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Donnelly CR, Kumari A, Li L, Vesela I, Bradley RM, Mistretta CM, Pierchala BA. Probing the multimodal fungiform papilla: complex peripheral nerve endings of chorda tympani taste and mechanosensitive fibers before and after Hedgehog pathway inhibition. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 387:225-247. [PMID: 34859291 PMCID: PMC8821500 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fungiform papilla (FP) is a gustatory and somatosensory structure incorporating chorda tympani (CT) nerve fibers that innervate taste buds (TB) and also contain somatosensory endings for touch and temperature. Hedgehog (HH) pathway inhibition eliminates TB, but CT innervation remains in the FP. Importantly, after HH inhibition, CT neurophysiological responses to taste stimuli are eliminated, but tactile responses remain. To examine CT fibers that respond to tactile stimuli in the absence of TB, we used Phox2b-Cre; Rosa26LSL−TdTomato reporter mice to selectively label CT fibers with TdTomato. Normally CT fibers project in a compact bundle directly into TB, but after HH pathway inhibition, CT fibers reorganize and expand just under the FP epithelium where TB were. This widened expanse of CT fibers coexpresses Synapsin-1, β-tubulin, S100, and neurofilaments. Further, GAP43 expression in these fibers suggests they are actively remodeling. Interestingly, CT fibers have complex terminals within the apical FP epithelium and in perigemmal locations in the FP apex. These extragemmal fibers remain after HH pathway inhibition. To identify tactile end organs in FP, we used a K20 antibody to label Merkel cells. In control mice, K20 was expressed in TB cells and at the base of epithelial ridges outside of FP. After HH pathway inhibition, K20 + cells remained in epithelial ridges but were eliminated in the apical FP without TB. These data suggest that the complex, extragemmal nerve endings within and disbursed under the apical FP are the mechanosensitive nerve endings of the CT that remain after HH pathway inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Donnelly
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Archana Kumari
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Libo Li
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Iva Vesela
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert M Bradley
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Charlotte M Mistretta
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Brian A Pierchala
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, Indianapolis, USA.
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52
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Cortical responses to touch reflect subcortical integration of LTMR signals. Nature 2021; 600:680-685. [PMID: 34789880 PMCID: PMC9289451 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04094-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Current models to explain how signals emanating from cutaneous mechanoreceptors generate representations of touch are based on comparisons of the tactile responses of mechanoreceptor subtypes and neurons in somatosensory cortex1-8. Here we used mouse genetic manipulations to investigate the contributions of peripheral mechanoreceptor subtypes to cortical responses to touch. Cortical neurons exhibited remarkably homogeneous and transient responses to skin indentation that resembled rapidly adapting (RA) low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) responses. Concurrent disruption of signals from both Aβ RA-LTMRs and Aβ slowly adapting (SA)-LTMRs eliminated cortical responses to light indentation forces. However, disruption of either LTMR subtype alone caused opposite shifts in cortical sensitivity but otherwise largely unaltered tactile responses, indicating that both subtypes contribute to normal cortical responses. Selective optogenetic activation of single action potentials in Aβ RA-LTMRs or Aβ SA-LTMRs drove low-latency responses in most mechanically sensitive cortical neurons. Similarly, most somatosensory thalamic neurons were also driven by activation of Aβ RA-LTMRs or Aβ SA-LTMRs. These findings support a model in which signals from physiologically distinct mechanoreceptor subtypes are extensively integrated and transformed within the subcortical somatosensory system to generate cortical representations of touch.
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Lehnert BP, Santiago C, Huey EL, Emanuel AJ, Renauld S, Africawala N, Alkislar I, Zheng Y, Bai L, Koutsioumpa C, Hong JT, Magee AR, Harvey CD, Ginty DD. Mechanoreceptor synapses in the brainstem shape the central representation of touch. Cell 2021; 184:5608-5621.e18. [PMID: 34637701 PMCID: PMC8556359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammals use glabrous (hairless) skin of their hands and feet to navigate and manipulate their environment. Cortical maps of the body surface across species contain disproportionately large numbers of neurons dedicated to glabrous skin sensation, in part reflecting a higher density of mechanoreceptors that innervate these skin regions. Here, we find that disproportionate representation of glabrous skin emerges over postnatal development at the first synapse between peripheral mechanoreceptors and their central targets in the brainstem. Mechanoreceptor synapses undergo developmental refinement that depends on proximity of their terminals to glabrous skin, such that those innervating glabrous skin make synaptic connections that expand their central representation. In mice incapable of sensing gentle touch, mechanoreceptors innervating glabrous skin still make more powerful synapses in the brainstem. We propose that the skin region a mechanoreceptor innervates controls the developmental refinement of its central synapses to shape the representation of touch in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan P Lehnert
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Celine Santiago
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica L Huey
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan J Emanuel
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sophia Renauld
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nusrat Africawala
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilayda Alkislar
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ling Bai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Charalampia Koutsioumpa
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer T Hong
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra R Magee
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher D Harvey
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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54
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The cellular and molecular basis of somatosensory neuron development. Neuron 2021; 109:3736-3757. [PMID: 34592169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Primary somatosensory neurons convey salient information about our external environment and internal state to the CNS, allowing us to detect, perceive, and react to a wide range of innocuous and noxious stimuli. Pseudo-unipolar in shape, and among the largest (longest) cells of most mammals, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) somatosensory neurons have peripheral axons that extend into skin, muscle, viscera, or bone and central axons that innervate the spinal cord and brainstem, where they synaptically engage the central somatosensory circuitry. Here, we review the diversity of mammalian DRG neuron subtypes and the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that control their development. We describe classical and contemporary advances that frame our understanding of DRG neurogenesis, transcriptional specification of DRG neurons, and the establishment of morphological, physiological, and synaptic diversification across somatosensory neuron subtypes.
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Middleton SJ, Perez-Sanchez J, Dawes JM. The structure of sensory afferent compartments in health and disease. J Anat 2021; 241:1186-1210. [PMID: 34528255 PMCID: PMC9558153 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sensory neurons are a heterogeneous population of cells able to respond to both innocuous and noxious stimuli. Like most neurons they are highly compartmentalised, allowing them to detect, convey and transfer sensory information. These compartments include specialised sensory endings in the skin, the nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons, the cell soma and their central terminals in the spinal cord. In this review, we will highlight the importance of these compartments to primary afferent function, describe how these structures are compromised following nerve damage and how this relates to neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Middleton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - John M Dawes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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56
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Handler A, Ginty DD. The mechanosensory neurons of touch and their mechanisms of activation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:521-537. [PMID: 34312536 PMCID: PMC8485761 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our sense of touch emerges from an array of mechanosensory structures residing within the fabric of our skin. These tactile end organ structures convert innocuous forces acting on the skin into electrical signals that propagate to the CNS via the axons of low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Our rich capacity for tactile discrimination arises from the dissimilar intrinsic properties of the LTMR subtypes that innervate different regions of the skin and the structurally distinct end organ complexes with which they associate. These end organ structures comprise a range of non-neuronal cell types, which may themselves actively contribute to the transformation of tactile forces into neural impulses within the LTMR afferents. Although the mechanism and the site of transduction across end organs remain unclear, PIEZO2 has emerged as the principal mechanosensitive channel involved in light touch of the skin. Here we review the physiological properties of LTMR subtypes and discuss how features of their cutaneous end organ complexes shape subtype-specific tuning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Handler
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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57
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Lindquist KA, Belugin S, Hovhannisyan AH, Corey TM, Salmon A, Akopian AN. Identification of Trigeminal Sensory Neuronal Types Innervating Masseter Muscle. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0176-21.2021. [PMID: 34580157 PMCID: PMC8513531 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0176-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding masseter muscle (MM) innervation is critical for the study of cell-specific mechanisms of pain induced by temporomandibular disorder (TMDs) or after facial surgery. Here, we identified trigeminal (TG) sensory neuronal subtypes (MM TG neurons) innervating MM fibers, masseteric fascia, tendons, and adjusted tissues. A combination of patch clamp electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on TG neurons back-traced from reporter mouse MM found nine distinct subtypes of MM TG neurons. Of these neurons, 24% belonged to non-peptidergic IB-4+/TRPA1- or IB-4+/TRPA1+ groups, while two TRPV1+ small-sized neuronal groups were classified as peptidergic/CGRP+ One small-sized CGRP+ neuronal group had a unique electrophysiological profile and were recorded from Nav1.8- or trkC+ neurons. The remaining CGRP+ neurons were medium-sized, could be divided into Nav1.8-/trkC- and Nav1.8low/trkC+ clusters, and showed large 5HT-induced current. The final two MM TG neuronal groups were trkC+ and had no Nav1.8 and CGRP. Among MM TG neurons, TRPV1+/CGRP- (somatostatin+), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ (C-LTMR), TRPM8+, MrgprA3+, or trkB+ (Aδ-LTMR) subtypes have not been detected. Masseteric muscle fibers, tendons and masseteric fascia in mice and the common marmoset, a new world monkey, were exclusively innervated by either CGRP+/NFH+ or CGRP-/NFH+ medium-to-large neurons, which we found using a Nav1.8-YFP reporter, and labeling with CGRP, TRPV1, neurofilament heavy chain (NFH) and pgp9.5 antibodies. These nerves were mainly distributed in tendon and at junctions of deep-middle-superficial parts of MM. Overall, the data presented here demonstrates that MM is innervated by a distinct subset of TG neurons, which have unique characteristics and innervation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Lindquist
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Program, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Sergei Belugin
- Endodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Anahit H Hovhannisyan
- Endodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Tatiana M Corey
- Laboratory Animal Resources Departments, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Adam Salmon
- Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Armen N Akopian
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Program, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Endodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
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58
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Yoshida S, Funato H. Physical contact in parent-infant relationship and its effect on fostering a feeling of safety. iScience 2021; 24:102721. [PMID: 34235413 PMCID: PMC8250458 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The infant-caregiver relationship involves physical contact for feeding, moving, and other cares, and such contact also encourages the infant to form an attachment, an emotional bond with the caregivers. Physical contact always accompanies somatosensory perception, which is detected by mechanosensory neurons and processed in the brain. Physical contact triggers sensorimotor reflexes such as Transport Response in rodent infants, and calm human infants while being carried. Tactile sensation and deep pressure in physical interactions, such as hugging, can function as emotional communication between infant and caregiver, which can alter the behavior and mood of both the infant and caregiver. This review summarizes the findings related to physical contact between the infant and the caregiver in terms of pleasant, noxious, and neutral somatosensation and discusses how somatosensory perceptions foster a feeling of safety that is important for infant's psychosocial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachine Yoshida
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Funato
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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59
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Huang T, Ohman LC, Clements AV, Whiddon ZD, Krimm RF. Variable Branching Characteristics of Peripheral Taste Neurons Indicates Differential Convergence. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4850-4866. [PMID: 33875572 PMCID: PMC8260161 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1935-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste neurons are functionally and molecularly diverse, but their morphologic diversity remains completely unexplored. Using sparse cell genetic labeling, we provide the first reconstructions of peripheral taste neurons. The branching characteristics across 96 taste neurons show surprising diversity in their complexities. Individual neurons had 1-17 separate arbors entering between one and seven taste buds, 18 of these neurons also innervated non-taste epithelia. Axon branching characteristics are similar in gustatory neurons from male and female mice. Cluster analysis separated the neurons into four groups according to branch complexity. The primary difference between clusters was the amount of the nerve fiber within the taste bud available to contact taste-transducing cells. Consistently, we found that the maximum number of taste-transducing cells capable of providing convergent input onto individual gustatory neurons varied with a range of 1-22 taste-transducing cells. Differences in branching characteristics across neurons indicate that some neurons likely receive input from a larger number of taste-transducing cells than other neurons (differential convergence). By dividing neurons into two groups based on the type of taste-transducing cell most contacted, we found that neurons contacting primarily sour transducing cells were more heavily branched than those contacting primarily sweet/bitter/umami transducing cells. This suggests that neuron morphologies may differ across functional taste quality. However, the considerable remaining variability within each group also suggests differential convergence within each functional taste quality. Each possibility has functional implications for the system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Taste neurons are considered relay cells, communicating information from taste-transducing cells to the brain, without variation in morphology. By reconstructing peripheral taste neuron morphologies for the first time, we found that some peripheral gustatory neurons are simply branched, and can receive input from only a few taste-transducing cells. Other taste neurons are heavily branched, contacting many more taste-transducing cells than simply branched neurons. Based on the type of taste-transducing cell contacted, branching characteristics are predicted to differ across (and within) quality types (sweet/bitter/umami vs sour). Therefore, functional differences between neurons likely depends on the number of taste-transducing cells providing input and not just the type of cell providing input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
| | - Lisa C Ohman
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
| | - Anna V Clements
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
| | - Zachary D Whiddon
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
| | - Robin F Krimm
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
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60
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Morelli C, Castaldi L, Brown SJ, Streich LL, Websdale A, Taberner FJ, Cerreti B, Barenghi A, Blum KM, Sawitzke J, Frank T, Steffens LK, Doleschall B, Serrao J, Ferrarini D, Lechner SG, Prevedel R, Heppenstall PA. Identification of a population of peripheral sensory neurons that regulates blood pressure. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109191. [PMID: 34077727 PMCID: PMC8187988 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasculature is innervated by a network of peripheral afferents that sense and regulate blood flow. Here, we describe a system of non-peptidergic sensory neurons with cell bodies in the spinal ganglia that regulate vascular tone in the distal arteries. We identify a population of mechanosensitive neurons, marked by tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) and tyrosine hydroxylase in the dorsal root ganglia, which projects to blood vessels. Local stimulation of TrkC neurons decreases vessel diameter and blood flow, whereas systemic activation increases systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability via the sympathetic nervous system. Ablation of the neurons provokes variability in local blood flow, leading to a reduction in systolic blood pressure, increased heart rate variability, and ultimately lethality within 48 h. Thus, a population of TrkC+ sensory neurons forms part of a sensory-feedback mechanism that maintains cardiovascular homeostasis through the autonomic nervous system. TrkC+/Th+ DRG neurons project to blood vessels Local stimulation of TrkC+ DRG neurons decreases vessel diameter and blood flow Systemic activation of TrkC+ DRG neurons increases blood pressure and heart rate Ablation of TrkC+ neurons dysregulates cardiovascular homeostasis and is lethal
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Morelli
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany; Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Castaldi
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sam J Brown
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy
| | - Lina L Streich
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Francisco J Taberner
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kevin M Blum
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Tessa Frank
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy
| | - Laura K Steffens
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Joana Serrao
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy
| | | | - Stefan G Lechner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Prevedel
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany; Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul A Heppenstall
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany.
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61
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Yin C, Peterman E, Rasmussen JP, Parrish JZ. Transparent Touch: Insights From Model Systems on Epidermal Control of Somatosensory Innervation. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:680345. [PMID: 34135734 PMCID: PMC8200473 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.680345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory neurons (SSNs) densely innervate our largest organ, the skin, and shape our experience of the world, mediating responses to sensory stimuli including touch, pressure, and temperature. Historically, epidermal contributions to somatosensation, including roles in shaping innervation patterns and responses to sensory stimuli, have been understudied. However, recent work demonstrates that epidermal signals dictate patterns of SSN skin innervation through a variety of mechanisms including targeting afferents to the epidermis, providing instructive cues for branching morphogenesis, growth control and structural stability of neurites, and facilitating neurite-neurite interactions. Here, we focus onstudies conducted in worms (Caenorhabditis elegans), fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and zebrafish (Danio rerio): prominent model systems in which anatomical and genetic analyses have defined fundamental principles by which epidermal cells govern SSN development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jay Z. Parrish
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Sex-Dependent Reduction in Mechanical Allodynia in the Sural-Sparing Nerve Injury Model in Mice Lacking Merkel Cells. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5595-5619. [PMID: 34031166 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1668-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Innocuous touch sensation is mediated by cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Aβ slowly adapting type I (SAI) neurons constitute one LTMR subtype that forms synapse-like complexes with associated Merkel cells in the basal skin epidermis. Under healthy conditions, these complexes transduce indentation and pressure stimuli into Aβ SAI LTMR action potentials that are transmitted to the CNS, thereby contributing to tactile sensation. However, it remains unknown whether this complex plays a role in the mechanical hypersensitivity caused by peripheral nerve injury. In this study, we characterized the distribution of Merkel cells and associated afferent neurons across four diverse domains of mouse hind paw skin, including a recently described patch of plantar hairy skin. We also showed that in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain, Merkel cells are lost from the denervated tibial nerve territory but are relatively preserved in nearby hairy skin innervated by the spared sural nerve. Using a genetic Merkel cell KO mouse model, we subsequently examined the importance of intact Merkel cell-Aβ complexes to SNI-associated mechanical hypersensitivity in skin innervated by the spared neurons. We found that, in the absence of Merkel cells, mechanical allodynia was partially reduced in male mice, but not female mice, under sural-sparing SNI conditions. Our results suggest that Merkel cell-Aβ afferent complexes partially contribute to mechanical allodynia produced by peripheral nerve injury, and that they do so in a sex-dependent manner.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Merkel discs or Merkel cell-Aβ afferent complexes are mechanosensory end organs in mammalian skin. Yet, it remains unknown whether Merkel cells or their associated sensory neurons play a role in the mechanical hypersensitivity caused by peripheral nerve injury. We found that male mice genetically lacking Merkel cell-Aβ afferent complexes exhibited a reduction in mechanical allodynia after nerve injury. Interestingly, this behavioral phenotype was not observed in mutant female mice. Our study will facilitate understanding of mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain.
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63
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Pomaville MB, Wright KM. Immunohistochemical and Genetic Labeling of Hairy and Glabrous Skin Innervation. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e121. [PMID: 33950580 PMCID: PMC8162737 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous innervation is an essential component of the mammalian sensory nervous system. During development, genetically and morphologically diverse subtypes of sensory neurons use distinct molecular pathways to innervate end organs or form free nerve endings in glabrous and hairy skin. Peripheral neurons can be damaged by acute injury or degenerate due to chronic conditions including diabetes and chemotherapy, leading to peripheral neuropathy. The analysis of skin and cutaneous innervation can be applied to many research endeavors, from developmental neuroscience to pharmaceutical testing. Due to the natural hydrophobicity and heterogenous makeup of the skin (dense, keratinized cells as well as sparse, extracellular-matrix-bound cells), its histological analysis presents unique challenges compared to that of many other tissues. This series of protocols describes histological methods for generalized immunohistochemistry and subtype-specific genetic labeling of sensory neurons in mouse skin in both whole-mount and section formats. We provide detailed methodology of tissue preparation for hairy and glabrous skin, several types of labeling, and counting of hair follicles in flat-mounted mouse skin. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Cryosectioning and immunostaining of mouse hairy skin Alternate Protocol 1: Alternate method for preparation and fixation of mouse hairy skin Basic Protocol 2: Sectioning of mouse paw glabrous skin Basic Protocol 3: Whole-mount immunolabeling of mouse skin Basic Protocol 4: Sparse labeling of skin-innervating neurons with a Cre-dependent membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase reporter Alternate Protocol 2: Sparse labeling of skin-innervating neurons with a Cre-dependent fluorescent reporter Basic Protocol 5: Oil Red O staining of skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomaville
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kevin M Wright
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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64
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Mistretta CM, Bradley RM. The Fungiform Papilla Is a Complex, Multimodal, Oral Sensory Organ. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 20:165-173. [PMID: 33681545 PMCID: PMC7928430 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When solid or liquid stimuli contact the tongue tip during eating, the sensations of taste, touch and temperature are immediately evoked, and tongue function relies on these simultaneous multimodal responses. We focus on the fungiform papilla of the anterior tongue as a complex organ for taste, tactile and thermal modalities, all via chorda tympani nerve innervation from the geniculate ganglion. Rather than a review, our aim is to revise the classic archetype of the fungiform as predominantly a taste bud residence only and instead emphasize an amended concept of the papilla as a multimodal organ. Neurophysiological maps of fungiform papillae in functional receptive fields demonstrate responses to chemical, stroking and cold lingual stimuli. Roles are predicted for elaborate extragemmal nerve endings in tactile and temperature sensations, and potential functions for keratinocytes in noncanonical sensory signaling. The fungiform papilla is presented as a polymodal lingual organ, not solely a gustatory papilla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. Mistretta
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 United States
| | - Robert M. Bradley
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 United States
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65
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Nickolls AR, Lee MM, Espinoza DF, Szczot M, Lam RM, Wang Q, Beers J, Zou J, Nguyen MQ, Solinski HJ, AlJanahi AA, Johnson KR, Ward ME, Chesler AT, Bönnemann CG. Transcriptional Programming of Human Mechanosensory Neuron Subtypes from Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2021; 30:932-946.e7. [PMID: 31968264 PMCID: PMC7059559 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient and homogeneous in vitro generation of peripheral sensory neurons may provide a framework for novel drug screening platforms and disease models of touch and pain. We discover that, by ovesssrexpressing NGN2 and BRN3A, human pluripotent stem cells can be transcriptionally programmed to differentiate into a surprisingly uniform culture of cold- and mechano-sensing neurons. Although such a neuronal subtype is not found in mice, we identify molecular evidence for its existence in human sensory ganglia. Combining NGN2 and BRN3A programming with neural crest patterning, we produce two additional populations of sensory neurons, including a specialized touch receptor neuron subtype. Finally, we apply this system to model a rare inherited sensory disorder of touch and proprioception caused by inactivating mutations in PIEZO2. Together, these findings establish an approach to specify distinct sensory neuron subtypes in vitro, underscoring the utility of stem cell technology to capture human-specific features of physiology and disease. Nickolls et al. develop a method, using human stem cells, to generate specific types of sensory neurons that detect cold temperature and mechanical force. This approach uncovers a class of neuron found in humans, but not mice, and enables the modeling of a rare sensory disorder of touch and proprioception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec R Nickolls
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Michelle M Lee
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David F Espinoza
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marcin Szczot
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruby M Lam
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeanette Beers
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jizhong Zou
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Minh Q Nguyen
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hans J Solinski
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aisha A AlJanahi
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kory R Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexander T Chesler
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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66
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Molecular correlates of muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ afferents. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1451. [PMID: 33649316 PMCID: PMC7977083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21880-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive feedback mainly derives from groups Ia and II muscle spindle (MS) afferents and group Ib Golgi tendon organ (GTO) afferents, but the molecular correlates of these three afferent subtypes remain unknown. We performed single cell RNA sequencing of genetically identified adult proprioceptors and uncovered five molecularly distinct neuronal clusters. Validation of cluster-specific transcripts in dorsal root ganglia and skeletal muscle demonstrates that two of these clusters correspond to group Ia MS afferents and group Ib GTO afferent proprioceptors, respectively, and suggest that the remaining clusters could represent group II MS afferents. Lineage analysis between proprioceptor transcriptomes at different developmental stages provides evidence that proprioceptor subtype identities emerge late in development. Together, our data provide comprehensive molecular signatures for groups Ia and II MS afferents and group Ib GTO afferents, enabling genetic interrogation of the role of individual proprioceptor subtypes in regulating motor output. Coordinated movement critically depends on sensory feedback from muscle spindles (MSs) and Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) but the afferents supplying this proprioceptive feedback have remained genetically inseparable. Here the authors use single cell transcriptome analysis to reveal the molecular basis of MS (groups Ia and II) and GTO (group Ib) afferent identities in the mouse.
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67
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von Buchholtz LJ, Ghitani N, Lam RM, Licholai JA, Chesler AT, Ryba NJP. Decoding Cellular Mechanisms for Mechanosensory Discrimination. Neuron 2021; 109:285-298.e5. [PMID: 33186546 PMCID: PMC9909446 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-sequencing and in vivo functional imaging provide expansive but disconnected views of neuronal diversity. Here, we developed a strategy for linking these modes of classification to explore molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for detecting and encoding touch. By broadly mapping function to neuronal class, we uncovered a clear transcriptomic logic responsible for the sensitivity and selectivity of mammalian mechanosensory neurons. Notably, cell types with divergent gene-expression profiles often shared very similar properties, but we also discovered transcriptomically related neurons with specialized and divergent functions. Applying our approach to knockout mice revealed that Piezo2 differentially tunes all types of mechanosensory neurons with marked cell-class dependence. Together, our data demonstrate how mechanical stimuli recruit characteristic ensembles of transcriptomically defined neurons, providing rules to help explain the discriminatory power of touch. We anticipate a similar approach could expose fundamental principles governing representation of information throughout the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars J. von Buchholtz
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda MD 20892, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Nima Ghitani
- National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health, Bethesda MD 20892, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Ruby M. Lam
- National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health, Bethesda MD 20892, USA,Brown-National Institutes of Health Graduate Partnerships Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Julia A. Licholai
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda MD 20892, USA,Brown-National Institutes of Health Graduate Partnerships Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexander T. Chesler
- National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health, Bethesda MD 20892, USA,Lead contact: ,Correspondence: or
| | - Nicholas J. P. Ryba
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda MD 20892, USA,Correspondence: or
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68
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Xing Y, Steele HR, Hilley HB, Zhu Y, Lawson K, Niehoff T, Han L. Visualizing the Itch-Sensing Skin Arbors. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1308-1316. [PMID: 33091423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diverse sensory neurons exhibit distinct neuronal morphologies with a variety of axon terminal arborizations subserving their functions. Because of its clinical significance, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of itch are being intensely studied. However, a complete analysis of itch-sensing terminal arborization is missing. Using an MrgprC11CreERT2 transgenic mouse line, we labeled a small subset of itch-sensing neurons that express multiple itch-related molecules including MrgprA3, MrgprC11, histamine receptor H1, IL-31 receptor, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1F, natriuretic precursor peptide B, and neuromedin B. By combining sparse genetic labeling and whole-mount placental alkaline phosphatase histochemistry, we found that itch-sensing skin arbors exhibit free endings with extensive axonal branching in the superficial epidermis and large receptive fields. These results revealed the unique morphological characteristics of itch-sensing neurons and provide intriguing insights into the basic mechanisms of itch transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Xing
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Haley R Steele
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Henry B Hilley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuyan Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katy Lawson
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taylor Niehoff
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Liang Han
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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69
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Low-Threshold Mechanosensitive VGLUT3-Lineage Sensory Neurons Mediate Spinal Inhibition of Itch by Touch. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7688-7701. [PMID: 32895292 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0091-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Innocuous mechanical stimuli, such as rubbing or stroking the skin, relieve itch through the activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors. However, the mechanisms behind this inhibition remain unknown. We presently investigated whether stroking the skin reduces the responses of superficial dorsal horn neurons to pruritogens in male C57BL/6J mice. Single-unit recordings revealed that neuronal responses to chloroquine were enhanced during skin stroking, and this was followed by suppression of firing below baseline levels after the termination of stroking. Most of these neurons additionally responded to capsaicin. Stroking did not suppress neuronal responses to capsaicin, indicating state-dependent inhibition. Vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3)-lineage sensory nerves compose a subset of low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Stroking-related inhibition of neuronal responses to chloroquine was diminished by optogenetic inhibition of VGLUT3-lineage sensory nerves in male and female Vglut3-cre/NpHR-EYFP mice. Conversely, in male and female Vglut3-cre/ChR2-EYFP mice, optogenetic stimulation of VGLUT3-lineage sensory nerves inhibited firing responses of spinal neurons to pruritogens after the termination of stimulation. This inhibition was nearly abolished by spinal delivery of the κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine dihydrochloride, but not the neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 antagonist BMS193885. Optogenetic stimulation of VGLUT3-lineage sensory nerves inhibited pruritogen-evoked scratching without affecting mechanical and thermal pain behaviors. Therefore, VGLUT3-lineage sensory nerves appear to mediate inhibition of itch by tactile stimuli.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Rubbing or stroking the skin is known to relieve itch. We investigated the mechanisms behind touch-evoked inhibition of itch in mice. Stroking the skin reduced the activity of itch-responsive spinal neurons. Optogenetic inhibition of VGLUT3-lineage sensory nerves diminished stroking-evoked inhibition, and optogenetic stimulation of VGLUT3-lineage nerves inhibited pruritogen-evoked firing. Together, our results provide a mechanistic understanding of touch-evoked inhibition of itch.
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70
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Loutit AJ, Vickery RM, Potas JR. Functional organization and connectivity of the dorsal column nuclei complex reveals a sensorimotor integration and distribution hub. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:187-220. [PMID: 32374027 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal column nuclei complex (DCN-complex) includes the dorsal column nuclei (DCN, referring to the gracile and cuneate nuclei collectively), external cuneate, X, and Z nuclei, and the median accessory nucleus. The DCN are organized by both somatotopy and modality, and have a diverse range of afferent inputs and projection targets. The functional organization and connectivity of the DCN implicate them in a variety of sensorimotor functions, beyond their commonly accepted role in processing and transmitting somatosensory information to the thalamus, yet this is largely underappreciated in the literature. To consolidate insights into their sensorimotor functions, this review examines the morphology, organization, and connectivity of the DCN and their associated nuclei. First, we briefly discuss the receptors, afferent fibers, and pathways involved in conveying tactile and proprioceptive information to the DCN. Next, we review the modality and somatotopic arrangements of the remaining constituents of the DCN-complex. Finally, we examine and discuss the functional implications of the myriad of DCN-complex projection targets throughout the diencephalon, midbrain, and hindbrain, in addition to their modulatory inputs from the cortex. The organization and connectivity of the DCN-complex suggest that these nuclei should be considered a complex integration and distribution hub for sensorimotor information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair J Loutit
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Richard M Vickery
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason R Potas
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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71
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Neubarth NL, Emanuel AJ, Liu Y, Springel MW, Handler A, Zhang Q, Lehnert BP, Guo C, Orefice LL, Abdelaziz A, DeLisle MM, Iskols M, Rhyins J, Kim SJ, Cattel SJ, Regehr W, Harvey CD, Drugowitsch J, Ginty DD. Meissner corpuscles and their spatially intermingled afferents underlie gentle touch perception. Science 2020; 368:eabb2751. [PMID: 32554568 PMCID: PMC7354383 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb2751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Meissner corpuscles are mechanosensory end organs that densely occupy mammalian glabrous skin. We generated mice that selectively lacked Meissner corpuscles and found them to be deficient in both perceiving the gentlest detectable forces acting on glabrous skin and fine sensorimotor control. We found that Meissner corpuscles are innervated by two mechanoreceptor subtypes that exhibit distinct responses to tactile stimuli. The anatomical receptive fields of these two mechanoreceptor subtypes homotypically tile glabrous skin in a manner that is offset with respect to one another. Electron microscopic analysis of the two Meissner afferents within the corpuscle supports a model in which the extent of lamellar cell wrappings of mechanoreceptor endings determines their force sensitivity thresholds and kinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Neubarth
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan J Emanuel
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mark W Springel
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Annie Handler
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brendan P Lehnert
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chong Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lauren L Orefice
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amira Abdelaziz
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michelle M DeLisle
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael Iskols
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Julia Rhyins
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Soo J Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stuart J Cattel
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wade Regehr
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher D Harvey
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jan Drugowitsch
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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72
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Adelman PC, Baumbauer KM, Friedman R, Shah M, Wright M, Young E, Jankowski MP, Albers KM, Koerber HR. Single-cell q-PCR derived expression profiles of identified sensory neurons. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919884496. [PMID: 31588843 PMCID: PMC6820183 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919884496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons are chemically and functionally heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity has been examined extensively over the last several decades. These studies have employed a variety of different methodologies, including anatomical, electrophysiological, and molecular approaches. Recent studies using next-generation sequencing techniques have examined the transcriptome of single sensory neurons. Although these reports have provided a wealth of exciting new information on the heterogeneity of sensory neurons, correlation with functional types is lacking. Here, we employed retrograde tracing of cutaneous and muscle afferents to examine the variety of mRNA expression profiles of individual, target-specific sensory neurons. In addition, we used an ex vivo skin/nerve/dorsal root ganglion/spinal cord preparation to record and characterize the functional response properties of individual cutaneous sensory neurons that were then intracellularly labeled with fluorescent dyes, recovered from dissociated cultures, and analyzed for gene expression. We found that by using single-cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques and a set of 28 genes, we can identify transcriptionally distinct groups. We have also used calcium imaging and single-cell quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the correlation between levels of mRNA expression and functional protein expression and how functional properties correlated with the different transcriptional groups. These studies show that although transcriptomics does map to functional types, within any one functional subgroup, there are highly variable patterns of gene expression. Thus, studies that rely on the expression pattern of one or a few genes as a stand in for physiological experiments, runs a high risk of data misinterpretation with respect to function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Adelman
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle M Baumbauer
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert Friedman
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mansi Shah
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Wright
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erin Young
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael P Jankowski
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn M Albers
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - H Richard Koerber
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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73
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Orefice LL. Peripheral Somatosensory Neuron Dysfunction: Emerging Roles in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 445:120-129. [PMID: 32035119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in somatosensory (touch and pain) behaviors are highly prevalent among people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the neural mechanisms underlying abnormal touch and pain-related behaviors in ASDs and how altered somatosensory reactivity might contribute to ASD pathogenesis has not been well studied. Here, we provide a brief review of somatosensory alterations observed in people with ASDs and recent evidence from animal models that implicates peripheral neurons as a locus of dysfunction for somatosensory abnormalities in ASDs. Lastly, we describe current efforts to understand how altered peripheral sensory neuron dysfunction may impact brain development and complex behaviors in ASD models, and whether targeting peripheral somatosensory neurons to improve their function might also improve related ASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Orefice
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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74
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Sharma N, Flaherty K, Lezgiyeva K, Wagner DE, Klein AM, Ginty DD. The emergence of transcriptional identity in somatosensory neurons. Nature 2020; 577:392-398. [PMID: 31915380 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1900-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
More than twelve morphologically and physiologically distinct subtypes of primary somatosensory neuron report salient features of our internal and external environments1-4. It is unclear how specialized gene expression programs emerge during development to endow these subtypes with their unique properties. To assess the developmental progression of transcriptional maturation of each subtype of principal somatosensory neuron, we generated a transcriptomic atlas of cells traversing the primary somatosensory neuron lineage in mice. Here we show that somatosensory neurogenesis gives rise to neurons in a transcriptionally unspecialized state, characterized by co-expression of transcription factors that become restricted to select subtypes as development proceeds. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses of sensory neurons from mutant mice lacking transcription factors suggest that these broad-to-restricted transcription factors coordinate subtype-specific gene expression programs in subtypes in which their expression is maintained. We also show that neuronal targets are involved in this process; disruption of the prototypic target-derived neurotrophic factor NGF leads to aberrant subtype-restricted patterns of transcription factor expression. Our findings support a model in which cues that emanate from intermediate and final target fields promote neuronal diversification in part by transitioning cells from a transcriptionally unspecialized state to transcriptionally distinct subtypes by modulating the selection of subtype-restricted transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kali Flaherty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karina Lezgiyeva
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E Wagner
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allon M Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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75
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Patil MJ, Salas M, Bialuhin S, Boyd JT, Jeske NA, Akopian AN. Sensitization of small-diameter sensory neurons is controlled by TRPV1 and TRPA1 association. FASEB J 2020; 34:287-302. [PMID: 31914619 PMCID: PMC7539696 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902026r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unique features of sensory neuron subtypes are manifest by their distinct physiological and pathophysiological functions. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, calcitonin gene-related peptide release assay from tissues, protein biochemistry approaches, and behavioral physiology on pain models, this study demonstrates the diversity of sensory neuron pathophysiology is due in part to subtype-dependent sensitization of TRPV1 and TRPA1. Differential sensitization is influenced by distinct expression of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), bradykinin (BK), and nerve growth factor (NGF) as well as multiple kinases, including protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC). However, the co-expression and interaction of TRPA1 with TRPV1 proved to be the most critical for differential sensitization of sensory neurons. We identified N- and C-terminal domains on TRPV1 responsible for TRPA1-TRPV1 (A1-V1) complex formation. Ablation of A1-V1 complex with dominant-negative peptides against these domains substantially reduced the sensitization of TRPA1, as well as BK- and CFA-induced hypersensitivity. These data indicate that often occurring TRP channel complexes regulate diversity in neuronal sensitization and may provide a therapeutic target for many neuroinflammatory pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur J. Patil
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- The Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Margaux Salas
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Air Force- 59th Medical Wing, San Antonio, TX 78234
| | - Siarhei Bialuhin
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Jacob T. Boyd
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Department of Pharmcology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Nathaniel A. Jeske
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Department of Pharmcology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Armen N. Akopian
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Department of Pharmcology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
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76
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Schaffler MD, Middleton LJ, Abdus-Saboor I. Mechanisms of Tactile Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Current Understanding and Future Directions for Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:134. [PMID: 31807945 PMCID: PMC6900204 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarize the current body of behavioral, physiological, and molecular knowledge concerning tactile sensitivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on recent studies utilizing rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS Mice with mutations in the ASD-related genes, Shank3, Fmr1, UBE3A, and Mecp2, display tactile abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities appear to be caused by mutation-related changes in the PNS, as opposed to changes in the processing of touch stimuli in the CNS, as previously thought. There is also growing evidence suggesting that peripheral mechanisms may contribute to some of the core symptoms and common comorbidities of ASD. Researchers are therefore beginning to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the PNS in treating some of the core symptoms of ASD. Sensory abnormalities are common in rodent models of ASD. There is growing evidence that sensory hypersensitivity, especially tactile sensitivity, may contribute to social deficits and other autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D Schaffler
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leah J Middleton
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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77
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Crawford LK, Caterina MJ. Functional Anatomy of the Sensory Nervous System: Updates From the Neuroscience Bench. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 48:174-189. [PMID: 31554486 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319869011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The simple tripartite classification of sensory neurons as A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers fails to convey the complexity of the neurons that encode stimuli as diverse as the texture of a surface, the location of a pinprick, or the direction of hair movement as a breeze moves across the skin. It has also proven to be inadequate when investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying pain, which can encompass any combination of chemical, tactile, and thermal modalities. Beginning with a brief overview of visceral and sensory neuroanatomy, this review expands upon sensory innervation of the skin as a prime example of the heterogeneity and complexity of the somatosensory nervous system. Neuroscientists have characterized defining features of over 15 subtypes of sensory neurons that innervate the skin of the mouse. This has enabled the study of cell-specific mechanisms of pain, which suggests that diverse sensory neuron subtypes may have distinct susceptibilities to toxic injury and different roles in pathologic mechanisms underlying altered sensation. Leveraging this growing body of knowledge for preclinical trials and models of neurotoxicity can vastly improve our understanding of peripheral nervous system dysfunction, advancing the fields of toxicologic pathology and neuropathology alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaTasha K Crawford
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, USA, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael J Caterina
- Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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78
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Wang Y, Wu H, Fontanet P, Codeluppi S, Akkuratova N, Petitpré C, Xue-Franzén Y, Niederreither K, Sharma A, Da Silva F, Comai G, Agirman G, Palumberi D, Linnarsson S, Adameyko I, Moqrich A, Schedl A, La Manno G, Hadjab S, Lallemend F. A cell fitness selection model for neuronal survival during development. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4137. [PMID: 31515492 PMCID: PMC6742664 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental cell death plays an important role in the construction of functional neural circuits. In vertebrates, the canonical view proposes a selection of the surviving neurons through stochastic competition for target-derived neurotrophic signals, implying an equal potential for neurons to compete. Here we show an alternative cell fitness selection of neurons that is defined by a specific neuronal heterogeneity code. Proprioceptive sensory neurons that will undergo cell death and those that will survive exhibit different molecular signatures that are regulated by retinoic acid and transcription factors, and are independent of the target and neurotrophins. These molecular features are genetically encoded, representing two distinct subgroups of neurons with contrasted functional maturation states and survival outcome. Thus, in this model, a heterogeneous code of intrinsic cell fitness in neighboring neurons provides differential competitive advantage resulting in the selection of cells with higher capacity to survive and functionally integrate into neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiao Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Haohao Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paula Fontanet
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simone Codeluppi
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalia Akkuratova
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden
| | - Charles Petitpré
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Karen Niederreither
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Anil Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabio Da Silva
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Glenda Comai
- Stem Cells & Development - Institut Pasteur - CNRS UMR3738, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Gulistan Agirman
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Domenico Palumberi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aziz Moqrich
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM), UMR 7288, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Gioele La Manno
- Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Saida Hadjab
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - François Lallemend
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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79
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Crosson T, Roversi K, Balood M, Othman R, Ahmadi M, Wang JC, Seadi Pereira PJ, Tabatabaei M, Couture R, Eichwald T, Latini A, Prediger RD, Rangachari M, Seehus CR, Foster SL, Talbot S. Profiling of how nociceptor neurons detect danger - new and old foes. J Intern Med 2019; 286:268-289. [PMID: 31282104 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The host evolves redundant mechanisms to preserve physiological processing and homeostasis. These functions range from sensing internal and external threats, creating a memory of the insult and generating reflexes, which aim to resolve inflammation. Impairment in such functioning leads to chronic inflammatory diseases. By interacting through a common language of ligands and receptors, the immune and sensory nervous systems work in concert to accomplish such protective functions. Whilst this bidirectional communication helps to protect from danger, it can contribute to disease pathophysiology. Thus, the somatosensory nervous system is anatomically positioned within primary and secondary lymphoid tissues and mucosa to modulate immunity directly. Upstream of this interplay, neurons detect danger, which prompts the release of neuropeptides initiating (i) defensive reflexes (ranging from withdrawal response to coughing) and (ii) chemotaxis, adhesion and local infiltration of immune cells. The resulting outcome of such neuro-immune interplay is still ill-defined, but consensual findings start to emerge and support neuropeptides not only as blockers of TH 1-mediated immunity but also as drivers of TH 2 immune responses. However, the modalities detected by nociceptors revealed broader than mechanical pressure and temperature sensing and include signals as various as cytokines and pathogens to immunoglobulins and even microRNAs. Along these lines, we aggregated various dorsal root ganglion sensory neuron expression profiling datasets supporting such wide-ranging sensing capabilities to help identifying new danger detection modalities of these cells. Thus, revealing unexpected aspects of nociceptor neuron biology might prompt the identification of novel drivers of immunity, means to resolve inflammation and strategies to safeguard homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Crosson
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - K Roversi
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departamento de Farmacologia Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - M Balood
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - R Othman
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - M Ahmadi
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - J-C Wang
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - M Tabatabaei
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - R Couture
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - T Eichwald
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - A Latini
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - R D Prediger
- Departamento de Farmacologia Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - M Rangachari
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - C R Seehus
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S L Foster
- Depression Clinical Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Talbot
- From the, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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80
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Patil M, Hovhannisyan AH, Wangzhou A, Mecklenburg J, Koek W, Goffin V, Grattan D, Boehm U, Dussor G, Price TJ, Akopian AN. Prolactin receptor expression in mouse dorsal root ganglia neuronal subtypes is sex-dependent. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12759. [PMID: 31231869 PMCID: PMC6939775 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sensory neurones exhibit sex-dependent responsiveness to prolactin (PRL). This could contribute to sexual dimorphism in pathological pain conditions. The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying sex-dependent PRL sensitivity in sensory neurones. A quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction shows that prolactin receptor (Prlr) long and short isoform mRNAs are expressed at comparable levels in female and male mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In Prlrcre/+ ;Rosa26LSL-tDTomato/+ reporter mice, percentages of Prlr+ sensory neurones in female and male DRG are also similar. Characterisation of Prlr+ DRG neurones using immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology revealed that Prlr+ DRG neurones are mainly peptidergic nociceptors in females and males. However, sensory neurone type-dependent expression of Prlr is sex dimorphic. Thus, Prlr+ populations fell into three small- and two medium-large-sized sensory neuronal groups. Prlr+ DRG neurones are predominantly medium-large sized in males and are proportionally more comprised of small-sized sensory neurones in females. Specifically, Prlr+ /IB4+ /CGRP+ neurones are four- to five-fold higher in numbers in female DRG. By contrast, Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP+ /5HT3a+ /NPYR2- are predominant in male DRG. Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP- , Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP+ and Prlr+ /IB4- /CGRP+ /NPYR2+ neurones are evenly encountered in female and male DRG. These differences were confirmed using an independently generated single-cell sequencing dataset. Overall, we propose a novel mechanism by which sensory neurone type-dependent expression of Prlr could explain the unique sex dimorphism in responsiveness of nociceptors to PRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Patil
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Anahit H. Hovhannisyan
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Andi Wangzhou
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080
| | - Jennifer Mecklenburg
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | - Wouter Koek
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
| | | | - David Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Gregory Dussor
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080
| | - Theodore J. Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080
- Corresponding authors:Armen N. Akopian, The School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center @ San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, Office: (210) 567-6668 Fax: (210) 567-3389 , Theodore J. Price School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson TX 75080, Office: (972) 883-4311
| | - Armen N. Akopian
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Corresponding authors:Armen N. Akopian, The School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center @ San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, Office: (210) 567-6668 Fax: (210) 567-3389 , Theodore J. Price School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson TX 75080, Office: (972) 883-4311
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81
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Idlett S, Halder M, Zhang T, Quevedo J, Brill N, Gu W, Moffitt M, Hochman S. Assessment of axonal recruitment using model-guided preclinical spinal cord stimulation in the ex vivo adult mouse spinal cord. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:1406-1420. [PMID: 31339796 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00538.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used clinically to limit chronic pain, but fundamental questions remain on the identity of axonal populations recruited. We developed an ex vivo adult mouse spinal cord preparation to assess recruitment following delivery of clinically analogous stimuli determined by downscaling a finite element model of clinical SCS. Analogous electric field distributions were generated with 300-µm × 300-µm electrodes positioned 200 µm above the dorsal column (DC) with stimulation between 50 and 200 µA. We compared axonal recruitment using electrodes of comparable size and stimulus amplitudes when contacting the caudal thoracic DC and at 200 or 600 μm above. Antidromic responses recorded distally from the DC, the adjacent Lissauer tract (LT), and in dorsal roots (DRs) were found to be amplitude and site dependent. Responses in the DC included a unique component not seen in DRs, having the lowest SCS recruitment amplitude and fastest conduction velocity. At 200 μm above, mean cathodic SCS recruitment threshold for axons in DRs and LT were 2.6 and 4.4 times higher, respectively, than DC threshold. SCS recruited primary afferents in all (up to 8) caudal segments sampled. Whereas A and C fibers could be recruited at nearby segments, only A fiber recruitment and synaptically mediated dorsal root reflexes were observed in more distant (lumbar) segments. In sum, clinically analogous SCS led to multisegmental recruitment of several somatosensory-encoding axonal populations. Most striking is the possibility that the lowest threshold recruitment of a nonprimary afferent population in the DC are postsynaptic dorsal column tract cells (PSDCs) projecting to gracile nuclei.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used clinically to control pain. To identify axonal populations recruited, finite element modeling identified scaling parameters to deliver clinically analogous SCS in an ex vivo adult mouse spinal cord preparation. Results showed that SCS first recruited an axonal population in the dorsal column at a threshold severalfold lower than primary afferents. These putative postsynaptic dorsal column tract cells may represent a previously unconsidered population responsible for SCS-induced paresthesias necessary for analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaquia Idlett
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mallika Halder
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tianhe Zhang
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Valencia, California
| | - Jorge Quevedo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Natalie Brill
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Valencia, California
| | - Wendy Gu
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Valencia, California
| | | | - Shawn Hochman
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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82
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Nagi SS, Marshall AG, Makdani A, Jarocka E, Liljencrantz J, Ridderström M, Shaikh S, O’Neill F, Saade D, Donkervoort S, Foley AR, Minde J, Trulsson M, Cole J, Bönnemann CG, Chesler AT, Bushnell MC, McGlone F, Olausson H. An ultrafast system for signaling mechanical pain in human skin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaaw1297. [PMID: 31281886 PMCID: PMC6609212 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaw1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The canonical view is that touch is signaled by fast-conducting, thickly myelinated afferents, whereas pain is signaled by slow-conducting, thinly myelinated ("fast" pain) or unmyelinated ("slow" pain) afferents. While other mammals have thickly myelinated afferents signaling pain (ultrafast nociceptors), these have not been demonstrated in humans. Here, we performed single-unit axonal recordings (microneurography) from cutaneous mechanoreceptive afferents in healthy participants. We identified A-fiber high-threshold mechanoreceptors (A-HTMRs) that were insensitive to gentle touch, encoded noxious skin indentations, and displayed conduction velocities similar to A-fiber low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Intraneural electrical stimulation of single ultrafast A-HTMRs evoked painful percepts. Testing in patients with selective deafferentation revealed impaired pain judgments to graded mechanical stimuli only when thickly myelinated fibers were absent. This function was preserved in patients with a loss-of-function mutation in mechanotransduction channel PIEZO2. These findings demonstrate that human mechanical pain does not require PIEZO2 and can be signaled by fast-conducting, thickly myelinated afferents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad S. Nagi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, S-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Linköping University Hospital, S-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Andrew G. Marshall
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, M13 9PL Manchester, UK
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, L3 3AF Liverpool, UK
| | - Adarsh Makdani
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, L3 3AF Liverpool, UK
| | - Ewa Jarocka
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jaquette Liljencrantz
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Ridderström
- Department of Surgery, Unit of Orthopedics, Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University Hospital, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sumaiya Shaikh
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, S-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Francis O’Neill
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Liverpool, L3 5PS Liverpool, UK
| | - Dimah Saade
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sandra Donkervoort
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - A. Reghan Foley
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jan Minde
- Department of Surgery, Unit of Orthopedics, Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University Hospital, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Trulsson
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, S-141 04 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Cole
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Research and Education, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Carsten G. Bönnemann
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexander T. Chesler
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - M. Catherine Bushnell
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francis McGlone
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, L3 3AF Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, L3 5DA Liverpool, UK
| | - Håkan Olausson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, S-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Linköping University Hospital, S-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
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83
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Zheng Y, Liu P, Bai L, Trimmer JS, Bean BP, Ginty DD. Deep Sequencing of Somatosensory Neurons Reveals Molecular Determinants of Intrinsic Physiological Properties. Neuron 2019; 103:598-616.e7. [PMID: 31248728 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neuron subtypes defined by their in vivo properties display distinct intrinsic electrical properties. We used bulk RNA sequencing of genetically labeled neurons and electrophysiological analyses to define ion channel contributions to the intrinsic electrical properties of DRG neuron subtypes. The transcriptome profiles of eight DRG neuron subtypes revealed differentially expressed and functionally relevant genes, including voltage-gated ion channels. Guided by these data, electrophysiological analyses using pharmacological and genetic manipulations as well as computational modeling of DRG neuron subtypes were undertaken to assess the functions of select voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv1, Kv2, Kv3, and Kv4) in shaping action potential (AP) waveforms and firing patterns. Our findings show that the transcriptome profiles have predictive value for defining ion channel contributions to sensory neuron subtype-specific intrinsic physiological properties. The distinct ensembles of voltage-gated ion channels predicted to underlie the unique intrinsic physiological properties of eight DRG neuron subtypes are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Pin Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ling Bai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - James S Trimmer
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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84
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Profile of David D. Ginty. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:12126-12128. [DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908066116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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85
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Is Optogenetic Activation of Vglut1-Positive Aβ Low-Threshold Mechanoreceptors Sufficient to Induce Tactile Allodynia in Mice after Nerve Injury? J Neurosci 2019; 39:6202-6215. [PMID: 31152125 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2064-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical allodynia is a cardinal feature of pathological pain. Recent work has demonstrated the necessity of Aβ-low-threshold mechanoreceptors (Aβ-LTMRs) for mechanical allodynia-like behaviors in mice, but it remains unclear whether these neurons are sufficient to produce pain under pathological conditions. We generated a transgenic mouse in which channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is conditionally expressed in vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1) sensory neurons (Vglut1-ChR2), which is a heterogeneous population of large-sized sensory neurons with features consistent with Aβ-LTMRs. In naive male Vglut1-ChR2 mice, transdermal hindpaw photostimulation evoked withdrawal behaviors in an intensity- and frequency-dependent manner, which were abolished by local anesthetic and selective A-fiber blockade. Surprisingly, male Vglut1-ChR2 mice did not show significant differences in light-evoked behaviors or real-time aversion after nerve injury despite marked hypersensitivity to punctate mechanical stimuli. We conclude that optogenetic activation of cutaneous Vglut1-ChR2 neurons alone is not sufficient to produce pain-like behaviors in neuropathic mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mechanical allodynia, in which innocuous touch is perceived as pain, is a common feature of pathological pain. To test the contribution of low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) to nerve-injury-induced mechanical allodynia, we generated and characterized a new transgenic mouse (Vglut1-ChR2) to optogenetically activate cutaneous vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1)-positive LTMRs. Using this mouse, we found that light-evoked behaviors were unchanged by nerve injury, which suggests that activation of Vglut1-positive LTMRs alone is not sufficient to produce pain. The Vglut1-ChR2 mouse will be broadly useful for the study of touch, pain, and itch.
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86
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Zimmerman AL, Kovatsis EM, Pozsgai RY, Tasnim A, Zhang Q, Ginty DD. Distinct Modes of Presynaptic Inhibition of Cutaneous Afferents and Their Functions in Behavior. Neuron 2019; 102:420-434.e8. [PMID: 30826183 PMCID: PMC6472967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Presynaptic inhibition (PSI) of primary sensory neurons is implicated in controlling gain and acuity in sensory systems. Here, we define circuit mechanisms and functions of PSI of cutaneous somatosensory neuron inputs to the spinal cord. We observed that PSI can be evoked by different sensory neuron populations and mediated through at least two distinct dorsal horn circuit mechanisms. Low-threshold cutaneous afferents evoke a GABAA-receptor-dependent form of PSI that inhibits similar afferent subtypes, whereas small-diameter afferents predominantly evoke an NMDA-receptor-dependent form of PSI that inhibits large-diameter fibers. Behaviorally, loss of either GABAA receptors (GABAARs) or NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in primary afferents leads to tactile hypersensitivity across skin types, and loss of GABAARs, but not NMDARs, leads to impaired texture discrimination. Post-weaning age loss of either GABAARs or NMDARs in somatosensory neurons causes systemic behavioral abnormalities, revealing critical roles of two distinct modes of PSI of somatosensory afferents in adolescence and throughout adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Zimmerman
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eleni M Kovatsis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Riana Y Pozsgai
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aniqa Tasnim
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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87
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Tiling and somatotopic alignment of mammalian low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9168-9177. [PMID: 30996124 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901378116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Innocuous mechanical stimuli acting on the skin are detected by sensory neurons, known as low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). LTMRs are classified based on their response properties, action potential conduction velocity, rate of adaptation to static indentation of the skin, and terminal anatomy. Here, we report organizational properties of the cutaneous and central axonal projections of the five principal hairy skin LTMR subtypes. We find that axons of neurons within a particular LTMR class are largely nonoverlapping with respect to their cutaneous end organs (e.g., hair follicles), with Aβ rapidly adapting-LTMRs being the sole exception. Individual neurons of each LTMR class are mostly nonoverlapping with respect to their associated hair follicles, with the notable exception of C-LTMRs, which exhibit multiple branches that redundantly innervate individual hair follicles. In the spinal cord, LTMR central projections exhibit rostrocaudal elongation and mediolateral compression, compared with their cutaneous innervation patterns, and these central projections also exhibit a fine degree of homotypic topographic adjacency. These findings thus reveal homotypic tiling of LTMR subtype axonal projections in hairy skin and a remarkable degree of spatial precision of spinal cord axonal termination patterns, suggesting a somatotopically precise tactile encoding capability of the mechanosensory dorsal horn.
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88
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Jenkins BA, Fontecilla NM, Lu CP, Fuchs E, Lumpkin EA. The cellular basis of mechanosensory Merkel-cell innervation during development. eLife 2019; 8:42633. [PMID: 30794158 PMCID: PMC6386521 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Touch sensation is initiated by mechanosensory neurons that innervate distinct skin structures; however, little is known about how these neurons are patterned during mammalian skin development. We explored the cellular basis of touch-receptor patterning in mouse touch domes, which contain mechanosensory Merkel cell-neurite complexes and abut primary hair follicles. At embryonic stage 16.5 (E16.5), touch domes emerge as patches of Merkel cells and keratinocytes clustered with a previously unsuspected population of Bmp4-expressing dermal cells. Epidermal Noggin overexpression at E14.5 disrupted touch-dome formation but not hair-follicle specification, demonstrating a temporally distinct requirement for BMP signaling in placode-derived structures. Surprisingly, two neuronal populations preferentially targeted touch domes during development but only one persisted in mature touch domes. Finally, Keratin-17-expressing keratinocytes but not Merkel cells were necessary to establish innervation patterns during development. These findings identify key cell types and signaling pathways required for targeting Merkel-cell afferents to discrete mechanosensory compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair A Jenkins
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of DermatologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Natalia M Fontecilla
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Catherine P Lu
- Robin Neustein Laboratory of Mammalian Development and Cell BiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Elaine Fuchs
- Robin Neustein Laboratory of Mammalian Development and Cell BiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ellen A Lumpkin
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
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89
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Kameda H, Murabe N, Odagaki K, Mizukami H, Ozawa K, Sakurai M. Differential innervation within a transverse plane of spinal gray matter by sensorimotor cortices, with special reference to the somatosensory cortices. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:1401-1415. [PMID: 30620045 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The corticospinal (CS) neurons projecting to the cervical cord distribute not only in motor-related cortical areas, but also in somatosensory areas, including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). The exact functions of these widely distributed CS neurons are largely unknown, however. In this study, we injected mice with adeno-associated virus encoding membrane-binding fluorescent proteins to investigate the distribution of axons from CS neurons in different regions within a broad cortical area. We found that CS axons from the primary motor cortex (M1), the rostral part of S1 (S1r), and the caudal part of S1 (S1c) differentially project to specific compartments within the spinal gray matter of the seventh cervical cord segment: (a) M1 projects mainly to intermediate and ventral areas, (b) S1r to the mediodorsal area, and (c) S1c to the dorsolateral area. We also found that the projection from S1r, which corresponds to the forelimb area, largely overlaps the cutaneous afferent terminals from the forepaw (hand) in the dorsal horn, and we detected a similar relation between S1c and the trunk. Our findings suggest the existence of considerably fine somatotopic compartments within the dorsal horn that process somatosensation and descending information, which is provided mainly by S1 CS neurons and contribute to delicate control of sensory information in generation of movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kameda
- Department of Physiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Murabe
- Department of Physiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Odagaki
- Department of Physiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mizukami
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Keiya Ozawa
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.,Division of Genetic Therapeutics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Sakurai
- Department of Physiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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90
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Morikawa S, Iribar H, Gutiérrez-Rivera A, Ezaki T, Izeta A. Pericytes in Cutaneous Wound Healing. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1147:1-63. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-16908-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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91
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Genetic Analysis of the Organization, Development, and Plasticity of Corneal Innervation in Mice. J Neurosci 2018; 39:1150-1168. [PMID: 30587537 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1401-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea has the densest sensory innervation of the body, originating primarily from neurons in the trigeminal ganglion. The basic principles of cornea nerve patterning have been established many years ago using classic neuroanatomical methods, such as immunocytochemistry and electrophysiology. Our understanding of the morphology and distribution of the sensory nerves in the skin has considerably progressed over the past few years through the generation and analysis of a variety of genetically modified mouse lines. Surprisingly, these lines were not used to study corneal axons. Here, we have screened a collection of transgenic and knockin mice (of both sexes) to select lines allowing the visualization and genetic manipulation of corneal nerves. We identified multiple lines, including some in which different types of corneal axons can be simultaneously observed with fluorescent proteins expressed in a combinatorial manner. We also provide the first description of the morphology and arborization of single corneal axons and identify three main types of branching pattern. We applied this genetic strategy to the analysis of corneal nerve development and plasticity. We provide direct evidence for a progressive reduction of the density of corneal innervation during aging. We also show that the semaphorin receptor neuropilin-1 acts cell-autonomously to control the development of corneal axons and that early axon guidance defects have long-term consequences on corneal innervation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We have screened a collection of transgenic and knockin mice and identify lines allowing the visualization and genetic manipulation of corneal nerves. We provide the first description of the arborization pattern of single corneal axons. We also present applications of this genetic strategy to the analysis of corneal nerve development and remodeling during aging.
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92
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Characterization of sensory neuronal subtypes innervating mouse tongue. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207069. [PMID: 30408082 PMCID: PMC6224080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tongue is uniquely exposed to water-soluble environmental chemicals that may lead to injury or tumorigenesis. However, comparatively little research has focused on the molecular and functional organization of trigeminal ganglia (TG) afferent neurons innervating the tongue. The current study identified and characterized lingual sensory neurons based on a neuronal subtype classification previously characterized in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We employed immunohistochemistry on transgenic reporter mouse lines as well as single-cell PCR of known markers of neuronal subtypes to characterize neuronal subtypes innervating the tongue. Markers expressed in retrogradely labeled TG neurons were evaluated for the proportion of neurons expressing each marker, intensity of expression, and overlapping genes. We found that tongue-innervating sensory neurons primarily expressed CGRP, TRPV1, TrkC, 5HT3A and Parvalbumin. These markers correspond to peptidergic and a subgroup of non-peptidergic C-nociceptors, peptidergic A nociceptors, proprioceptors and myelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Interestingly, as reported previously, we also found several differences between TG and DRG neurons indicating the need for single-cell sequencing of neuronal types based on tissue type within all TG as well as DRG neurons.
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93
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Hoffman BU, Baba Y, Griffith TN, Mosharov EV, Woo SH, Roybal DD, Karsenty G, Patapoutian A, Sulzer D, Lumpkin EA. Merkel Cells Activate Sensory Neural Pathways through Adrenergic Synapses. Neuron 2018; 100:1401-1413.e6. [PMID: 30415995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-neuronal signaling is essential for sensory encoding in touch, itch, and nociception; however, little is known about the release mechanisms and neurotransmitter receptors through which skin cells govern neuronal excitability. Merkel cells are mechanosensory epidermal cells that have long been proposed to activate neuronal afferents through chemical synaptic transmission. We employed a set of classical criteria for chemical neurotransmission as a framework to test this hypothesis. RNA sequencing of adult mouse Merkel cells demonstrated that they express presynaptic molecules and biosynthetic machinery for adrenergic transmission. Moreover, live-cell imaging directly demonstrated that Merkel cells mediate activity- and VMAT-dependent release of fluorescent catecholamine neurotransmitter analogs. Touch-evoked firing in Merkel-cell afferents was inhibited either by pre-synaptic silencing of SNARE-mediated vesicle release from Merkel cells or by neuronal deletion of β2-adrenergic receptors. Together, these results identify both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms through which Merkel cells excite mechanosensory afferents to encode gentle touch. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U Hoffman
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Program in Neurobiology & Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoshichika Baba
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theanne N Griffith
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene V Mosharov
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Pharmacology, Columbia University: Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seung-Hyun Woo
- The Scripps Research Institute & Howard Hughes Medical Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel D Roybal
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gerard Karsenty
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ardem Patapoutian
- The Scripps Research Institute & Howard Hughes Medical Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Sulzer
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Pharmacology, Columbia University: Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen A Lumpkin
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Program in Neurobiology & Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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94
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Species generalization and differences in Hedgehog pathway regulation of fungiform and circumvallate papilla taste function and somatosensation demonstrated with sonidegib. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16150. [PMID: 30385780 PMCID: PMC6212413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Species generalization in the profound, modality-specific effects of Hedgehog pathway inhibition (HPI) in taste organ homeostasis and sensation is shown. With the HPI, cancer drug sonidegib, we demonstrate that the rat taste system, in addition to mouse, is regulated by Hedgehog signaling. After sonidegib treatment for 16–36 days in rat, there is loss of taste buds (TB) in soft palate, in fungiform (FP) and circumvallate papillae (CV), and elimination of taste responses from chorda tympani and glossopharyngeal nerves. The retained innervation in FP and CV during HPI cannot sustain TB. Responses to tactile stimuli are not altered, and temperature responses are reduced only after 28 days treatment, demonstrating modality-specific effects. Rat FP and neural effects are similar to those in mouse whereas TB and neural response effects from the rat CV are much more severe. When recovery is introduced in mouse after prolonged, 48 days HPI, the TB in CV are restored whereas those in FP are not. Overall, Hedgehog signaling regulation is shown to generalize to the rat taste system, and the modality-specific controls in taste organ sensation are affirmed. The reported, debilitating taste disturbances in patients who use HPI drugs can be better understood based on these data.
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95
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Cheng CC, Tsutsui K, Taguchi T, Sanzen N, Nakagawa A, Kakiguchi K, Yonemura S, Tanegashima C, Keeley SD, Kiyonari H, Furuta Y, Tomono Y, Watt FM, Fujiwara H. Hair follicle epidermal stem cells define a niche for tactile sensation. eLife 2018; 7:38883. [PMID: 30355452 PMCID: PMC6226291 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity and compartmentalization of stem cells is a common principle in many epithelia, and is known to function in epithelial maintenance, but its other physiological roles remain elusive. Here we show transcriptional and anatomical contributions of compartmentalized epidermal stem cells in tactile sensory unit formation in the mouse hair follicle. Epidermal stem cells in the follicle upper-bulge, where mechanosensory lanceolate complexes innervate, express a unique set of extracellular matrix (ECM) and neurogenesis-related genes. These epidermal stem cells deposit an ECM protein called EGFL6 into the collar matrix, a novel ECM that tightly ensheathes lanceolate complexes. EGFL6 is required for the proper patterning, touch responses, and αv integrin-enrichment of lanceolate complexes. By maintaining a quiescent original epidermal stem cell niche, the old bulge, epidermal stem cells provide anatomically stable follicle-lanceolate complex interfaces, irrespective of the stage of follicle regeneration cycle. Thus, compartmentalized epidermal stem cells provide a niche linking the hair follicle and the nervous system throughout the hair cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chun Cheng
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ko Tsutsui
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toru Taguchi
- Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Noriko Sanzen
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Asako Nakagawa
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kisa Kakiguchi
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Yonemura
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Cell Biology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tanegashima
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sean D Keeley
- Phyloinformatics Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratories for Animal Resource Development and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Furuta
- Laboratories for Animal Resource Development and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tomono
- Division of Molecular and Cell Biology, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fiona M Watt
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Laboratory for Tissue Microenvironment, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
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96
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Snyder LM, Chiang MC, Loeza-Alcocer E, Omori Y, Hachisuka J, Sheahan TD, Gale JR, Adelman PC, Sypek EI, Fulton SA, Friedman RL, Wright MC, Duque MG, Lee YS, Hu Z, Huang H, Cai X, Meerschaert KA, Nagarajan V, Hirai T, Scherrer G, Kaplan DH, Porreca F, Davis BM, Gold MS, Koerber HR, Ross SE. Kappa Opioid Receptor Distribution and Function in Primary Afferents. Neuron 2018; 99:1274-1288.e6. [PMID: 30236284 PMCID: PMC6300132 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Primary afferents are known to be inhibited by kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling. However, the specific types of somatosensory neurons that express KOR remain unclear. Here, using a newly developed KOR-cre knockin allele, viral tracing, single-cell RT-PCR, and ex vivo recordings, we show that KOR is expressed in several populations of primary afferents: a subset of peptidergic sensory neurons, as well as low-threshold mechanoreceptors that form lanceolate or circumferential endings around hair follicles. We find that KOR acts centrally to inhibit excitatory neurotransmission from KOR-cre afferents in laminae I and III, and this effect is likely due to KOR-mediated inhibition of Ca2+ influx, which we observed in sensory neurons from both mouse and human. In the periphery, KOR signaling inhibits neurogenic inflammation and nociceptor sensitization by inflammatory mediators. Finally, peripherally restricted KOR agonists selectively reduce pain and itch behaviors, as well as mechanical hypersensitivity associated with a surgical incision. These experiments provide a rationale for the use of peripherally restricted KOR agonists for therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Snyder
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael C Chiang
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emanuel Loeza-Alcocer
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yu Omori
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Junichi Hachisuka
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tayler D Sheahan
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jenna R Gale
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Peter C Adelman
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Sypek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stephanie A Fulton
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Robert L Friedman
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Margaret C Wright
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Melissa Giraldo Duque
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Zeyu Hu
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Huizhen Huang
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoyun Cai
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kimberly A Meerschaert
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vidhya Nagarajan
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Toshiro Hirai
- Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gregory Scherrer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; New York Stem Cell Foundation-Robertson Investigator, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Daniel H Kaplan
- Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Brian M Davis
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael S Gold
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - H Richard Koerber
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Sarah E Ross
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Szczot M, Pogorzala LA, Solinski HJ, Young L, Yee P, Le Pichon CE, Chesler AT, Hoon MA. Cell-Type-Specific Splicing of Piezo2 Regulates Mechanotransduction. Cell Rep 2018; 21:2760-2771. [PMID: 29212024 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Piezo2 is a mechanically activated ion channel required for touch discrimination, vibration detection, and proprioception. Here, we discovered that Piezo2 is extensively spliced, producing different Piezo2 isoforms with distinct properties. Sensory neurons from both mice and humans express a large repertoire of Piezo2 variants, whereas non-neuronal tissues express predominantly a single isoform. Notably, even within sensory ganglia, we demonstrate the splicing of Piezo2 to be cell type specific. Biophysical characterization revealed substantial differences in ion permeability, sensitivity to calcium modulation, and inactivation kinetics among Piezo2 splice variants. Together, our results describe, at the molecular level, a potential mechanism by which transduction is tuned, permitting the detection of a variety of mechanosensory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Szczot
- Sensory Cells and Circuits Section, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Leah A Pogorzala
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hans Jürgen Solinski
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lynn Young
- Division of Library Services, Office of Research Services, NIH Library, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Philina Yee
- Sensory Cells and Circuits Section, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Claire E Le Pichon
- Unit on the Development of Neurodegeneration, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexander T Chesler
- Sensory Cells and Circuits Section, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Mark A Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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98
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A RNAscope whole mount approach that can be combined with immunofluorescence to quantify differential distribution of mRNA. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 374:251-262. [PMID: 29974252 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2864-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RNAscope® technology provided by Advanced Cell Diagnostics (ACD) allows the detection and evaluation of coinciding mRNA expression profiles in the same or adjacent cells in unprecedented quantitative detail using multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). While already extensively used in thinly sectioned material of various pathological tissues and, to a lesser extent, in some whole mounts, we provide here a detailed approach to use the fluorescent RNAscope method in the mouse inner ear and thick brain sections by modifying and adapting existing techniques of whole mount fluorescent in situ hybridization (WH-FISH). We show that RNAscope WH-FISH can be used to quantify local variation in overlaying mRNA expression intensity, such as neurotrophin receptors along the length of the mouse cochlea. We also show how RNAscope WH-FISH can be combined with immunofluorescence (IF) of some epitopes that remain after proteinase digestion and, to some extent, with fluorescent protein markers such as tdTomato. Our WH-FISH technique provides an approach to detect cell-specific quantitative differences in developing and mature adjacent cells, an emerging issue revealed by improved cellular expression profiling. Further, the presented technique may be useful in validating single-cell RNAseq data on expression profiles in a range of tissue known or suspected to have locally variable mRNA expression levels.
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99
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Patil MJ, Hovhannisyan AH, Akopian AN. Characteristics of sensory neuronal groups in CGRP-cre-ER reporter mice: Comparison to Nav1.8-cre, TRPV1-cre and TRPV1-GFP mouse lines. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198601. [PMID: 29864146 PMCID: PMC5986144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptidergic sensory neurons play a critical role in nociceptive pathways. To precisely define the function and plasticity of sensory neurons in detail, new tools such as transgenic mouse models are needed. We employed electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry to characterize in detail dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons expressing an inducible CGRPcre-ER (CGRP-cre+); and compared them to DRG neurons expressing Nav1.8cre (Nav1.8-cre+), TRPV1cre (TRPV1-cre+) and TRPV1-GFP (V1-GFP+). Tamoxifen effectively induced CGRPcre-ER production in DRG. ≈87% of CGRPcre-ER-expressing neurons were co-labeled CGRP antibody. Three small and two medium-large-sized (5HT3a+/NPY2R- and NPY2R+) neuronal groups with unique electrophysiological profiles were CGRP-cre+. Nav1.8-cre+ neurons were detected in all CGRP-cre+ groups, as well as in 5 additional neuronal groups: MrgprD+/TRPA1-, MrgprD+/TRPA1+, TRPV1+/CGRP-, vGLUT3+ and ≈30% of trkC+ neurons. Differences between TRPV1cre and Nav1.8cre reporters were that unlike TRPV1-cre+, Nav1.8-cre+ expression was detected in non-nociceptive vGLUT3+ and trkC+ populations. Many TRPV1-cre+ neurons did not respond to capsaicin. In contrast, V1-GFP+ neurons were in 4 groups, each of which was capsaicin-sensitive. Finally, none of the analyzed reporter lines showed cre-recombination in trkB+, calbindin+, 70% of trkC+ or parvalbumin+ neurons, which together encompassed ≈20% of Nav1.8-cre- DRG neurons. The data presented here increases our knowledge of peptidergic sensory neuron characteristics, while showing the efficiency and specificity manipulation of peptidergic neurons by the CGRPcre-ER reporter. We also demonstrate that manipulation of all C- and A-nociceptors is better achieved with TRPV1-cre reporter. Finally, the described approach for detailed characterization of sensory neuronal groups can be applied to a variety of reporter mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur J. Patil
- Departments of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anahit H. Hovhannisyan
- Departments of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Armen N. Akopian
- Departments of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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100
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Control of mechanical pain hypersensitivity in mice through ligand-targeted photoablation of TrkB-positive sensory neurons. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1640. [PMID: 29691410 PMCID: PMC5915601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical allodynia is a major symptom of neuropathic pain whereby innocuous touch evokes severe pain. Here we identify a population of peripheral sensory neurons expressing TrkB that are both necessary and sufficient for producing pain from light touch after nerve injury in mice. Mice in which TrkB-Cre-expressing neurons are ablated are less sensitive to the lightest touch under basal conditions, and fail to develop mechanical allodynia in a model of neuropathic pain. Moreover, selective optogenetic activation of these neurons after nerve injury evokes marked nociceptive behavior. Using a phototherapeutic approach based upon BDNF, the ligand for TrkB, we perform molecule-guided laser ablation of these neurons and achieve long-term retraction of TrkB-positive neurons from the skin and pronounced reversal of mechanical allodynia across multiple types of neuropathic pain. Thus we identify the peripheral neurons which transmit pain from light touch and uncover a novel pharmacological strategy for its treatment. There are several classes of sensory neuron that contribute to pain states. Here, the authors demonstrate that TrkB+ sensory neurons detect light touch under normal conditions in mice but contribute to hypersensitivity in models of chronic pain, and that ligand-guided laser ablation of TrkB+ sensory neurons in the mouse skin attenuates this hypersensitivity.
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