Preventing Jacob-induced transcriptional inactivation of CREB protects synapses from β-amyloid in Alzheimer’s Disease
Abstract Disruption of transcriptional activity of cAMP–responsive element-binding protein (CREB), a master regulator of cell survival and plasticity-related gene expression, is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). CREB shut-off results in early synaptic dysfunction, contributes to AD pathology and eventually neuronal cell death and is elicited by amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced activation of extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptors (NMDAR). In previous work we found that the protein messenger Jacob encodes and transduces the synaptic or extrasynaptic origin of NMDAR signals to the nucleus. In response to cell survival and plasticity-related synaptic NMDAR stimulation macromolecular transport…
Sunlight exposure exerts immunomodulatory effects to reduce multiple sclerosis severity
AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) disease risk is associated with reduced sun exposure. This study assessed the relationship between measures of sun-exposure (vitamin D (vitD), latitude) and MS disease severity, the mechanisms of action, and effect-modification by medication and sun-sensitivity associated MC1R variants.MethodsTwo multi-center cohort studies (nNationMS=946, nBIONAT=991). Outcomes were the multiple sclerosis severity score (MSSS) and the number of Gd-enhancing lesion (GELs). RNAseq of four immune cell populations before and after UV-phototherapy of five MS patients.ResultsHigh serum vitD was associated with reduced MSSS (PNationMS=0.021; PBIONAT=0.007) and reduced ris…