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apoptosis

·June 14, 2025·4 min read

Brain Adapts to Neuron Loss Through Rapid Rewiring

New research shows that the brain’s cortex can rapidly reorganize itself after losing neurons, allowing other nerve cells to take over lost functions. Scientists studied neural networks in the auditory cortex and found that although sound-processing patterns were briefly disrupted, the brain formed nearly identical patterns within days.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 8, 2024·5 min read

Key Protein Essential for Smell and Survival Identified

The Orco protein is crucial for the survival of olfactory neurons in ants. Mutating the orco gene in Harpegnathos saltator ants drastically reduced their number of olfactory neurons, impairing their social interactions. This stud highlights the importance of Orco in neural development and social communication in ants. Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into sensory-mediated social behavior in both animals and humans.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 28, 2024·7 min read

Aging Brain Cells Have Prolonged Death Process

Mature oligodendrocytes, crucial for brain function and myelin production, have an unusually prolonged death process after damage, surviving up to 45 days post-trauma, a stark contrast to the rapid demise of their younger counterparts within 24 hours. This study illuminates a previously unknown pathway of cell longevity, suggesting a potential shift in strategies for treating aging-related damage and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 8, 2024·6 min read

Mitochondrial Transport Key to Neurological Health

Researchers have discovered a molecular complex crucial for the transport of mitochondria within neurons, offering new insights into preventing neurodegenerative diseases. The complex, identified as Alex3/Gαq, is pivotal for distributing energy-producing mitochondria throughout neurons, essential for neurotransmission and neuronal functions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 5, 2023·5 min read

Iron Buildup Triggers Cell Death in Alzheimer’s

Researchers identified a new form of cell death, termed ferroptosis, in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. This process involves the destruction of microglia cells—brain immune cells—due to the accumulation of iron.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2023·3 min read

Antioxidants From Mitochondria Protect Cells From Dying

The STARD7 enzyme helps transport the antioxidant coenzyme Q from the mitochondria to the cell surface.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 17, 2021·4 min read

Lack of Exercise and Poor Nutrition Could Increase the Risk of Diseases Like Dementia

Diet and exercise can influence hippocampal neurogenesis, researchers say. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise have detrimental effects on hippocampal neurogenesis, increasing the risk for dementia.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 6, 2021·6 min read

Why Do Some Neurons Degenerate and Die in Alzheimer’s Disease, but Not Others?

Study reveals the molecular clues as to why some neurons are susceptible to death in Alzheimer's disease while others aren't.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 26, 2021·4 min read

Normally Harmless Cell Molecule Triggers Neuron Death

FPP, an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway, may trigger cell death in certain situations. The findings shed new light on neurological damage caused by stroke.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 30, 2021·3 min read

The Early Death of Nerve Cells Is Crucial to Form Healthy Brains

Apoptosis plays a critical role in brain development as it influences the thickness of layers in the cerebral cortex, variety, and layer cell density. Alterations in how cells perform division and apoptosis lead to the development of abnormal cortical structures as seen in a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.

This is a cartoon showing the process. See the caption for more information

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 28, 2021·3 min read

Eat Me: The Cell Signal of Death

A nuclear fragment protein activates Xkr4 to display an "eat me" signal to phagocytes.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 24, 2020·4 min read

Neurons Are Genetically Programmed to Have Long Lives

Researchers have identified a mechanism triggered at neuron birth to intrinsically decrease apoptosis. When the genetic regulation is halted, continuous neuronal survival is disrupted, leading to a decrease in animal survival.