This study shows that vagus nerve stimulation activates the default mode network, enhancing cognitive behaviors, while vagal-independent mechanisms affect the salience network.

bioRxiv · Oct 15, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience

A lipid-driven, microbe-independent mechanism of acne via Lrig1+ follicular progenitor cells

Takashi Sugihira, Masakazu Tamai, Kohei Takagi, Barbora Salcman, Tetsuro Kobayashi, Alison J. Hobro, Seitaro Nakagawa, Yukiko Takeuchi, Eri Ishikawa, Motoko Maekawa, Yuji Owada, Naohiro Inohara, Hiroki Takahashi, Nicholas Isaac Smith, Sho Yamasaki, , Yuumi Nakamura

This study identifies C16:0 as a lipid driver of acne through Lrig1+ follicular progenitor cells, independent of microbes.

bioRxiv · Aug 30, 2025 · PreprintCell Biology

Role of an atypical cadherin gene, Cdh23 in prepulse inhibition and its implication in schizophrenia

Shabeesh Balan, Tetsuo Ohnishi, Akiko Watanabe, Hisako Ohba, Yoshimi Iwayama, Manabu Toyoshima, Tomonori Hara, Yasuko Hisano, Yuki Miyasaka, Tomoko Toyota, Chie Shimamoto‐Mitsuyama, Motoko Maekawa, Shusuke Numata, Tetsuro Ohmori, Tomomi Shimogori, , Takeo Yoshikawa

The paper identifies a Cdh23 variant associated with prepulse inhibition and schizophrenia risk in mice and humans.

Schizophrenia Bulletin · Jan 14, 2021Peer-reviewedGenetics

Investigation of betaine as a novel psychotherapeutic for schizophrenia

Tetsuo Ohnishi, Shabeesh Balan, Manabu Toyoshima, Motoko Maekawa, Hisako Ohba, Akiko Watanabe, Yoshimi Iwayama, Yūkō Fujita, Yunfei Tan, Yasuko Hisano, Chie Shimamoto‐Mitsuyama, Yayoi Nozaki, Kayoko Esaki, Atsuko Nagaoka, Junya Matsumoto, , Takeo Yoshikawa

This study investigates betaine's role in schizophrenia using metabolomics and genetic approaches, finding it may alleviate oxidative stress and improve cognitive function in specific cases.

EBioMedicine · Jun 26, 2019Peer-reviewedNeuroscience