neurogenesis. Folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy is a standard practice for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). However, concerns are growing over the potential risks of excessive maternal FA intake.