Publications
For a complete list of publications, please visit PubMed / Google Scholar
Featured publications
Phosphorylation of Npas4 by MAPK Regulates Reward-Related Gene Expression and Behaviors.
Yasuhiro Funahashi, Anthony Ariza (co-first author), et al. (2019). Cell Reports, 29, 3235-3252.e9
Summary: How does the brain turn rewarding experiences into long-term memories? Anthony Ariza and colleagues identified the protein Npas4 as a key molecular link. Their study showed that Npas4 must be chemically activated to strengthen brain-cell connections and form lasting reward memories. When this activation was blocked in mice, reward-associated memories failed to form, revealing an important mechanism underlying learning and addiction.
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Dynamic subcellular localization and transcription activity of the SRF cofactor MKL2 is regulated by MAPK in the striatum.
Anthony Ariza, et al. (2021). Journal of Neurochemistry. 157(6): 1774-1788.
Summary: How does the brain convert dopamine signals into long-term changes linked to addiction? Anthony Ariza identified MKL2 as a key molecular messenger in this process. Their study showed that dopamine-related signalling activates MKL2, allowing it to enter the nucleus and switch on genes such as c-Fos and Npas4 that regulate neural plasticity and reward-related behavior. Blocking this pathway prevented these gene changes, revealing a critical mechanism underlying addiction-related learning.
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Research Tools & Methods
Cell-surface biotinylation of GABAA receptors in mouse hippocampal slices after sevoflurane anesthesia.
Anthony Ariza, et al. (2023). STAR Protocols. 4(3).
Summary: How can researchers track brain proteins linked to memory loss after surgery? Anthony Ariza developed a refined five-stage protocol to isolate and measure cell-surface GABAA receptors in the hippocampus. This method provides a detailed view of molecular changes following general anesthesia and offers a versatile tool for studying the biological mechanisms underlying post-operative cognitive decline.
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Peer-reviewed Publications
Dian-Shi Wang, Li Ju, Arsène G Pinguelo, Anthony Ariza, et al. (2024). Crosstalk between GABAA receptors in astrocytes and neurons triggered by general anesthetic drugs. Translational Research. 267: 39-53.
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Anthony Ariza, Setareh Malekian Naeini, et al. (2023). Cell-surface biotinylation of GABAA receptors in mouse hippocampal slices after sevoflurane anesthesia. STAR Protocols. 4(3).
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Shahin Khodaei, Anthony Ariza, et al. (2022). The impact of inflammation and general anesthesia on memory and executive function in mice. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 136(5): 999-1011.
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Anthony Ariza, Yasuhiro Funahashi, et al. (2021). Dynamic subcellular localization and transcription activity of the SRF cofactor MKL2 is regulated by MAPK in the striatum. Journal of Neurochemistry. 157(6): 1774-1788.
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]
Yasuhiro Funahashi, Anthony Ariza, Ryosuke Emi, et al. (2019). Phosphorylation of Npas4 by MAPK regulates reward-related gene expression and behaviors. Cell Reports, 29(10) P3235-3252.E9
[DOI] | [PubMed] | [Google Scholar] | [Repository]