Relaxation-Exchange Magnetic Resonance Imaging (REXI): A Non-Invasive Imaging Method for Evaluating Trans-Barrier Water Exchange in the Choroid Plexus

Non-Invasive Imaging Technique for Evaluating Trans-Barrier Water Exchange in the Choroid Plexus Background Introduction The choroid plexus (CP) is a critical site for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and an essential component of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). The CP regulates CSF secretion and absorption, maintaining brain hom...

Regulation of Calcium Homeostasis in Endoplasmic Reticulum–Mitochondria Crosstalk: Implications for Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

The Critical Role of Calcium in Skeletal Muscle Function and Its Interaction with Mitochondria and the Endoplasmic Reticulum Academic Background Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are crucial intracellular signaling molecules, particularly in the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) of skeletal muscle. The contraction of skeletal muscle relies on the release and...

Days-Old Zebrafish Rapidly Learn to Recognize Threatening Agents Through Noradrenergic and Forebrain Circuits

This study explores the necessity of quickly recognizing and avoiding predators in the natural environment, which is crucial for juvenile animals due to their increased vulnerability to predators. However, it remains unclear whether neonatal vertebrates can rapidly acquire such skills and the underlying neural mechanisms. Zebrafish, a widely used m...

Layer-Specific Anatomical and Physiological Features of the Retina’s Neurovascular Unit

Academic Report on the Study of Layer-Specific Anatomical and Physiological Characteristics of the Retinal Neurovascular Unit Background and Problem Statement Retinal processing, similar to all neural computations, is metabolically expensive and involves the dynamic regulation of blood flow, known as neurovascular coupling (NVC). The retina is supp...

Oscillatory Contractile Forces Refine Endothelial Cell-Cell Interactions for Continuous Lumen Formation Governed by Heg1/CCM1

Academic Background The formation and maintenance of vascular networks are critical processes in embryonic development and tissue regeneration, involving the regulation of various biophysical forces. Endothelial cells (ECs) play a central role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, with the contractile forces of the cytoskeleton (actomyosin contractil...