Auto-qPCR; a python-based web app for automated and reproducible analysis of qPCR data.

Quantifying changes in DNA and RNA levels is essential in numerous molecular biology protocols. Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) techniques have evolved to become commonplace, however, data analysis includes many time-consuming and cumbersome steps, which can lead to mistakes and misinterpretation of data. To address these bottlenecks, we have developed an open-source Python software to automate processing of result spreadsheets from qPCR machines, employing calculations usually performed manually.

Netrin G1: its downregulation in the nucleus accumbens of cocaine-conditioned mice and genetic association in human cocaine dependence.

Netrin G1 is a presynaptic ligand involved in axonal projection. Although molecular mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction are still poorly understood, Netrin G1 might have a role as a regulator of anxiety, fear and spatial memory, behavioural traits impaired in the context of cocaine exposure. In this study, the Netrin G1 (Ntng1) expression was investigated in the nucleus accumbens of mice primarily conditioned to cocaine using a place preference paradigm.

Chronic voluntary ethanol intake hypersensitizes 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors in C57BL/6J mice.

Alcoholism is a complex disorder involving, among others, the serotoninergic (5-HT) system, mainly regulated by 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor desensitization induced by chronic 5-HT reuptake inactivation has been associated with a decrease in ethanol intake in mice. We investigated here whether, conversely, chronic ethanol intake could induce 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor supersensitivity, thereby contributing to the maintenance of high ethanol consumption.

Nrxn3 upregulation in the globus pallidus of mice developing cocaine addiction.

Dysfunctions affecting the connections of basal ganglia lead to major neurological and psychiatric disorders. We investigated levels of mRNA for three neurexins (Nrxn) and three neuroligins (Nlgn) in the globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra, in control conditions and after short-term exposure to cocaine. The expression of Nrxn2beta and Nlgn3 in the substantia nigra and Nlgn1 in the subthalamic nucleus depended on genetic background.

Life-long hippocampal neurogenesis: environmental, pharmacological and neurochemical modulations.

It is now well documented that active neurogenesis does exist throughout the life span in the brain of various species including human. Two discrete brain regions contain progenitor cells that are capable of differentiating into neurons or glia, the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation. Recent studies have shown that neurogenesis can be modulated by a variety of factors, including stress and neurohormones, growth factors, neurotransmitters, drugs of abuse, and also strokes and traumatic brain injuries.

Cannabinoid-serotonin interactions in alcohol-preferring vs. alcohol-avoiding mice.

Because cannabinoid and serotonin (5-HT) systems have been proposed to play an important role in drug craving, we investigated whether cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and 5-HT(1A) receptor ligands could affect voluntary alcohol intake in two mouse strains, C57BL/6 J and DBA/2 J, with marked differences in native alcohol preference. When offered progressively (3-10% ethanol) in drinking water, in a free-choice procedure, alcohol intake was markedly lower (approximately 70%) in DBA/2 J than in C57BL/6 J mice. In DBA/2 J mice, chronic treatment with the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 increased alcohol intake.

Alcohol intake after serotonin transporter inactivation in mice.

Knock-out mice lacking the serotonin transporter [5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT)] were used to assess the influence of 5-HT re-uptake on ethanol consumption. Under a free-choice paradigm, alcohol intake was lower in mutant than in wild-type mice, and pharmacological blockade of 5-HTT by fluoxetine reduced alcohol intake in wild-type mice only. These data confirm the inhibitory effect of 5-HTT inactivation on ethanol intake.