This study shows that Magel2 deficiency in a mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome causes microglial structural changes and increased synaptic engulfment, altering neuron-microglia interactions and hypothalamic circuit function.

bioRxiv · Sep 30, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience

Unique transcriptional profiles of adult human immature neurons in healthy aging, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive resilience

Giorgia Tosoni, Dilara Ayyildiz, Sarah Snoeck, Elena P. Moreno‐Jiménez, Amber Penning, Estibaliz Santiago-Mujika, Olmo Ruiz Ormaechea, Hyunah Lee, Suresh Kumar Poovathingal, Kristofer Davie, Julien Bryois, Will Macnair, Jasper J. Anink, Luuk E. de Vries, Sahand Farmand, , Evgenia Salta

The paper identifies unique transcriptional profiles of immature neurons in aged human hippocampus across healthy, Alzheimer's disease, and resilient conditions, linking them to homeostasis and cognitive resilience.

Cell stem cell · Apr 24, 2026Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Increased numbers of CD4+ T-cells in hypocretin/orexin region of Narcolepsy Type 1

Ling Shan, Milo Fonville, Mabel Hoekstra, Rolf Fronczek, Joost Smolders, Dick Frans Swaab

The paper identifies an 11-fold increase in CD4+ T-cells in the hypocretin region of NT1 brains, correlating with symptom severity.

Annals of Neurology · Mar 14, 2026Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Reduced triacylglycerols and lipid droplets are associated with resilience to Alzheimers disease

Daan van der Vliet, Luuk E. de Vries, Xinyu Di, Dennis D. Wever, Brechtje de Jong, Marc T.C. van der Meij, Marielle van der Peet, Amy C. Harms, Thomas Hankemeier, Dick Frans Swaab, Inge Huitinga, Joost Verhaagen, Mario van der Stelt

The paper identifies reduced triacylglycerols and lipid droplets in resilient Alzheimer's donors compared to AD patients, using multi-omics analysis of brain tissue.

Alzheimer s & Dementia · Feb 1, 2026Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Neuropathological changes in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Wei Jiang, Martin J. T. Kalsbeek, Felipe Corrêa‐da‐Silva, Han Jiao, Andries Kalsbeek, Dick Frans Swaab, Sarah E. Siegelaar, Chun‐Xia Yi

The paper examines neuropathological changes in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in diabetes patients, finding reduced ChAT expression in T1DM and increased hyperphosphorylated-Tau in T2DM.

Acta Neuropathologica · Sep 29, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Stress-associated purinergic receptors code for fatal suicidality in the hippocampal-hypothalamic-prefrontal circuit

Lin Zhang, Ronald W. H. Verwer, Joop J. van Heerikhuize, Rawien A. Balesar, Felipe Corrêa‐da‐Silva, Zala Slabe, Paul John Lucassen, Dick Frans Swaab

The paper identifies purinergic receptor expression patterns in specific brain regions associated with fatal suicidality in individuals with mood disorders.

bioRxiv · Nov 22, 2022 · PreprintNeuroscience

The photobiology of the human circadian clock

Robin A. Schoonderwoerd, Mischa de Rover, Jan A. M. Janse, Lydiane Hirschler, Channa R. Willemse, Leonie Scholten, Ilse Klop, Sander van Berloo, Matthias J.P. van Osch, Dick Frans Swaab, Johanna H. Meijer

This study directly measures the light response of the human SCN and finds that light suppresses SCN activity across multiple wavelengths, suggesting a need to revise light exposure strategies.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · Mar 21, 2022Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling in the Oval Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Mediates Chronic Stress-Induced Negative Valence Behaviors Associated with Anxiety

Pu Hu, Isabella Maita, Christopher Kwok, Edward Gu, Mark M. Gergues, Ji Liu, Zhiping P. Pang, Dick Frans Swaab, Paul John Lucassen, Troy Adam Roepke, Benjamin Adam Samuels

This study investigates how chronic stress affects CRH signaling and neuronal activity in the BNST, linking these changes to anxiety-related behaviors in mice.

bioRxiv · Mar 9, 2019 · PreprintNeuroscience