Publications by authors named "Alicia Molinero-Perez"
Background: Astrocytes control synaptic activity by modulating perisynaptic concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters including dopamine (DA) and, as such, could be involved in the modulating aspects of mammalian behavior.
Methods: We produced a conditional deletion of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) specifically in astrocytes (aVMTA2cKO mice) and studied the effects of the lack of VMAT2 in prefrontal cortex (PFC) astrocytes on the regulation of DA levels, PFC circuit functions, and behavioral processes.
Results: We found a significant reduction of medial PFC (mPFC) DA levels and excessive grooming and compulsive repetitive behaviors in aVMAT2cKO mice.
Various lifestyle and environmental factors are known to influence sleep. Increasingly, evidence points to a role for the microbiota in regulating brain and behaviour. This article explores how the microbiota-gut-brain axis affects sleep directly and indirectly.
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- The gut-brain axis is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, and recent research highlights the microbiota as a key player in regulating gut-brain function, impacting various mental and neurological disorders.
- Communication between the microbiota and the brain occurs through several pathways, influenced by factors like birth mode, diet, stress, and genetics, with microbial composition changing throughout life stages, especially reducing with age.
- Ongoing studies aim to unravel the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and explore microbial-based interventions for conditions like autism, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease, leveraging insights from animal models and human research.