The balance between factors leading to proliferation and differentiation of cortical neural precursors (CNPs) determines the correct cortical development. In this work, we show that GDNF and its receptor GFRα1 are expressed ...

The establishment of polarity is crucial for the physiology and wiring of neurons. Therefore, monitoring the axo-dendritic specification allows the mechanisms and signals associated with development, growth, and disease ...

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is involved in neuronal functions going from induction of apoptosis and growth inhibition to the promotion of survival. p75NTR expression is induced in central nervous system (CNS) ...

Although a requirement of zinc (Zn) for normal brain development is well documented, the extent to which Zn can modulate neuronal proliferation and apoptosis is not clear. Thus, we investigated the role of Zn in the ...

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental toxicant with detrimental effects on the developing brain and adult nervous system. The main mechanisms identified include oxidative stress, changes in intracellular calcium, ...

Introduction: Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) encephalopathy is defined as a neurological syndrome where the newborn suffers from acute ischemia and hypoxia during the perinatal period. New therapies are needed. The ...

Background: Evidence shows significant heterogeneity in astrocyte gene expression and function. We previously demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts protective effects on whole brain primary ...

The deleterious effects of ethanol (EtOH) on the brain have been widely described, but its effects on theneuronal cytoskeleton during differentiation have not yet been firmly established. In this context, ouraim was to ...

Neural development is a complex process that involves critical events, including cytoskeleton dynamics and selective trafficking of proteins to defined cellular destinations. In this regard, Smad Anchor for Receptor ...

The acquisition of neuronal polarity is a complex molecular process that depends on changes in cytoskeletal dynamics and directed membrane traffic, regulated by the Rho and Rab families of small GTPases, respectively. ...