Hermona Soreq

Karl Tsim

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a primary regulator of cholinergic signaling within and out of the central nervous system. It has been studied extensively for several decades, yet many basic questions about its regulation, composition and functions remain open. Thus, neither the full impact of AChE’s activities on neuronal development, maintenance and functioning nor the reasons for why and how different AChE molecular forms are being synthesized and degraded are fully known yet, although recent evidence suggests the involvement of micro-RNA regulators in both of these aspects. The identification of the anchoring proteins, PRiMA and ColQ, stimulates studies on AChE’s assembly and its specific localization in the brain and muscle. Additionally, non-cholinergic function(s) of AChE has been proposed as relevant both for neuronal differentiation and cognitive functioning, whereas transgenic engineering, recombinant production and structure-function analyses of this enzyme’s variants with various inhibitors paved new avenues for the development of novel Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics, agricultural pesticides and prophylactics in anticipation of warfare agent exposure. The aims of this Research Topic is to provide a forum for experts in the field to critically discuss recent developments in AChE studies, initiate global critiques of the current views for resolving the fundamental questions in AChE research and promote the development of novel versions and uses of AChE-targeted agents. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: (i) post-transcriptional regulation of AChE; (ii) the non-cholinergic functions of AChE; and (iii) anti-AChE inhibitors and diseases.

Acetylcholinesterase: Old Questions and New Developments

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and in particular microRNAs are rapidly becoming the focus of research interest in numerous basic and translational fields, including brain research; and their importance for many aspects in brain functioning merits special discussion. The wide-scope, multi-targeted and highly efficient manner of ncRNA regulatory activities draws attention to this topic by many, but the available research and analysis tools and experimental protocols are still at their infancy, and calls for special discussion given their importance for many aspects in brain functioning. This eBook is correspondingly focused on the search for, identification and exploration of those non-coding RNAs whose activities modulate the multi-leveled functions of the eukaryotic brain. The different articles strive to cover novel approaches for identifying and establishing ncRNA-target relationships, provide state of the art reports of the affected neurotransmission pathways, describe inherited and acquired changes in ncRNA functioning and cover the use of ncRNA mimics and blockade tools for interference with their functions in health and disease of the brain. Non-coding RNAs are here to stay, and this exciting eBook provides a glimpse into their impact on our brain’s functioning at the physiology, cell biology, behavior and immune levels.

Novel roles of non-coding brain RNAs in health and disease

Israel Silman

Lili Anglister

Daniel M. Michaelson

Abraham Fisher

Providing a cutting-edge profile of research progress in this important field of study, Cholinergic Mechanisms: Function and Dysfunction contains a compilation of the proceedings of the Eleventh ISCM, held in St. Moritz, May 2002. Bringing together 250 contributors from 30 countries, the book presents a comprehensive picture of the cholinergic field. It provides a survey of current understanding of molecular, pharmacological, toxicological, behavioral, and clinical aspects of the cholinergic system. This volume offers a state-of-the-art account of progress in the field from the molecule in the test tube through the cell and the synapse, to the organism and the patient.

Hermona Soreq

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