Tyro3 promotes the maturation of glutamatergic synapses.

The receptor tyrosine kinase Tyro3 is abundantly expressed in neurons of the neocortex, hippocampus, and striatum, but its role in these cells is unknown. We found that neuronal expression of this receptor was markedly up-regulated in the postnatal mouse neocortex immediately prior to the final development of glutamatergic synapses. In the absence of Tyro3, cortical and hippocampal synapses never completed end-stage differentiation and remained electrophysiologically and ultrastructurally immature.

Characterization of Selective M Acetylcholine Muscarinic Receptor Modulators on Dopamine Signaling in the Striatum.

The type-5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR, M) is almost exclusively expressed in dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta; therefore, they are ideally located to modulate DA signaling and underlying behaviors. However, the role of M in shaping DA release is still poorly characterized. In this study, we first quantitatively mapped the expression of M in different neurons of the mouse midbrain, then used voltammetry in mouse striatum to evaluate the effect of M-selective modulators on DA release.

Essential omega-3 fatty acids tune microglial phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the mouse developing brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are essential for the functional maturation of the brain. Westernization of dietary habits in both developed and developing countries is accompanied by a progressive reduction in dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs. Low maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs has been linked to neurodevelopmental diseases in Humans.

Pharmacology of JNJ-28583113: A novel TRPM2 antagonist.

Transient receptor potential melastatin type 2 (TRPM2) is a cation channel activated by free intracellular ADP-ribose and reactive oxygen species. TRPM2 signaling has been linked to the pathophysiology of CNS disorders such as neuropathic pain, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease. In this manuscript, we describe the discovery of JNJ-28583113, a potent brain penetrant TRPM2 antagonist.

3D reconstruction of dynamic liquid film shape by optical grid deflection method.

In this paper, we describe the optical grid deflection method used to reconstruct the 3D profile of liquid films deposited by a receding liquid meniscus. This technique uses the refractive properties of the film surface and is suitable for liquid thickness from several microns to millimeter. This method works well for strong interface slopes and changing in time film shape; it applies when the substrate and fluid media are transparent.