It’s only during the last few decades that neuroglia, a diverse group of cells found in the brain that perform a variety of functions to support neurons, have been the subject of research. Prior to that, brain research focused heavily on the role of neurons.

But as investigations continue, scientists increasingly suspect that these cells, often called glia cells or “nerve glue,” may play an important role in psychiatric illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia.

“When we think of the brain we’re usually thinking about neurons, but that’s only about 50% of what makes up the brain,” says Sukumar Vijayaraghavan, Ph.D., professor of physiology and biophysics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who works at the intersection of neuroscience and society and previously led a lab dedicated to studying the brain’s signaling mechanisms.

The other cells, neuroglia, were believed to function as the brain’s janitorial staff, keeping the environment appropriate for optimal neuronal signaling. Then, scientists discovered that neuroglia have their own signaling system different from the electrical signals neurons give off. Glia cells have calcium signals.

To learn more, read the full article.

By: Kara Mason, CU Anschutz Medical Campus

It’s common knowledge that our brains—and, specifically, our brain cells—store memories. But a team of scientists has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening new pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance learning and to treat memory-related afflictions.

“Learning and memory are generally associated with brains and brain cells alone, but our study shows that other cells in the body can learn and form memories, too,” explains New York University’s Nikolay V. Kukushkin, the lead author of the study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications.

The research sought to better understand if non-brain cells help with memory by borrowing from a long-established neurological property—the massed-spaced effect—which shows that we tend to retain information better when studied in spaced intervals rather than in a single, intensive session—better known as cramming for a test.

In the research, the scientists replicated learning over time by studying two types of non-brain human cells in a laboratory (one from nerve tissue and one from kidney tissue) and exposing them to different patterns of chemical signals—just like brain cells are exposed to patterns of neurotransmitters when we learn new information.

To learn more, read the full article.

Author: James Devitt, New York University

Researchers have identified unique RNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) that promote harmful α-synuclein protein aggregation linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Elevated calcium levels trigger these G4s, acting as “scaffolds” for α-synuclein clumping. Administering 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to model mice prevented aggregation and reduced motor symptoms.

This breakthrough suggests that G4-targeted therapies could offer early intervention for neurodegenerative diseases. The findings may also apply to other conditions involving protein aggregation, such as Alzheimer’s, expanding the potential impact of these treatments. Overall, the study marks a major step forward in neurodegenerative research and therapeutic development.

To learn more, read the full article.

Author: Yasushi Yabuki

Researchers have identified potential drug targets in glioblastoma cancer stem cells, providing a new approach to treat this aggressive brain cancer. By analyzing stem cells derived from patient tumors, scientists found two primary cell subtypes responsible for tumor growth, each with unique vulnerabilities.

The discovery could lead to treatments targeting both subtypes, reducing the likelihood of tumor recurrence. This research, using CRISPR screening across a large patient sample, brings hope for more effective, personalized glioblastoma therapies. If successful, the approach could enhance treatment response and patient prognosis.

To learn more, read the full article.

Author: Anika Hazra