Epigenetic Regulation of Enhancer during Regeneration of Injured Cortical Neurons.

Traumatic brain injury is known to reprogram the epigenome. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) marks was performed to address the transcriptional regulation of candidate regeneration-associated genes. In this study, we identify a novel enhancer region for induced transcription during regeneration of injured cortical neurons.

WNT3A Promotes Neuronal Regeneration upon Traumatic Brain Injury.

The treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a challenge due to limited knowledge about the mechanisms underlying neuronal regeneration. This current study compared the expression of genes during regeneration of injured cortical neurons. Recombinant WNT3A showed positive effect in promoting neuronal regeneration via in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo TBI models.

Sonogenetic Modulation of Cellular Activities Using an Engineered Auditory-Sensing Protein.

Biomolecules that respond to different external stimuli enable the remote control of genetically modified cells. We report herein a sonogenetic approach that can manipulate target cell activities by focused ultrasound stimulation. This system requires an ultrasound-responsive protein derived from an engineered auditory-sensing protein prestin.

Current progress of mitochondrial transplantation that promotes neuronal regeneration.

Background: Mitochondria are the major source of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and play an essential role in a plethora of physiological functions, including the regulation of metabolism and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Mutations of mitochondrial DNA, proteins and impaired mitochondrial function have been implicated in the neurodegenerative diseases, stroke and injury of the central nervous system (CNS). The dynamic feature of mitochondrial fusion, fission, trafficking and turnover have also been documented in these diseases.

Mitochondrial therapy promotes regeneration of injured hippocampal neurons.

Due to the inhibitory microenvironment and reduced intrinsic growth capacity of neurons, neuronal regeneration of central nervous system remains challenging. Neurons are highly energy demanding and require sufficient mitochondria to support cellular activities. In response to stimuli, mitochondria undergo fusion/fission cycles to adapt to environment.