Publications by authors named "Alex Maya-Romero"

Protein Kinase A (PKA) is regulated spatially and temporally via scaffolding of its catalytic (Cα/β) and regulatory (RI/RII) subunits by the A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAP). PKA engages in poorly understood interactions with autophagy, a key degradation pathway for neuronal cell homeostasis, partly via its AKAP11 scaffold. Mutations in AKAP11 drive schizophrenia and bipolar disorders (SZ-BP) through unknown mechanisms.

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The prion-like spread of protein aggregates is a leading hypothesis for the propagation of neurofibrillary lesions in the brain, including the spread of tau inclusions associated with Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms of cellular uptake of tau seeds and subsequent nucleated polymerization of cytosolic tau are major questions in the field, and the potential for coupling between the entry and nucleation mechanisms has been little explored. We found that in primary astrocytes and neurons, endocytosis of tau seeds leads to their accumulation in lysosomes.

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Article Synopsis
  • The prion-like spread of tau protein aggregates is a key idea in understanding how neurofibrillary lesions, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, propagate in the brain.
  • Researchers found that when tau seeds are taken in by astrocytes through endocytosis, they accumulate in lysosomes, causing changes like swelling and recruitment of specific proteins.
  • The study indicates that tau proteins can escape lysosomes through small-scale damage to the lysosomal membrane, prompting the formation of more tau aggregates right at the membrane.
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Adolescence is a critical period of development, during which the brain undergoes rapid maturation. Problematically, adolescents are the top consumers of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetened beverages and snacks, which may have neurodevelopmental consequences. While HFCS consumption has been linked to an increased likelihood of obesity and other physical health impairments, the link between HFCS and persistent behavioral changes is not yet fully established.

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