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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
Structural and Functional Modulation of Perineuronal Nets: In Search of Important Players with Highlight on Tenascins
Ana Jakovljević1, Milena Tucić1, Michaela Blažiková2
1Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry "Jean Giaja", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain plays a crucial role in providing optimal conditions for neuronal function. Interactions between neurons and a specialized form of ECM, perineuronal nets (PNN), are considered a key mechanism for the regulation of brain plasticity. Such an assembly of interconnected structural and regulatory molecules has a prominent role in the control of synaptic plasticity. In this review, we discuss novel ways of studying the interplay between PNN and its regulatory components, particularly tenascins, in the processes of synaptic plasticity, mechanotransduction, and neurogenesis. Since enhanced neuronal activity promotes PNN degradation, it is possible to study PNN remodeling as a dynamical change in the expression and organization of its constituents that is reflected in its ultrastructure. The discovery of these subtle modifications is enabled by the development of super-resolution microscopy and advanced methods of image analysis.
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