Feng Wen , Xi Yang , Guoqing Jing , Lu Yu , Chengwei Mou , Jun Ran , Yang Zhang
{"title":"Neuromodulatory effects of dual-site repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting frontal and temporal cortices in subjective tinnitus: A functional magneti resonance imaging study","authors":"Feng Wen , Xi Yang , Guoqing Jing , Lu Yu , Chengwei Mou , Jun Ran , Yang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2026.106110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2026.106110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigated the neurofunctional effects of frontotemporal dual-site repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with subjective tinnitus (ST).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ninety ST patients were randomly assigned to active (n = 45) or sham (n = 45) with rTMS. Fifty-two healthy subjects served as controls. All underwent resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) and clinical assessment (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, THI) before and after a two-week intervention. Brain metrics included regional homogeneity (ReHo), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), degree centrality (DC), functional connectivity (FC), and structural covariance networks (SCN).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Active rTMS significantly reduced THI scores (<em>P</em> < 0.001). Rs-fMRI showed decreased ReHo in the right inferior parietal lobule, decreased fALFF in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG), but increased fALFF in the right temporal pole, and reduced DC in the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (all <em>P</em> < 0.05). FC weakened between right STG-MTG and right MTG-occipital gyrus (<em>P</em> < 0.05). SCN nodal centrality changed in right STG and left MTG (<em>P</em> < 0.05). No such changes were seen in sham or control groups (all <em>P</em> > 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Frontotemporal dual-site rTMS alleviates tinnitus, likely by modulating activity and connectivity in auditory and cross-modal integration regions, involving the default mode and auditory-visual processing networks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106110"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145951067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Redox-sensitive high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a multipotent regulator in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Antero Salminen","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2026.106115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2026.106115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The primary cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still unknown although genetic studies have identified several risk genes and significant alterations in the chromatin landscape. These genetic changes are associated with neuroinflammation and clear signs of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. While the redox-sensitive high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a chromatin binding chaperone which maintains the integrity of chromatin, it is also a stress-induced alarmin factor released from the nucleus and subsequently secreted into extracellular space where it is a major inducer of inflammatory responses. There is abundant evidence that HMGB1 is a multifunctional regulator of AD pathology because it can (i) stimulate neuroinflammatory responses, (ii) disrupt the blood-brain barrier, (iii) inhibit microglial clearance of β-amyloid deposits, (iv) trigger cellular senescence and induce cell death, and (v) stimulate synapse loss and cognitive impairment. Experiments with transgenic AD mice have revealed that a release of HMGB1 from nuclei and its secretion promoted neuroinflammation and aggravated AD pathology. Conversely, it is known that the inhibition of HMGB1 expression or its nuclear release attenuated neuroinflammation and delayed the pathological changes in transgenic AD mice. Given that there are many drugs which can inhibit HMGB1-induced inflammatory states, it seems that HMGB1 is a promising therapeutic target to suppress AD pathogenesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106115"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145916563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dandan He , Huajian Zhao , Yong Zhu , Yufei Kou , Tao Liu , Huahai Huang , Haiming Yang , Lihua Zhang , Jingyue Deng , Feng Xu , Qingyong Wang
{"title":"USP53 promotes NOTCH2-induced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Dandan He , Huajian Zhao , Yong Zhu , Yufei Kou , Tao Liu , Huahai Huang , Haiming Yang , Lihua Zhang , Jingyue Deng , Feng Xu , Qingyong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the role of USP53 and its associated signaling pathway associated with USP53 in Alzheimer's disease (AD).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>In vivo</em> experiments were conducted in C57BL/6, 5XFAD, and USP53-knockout 5XFAD (USP53<sup>−/−</sup>) mice. <em>In vitro</em> experiments were performed using primary human microglia cells. mRNA expression was examined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was measured using western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF). Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to detect protein-protein interactions. Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used to evaluate the learning ability and memory of mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>USP53 was overexpressed in patients with AD. Knockout of USP53 downregulated the expression of CD68, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), as well as the inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The accumulation of Tau protein was reduced, and the learning ability and memory was improved in USP53<sup>−/−</sup> mice compared to 5XFAD mice. <em>In vitro</em> experiments demonstrated that protein-protein interaction existed between USP53 and NOTCH2 and that the inhibition of USP53 prevented amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced deubiquitination of NOTCH2. Knockdown of USP53 reduced Aβ-induced elevation of inflammatory mediators and repressed Aβ-induced activation of IKKβ/NFκB signaling pathway in microglia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>USP53 promotes the activation of neuroinflammation and worsens learning ability and memory in AD mice, mediated by NOTCH2.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106109"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145891964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suhong Ye , Qiaolu Xu , Nashwa Amin , Ling Bao , Yang Yang , Irum Naz Abbasi , Marong Fang
{"title":"Investigating the role of GABAergic interneurons in the antidepressant-like mechanism of agomelatine","authors":"Suhong Ye , Qiaolu Xu , Nashwa Amin , Ling Bao , Yang Yang , Irum Naz Abbasi , Marong Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Depression is a prevalent and debilitating mental disorder with substantial impacts on global health and socioeconomic costs. Despite various antidepressants targeting monoaminergic neurotransmission, a significant proportion of patients fail to achieve remission with existing treatments. Agomelatine (AGO), as a novel antidepressant, has shown promise in treating depression. However, the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of GABAergic neural circuits on the antidepressant effects of AGO and elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. A chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model was used to induce depressive-like behaviors. Genetic manipulation was employed to selectively ablate GABAergic neurons, and the effects of AGO treatment on behavioral performance and neuronal morphology were assessed. Additionally, the expression of synaptic and clock genes was analyzed to explore underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that AGO treatment significantly improved the behavioral performance of CUMS mice and rescued the structural integrity and quantity of central neurons. It regulated the protein expressions of VGAT, VGLUT1, and Gad65 in the brain tissues of CUMS mice. Notably, AGO altered the protein and gene expressions in GABAergic neural circuits across different brain regions. Morphological analysis revealed that AGO improved dendritic spine density and length in neurons in the selective ablation of GABAergic interneurons. The antidepressant effects of AGO involve the modulation of GABAergic neural circuits as a critical but non-exclusive target, alongside the restoration of GABAergic-glutamatergic balance, synaptic function, and clock gene expressions. These findings highlight AGO's potential in normalizing disrupted neuronal function in depression and offer insights into novel multi-target therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106101"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145734559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi-Wen Huang , Hua-Chen Chan , Jing-Yi Khoo , Mei-Lin Chan , Daniel Bender , Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy , Abdel Ali Belaidi , Liang-Yin Ke
{"title":"Assessing the critical role of ceramide in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and its clinical significance","authors":"Yi-Wen Huang , Hua-Chen Chan , Jing-Yi Khoo , Mei-Lin Chan , Daniel Bender , Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy , Abdel Ali Belaidi , Liang-Yin Ke","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and synaptic loss. Emerging evidence indicates that <em>apolipoprotein E</em> (<em>APOE</em>) polymorphism and dysregulated ceramide metabolism are critical links among these pathogenic processes. Ceramide accumulation in the brain contributes to Aβ generation, tau phosphorylation, and neuronal apoptosis. Elevated ceramide levels have been observed in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and peripheral organs such as the liver, reflecting systemic lipid dysregulation. Lipoproteins—particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)—transport ceramide across the blood–brain barrier, while apoE4 isoforms exacerbate this process by disrupting vascular integrity and lipid homeostasis. In addition, hepatic and gut-derived ceramides may influence neurodegeneration through the liver–gut–brain axis. Therapeutic interventions targeting ceramide synthesis (serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitors), production (neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitors), and the ceramide/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) balance show potential in preclinical models for reducing Aβ pathology, tau aggregation, and neuroinflammation. These findings position ceramide metabolism as a critical mediator of AD pathogenesis and a promising target for diagnosis and treatment. Modulating ceramide and S1P signaling could complement current amyloid- and tau-directed therapies, offering new opportunities for disease modification and early intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106104"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145766786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bing Fan , YuSheng Liang , TianTian Zhi , Lei Wu , YangXia Wu , Yan Yang , Zhi Xie , Xian Wu
{"title":"GPR55 deficiency exacerbates cognitive impairments and Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in mice","authors":"Bing Fan , YuSheng Liang , TianTian Zhi , Lei Wu , YangXia Wu , Yan Yang , Zhi Xie , Xian Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neuronal damage. Although studies have indicated a link between G-protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and AD-related cognitive impairment, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we aim to further investigate the role of GPR55 in the pathogenesis of AD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used viral vectors to knock down GPR55 expression in the hippocampus of normal mice. We also generated GPR55 knockout in AD mice by crossing GPR55<sup>−/−</sup> mice with APP/PS1 transgenic mice (APP/PS1; GPR55<sup>−/−</sup>). Behavioral tests were conducted to assess spatial memory deficits in 9-month-old APP/PS1; GPR55<sup>−/−</sup> mice. We also assessed the amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, glial cell activation, and synaptic protein expression in the hippocampus. In addition, we used AAV9 viruses to overexpress GPR55 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1; GPR55<sup>−/−</sup> mice to further observe its effect on cognitive function.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Knockdown of GPR55 in the hippocampus induces AD-like pathology, cognitive dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and synaptic plasticity damage in normal mice. This was evidenced by increased hippocampal levels of Aβ and p-Tau, enhanced glial cell activation accompanied by upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, and aggravated synaptic plasticity damage in the normal mice. Furthermore, knockdown of GPR55 induced the reduction of P-AKT1/2/3/AKT1/2/3 and P-GSK3β/GSK3β, while increasing the expression of P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 in the hippocampus of normal mice. In addition, GPR55 deficiency exacerbated AD-like pathology and spatial learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Conversely, AAV9-mediated overexpression of GPR55 rescued spatial memory impairments in APP/PS1; GPR55<sup>−/−</sup> mice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings underscore the critical role of GPR55 in AD progression and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for AD treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106105"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145773252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yikui Liu , Danyi Zheng , Lanlan Zhao , Bing Leng , Qingfang Sun , Liuguan Bian , Yongtao Zheng
{"title":"SPI1 suppresses YAP phosphorylation in vascular endothelial cells to prevent intracranial aneurysm progression","authors":"Yikui Liu , Danyi Zheng , Lanlan Zhao , Bing Leng , Qingfang Sun , Liuguan Bian , Yongtao Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which YAP mediates the activity of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in the biological process of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and to provide a novel target for noninvasive IAs treatment. Single-nuclei RNA profiling of aneurysmal cells revealed that ECs within aneurysms exhibit an intermediate identity between arterial and venous/capillary cells, rather than clustering within the normal arterial population. These specific human ECs showed downregulated YAP expression under turbulent flow. Immunostaining of human IA tissues demonstrated reduced YAP and increased phosphorylated YAP (p-YAP) compared with superficial temporal artery walls. Using YAP-knockdown human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), we observed elevated expression of senescence markers p21 and p16, accompanied by diminished proliferation and migration capacities. Furthermore, SPI1 (also known as PU.1) overexpression alleviated EC degeneration induced by turbulent flow through suppression of YAP phosphorylation. Collectively, our findings indicate that turbulent flow markedly reduces YAP expression while promoting its phosphorylation, thereby accelerating endothelial senescence. Importantly, SPI1 overexpression effectively mitigated turbulent-flow-induced endothelial senescence, suggesting that SPI1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for preventing aneurysmal progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106100"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145734557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ERBB4 colocalizes with phosphorylated tau aggregates in multiple tauopathies","authors":"Chihiro Matsumoto , Tomohiro Kabuta , Terunori Sano , Shigeo Murayama , Yuko Saito , Yuji Takahashi","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The neuregulin-ERBB4 pathway is essential for maintaining cellular function. Upon stimulation by its ligand, neuregulin, ERBB4—a receptor tyrosine kinase—triggers multiple cellular responses, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and neuromuscular junction formation. Previous research has implicated dysregulated ERBB4 signaling in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. In this study, we examined ERBB4 expression in diseases characterized by phosphorylated tau (MAPT) pathology. We found that ERBB4 colocalized with neuronal and glial phosphorylated tau-positive inclusions in multiple tauopathies, including Pick's disease, Alzheimer's disease, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, argyrophilic grain disease, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with <em>MAPT</em> mutation. Conversely, ERBB4 did not colocalize with α-synuclein aggregates in α-synucleinopathies (Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy) or with neuronal intranuclear inclusions in triplet repeat disorders (Huntington's disease and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy). A co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that ERBB4 can interact with tau intracellularly. Notably, in corticobasal degeneration, we observed ectopic ERBB4 expression in astrocytes lacking apparent phosphorylated tau aggregates. These findings suggest a potential role for ERBB4 in the pathophysiology of tau-related neurodegenerative diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106093"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Essential oils by name and by nature: a review of their antioxidant and neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease","authors":"Claudia Cannas , Stefano Zoroddu , Alessandra Tiziana Peana , Gaia Rocchitta , Luigi Bagella , Rossana Migheli","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxidative stress (OS), resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous antioxidants, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The brain's high oxygen demand and abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids make it particularly vulnerable to ROS-induced damage. Despite major advances in research, no disease-modifying treatments for PD are currently available. Consequently, increasing attention has been directed toward natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Among these, essential oils (EOs), volatile plant-derived mixtures with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroactive effects, are emerging as promising adjuvants for PD management. This review critically examines the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of well-characterized EOs evaluated in both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> models of neurodegeneration. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus up to March 2025, identifying studies investigating EOs or their major components in PD-related experimental settings. Evidence indicates that essential oils derived from the <em>Citrus</em> and <em>Rosa</em> genus, and the <em>Lamiaceae</em> family, can reduce intracellular ROS accumulation, inhibit lipid peroxidation, enhance endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulate both apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. These multitarget actions are often attributed to synergistic interactions among EO constituents, such as limonene, linalool, thymol, and carvacrol. Owing to their low toxicity and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, EOs represent promising natural candidates for the development of complementary therapeutic strategies in PD. Further mechanistic and translational studies are warranted to substantiate their clinical potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106092"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ming-Shang Pai , Mao-Hsiang Hsiao , Ming-Yi Lee , Hsin Chang , Wei-Che Chiu , Su-Jane Wang
{"title":"Butein suppresses depolarization-evoked glutamate release by modulating P/Q-type Ca2+ channels and protein kinase C pathway in rat cortical synaptosomes","authors":"Ming-Shang Pai , Mao-Hsiang Hsiao , Ming-Yi Lee , Hsin Chang , Wei-Che Chiu , Su-Jane Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.neuint.2025.106107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the effects of butein, a natural chalcone, on glutamate release from rat cortical synaptosomes and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Using 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to evoke glutamate releases, we found that butein inhibited evoked glutamate release in a concentration-dependent manner (IC<sub>50</sub> = 11.4 μM) without altering basal release. The inhibition required extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>, as it was prevented under Ca<sup>2+</sup>-free conditions. Butein attenuated 4-AP-induced cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> elevation without affecting membrane depolarization. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of butein on evoked glutamate release was prevented by blockade of vesicular glutamate transporters, P/Q-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels or protein kinase C (PKC), but was unaffected by inhibition of N-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels, protein kinase A (PKA), Ca<sup>2+</sup>/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Western blot analysis showed that butein suppressed 4-AP-induced phosphorylation of PKC, PKCα, and the downstream substrates myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) and synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP-25). FM1-43 dye release and synaptotagmin 1 antibody (syt1-L ab) uptake assays further demonstrated that butein inhibits exocytotic vesicle release. Collectively, these findings indicate that butein inhibits evoked glutamate release from cortical nerve terminals by reducing P/Q-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel–dependent Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx and subsequently downregulating the PKC-mediated signaling pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":398,"journal":{"name":"Neurochemistry international","volume":"192 ","pages":"Article 106107"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145831847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}