This study shows that FMRP depletion in human neurons causes cyclic-AMP-dependent hyperexcitability, which can be corrected by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4D.

bioRxiv · Oct 14, 2025 · PreprintNeuroscience

Direct Evidence for Dendritic Spine Compensation and Regeneration in Alzheimer Disease Models

Nishita Bhembre, Zoran Boskovic, Jessica Louise Willshaw, Tim P. Castello-Waldow, Calum Bonthron, Annalisa Paolino, Patricio Opazo

The paper shows that neurons in Alzheimer's disease models can compensate for dendritic spine loss through structural plasticity, including spine enlargement and regeneration.

Alzheimer s & Dementia · Oct 1, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Opposing roles of physiological and pathological amyloid-β on synapses in live human brain slice cultures

Robert I. McGeachan, Soraya Meftah, Lewis W. Taylor, James H. Catterson, Danilo Negro, Calum Bonthron, Kristján Holt, Jane Tulloch, Jamie L. Rose, Francesco Gobbo, Ya Yin Chang, Jamie Elliott, Lauren McLay, Declan King, Imran Liaquat, , Claire S. Durrant

This study uses live human brain slice cultures to show that physiological and pathological amyloid-beta have opposing effects on synapses, with physiological levels enhancing synaptic transcripts and pathological levels causing synaptic loss.

Nature Communications · Apr 30, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Selective Vulnerability of Tripartite Synapses in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Matthew James Broadhead, Calum Bonthron, Julia Waddington, William V. Smith, Maite F. Lopez, Sarah Burley, Jessica Valli, Fei Zhu, Noboru H. Komiyama, Colin Smith, Seth G. N. Grant, Gareth Brian Miles

The paper investigates tripartite synapse loss in ALS models and human tissue, finding selective vulnerability of these synapses in both mice and humans.

Acta Neuropathologica · Mar 19, 2022Peer-reviewedNeuroscience