An immersive multisensory virtual reality approach to the study of human-built environment interactions: Technical workflows.

Virtual Reality technology has gained increased attention due to its capacity to provide immersive and interactive experiences to its users. Although increasing evidence has suggested that incorporating multisensory components in VR can promote the sense of presence and improve user performance, most of the current VR applications are limited to visual and auditory senses. In this article, a novel method of integrating thermal-related devices (heat lamps and fans) into Virtual Reality was developed.

3D Neuronal Cell Culture Modeling Based on Highly Porous Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene.

Cell culturing methods in its classical 2D approach have limitations associated with altered cell morphology, gene expression patterns, migration, cell cycle and proliferation. Moreover, high throughput drug screening is mainly performed on 2D cell cultures which are physiologically far from proper cell functions resulting in inadequate hit-compounds which subsequently fail. A shift to 3D culturing protocols could solve issues with altered cell biochemistry and signaling which would lead to a proper recapitulation of physiological conditions in test systems.

Regulation of hippocampal excitatory synapses by the Zdhhc5 palmitoyl acyltransferase.

Palmitoylation is the most common post-translational lipid modification in the brain; however, the role of palmitoylation and palmitoylating enzymes in the nervous system remains elusive. One of these enzymes, Zdhhc5, has previously been shown to regulate synapse plasticity. Here, we report that Zdhhc5 is also essential for the formation of excitatory, but not inhibitory, synapses both in vitro and in vivo.

Astrocytes drive cortical vasodilatory signaling by activating endothelial NMDA receptors.

Astrocytes express neurotransmitter receptors that serve as sensors of synaptic activity and initiate signals leading to activity-dependent local vasodilation and increases in blood flow. We previously showed that arteriolar vasodilation produced by activation of cortical astrocytes is dependent on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and endogenous agonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that these effects are mediated by NMDA receptors expressed by brain endothelial cells.

Protein palmitoylation in the development and plasticity of neuronal connections.

Protein palmitoylation, or the reversible addition of the fatty acid, palmitate, onto substrate proteins, can impact the structure and stability of proteins as well as regulate protein-protein interactions and the trafficking and localization of proteins to cell membranes. This posttranslational modification is mediated by palmitoyl-acyltransferases, consisting of a family of 23 zDHHC proteins in mammals. This review focuses on the subcellular distribution of zDHHC proteins within the neuron and the regulation of zDHHC trafficking and function by synaptic activity.