Functional Inactivation of Orthologs Causes Genomic Instability and Oxidative Stress in a Fly Model of MODY-2.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) type 2 is caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in the gene encoding glucokinase (GCK), a pivotal enzyme for glucose homeostasis. In the pancreas GCK regulates insulin secretion, while in the liver it promotes glucose utilization and storage. We showed that silencing the orthologs and results in a MODY-2-like hyperglycemia.

The expression of four pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) human variants in Drosophila impacts on genome integrity.

In eukaryotes, pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) acts in vitamin B salvage pathway to produce pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of the vitamin, which is implicated in numerous crucial metabolic reactions. In Drosophila, mutations in the dPdxk gene cause chromosome aberrations (CABs) and increase glucose content in larval hemolymph. Both phenotypes are rescued by the expression of the wild type human PDXK counterpart.

Pyridoxine/pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate oxidase (Sgll/PNPO) is important for DNA integrity and glucose homeostasis maintenance in Drosophila.

Pyridoxine/pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) and pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) cooperate to produce pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6. PDXK phosphorylates pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal by producing PNP, PMP, and PLP, whereas PNPO oxidizes PNP, PMP, into PLP. We previously demonstrated that PDXK depletion in Drosophila and human cells impacts on glucose metabolism and DNA integrity.

The Association among Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity, Mentalization, and Psychopathology in a Nonclinical Sample: An eLORETA Study.

Aims: We investigated default mode network (DMN) electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity differences between individuals with self-reported high mentalization capability and low psychopathological symptoms, versus participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms.

Methods: Forty-nine students (35 women) with a mean age of 22.92 ± 2.

Alpha/Theta Neurofeedback Increases Mentalization and Default Mode Network Connectivity in a Non-Clinical Sample.

Several studies showed the effectiveness of alpha/theta (A/T) neurofeedback training in treating some psychiatric conditions. Despite the evidence of A/T effectiveness, the psychological and neurobiological bases of its effects is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the A/T training in increasing mentalization in a non-clinical sample.

Default Mode Network alterations in alexithymia: an EEG power spectra and connectivity study.

Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that alexithymia is characterized by functional alterations in different brain areas [e.g., posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)], during emotional/social tasks.

Coping food craving with neurofeedback. Evaluation of the usefulness of alpha/theta training in a non-clinical sample.

The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the alpha/theta (A/T) training in reducing Food Craving (FC) in a non-clinical sample. The modifications of electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectra associated with A/T training was also investigated. Fifty subjects were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive ten sessions of A/T training [neurofeedback group (NFG)=25], or to act as controls [waiting list group (WLG)=25].