Biology subjects

Aysit, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Aysit, N..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Peripheral Axons Form Endoplasmic Reticulum-Rich Conduits With Breast Cancer Cells

Peripheral nerves are active components of the tumor microenvironment, but the physical routes by which sensory axons communicate with cancer cells remain incompletely defined. Here, we show that primary dorsal root ganglion neurons form thin membrane conduits with EMT6 breast cancer cells that contain endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER-Tracker labeling and neuron-restricted expression of the ER proteins CNPY2 and ATL3 identified ER-rich axonal extensions terminating on cancer cells. Serial-section scanning transmission electron microscopy resolved ER-like membranes within these conduits and at axon-cancer cell interfaces. Scanning electron microscopy and live holotomographic imaging further revealed dynamic contact formation and associated remodeling of the cancer cell surface. These observations define an ER-containing structural interface between sensory axons and cancer cells and provide a framework for testing whether neuronal ER contributes to direct intercellular signaling or material transfer.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

A Novel Method for Culturing Telencephalic Neurons in Axolotls

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), a neotenic salamander with remarkable regenerative capabilities, serves as a key model for studying nervous system regeneration. Despite its potential, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this regenerative capacity remain poorly understood, partly due to the lack of reliable in vitro models for axolotl neural cells. In this study, we developed a novel protocol for primary cultures of adult axolotl telencephalon/pallium, enabling the maintenance of viable and functionally active neural cells. Using calcium imaging and immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated the presence of neuronal and glial markers, synaptic connections, and spontaneous calcium activity, highlighting the functional integrity of the cultured cells. Our findings reveal that these cultures can be maintained in both serum and serum-free conditions, with neurons exhibiting robust neurite outgrowth and responsiveness to injury. This protocol addresses a critical gap in axolotl research by providing a controlled in vitro system to study neurogenesis and regeneration. By offering insights into the regenerative mechanisms of axolotl neurons, this work lays the foundation for comparative studies with mammalian systems, potentially informing therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and CNS injuries in humans.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Neurons protect themselves by active shrinkage upon axonal transection

Trauma, vascular events, or neurodegenerative processes can lead to axonal injury and eventual transection (axotomy). Neurons can survive axotomy, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Excessive water entry into injured neurons poses a particular risk due to swelling and subsequent death. Using in vitro and in vivo neurotrauma model systems based on laser transection, we demonstrated that axotomy triggers actomyosin contraction coupled with calpain activity. As a consequence, neurons shrink acutely to force water out through aquaporin channels preventing swelling and bursting. Inhibiting shrinkage increased the probability of neuronal cell death by about three-fold. These studies reveal a previously unrecognized cytoprotective response mechanism to neurotrauma and offer a fresh perspective on pathophysiological processes in the nervous system. One-Sentence SummaryWhen the axon of a neuron is cut, its soma shrinks to pump out water to avoid deadly swelling.

neuroscience↗