An optical brain-to-brain interface supports rapid information transmission for precise locomotion control

Brain-to-brain interfaces(BtBIs) hold exciting potentials for direct communication between individual brains. However,technical challenges often limit their performance in rapid information transfer. Here, we demonstrate an optical brain-to-brain interface that transmits information regarding locomotor speed from one mouse to another and allows precise, real-time control of locomotion across animals with high information transfer rate. We found that the activity of the genetically identified neuromedin B(NMB) neurons within the nucleus incertus(NI) precisely predicts and critically controls locomotor speed. By optically recording Ca2+ signals from the NI of a "Master" mouse and converting them to patterned optogenetic stimulations of the NI of an "Avatar" mouse, the Bt BI directed the Avatar mice to closely mimic the locomotion of their Masters with information transfer rate about two orders of magnitude higher than previous Bt BIs. These results thus provide proof-of-concept that optical Bt BIs can rapidly transmit neural information and control dynamic behaviors across individuals.

Role of thioredoxin-interacting protein in mediating endothelial dysfunction in hypertension

Excessive oxidative stress is a major causative factor of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.As an endogenous pro-oxidant,thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)contributes to oxidative damage in various tissues.The present study aimed to investigate the role of TXNIP in mediating endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.In vivo,an experimental model of acquired hypertension was established with two-kidney,one-clip(2K1C)surgery.The expression of TXNIP in the vascular endothelial cells of multiple vessels was significantly increased in hypertensive rats compared with sham-operated rats.Resveratrol,a TXNIP inhibitor,suppressed vascular oxidative damage and increased the expression and activity of eNOS in the aorta of hypertensive rats.Notably,impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation was effectively improved by TXNIP inhibition in hypertensive rats.In vitro,we observed that Ang II increased the expression of TXNIP in primary human aortic endothelial cells(HAECs)and that TXNIP knockdown by RNA interference alleviated cellular oxidative stress damage and mitigated the impaired eNOS activation and intracellular nitric oxide(NO)production observed in Ang Il-treated HAECs.However,inhibiting thioredoxin(TRX)with PX-12 completely blunted the protective effect of silencing TXNIP.In addition,TXNIP knockdown facilitated TRX expression and promoted TRX nuclear translocation to further activate AP1 and REF1.TRX overexpressi on exhibited favorable effects on eNOS/NO homeostasis in Ang 11-treated HAECs.Thus,TXNIP contributes to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension,and these effects are dependent on the antioxidant capacity of TRX,suggesting that targeting TXNIP may be a novel strategy for antihypertensive therapy.