Distinct neural population code and causal roles of primate caudate nucleus in multimodal decision-making.

Perceptual decision-making involves distributed networks spanning both association cortices and subcortical areas. A fundamental question is whether such a network is highly redundant, or each node is distinct with unique function. Using a visuo-vestibular decision-making task, here we show the subcortical caudate nucleus (CN) of male primates displays distinct population code compared to association cortices along the modality dimension.

Perceptual regulation of ideal body shape in young women with body shame: An ERP study of cognitive reappraisal.

Media portrayals of idealized bodies reinforce appearance-based comparisons, leading to body dissatisfaction and associated cognitive and emotional disturbances among women. Integrating objectification theory and emotion regulation frameworks, this event-related potential (ERP) study examined how cognitive reappraisal affects attractiveness evaluations and attentional biases toward idealized bodies among women experiencing body shame. Fifty-one women completed body shame assessments and were randomly assigned to cognitive reappraisal group (CRG, n = 25) or control group (CG, n = 26).

Identifying and predicting EEG microstates with sequence-to-sequence deep learning models for online applications.

Electroencephalographic (EEG) microstates, as a non-invasive and high-temporal-resolution tool for analyzing time-space features of brain activity, have been validated and applied in various research domains. However, current methods for EEG microstate analysis rely on clustering algorithms, which require large-scale offline computations to obtain microstate labels and cluster centers. This offline approach is no longer sufficient for applications in cross-subject, cross-dataset, and multi-task scenarios.

Network Occlusion Sensitivity Analysis Identifies Regional Contributions to Brain Age Prediction.

Deep learning frameworks utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have frequently been used for brain age prediction and have achieved outstanding performance. Nevertheless, deep learning remains a black box as it is hard to interpret which brain parts contribute significantly to the predictions. To tackle this challenge, we first trained a lightweight, fully CNN model for brain age estimation on a large sample data set (N = 3054, age range = [8,80 years]) and tested it on an independent data set (N = 555, age range = [8,80 years]).

Whole-brain mapping of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons reveals a long-range reciprocal input-output loop between distinct subtypes.

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) influence cognition and emotion through specific acetylcholine release in various brain regions, including the prefrontal cortices and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Acetylcholine release is controlled by distinct BFCN subtypes, modulated by excitatory and inhibitory inputs. However, the organization of the whole-brain input-output networks of these subtypes remains unclear.

Ambient air pollution and hospitalisation for epilepsy in China: A nationwide, individual-level case-crossover study.

Emerging evidence has indicated the detrimental effects of air pollutants on the central nervous system (CNS). However, few studies have examined the impact of air pollution on epilepsy morbidity at a nationwide scale in China. To address this gap, we conducted an individual-level, nationwide case-crossover study to investigate the association between air pollutants and epilepsy-related hospitalisations.

A narrative literature review of white matter microstructure in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by widespread white matter (WM) alterations, manifesting as neurodevelopmental deficits and dysconnectivity abnormalities. Over the past two decades, studies have focused on the clinical high-risk (CHR) stage of psychosis and have yielded fruitful information on WM abnormalities that exist prior to the full onset of psychosis, shedding light on biological mechanisms underlying psychosis development. This review presents a summary of current findings on cross-sectional and longitudinal WM alterations in individuals with CHR and their links to clinical symptoms and neurocognitive dysfunction.

Estrogen signaling in the ventromedial hypothalamus is required for the development of aggression circuitry in male mice.

Aggression in male mice depends on developmental estrogen exposure, yet the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Although estrogen receptor α (Esr1) has served as a genetic marker to identify aggression-regulating neurons in the ventrolateral division of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl), its functional role in organizing male-aggression circuits remains poorly understood. Here, we developed a genetic strategy to knock out Esr1 in VMHvl neurons while simultaneous tracing and manipulating Esr1-deleted cells.

An ATAC-seq protocol for neuroscience research.

ATAC-seq (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing) enables high resolution mapping of chromatin accessibility, providing critical insights into gene regulatory mechanisms in neuroscience research. This protocol presents an optimized approach for applying ATAC-seq to neural tissues and cells, addressing the unique challenges of preserving chromatin integrity in these delicate samples. We detail the key steps of tissue processing, nuclear isolation, transposition reactions, and library preparation specifically adapted for neural applications.

Targeting the chromatin remodeler BAZ2B mitigates hepatic senescence and MASH fibrosis.

With increased age, the liver becomes more vulnerable to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with fibrosis. Deciphering the complex interplay between aging, the emergence of senescent cells in the liver and MASH fibrosis is critical for developing treatments. Here we report an epigenetic mechanism that links liver aging to MASH fibrosis.

Intravenous anesthetics have differential effects on human potassium channels.

General anesthetics are widely used in the clinic and greatly promote the development of surgery. However, the incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory complications caused by general anesthetics is still high, and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Potassium channels are widely expressed in the heart and blood vessels and participate in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and other physiological parameters.

Structural basis of human cytomegalovirus neutralization by gB AD-5-specific potent antibodies.

Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) poses a severe threat to fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. No approved vaccines and limited treatment options are current medical challenges. Here, we analyze the human B cell responses to glycoprotein B (gB) in three top hCMV neutralizers from a cohort of 283 individuals with latent-infected hCMV.

Genomic evolution reshapes cell-type diversification in the amniote brain.

Over 320 million years of evolution, amniotes have developed complex brains and cognition through largely unexplored genetic and gene expression mechanisms. We created a comprehensive single-cell atlas of over 1.3 million cells from the telencephalon and cerebellum of turtles, zebra finches, pigeons, mice, and macaques, employing single-cell resolution spatial transcriptomics to validate gene expression patterns across species.

WDR62 controls cortical radial migration and callosal projection of neurons in the developing cerebral cortex.

WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62) was identified as the second most causative gene of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) frequently associated structural abnormalities such as lissencephaly, polymicrogyria as well as hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, however, underlining mechanism behind these abnormality remains unknown. Here we show that either ablation of WDR62 in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) or post-mitotic neurons both impedes cortical neuronal radial migration in the developing brain. WDR62 modulates the transition from multipolar to bipolar states in migrating neurons and ensures the accurate formation of contralateral projections of callosal neurons.

Aberrant outputs of glutamatergic neurons in deep cerebellar nuclei mediate dystonic movements.

Dystonia, characterized by repetitive twisting movements or abnormal postures, has been linked to the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). However, the specific roles of distinct neuronal populations within the DCN in driving dystonic behaviors remain unclear. This study explores the contributions of three distinct groups of DCN neurons in an animal model of paroxysmal dystonia harboring a mutation in the proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 () gene.

The pentatricopeptide repeat protein PPR767 modulates plant architecture and drought resistance in rice.

The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) encoded by the nucleus are essential for RNA metabolism in eukaryotes. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, a large subset of RBPs, are essential for plant development and reproduction by participating in organellar RNA processing. Here, we identified an E-type PPR protein, PPR767, which functions in mitochondria.

Accelerated HD-tACS for craving and cognition in synthetic cannabinoid use disorder: a case report.

Introduction: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, has been demonstrated to improve cognitive function. Recent advances in neuromodulation protocols have introduced an accelerated intervention paradigm, which has shown promising therapeutic outcomes across various noninvasive brain stimulation modalities. Despite these encouraging developments in cognitive enhancement, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the potential therapeutic applications of accelerated tACS protocols in substance use disorders.

Dynorphin modulates reward-seeking actions through a pallido-amygdala cholinergic circuit.

The endogenous opioid peptide dynorphin and its receptor κ-opioid receptor (KOR) have been implicated in divergent behaviors, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that dynorphin released from nucleus accumbens dynorphinergic neurons exerts powerful modulation over a ventral pallidum (VP) disinhibitory circuit, thereby controlling cholinergic transmission to the amygdala and reward-seeking behavior in mice. On one hand, dynorphin acts postsynaptically via KORs on VP GABAergic neurons to promote disinhibition of cholinergic neurons, which release acetylcholine into the amygdala to facilitate learning and invigorate actions.

Prefrontal Internal Event-Driven Analysis of Dynamical Electroencephalographic Biomarkers in Depression During Emotional Auditory Task.

Aims: This study for the first time proposed a novel prefrontal internal event-driven analytic framework for electroencepalography (EEG) data, which aim to dynamically resolve neural processes during natural emotional auditory tasks.

Methods: The framework employed a novel unsupervised time-series clustering model for internal prefrontal event extraction, which supports event-related analyses with the absence of external event labeling. The framework was validated using a 64-channel EEG data obtained from 110 (55 depressed) subjects in a three-polar (positive, neutral, and negative) emotional-auditory task.

Childhood psychological maltreatment and addictive social media use in Chinese adolescents: A path model of sense of control and negative affect as mediators.

Background: Addictive social media use (SMU) is a global concern, especially among adolescents. Recent studies have suggested that childhood psychological maltreatment may contribute to the development of addictive SMU. However, this association and its underlying mechanisms require further exploration.

Single-neuron projectome reveals organization of somatosensory ascending pathways in the mouse brain.

Relay of multimodal somatosensory information from the spinal cord to the brain is critical for sensory perception, but the underlying circuit organization remains unclear. We have reconstructed mouse cervical spinal projection neurons at single-cell resolution and identified 19 projectome-defined subtypes exhibiting diverse projection patterns. We also reconstructed the brain-wide axonal projections of central relay neurons that receive direct spinal inputs at the single-cell resolution.

Transcriptomic and morphologic vascular aberrations underlying FCDIIb etiology.

Focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) is a major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy, but genetic factors explain only some cases, suggesting other mechanisms. In this study, we conduct a molecular analysis of brain lesions and adjacent areas in FCDIIb patients. By analyzing over 217,506 single-nucleus transcriptional profiles from 15 individuals, we find significant changes in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and astrocytes.

Peripheral nervous system microglia-like cells regulate neuronal soma size throughout evolution.

Microglia, essential in the central nervous system (CNS), were historically considered absent from the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Here, we show a PNS-resident macrophage population that shares transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles as well as an ontogenetic trajectory with CNS microglia. This population (termed PNS microglia-like cells) enwraps the neuronal soma inside the satellite glial cell envelope, preferentially associates with larger neurons during PNS development, and is required for neuronal functions by regulating soma enlargement and axon growth.

Discovery of an ene-reductase initiating resveratrol catabolism in gut microbiota and its application in disease treatment.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a plant-derived natural compound with multiple biological activities. Upon entering the intestine, RSV undergoes rapid metabolism and transformation by the gut microbiota. In this study, we isolated a bacterium capable of efficiently metabolizing RSV, Eggerthella lenta J01.