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Articles by Sarah Ackerman
Neuronal cadherins: The keys that unlock layer-specific astrocyte identity?
The brain is made up of billions of cells, including neurons and glia. Neurons form specialized connections, or synapses, to communicate with each other through electrical signals. These connections are critical for the formation of neural circuits that execute many functions to allow us to sense and respond to our environment. Neurons, however, cannot function without the support of glial cells.
The biological switch that could turn neuroplasticity on and off in the brain - podcast
Astrocytes: these cells could be part of the key to unlocking the mystery of how brains change their structure. Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock The Conversation Weekly podcast is taking a short break in August. For the next few weeks we’re bringing you extended versions of some our favourite interviews from the past few months. This week, how researchers discovered a biological switch that could turn neuroplasticity on and off in the brain. What might that mean?
Neuroplasticity can be turned on and off in the brain of a fruit fly
Jack Dykinga, U.S. Department of Agriculture Neuroplasticity – the ability of neurons to change their structure and function in response to experiences – can be turned off and on by the cells that surround neurons in the brain, according to a new study on fruit flies that I co-authored. The big idea As fruit fly larvae age, their neurons shift from a highly adaptable state to a stable state and lose their ability to change.
Astrocyte cells in the fruit fly brain are an on-off switch that controls when neurons can change and grow Original
The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. The big idea Neuroplasticity – the ability of neurons to change their structure and function in response to experiences – can be turned off and on by the cells that surround neurons in the brain, according to a new study on fruit flies that I co-authored. As fruit fly larvae age, their neurons shift from a highly adaptable state to a stable state and lose their ability to change.
Astrocyte cells in the fruit fly brain are an on-off switch that controls when neurons can change and grow
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Astrocytes close a motor circuit critical period
Abstract Critical periods—brief intervals during which neural circuits can be modified by activity—are necessary for proper neural circuit assembly. Extended critical periods are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the mechanisms that ensure timely critical period closure remain poorly understood1,2. Here we define a critical period in a developing Drosophila motor circuit and identify astrocytes as essential for proper critical period termination.
Creatine-mediated crosstalk between adipocytes and cancer cells regulates obesity-driven breast cancer
Highlights • Gatm in peritumoral adipocytes promotes breast cancer progression in obesity • Acsbg1 in breast cancer cells promotes breast cancer progression in obesity • Creatine is a metabolite linking these pathways in obesity-dependent tumor growth • Acsbg1 and Gatm in breast cancer patients are linked to disease grade and outcome Summary Obesity is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes in breast cancer; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated.
Astrocytes close a critical period of motor circuit plasticity
Abstract Critical periods- brief intervals where neural circuits can be modified by sensory input- are necessary for proper neural circuit assembly. Extended critical periods are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism; however, the mechanisms that ensure timely critical period closure remain unknown.
JAMA Network | JAMA Dermatology | Influence of Quality of Relationship Between Patient With Melanoma and Partner on Partner-Assisted Skin Examination Education: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Importance Melanoma has a high survival rate if it is detected early. Training patients with early-stage melanoma who are at risk of developing new melanomas to perform skin self-examination (SSE) may improve survival. Objective To examine for whom the intervention works best in a sample composed of dyads of patients with melanoma and skin-check partners who received an SSE intervention vs customary care.
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