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What a Journey!

Posted on by smacgeor / 0 Comment

My time at Concordia has been filled with thrill, lessons, failures, self-discovery, and many events that sneaked into my life unknowingly. However, did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Reflecting on my freshman year when I was not aware of the many events that lay ahead of me, I look back and my younger self and whisper: “You can do this, you will make it”. My younger self in my freshman year was very timid and scared of the things I was not used to, especially in academics. However, looking back I am glad to have gained so much from a liberal arts education here at Concordia. I will highlight specific events that had the greatest influence in my life.

First, Covid. The pandemic taught me a lot of things especially since it happened during a time I was learning independence. Working independently to take care of myself and school in the midst of a pandemic taught me the importance of resilience, communication, and outreach. I was able to navigate through this transition by holding conversations with people who I learnt from, watching people around me grow, and learning to be patient with myself.

Second, self discovery. I learnt a lot of things I did not know about myself before college. Most of them, I realized from hearing people voice out my strengths and weaknesses. This encouraged me to recognize my strengths and embrace my weaknesses. Failures from difficult classes revealed ways of building my weaknesses using my strengths and I am grateful for every moment. I am still discovering myself everyday and I am sure it will be a life long process. However, I will continue to travel this path of opportunity with gratitude in my heart.

Fourth, my Neuroscience major. Taking this class and completing my neuroscience major has allowed me to also learn so many skills. Taking biochemistry, neurobiology, and neurochemistry consecutively has deepened my admiration for neuroscience and research. This year, I read more research papers than I have ever read in all my time in school, and this was due to the research projects and classes I found myself . I struggled at first because I had not learnt the skill to navigate such literature. However, I understood that this was an important skill to learn, so I took up the challenge. Looking back now at the end of the semester, I am no longer scared of this skill I once lacked. I have been able to improve to the level of having confidence in my ability to navigate difficult academic literature. I am particularly grateful for this class because I felt encouraged to face this challenge when I encountered it initially. This is one skill I will definitely highlight on my resume from this semester.

Fifth, friends. Finding my community here at Concordia gave me a sense of belonging, especially when I struggled with different situations. I am grateful for the people who always made me realize my flaws and were kind to direct me in my areas of weakness. I am also grateful for those who congratulated me on my wins, even when I felt that they were negligible. Most times, when I felt alone, having those who had my best interest at heart reminded me of my strengths. More specifically, I am grateful for all the

I very excited to take these skills to the next journey. For me, this is only the beginning of a new transition. I wish to utilize the skills I have built to progress in my journey and career. Thank you Concordia!

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Neurochemistry Has Value Outside of Science

Posted on by sharris7 / 0 Comment

Neurochemistry has been one of my favorite classes that I have taken in my college career. Although this is technically a science class, it covers the full spectrum of liberal learning that ultimately provides students with a strong foundation to excel in many different environments. This class is based around neurochemical signaling pathways, which I truly found fascinating. Although there are many methods used to understand how the body works and what goes wrong in different diseases, using signaling as a mode of understanding these processes allows for both very broad and also very specific interpretations.

This class has showed me that it is important to look at problems from diverse perspectives in order to reach the underlying issues. It is important to look at issues from a top-down approach as well as a bottom-up approach. Looking at behaviors from the molecular signaling level will allow for a particular understanding, and looking at the same topic from a global or societal perspective may lead you to completely different ideas. Value comes from looking at an issue from both perspectives to find tangible, actionable steps that can produce microscopic and macroscopic benefits.

I truly enjoyed hearing all of my classmates’ opinions and perspectives on all of the topics that were covered. Hearing other people’s ideas in such an in-depth way really deepened my understanding of our class topics. The discussions in this class provided an environment where diverse perspective can be shared that can help us have deeper understanding of why these topics are important. The perspectives of my classmates deepened my scientific knowledge as well as my social, ethical, and cultural knowledge.

While it may seem that covering such a wide scope of information would provide a disjointed education, I completely disagree. In my opinion, taking a topic and analyzing its microscopic and macroscopic implications really helps establish the importance of liberal education. When students are able to realize that chemistry is valuable outside of the lab, then they can integrate new modes of thinking that would not be possible otherwise. Integrating social, ethical, and cultural considerations into scientific discussion can provide new perspectives and allow for more relevant approaches to science.

Although I have only been at Concordia for a short time compared to my classmates, this class integrates many of the competencies that I have previously learned. This class provides a succinct format for understanding some of the tiniest details of life as well as some of life’s most complex problems. We cover many complex topics ranging from which ions are being moved through the membrane of a neuron following a concussion to how the public education system can be improved for diverse populations. These topics allow us to utilize a wide range of skills such as reading scientific literature, writing about complex topics, explaining our perspectives and opinions, and looking at concepts from different perspectives.

As a future medical professional, the skill of taking complex scientific and medical topics and breaking them down into understandable bits of information is extremely valuable to me. This is not only valuable for my own education and understanding of topics, but also for my ability to explain diseases and treatments to my patients. Over this semester I believe that my ability to take in, simplify, and explain complex neurochemical topics has greatly improved.

Even though I am not yet graduating, I know that the concepts we covered in this class will benefit my future career regardless of what field I end up in. This class has showed me that it is important to look at problems from diverse perspectives in order to get to the underlying issues. It is important to look at issues from a top-down approach as well as a bottom-up approach. Looking at behaviors from the molecular signaling level will allow for a particular understanding, and looking at the same topic from a global or societal perspective may lead you to completely different ideas. Value comes from looking at an issue from both perspectives to find tangible, actionable steps that can produce microscopic and macroscopic benefits.

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OMG are those Endocannabinoids?

Posted on by ephiri / 0 Comment

Endocannabinoids, often referred to as the body’s cannabis-like compounds, have gathered increasing attention in both scientific research and public discourse in recent years. These endogenous molecules, along with their receptors and metabolic enzymes, make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of signaling pathways that play crucial roles in regulating a wide array of physiological processes. Understanding the endocannabinoid system is essential for several reasons, and there are many reasons why the public should care about this exciting research topic.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in the modulation and regulation of various bodily functions such as mood, appetite, immune response, sleep, and memory. Endocannabinoids act as signaling molecules that help maintain homeostasis (the body’s internal balance) by exerting regulatory effects on different organ systems and cellular processes. By influencing neurotransmission, inflammation, and metabolic activity, the ECS plays a fundamental role in supporting overall health and well-being.

 

Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous health conditions and diseases. Imbalances in endocannabinoid signaling have been associated with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Alterations in the ECS have also been linked to chronic pain syndromes, inflammatory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. We must research to understand how the ECS can help in treating diseases.

 

Debra A. Kendall and Guillermo A. Yudowski’s research on “Cannabinoid Receptors in the Central Nervous System: Their Signaling and Roles in Disease” takes a look into the molecular mechanisms involved in the functions of cannabinoid receptors within the brain and the potential they show for various neurological and psychiatric disorders

In their research, they take a look into the two primary cannabinoid receptors found in the central nervous system (CNS): cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). These receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and are widely distributed throughout the brain. They play critical roles in modulating neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. Upon activation by endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) or exogenous cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), CB1 and CB2 receptors initiate intracellular signaling cascades that regulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. These signaling pathways involve the modulation of ion channels, second messenger systems, and protein kinases, and influence neuronal function and behavior.

 

Their research also highlights the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based medications in treating CNS disorders. Cannabinoid receptor agonists, such as synthetic cannabinoids and plant-derived cannabinoids, have shown efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies for alleviating pain, reducing spasticity, and enhancing mood in patients with neurological and psychiatric conditions. Modulation of the ECS through enzyme inhibition or receptor blockade offers several alternative strategies for further understanding cannabinoid receptor signaling and developing efficient therapeutic outcomes.

 

Endocannabinoids represent a fascinating area of research and show much potential for human health and disease. By fostering informed discussions and supporting evidence-based research, we can develop our understanding of the therapeutic potential of endocannabinoids and promote public health and well-being.

 

Sources

Campbell, V. A., and Gowran, A. (2007). Alzheimer’s disease; taking the edge off
with cannabinoids? Br. J. Pharmacol. 152, 655–662. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707446

Parsons, L. H., and Hurd, Y. L. (2015). Endocannabinoid signalling in
reward and addiction. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 16, 579–594. doi: 10.1038/
nrn4004

Heifets, B. D., and Castillo, P. E. (2009). Endocannabinoid signaling and long-term
synaptic plasticity. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 71, 283–306. doi: 10.1146/annurev.
physiol.010908.163149

Perez, D. M., and Karnik, S. S. (2005). Multiple signaling states of
G-protein-coupled receptors. Pharmacol. Rev. 57, 147–161. doi: 10.1124/pr.57.
2.2

Laprairie, R. B., Bagher, A. M., Kelly, M. E. M., Dupré, D. J., and
Denovan-Wright, E. M. (2014). Type 1 cannabinoid receptor ligands display
functional selectivity in a cell culture model of striatal medium spiny
projection neurons. J. Biol. Chem. 289, 24845–24862. doi: 10.1074/jbc.m114.
557025

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Traumatic Brain Injury

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health concern which affects individuals, families, and society as a whole. It occurs when an external force disrupts the normal function of the brain. This instigates a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. Addressing TBI is important and I will discuss why the public should care about this research topic and what they should know about it in this blog.

TBI can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for affected individuals and their families. It can occur from car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or assaults. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, TBI can lead to several physical impairments such as deficits in motor skills, sensory disturbances, and chronic pain. Additionally, cognitive and emotional impairments such as memory problems, attention deficits, mood disorders, and impaired social functioning can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and independence.

 

Christopher C. Giza and David A. Hovda’s research on “The New Neurometabolic Cascade of Concussion” sheds light on the complex physiological processes underlying traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly concussion. This research offers insights into the understanding of TBI pathophysiology and has implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

 

One key aspect of the neurometabolic cascade is the dysregulation of calcium ions within neurons, leading to excessive activation of calcium-dependent enzymes and pathways that contribute to neuronal excitotoxicity and cell damage. Giza and Hovda’s research highlights the critical role of calcium channel blockers and other neuroprotective agents in mitigating these effects and preserving neurons following concussion.

 

Their research also looks at the importance of energy metabolism in TBI pathophysiology. Disruptions in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function compromise the brain’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for neuronal activity. This energy crisis increases neuronal vulnerability to injury and impairs cellular repair and recovery processes. Neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), play a role in mediating synaptic transmission and excitatory-inhibitory balance in the injured brain. Dysregulation of these neurotransmitter systems contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive impairments observed following concussion.

 

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for multidisciplinary research and innovation in the field of TBI. One particularly exciting area of research involves the study of neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt following injury. By looking at the principles of neuroplasticity, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to promote recovery and functional restoration in individuals with TBI.

 

In conclusion, traumatic brain injury is a significant public health issue that demands attention and action from society. If we can all play a role in raising awareness, promoting prevention strategies, and enhancing care delivery, we can mitigate the impact of TBI and improve the lives of individuals affected by this condition. Together, we can strive towards a future where TBI is not only survivable but also manageable, allowing individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

 

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Why should you care about Anxiety?

Posted on by ephiri / 0 Comment

Even though many people do not understand anxiety and how it works, it is an aspect of mental health that affects millions of people worldwide. It is normal to experience occasional feelings of anxiety in response to stressful situations, however, with anxiety disorders this normal stress triggers excessive and uncontrollable worry and fear and this can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Addressing anxiety is crucial for several reasons, and there are many reasons why the public should care about this topic.

 

 

 

 

Anxiety disorders are incredibly prevalent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions globally, affecting an estimated 284 million people of all ages. These disorders can manifest in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and others. Anxiety does not just affect individuals. It goes further on to affect the wider community and society. Anxiety disorders can lead to impairments in how we work, do school, and manage our relationships. This can keep people from pursuing their goals and aspirations. Anxiety has a high comorbidity rate with other mental health conditions, such as depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation, amplifying the overall burden on healthcare systems and communities.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of anxiety is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments. Recent research in this field has shed light on how genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Advances in neuroscience have revealed neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems involved in the regulation of anxiety-related behaviors, thereby offering new targets for pharmacological and psychological interventions.

 

In the article “Making memories of stressful events: a journey along epigeneticc, gene transcription, and signaling pathways” by Johannes M. H. M.Reul, the researchers looked into the intricate mechanisms underlying the formation of memories associated with stressful events. They investigated the role of epigenetic, gene transcription, and signaling pathways in how our brains encode experiences of stress, shaping our responses and behaviors in stressful situations.

Central to Reul’s findings is the pivotal role of glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol, in the cellular and molecular responses to stress. These hormones act as key regulators of gene transcription, binding to specific receptors within neurons and modulating the expression of target genes involved in stress adaptation and memory formation. The article also explores how stress triggers molecular events within neurons, ultimately leading to changes in gene transcription. Through the role of the ERK/MEK pathway involved in stress-induced gene transcription, we understand how neurons adapt and rewire to encode memories of stressful experiences.

In conclusion, anxiety is a significant public health concern with far-reaching implications for individuals and society as a whole. By prioritizing research in this field, more effective prevention strategies and support systems can be developed to alleviate the burden of anxiety and improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

Artstract by E.Phiri

 

 

Sources

Cordero MI, Sandi C. A role for brain glucocorticoid receptors in contextual fear conditioning: dependence upon training intensity. Brain Res (1998)
786:11–7. doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(97)01420-0

Oitzl MS, De Kloet ER. Selective corticosteroid antagonists modulate specific aspects of spatial orientation learning. Behav Neurosci (1992) 106:62–71.
doi:10.1037/0735-7044.106.1.62

Jefferys D, Copolov D, Irby D, Funder J. Behavioural effect of adrenalectomy:
reversal by glucocorticoids or (D-ALA2,MET5)enkephalin amide. Eur J Pharmacol (1983) 92:99–103. doi:10.1016/0014-2999(83)90113-9

Sandi C, Loscertales M, Guaza C. Experience-dependent facilitating effect of
corticosterone on spatial memory formation in the water maze. Eur J Neurosci
(1997) 9:637–42. doi:10.1111/j.1460-9568.1997.tb01412.x

Veldhuis HD, De Korte CCMM, De Kloet ER. Glucocorticoids facilitate the
retention of acquired immobility during forced swimming. Eur J Pharmacol
(1985) 115:211–7. doi:10.1016/0014-2999(85)90693-4

 

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Neurochemistry and me

Posted on by Zimy / 0 Comment

Concordia has five goals for liberal learning

  1. Instill a love for learning
  2. Develop foundational skills and transferable intellectual capacities
  3. Develop an understanding of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and intercultural perspectives and their connections
  4. Cultivate an examined cultural, ethical, physical, and spiritual self-understanding
  5. Encourage responsible participation in the world

I think even before Concordia, I already had a love for learning and knowledge. Concordia just reaffirms it for me. With all the classes I have to take, I always took it with the mindset of that class look interesting, and I want to do it, not because I have to take it to fulfill my majors or minors.

Whenever I told anyone that I’m studying for my Neurochemistry class, people would look at me and kinda in shock, maybe because you don’t meet someone who studies Neurochemistry that often. I love neuroscience and I used to spend a lot of time back in Vietnam studying chemistry (and also realized that chemistry is not for me, but I still enjoy the subject) so I guess I will enjoy the class. Neurochemistry class was a challenge but a good one, as in the challenge is not horrendous that I want to quit, the challenge actually challenged me enough for me to keep my interest.

Some time along the lines while I was at Concordia, I finally came to terms with the idea that I wanted to pursue and make it my career. People have questioned me about what I will do in life with philosophy studies. This class is one of the first classes in science that I know the disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and intercultural perspectives are important not only in paper but also in real-life discussions about all of the topics.

My favourite part of the class must be sitting and reading the papers. I was terrified at first even though I had read scientific papers before but Neurochemistry papers are not something you can just go through and hope you will understand. I don’t know what exactly I did differently from other readings that I read, but I know that I know how to read a paper now, regardless of the topics.

This class also helped me in one of my other classes, Behavioral Neuroscience in terms of knowledge, of the interdisciplinary between the fields. I would take the class Neurochemistry regardless of whether it is a requirement for me or not. I will not recommend the class to anyone unless they know they like the field and/or want to take it. But I will tell them you will miss out on a lot of unique experience and valuable knowledge (not only in the field but also in fields that they do not seem to be related to) that no other classes (that I took) at Concordia can offer.

Community/Health/Spirituality

A Reflection of This Semester

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How this semester’s learning relates to my future goals 

Going into the field of neuroscience and psychology often means study hard materials like chemistry and psychological disorders. However, liberal learning integrates aspects of multiple cultures, religions, and perspectives to enhance these subjects. For example, in the neurochemistry class this semester, discussions often included treatment options for different groups of individuals as well as risk factors that apply to some more than others. I will be able to relate back to this learning when working with various clients and populations in the future to provide more equal and competent treatment.

What are highlighted resume skills and competencies that were improved this semester?

One of the major skills that I worked on this semester was leading in discussion and confidence in asking questions. Having discussions about hard topics will continue to be a theme in all of my future studies as well as my career. This is one of the reasons it is important to highlight because it displays the skill to bounce ideas off one another to come up with better thoughts and solutions. Along the lines of discussion, I also became more competent in providing scientific information to the public. Specifically in neurochemistry, my peers and I practiced writing about interesting topics followed by teaching one another to gain a greater understanding on the subject. Overall, collaborating with others and communicating effectively are important skills that I have improved upon this semester and will carry on with me.

What is an example of problem solving using several disciplinary perspectives? 

Through liberal learning, students learn how to incorporate multiple disciplinary perspectives into situations and problems. One example of this treating an individual, who falls into a minority, with therapy. There are several different theories and skills to take on therapy which include taking into account different cultural values. For a therapist who may not be competent in that culture, they must problem solve in order to provide the best treatment possible to their client. One area they must take from is religion because many strong values and beliefs arise from one’s religion. Another disciplinary perspective of their client they must learn would be their families medical background, which may incorporate subjects like biology, neurochemistry, psychology, and more. Lastly, investigating the cultural origin of their client would provide important information to treatment. Especially in mental illness, everyone views the field differently such as taking a more physiological approach rather than focusing on cognitive distortions. Even the relationship between the therapist and the client will be affected by these factors which is why in this situation, the therapist must use several disciplinary perspectives to gain a better understanding of their client.

Liberal Arts Learning 

Liberal learning throughout my time at Concordia has allowed me to grow in multiple aspects instead of solely my major studies. I have learned to integrate multiple subjects together to form deeper thoughts and dialogues. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to apply this learning to real life situations like jobs and internships. Going forward, I will continue to utilize these skills such as leading and communication to benefit my studies and learning in the future.

Disease/Health

Psychostimulant Use Disorder (PSUD)

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Stimulants: 15+ Facts to Expand Your Understanding of Stimulant Drugs

A. Psychostimulant Use Disorder (PSUD)

PSUD is characterized by the compulsive use of substances like amphetamines and cocaine, in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or methods that are harmful to themselves or others. PSUD is associated with enduring changes in synaptic function and structure, termed neuroplasticity.

A. The Paper

A Review On The Role Of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors In Neuroplasticity Following Psychostimulant Use Disorder explores the intricate relationship between metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and neuroplasticity in the context of psychostimulant use disorder. Understanding how mGluRs modulate neuroplasticity in PSUD is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.

The article begins by highlighting the role of mGluRs in regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. mGluRs are divided into three groups (I, II, and III), each exerting distinct effects on neuronal activity. Group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) are primarily postsynaptic and potentiate excitatory transmission, whereas groups II and III primarily inhibit neurotransmitter release.

The paper then specifies the alterations in mGluR signaling observed in PSUD. Preclinical studies have shown dysregulation of mGluRs, particularly group I, in brain regions implicated in addiction, such as the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. These changes contribute to maladaptive synaptic plasticity underlying addictive behaviors.

After that, the paper examines the bidirectional modulation of neuroplasticity by mGluRs in PSUD. On one hand, excessive glutamatergic transmission associated with PSUD leads to aberrant activation of mGluRs, promoting synaptic strengthening and addiction-related behaviors. On the other hand, activation of mGluRs can also induce synaptic depression and inhibit drug-seeking behavior, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

C. Treatment 

Treating addiction to stimulants is critical, but especially challenging. Unlike opioids, there is no FDA-approved medication currently available for stimulant use disorders.

The paper suggests the potential of mGluR-based pharmacotherapies for treating PSUD. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of mGluR agonists and positive allosteric modulators in attenuating drug-seeking behavior and relapse. However, clinical trials have yielded mixed results, highlighting the need for further research into the precise mechanisms underlying mGluR modulation of neuroplasticity in PSUD.

References:

A Review On The Role Of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors In Neuroplasticity Following Psychostimulant Use Disorder

Psychostimulant Use Disorder (PSUD)

Treatment 

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Final Reflection

Posted on by Ian / 0 Comment

A reflection on my final Neuroscience course at Concordia College

  • What kinds of learning occurred for you during this semester?

    • Primarily this course offered an opportunity to “put the pieces together” that I had accumulated throughout my neuroscience degree at Concordia. While taking courses, its often difficult to accurately judge how well the material you learn is sticking. I often felt that I was not retaining as much as I should have been from class to class. Neurochemistry was a great opportunity to prove myself wrong. Much of the information was familiar from past lectures, but now presented in a more applicable context that allowed me to connect what I had learned in the last 5 years of school.

  • How do the skills, competencies and knowledge gained in the experience relate to your future goals?

    • To be blunt, my STEM degree (Neuroscience) has been completed out of a general curiosity for the subject, instead of any grand plans of continuing on to graduate school or a research position in a lab. The skills sharpened in Neurochem though are widely applicable to life outside the sciences, or academia for that matter. I am very glad to have had time to develop the ability to comprehend academic papers, discus them with peers, and explain their complex aspects to those unfamiliar to the content.

  • What does learning at a liberal arts institution mean to you?

    • To me it means being open to the wide swath of experiences the world has to offer. I am so extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had here at Concordia. From my work in the theatre to the neuro lab, constructing my massive sculpture installation, and working on a Mars base analogue, I feel that I have taken great advantage of the liberal arts. By getting hands on experience in a huge variety of topics, I feel that I am leaving Concordia as a well-rounded person that has the ability to work on and solve a broad range of the world’s problems.

  • If you were to highlight on your resume a skill or competency that you improved upon this semester, what would you be sure to include?

    • I would highlight my ability to simplify and re-frame scientific concepts. I often found I was able to offer a quick metaphor or analogy that answered the question posed by my peers. This course offered me an extended period in which to hone that skill.

  • Describe an example of solving a problem using several disciplinary perspectives.

    • I approach all of my work in art from the same perspective I approach my work in the sciences. My familiarity with the scientific method has led me to use it in all aspects of my life. When beginning a sculpture, for example, I will first perform background research on adjacent work, materials, and techniques. Then I form a sort of hypothesis, or direction I want my artistic experiment to head in. I then develop an outline of processes I need to undertake to complete the sculpture. While I complete those steps, unexpected things occur, to which I react and shift the sculpture. At the end of the process, I evaluate the results of my work, and present it at a show or online. I am being creative to solve the problem of creating something, but my approach to the work comes from my experiences with academic research.
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Neurofibrillary Tangles: The Rubble of Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on by Ian / 0 Comment

Insulin is a signaling molecule that is found throughout the body and brain. Though it is most often associated with diabetes mellitus, insulin and its downstream signals also play pivotal roles in the development and function of the brain. This has led researchers to explore the role insulin signaling may play in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

AD is an extremely common neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid-beta plagues. These physical aspects of the disease cause the psychiatric symptoms most people associate with AD. Consensus on how the NFTs, and beta plaques cause neurodegeneration has effectively been reached. The question remains on what causes these structures to form[1].

Insulin and the hallmarks of AD

When insulin’s signaling pathway is disrupted, the condition is called “brain insulin resistance” and it is hypothesized to be a leading cause of AD pathologies, including NFTs and beta plaques which lead to cognitive impairment.

NFTs:

Neurofibrilarry Tangles form via the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Once formed, NFTs wreak havoc on the interior functions of neurons. The tangles block up the inside of the cell and prevent critically important molecules from reaching their destinations.

What are Tau Proteins?

Tau are microtubule associated proteins that help to stabilize the cytoskeleton of the neuron. A stable cytoskeleton is important to the health of most cells, but it is critically so in neurons. The microtubule cytoskeleton inside of neurons does not merely give the cell its shape. Microtubules form a network of transportation pathways inside the neuron that allow important molecules to efficiently travel the often-expansive length of the axon. In addition to transport, microtubules in neurons are what allow them to make new connections or prune old ones. Microtubules literally build and maintain our memories, and microtubules are stabilized by tau proteins. The tau proteins that make-up NFTs are dissociating from the microtubules and accumulating, basically into junk[2].

What causes tau to become Hyperphosphorylated?

In an insulin resistant brain, the regulatory pathways that are responsible for the breakdown of tau protein accumulation stop working. When insulin release inside the brain does not induce a cellular response, Glycogen synthase kinase-3 becomes activated. GSK-3beta activation leads to both the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, as well as tau hyperphosphorylation.

Amyloid beta-plaques:

In addition to the formation of NFTs, insulin resistance has been linked to the formation of amyloid beta plaques. This occurs because of an overabundance of insulin in the brain. The extra insulin uses up the available insulin degrading enzyme, which has been observed to play a crucial role in the breakdown of amyloid beta[3].

Artstract #1

Citations

[1]

  1. Akhtar and S. P. Sah, “Insulin signaling pathway and related molecules: Role in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease,” Neurochemistry International, vol. 135, p. 104707, May 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104707.

[2]

E.-M. Mandelkow and E. Mandelkow, “Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Tau Protein in Neurofibrillary Degeneration,” Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med, vol. 2, no. 7, p. a006247, Jul. 2012, doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a006247.

[3]

  1. Akhtar and S. P. Sah, “Insulin signaling pathway and related molecules: Role in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease,” Neurochemistry International, vol. 135, p. 104707, May 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104707.

 

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