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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Systems Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory and Hemodynamic Response to Traumatic Brain Injury
07:21

Systems Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory and Hemodynamic Response to Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: May 27, 2022

Fascin1 exacerbates neuroinflammation and neuronal injury in acute TBI by orchestrating the AKT/mTOR, STAT3, and

Wei You1, Yiting Wu1, Yiru Fang1

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou Municipal Hospital of Fujian Province, Zhangzhou, Fujian 363119, China.

Brain Research Bulletin
|July 11, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fascin1 promotes neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) by activating pro-inflammatory microglial responses. Silencing Fascin1 reduces inflammation, protects neurons, and improves outcomes in TBI models.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Neuroinflammation exacerbates secondary damage in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • Microglial polarization between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states is critical in TBI.
  • The role of the actin-bundling protein Fascin1 in microglial activation and TBI is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Fascin1 as a regulator of microglial polarization in TBI.
  • To determine Fascin1's role in neuroinflammatory signaling during acute TBI.

Main Methods:

  • Established TBI models using controlled cortical impact (CCI) in mice and LPS-stimulated BV2 cells.
  • Silenced Fascin1 using siRNA in vivo and in vitro.
  • Assessed inflammation, neuronal survival, and signaling pathways via molecular and behavioral methods.

Main Results:

  • Fascin1 expression increased in TBI cortex and LPS-activated microglia.
  • Fascin1 knockdown shifted microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, reducing cytokines and neuronal apoptosis.
  • Fascin1 silencing in vivo improved neurological function and reduced tissue damage.
  • Fascin1 depletion decreased phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, STAT3, and NF-κB.

Conclusions:

  • Fascin1 promotes neuroinflammation in acute TBI.
  • Fascin1 modulates AKT/mTOR, STAT3, and NF-κB signaling to drive pro-inflammatory microglial states.
Keywords:
Fascin1Microglial polarizationNeuroinflammationSignaling networksTraumatic brain injury

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