This study investigates how P2RY12 loss affects microglial metabolic and activation states, revealing altered metabolic pathways and increased susceptibility to ferroptosis.

Glia · Aug 15, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Assessing Spns2-dependent S1P Transport as a Prospective Therapeutic Target

Yugesh Kharel, Tao Huang, Kyle Dunnavant, Daniel J. Foster, George M. P. R. Souza, Katherine E. Nimchuk, Andrea R. Merchak, Caitlin M. Pavelec, Zuzanna J. Juśkiewicz, Simon S. Alexander, Alban Gaultier, Stephen B.G. Abbott, Jung‐Bum Shin, Brant E. Isakson, Wenhao Xu, , Kevin R. Lynch

This study evaluates a novel S1P transport blocker, SLF80821178, showing efficacy in multiple sclerosis without the cardiac side effects of SRMs, but with less lymphopenia and unchanged lymph S1P levels.

British Journal of Pharmacology · Feb 2, 2025Peer-reviewedPharmacology & Toxicology

Lactobacillus maintains IFNγ homeostasis to promote behavioral stress resilience.

Andrea R. Merchak, Samuel Wachamo, Lucille C. Brown, Alisha Thakur, G. Brett Moreau, Ryan M. Brown, Courtney R. Rivet-Noor, Tula P. Raghavan, Alban Gaultier

This study shows that Lactobacillus species maintain IFNγ homeostasis, promoting stress resilience in mice, and provides a model to study probiotic effects on behavior.

Brain Behavior and Immunity · Nov 3, 2023Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Oligomeric amyloid beta prevents myelination in a clusterin-dependent manner

Rebecca M. Beiter, Hannah E. Ennerfelt, Courtney R. Rivet-Noor, Andrea R. Merchak, Robin Bai, David M. Johanson, Erica R. Slogar, Katia Sol‐Church, Jennifer L. Phillips, Tim Bathe, Christopher C. Overall, John R. Lukens, Stefan Prokop, Alban Gaultier

This study shows that clusterin, produced by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), inhibits their differentiation into oligodendrocytes and prevents myelin repair in Alzheimer's disease by reducing IL-9 production.

bioRxiv · Mar 6, 2020 · PreprintNeuroscience