Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.

Organization of the Brain

Organization of the Brain

The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...

Gut-Brain Axis

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...

Brainstem

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Microglia Rank signaling regulates GnRH neuronal function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2026

Same author

Characterizing sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients aged 65 years and over, at risk of mobility disability: a multicenter observational trial (SARA-OBS).

BMC geriatrics·2025

Same author

Mutations in PSEN1 predispose inflammation in an astrocyte model of familial Alzheimer's disease through disrupted regulated intramembrane proteolysis.

Molecular neurodegeneration·2025

Same author

BIO101 in Sarcopenic Seniors at Risk of Mobility Disability: Results of a Double-Blind Randomised Interventional Phase 2b Trial.

Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle·2025

Same author

Efficacy of oral 20-hydroxyecdysone (BIO101), a MAS receptor activator, in adults with severe COVID-19 (COVA): a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 trial.

EClinicalMedicine·2024

Same author

Pax3 induces target-specific reinnervation through axon collateral expression of PSA-NCAM.

Progress in neurobiology·2023

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Micro-dissection of Rat Brain for RNA or Protein Extraction from Specific Brain Region

Micro-dissection of Rat Brain for RNA or Protein Extraction from Specific Brain Region

Published on: August 30, 2007

RORalpha, a key to the development and functioning of the brain.

Sarah Jolly¹, Nathalie Journiac, Béatrice Vernet-der Garabedian

¹CNRS, UMR7102, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-P6, Paris, France.

Cerebellum (London, England)

|January 7, 2012

Summary

Retinoid-related orphan receptor-alpha (RORα) plays crucial roles in the brain, particularly in astrocytes. This review explores its emerging functions in glial cells and brain pathology.

More Related Videos

Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition

Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition

Published on: November 14, 2013

Primary Cell Cultures to Study the Regeneration Potential of Murine Müller Glia after MicroRNA Treatment

Primary Cell Cultures to Study the Regeneration Potential of Murine Müller Glia after MicroRNA Treatment

Published on: March 28, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Micro-dissection of Rat Brain for RNA or Protein Extraction from Specific Brain Region

Micro-dissection of Rat Brain for RNA or Protein Extraction from Specific Brain Region

Published on: August 30, 2007

Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition

Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition

Published on: November 14, 2013

Primary Cell Cultures to Study the Regeneration Potential of Murine Müller Glia after MicroRNA Treatment

Primary Cell Cultures to Study the Regeneration Potential of Murine Müller Glia after MicroRNA Treatment

Published on: March 28, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Retinoid-related orphan receptor-alpha (RORα) is vital for physiological processes in the brain and peripheral tissues.
Mutations in RORα cause neurodegeneration in staggerer mice, primarily affecting the cerebellum.
Previous research focused on RORα's role in cerebellar development.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the expanding roles of RORα beyond the cerebellum.
To highlight the expression and function of RORα in brain glial cells, specifically astrocytes.
To discuss RORα's involvement in neuropathological processes.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on staggerer mice and RORα.
Analysis of research on RORα expression in neuronal and glial cells.
Examination of evidence linking RORα to astrocyte function and brain pathology.

Main Results:

RORα is expressed not only in neurons but also in astrocytes across various brain regions.
RORα influences astrocyte functions, including inflammatory responses.
Evidence suggests RORα's involvement in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and cerebral hypoxia.

Conclusions:

RORα has broader functions in the brain than previously understood, extending to glial cells.
Astrocytic RORα is a key player in regulating brain homeostasis and responding to pathological insults.
Further research into RORα's role in astrocytes is warranted for understanding and treating neurological disorders.