The connection matrix of the human brain (the human “connectome”) represents an indispensable foundation for basic and applied neurobiological research. However, the network of anatomical connections linking the neuronal elements of the human brain is still largely unknown. While some databases or collations of large-scale anatomical connection patterns exist for other mammalian species, there is currently no connection matrix of the human brain, nor is there a coordinated research effort to collect, archive, and disseminate this important information. We propose a research strategy to achieve this goal, and discuss its potential impact.

/pdf/the-human-connectome-a-structural-description-of-the-human-31vln7dys2.pdf

The Human Connectome: A Structural Description of the Human Brain

Multicellular animals detect pathogens via a set of receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However, pathogens are not the only causative agents of tissue and cell damage: trauma is another one. Evidence is accumulating that trauma and its associated tissue damage are recognized at the cell level via receptor-mediated detection of intracellular proteins released by the dead cells. The term "alarmin" is proposed to categorize such endogenous molecules that signal tissue and cell damage. Intriguingly, effector cells of innate and adaptive immunity can secrete alarmins via nonclassical pathways and often do so when they are activated by PAMPs or other alarmins. Endogenous alarmins and exogenous PAMPs therefore convey a similar message and elicit similar responses; they can be considered subgroups of a larger set, the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).

https://jlb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1189/jlb.0306164

DAMPs, PAMPs and alarmins: all we need to know about danger

Stem cells are defined as cells able to both extensively self-renew and differentiate into progenitors. Research data show that more resistant stem cells than common cancer cells exist in cancer patients.To identify unrecognized differences between cancer stem cells and cancer cells might be able to develope effective classification,diagnose and treat ment for cancer.

Stem Cells,Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells

Annexins are Ca2+ and phospholipid binding proteins forming an evolutionary conserved multigene family with members of the family being expressed throughout animal and plant kingdoms. Structurally,...

/pdf/annexins-from-structure-to-function-4sosiwfhgs.pdf

Annexins: from structure to function.

Although it was thought that apoptotic cells, when rapidly phagocytosed, underwent a silent death that did not trigger an immune response, in recent years a new concept of immunogenic cell death (ICD) has emerged. The immunogenic characteristics of ICD are mainly mediated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which include surface-exposed calreticulin (CRT), secreted ATP and released high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). Most DAMPs can be recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). In this Review, we discuss the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulating the immunogenicity of dying cancer cells and the effect of therapy-resistant cancer microevolution on ICD.

Immunogenic cell death and DAMPs in cancer therapy.

Annexin II2-P112 (Calpactin I) Stimulates the Assembly of GFAP in a Calcium- and pH-Dependent Manner

By immunocytochemistry, we have identified two novel cell types, olfactory and supporting cells of lamb olfactory epithelium, expressing S-100 beta beta protein. S-100 immune reaction product was observed on ciliary and plasma membranes, on axonemes and in the cytoplasm adjacent to plasma membranes and to basal bodies of olfactory vesicles. A brief treatment of olfactory mucosae with Triton X-100 before fixation is necessary for detection of S-100 beta beta protein within olfactory vesicles. In the absence of such a treatment, the immune reaction product is restricted to ciliary and plasma membranes. On the other hand, irrespective of pre-treatment of olfactory mucosae, S-100 beta immune reaction product in supporting cells is restricted to microvillar and plasma membranes. The anti-S-100 beta antiserum used in these studies does not bind to basal cells of the olfactory epithelium or to cells of the olfactory glands, whereas it binds to Schwann cells of the olfactory nerve. An anti-S-100 alpha antiserum does not bind to cellular elements of the olfactory mucosa, Schwann cells, or axons of the olfactory nerve. The present data provide, for the first time, evidence for the presence of S-100 beta beta protein in mammalian neurons (olfactory cells).

Immunocytochemical localization of S-100 beta beta protein in olfactory and supporting cells of lamb olfactory epithelium.

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1016/0014-5793%2890%2980316-B

Interaction of two brain annexins, CaBP33 and CaBP37, with membrane-skeleton proteins

Neuron-specific protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) is also expressed in glioma cell lines and its expression depends on cellular growth state

1. Stellation of astrocytes in culture involves a complex rearrangement of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, which reflects in part the plasticity of these cells observed during development or after injury. 2. An astrocytic calcium-binding protein, S100B, has been implicated in the regulation of plasticity due to its ability to interact with cytoskeletal proteins. 3. We used digitonin-permeabilized astrocytes to introduce TRTK-12, a peptide that binds to the C-terminal of S100B and blocks its interaction with cytoskeletal proteins. 4. TRTK-12 was able to block cAMP-induced astrocyte stellation and this effect was dependent on the concentration of the peptide. These results support the idea that S100B has a modulatory role on astrocyte morphology.

Rosario Donato

Papers

Annexin II2-P112 (Calpactin I) Stimulates the Assembly of GFAP in a Calcium- and pH-Dependent Manner

Immunocytochemical localization of S-100 beta beta protein in olfactory and supporting cells of lamb olfactory epithelium.

Interaction of two brain annexins, CaBP33 and CaBP37, with membrane-skeleton proteins

Neuron-specific protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) is also expressed in glioma cell lines and its expression depends on cellular growth state

Involvement of the S100B in cAMP-induced cytoskeleton remodeling in astrocytes: a study using TRTK-12 in digitonin-permeabilized cells.