In This Issue Cite This: ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2018, 9, 869−869
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BRINGING THE PENUMBRA OUT OF THE SHADOWS
employ fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFNs), which are optical reporters that enable visualization of cellular transport in neurons. Their molecular probe, FFN246, combines the acridone fluorophore with the ethylamine recognition element of serotonin, making it an effective substrate for SERT. The probe is able to effectively track SERT activity related to serotonin uptake and packaging in serotonergic neurons.
■ Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. The area surrounding the ischemic core of the stroke lesion, known as the penumbra, is composed of cells that are considerably metabolically and oxidatively stressed. Preserving the penumbra and preventing further tissue damage is key to brain recovery from stroke. In this issue, Pushie et al. (DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00382) employ synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI), a technique that can map elemental distributions within samples, to visualize elemental changes to the penumbra and surrounding areas following ischemic stroke. Here, the authors are able to separate damaged from healthy tissue and visualize specimens without damaging the samples. The XFI technique revealed changes in elemental levels that correspond to stroke-induced metabolic damage to a degree not visible in histological samples.
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FINE-TUNING THE C. elegans MODEL SYSTEM FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE
C. elegans is a useful model system in neuroscience due to its well-defined nervous system and ease of genetic manipulation. Specifically, C. elegans models for neurodegenerative disease offer avenues for high-throughput screening of drug candidates at the organismal level. Early C. elegans models included phenotypic expressions of neurodegenerative disease that were easily identified, such as behavioral changes or neuromuscular dysfunction. However, more subtle disease phenotypes can be more challenging to identify. In this issue, Mondal et al. (DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00428) report the development of a single-copy model of amyloid precursor protein-induced neurodegeneration. Resulting model worms show neurodegeneration of cholinergic neurons, which allows for screening of compounds that can inhibit or slow the degenerative process. To screen for small molecules with neuroprotective properties, the authors relied on subtle cellular morphology changes to serve as a readout. Additionally, the high-content screen uses a large-scale microfluidics platform to overcome the limitations of plate readers, enabling higher resolution imaging and the identification of subtle phenotypes at high speeds.
LIGHTING UP SEROTONIN
Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter which plays a critical role in many CNS processes, particularly related to sleep, mood, and addiction. Studying serotonin neurotransmission involves also understanding the plasma membrane serotonin transporter (SERT), which mediates extracellular serotonin levels. To visualize serotonin transport, uptake by SERT, and release, Henke et al. (DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00320) © 2018 American Chemical Society
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Published: May 16, 2018 869
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00216 ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2018, 9, 869−869
