Deletion of SHATI/NAT8L decreases the N-acetylaspartate content in the brain and induces behavioral deficits, which can be ameliorated by administering N-acetylaspartate.

We previously identified a novel molecule "SHATI/NAT8L" that exerts an inhibitory effect on methamphetamine (METH)-induced behavioral deficits. Recently, it has been reported that SHATI might function as an aspartate N-acetyltransferase, which synthesizes N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in vitro. However, whether SHATI actually synthesizes NAA in vivo in the brain is still unclear.

Vitamin E deficiency induces axonal degeneration in mouse hippocampal neurons.

Several lines of evidence demonstrate the relationship between vitamin E deficiency and cognitive dysfunction in rodent models, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we found axonal injury in the hippocampal CA1 region of vitamin E-deficient and normal old mice using immunohistochemical assay. The number of cells in the hippocampal CA1 region of vitamin E-deficient mice and normal old mice was significantly lower than in normal young mice.