Ana JakovljevicNeuro Imaginarium

Research

Research notes and selected papers

My work sits where neuroscience meets image-making — perineuronal nets, microscopy, extracellular matrix biology, and the quantitative analysis that turns a picture into an argument.

Selected papers

Questions I have worked on through images and experiments

Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation enhances hippocampal plasticity via GluN2A-mediated signaling

A study of how prolonged iTBS600 shapes structural, synaptic, and calcium-dependent hippocampal plasticity.

Problem

The cellular and molecular mechanisms behind theta burst stimulation remain incompletely understood, limiting translational interpretation.

Approach

Combined in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experiments across behavioral, histological, synaptosomal, and calcium-response readouts.

Key finding

Prolonged iTBS drove hippocampal structural and synaptic plasticity through GluN2A- and BDNF-linked signaling pathways.

Impact

Adds mechanistic context for interpreting neuromodulation-induced plasticity.

iTBS600Hippocampal analysisCalcium signaling
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The Role of Tenascin-C on the Structural Plasticity of Perineuronal Nets and Synaptic Expression in the Hippocampus of Male Mice

Image-based analysis of extracellular matrix remodeling, perineuronal net structure, and synaptic expression in hippocampal circuits.

Problem

The contribution of Tenascin-C to hippocampal perineuronal net structure and synaptic organization needed clearer experimental interpretation.

Approach

Analyzed hippocampal tissue using structural imaging, marker-based comparison, and quantitative interpretation of neural plasticity markers.

Key finding

Tenascin-C was linked to measurable changes in perineuronal net organization and synaptic expression patterns.

Impact

Connects extracellular matrix remodeling with hippocampal plasticity.

Hippocampal imagingPNN analysisSynaptic markers
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The impact of early life maternal deprivation on the perineuronal nets in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of young adult rats

Region-specific study of how early-life maternal deprivation affects perineuronal net organization in young adult rat brain.

Problem

Early-life stress can alter developmental trajectories, but its regional effects on stabilizing extracellular matrix structures required clarification.

Approach

Compared perineuronal net organization across prefrontal cortex and hippocampus using region-level imaging and quantitative analysis.

Key finding

Pattern consistency across regions suggested selective vulnerability of network-stabilizing structures after maternal deprivation.

Impact

Links developmental stress exposure with structural plasticity markers.

Region segmentationPNN quantificationComparative analysis
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Structural and functional modulation of perineuronal nets: in search of important players with highlight on tenascins

A review of molecular players shaping perineuronal net structure and function, with emphasis on tenascins and neural plasticity.

Problem

Perineuronal nets are structurally and functionally complex, making it difficult to connect molecular players with plasticity outcomes.

Approach

Synthesized literature on perineuronal net modulation, extracellular matrix components, and tenascin-related mechanisms.

Key finding

Tenascins emerged as important modulators of perineuronal net organization and neural plasticity-related function.

Impact

Frames how extracellular matrix remodeling influences neural circuit stability and plasticity.

Literature synthesisTenascin focusECM modulation
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