RNAscope Fluorescent Multiplex Assay

Neuroinflammation leads to neuronal stress responses that contribute to neuronal dysfunction and loss. However, treatments that stabilize neurons and prevent their destruction are still lacking. Here, we identify the histone methyltransferase G9a as a druggable epigenetic regulator of neuronal vulnerability to inflammation. In murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and human multiple sclerosis (MS), we found that the G9a-catalyzed repressive epigenetic mark H3K9me2 was robustly induced by neuroinflammation.

The striatum plays a critical role in regulating addiction-related behaviors. The conventional dichotomy model suggests that striatal D1/D2 medium spiny neurons (MSNs) positively/negatively regulate addiction-related behaviors. However, this model does not account for the neuronal heterogeneity and functional diversity of the striatum, and whether MSN subtypes beyond the pan-D1/D2 populations play distinct roles in drug addiction remains unknown.

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by early postnatal symptoms, although little is known about the mechanistic deviations that produce them and whether correcting them has long-lasting preventive effects on adult-stage deficits. ARID1B, a chromatin remodeler implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, exhibits strong embryonic- and early postnatal-stage expression.

Neuropeptide S (NPS) increases wakefulness. A small number of neurons in the brainstem express Nps. These neurons are located in or near the parabrachial nucleus (PB), but we know very little about their ontogeny, connectivity, and function. To identify Nps-expressing neurons within the molecular framework of the PB region, we used in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and Cre-reporter labeling in mice. The primary concentration of Nps-expressing neurons borders the lateral lemniscus at far-rostral levels of the lateral PB.

Fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) is a member of the intracellular fibroblast growth factor family. Here, we report the central role of FGF11 in the regulation of metabolism. Lentiviral injection of Fgf11 shRNA into the arcuate nucleus of the mouse hypothalamus decreased weight gain and fat mass, increased brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, and improved glucose and insulin intolerances under high-fat diet conditions.

Oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR)-mediated signaling control excitability, firing patterns, and plasticity of hippocampal CA2 pyramidal neurons, which are pivotal in generation of brain oscillations and social memory. Nonetheless, the ionic mechanisms underlying OXTR-induced effects in CA2 neurons are not fully understood.

Peripheral neuropathic pain induced by the chemotherapeutic cisplatin can persist for months to years after treatment. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitors have therapeutic potential for cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain since they persistently reverse mechanical hypersensitivity and spontaneous pain in rodent models. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying reversal of mechanical hypersensitivity in male and female mice by a two-week treatment with an HDAC6 inhibitor, administered 3 days after the last dose of cisplatin.

Oxytocin, secreted by oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus, is an endogenous neuropeptide involved in modulating multiple sensory information processing pathways, and its roles in the brain have been associated with prosocial, maternal, and feeding-related behaviors. Visual information is necessary for initiating these behaviors, with the retina consisting of the first stage in the visual system mediating external stimulus perception. Oxytocin has been detected in the mammalian retina; however, the expression and possible function of oxytocin receptors (OxtR) in the retina remain unknown.

Neurons in the superficial dorsal horn that express the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) are strongly implicated in spinal itch pathways. However, a recent study reported that many of these correspond to vertical cells, a population of interneurons that are thought to transmit nociceptive information. In this study, we have used a GRPRCreERT2 mouse line to identify and target cells that possess Grpr mRNA.

Satellite glia are the major glial cells in sympathetic ganglia, enveloping neuronal cell bodies. Despite this intimate association, the extent to which sympathetic functions are influenced by satellite glia in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that satellite glia are critical for metabolism, survival, and activity of sympathetic neurons and modulate autonomic behaviors in mice. Adult ablation of satellite glia results in impaired mTOR signaling, soma atrophy, reduced noradrenergic enzymes, and loss of sympathetic neurons.