51
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Isorna E, de Pedro N, Valenciano AI, Alonso-Gómez ÁL, Delgado MJ. Interplay between the endocrine and circadian systems in fishes. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R141-R159. [PMID: 27999088 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The circadian system is responsible for the temporal organisation of physiological functions which, in part, involves daily cycles of hormonal activity. In this review, we analyse the interplay between the circadian and endocrine systems in fishes. We first describe the current model of fish circadian system organisation and the basis of the molecular clockwork that enables different tissues to act as internal pacemakers. This system consists of a net of central and peripherally located oscillators and can be synchronised by the light-darkness and feeding-fasting cycles. We then focus on two central neuroendocrine transducers (melatonin and orexin) and three peripheral hormones (leptin, ghrelin and cortisol), which are involved in the synchronisation of the circadian system in mammals and/or energy status signalling. We review the role of each of these as overt rhythms (i.e. outputs of the circadian system) and, for the first time, as key internal temporal messengers that act as inputs for other endogenous oscillators. Based on acute changes in clock gene expression, we describe the currently accepted model of endogenous oscillator entrainment by the light-darkness cycle and propose a new model for non-photic (endocrine) entrainment, highlighting the importance of the bidirectional cross-talking between the endocrine and circadian systems in fishes. The flexibility of the fish circadian system combined with the absence of a master clock makes these vertebrates a very attractive model for studying communication among oscillators to drive functionally coordinated outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Isorna
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II)Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria de Pedro
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II)Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Valenciano
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II)Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Alonso-Gómez
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II)Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Delgado
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II)Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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52
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Automated synaptic connectivity inference for volume electron microscopy. Nat Methods 2017; 14:435-442. [PMID: 28250467 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.4206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Teravoxel volume electron microscopy data sets from neural tissue can now be acquired in weeks, but data analysis requires years of manual labor. We developed the SyConn framework, which uses deep convolutional neural networks and random forest classifiers to infer a richly annotated synaptic connectivity matrix from manual neurite skeleton reconstructions by automatically identifying mitochondria, synapses and their types, axons, dendrites, spines, myelin, somata and cell types. We tested our approach on serial block-face electron microscopy data sets from zebrafish, mouse and zebra finch, and computed the synaptic wiring of songbird basal ganglia. We found that, for example, basal-ganglia cell types with high firing rates in vivo had higher densities of mitochondria and vesicles and that synapse sizes and quantities scaled systematically, depending on the innervated postsynaptic cell types.
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53
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Bakayan A, Domingo B, Vaquero CF, Peyriéras N, Llopis J. Fluorescent Protein-photoprotein Fusions and Their Applications in Calcium Imaging. Photochem Photobiol 2017; 93:448-465. [PMID: 27925224 DOI: 10.1111/php.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcium-activated photoproteins, such as aequorin, have been used as luminescent Ca2+ indicators since 1967. After the cloning of aequorin in 1985, microinjection was substituted by its heterologous expression, which opened the way for a widespread use. Molecular fusion of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to aequorin recapitulated the nonradiative energy transfer process that occurs in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, from which these two proteins were obtained, resulting in an increase of light emission and a shift to longer wavelength. The abundance and location of the chimera are seen by fluorescence, whereas its luminescence reports Ca2+ levels. GFP-aequorin is broadly used in an increasing number of studies, from organelles and cells to intact organisms. By fusing other fluorescent proteins to aequorin, the available luminescence color palette has been expanded for multiplexing assays and for in vivo measurements. In this report, we will attempt to review the various photoproteins available, their reported fusions with fluorescent proteins and their biological applications to image Ca2+ dynamics in organelles, cells, tissue explants and in live organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Bakayan
- BioEmergences Unit (CNRS, USR3695), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Beatriz Domingo
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB) and Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Cecilia F Vaquero
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB) and Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Nadine Peyriéras
- BioEmergences Unit (CNRS, USR3695), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Juan Llopis
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB) and Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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54
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Elbaz I, Levitas-Djerbi T, Appelbaum L. The Hypocretin/Orexin Neuronal Networks in Zebrafish. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 33:75-92. [PMID: 28012092 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic Hypocretin/Orexin (Hcrt) neurons secrete two Hcrt neuropeptides. These neurons and peptides play a major role in the regulation of feeding, sleep wake cycle, reward-seeking, addiction, and stress. Loss of Hcrt neurons causes the sleep disorder narcolepsy. The zebrafish has become an attractive model to study the Hcrt neuronal network because it is a transparent vertebrate that enables simple genetic manipulation, imaging of the structure and function of neuronal circuits in live animals, and high-throughput monitoring of behavioral performance during both day and night. The zebrafish Hcrt network comprises ~16-60 neurons, which similar to mammals, are located in the hypothalamus and widely innervate the brain and spinal cord, and regulate various fundamental behaviors such as feeding, sleep, and wakefulness. Here we review how the zebrafish contributes to the study of the Hcrt neuronal system molecularly, anatomically, physiologically, and pathologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Elbaz
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Talia Levitas-Djerbi
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Lior Appelbaum
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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55
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Knafo S, Prendergast A, Thouvenin O, Figueiredo SN, Wyart C. Bioluminescence Monitoring of Neuronal Activity in Freely Moving Zebrafish Larvae. Bio Protoc 2017; 7:e2550. [PMID: 29130058 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.2550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The proof of concept for bioluminescence monitoring of neural activity in zebrafish with the genetically encoded calcium indicator GFP-aequorin has been previously described (Naumann et al., 2010) but challenges remain. First, bioluminescence signals originating from a single muscle fiber can constitute a major pitfall. Second, bioluminescence signals emanating from neurons only are very small. To improve signals while verifying specificity, we provide an optimized 4 steps protocol achieving: 1) selective expression of a zebrafish codon-optimized GFP-aequorin, 2) efficient soaking of larvae in GFP-aequorin substrate coelenterazine, 3) bioluminescence monitoring of neural activity from motor neurons in free-tailed moving animals performing acoustic escapes and 4) verification of the absence of muscle expression using immunohistochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Knafo
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,UMRS 1127, INSERM, Paris, France.,UMR 7225, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Andrew Prendergast
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,UMRS 1127, INSERM, Paris, France.,UMR 7225, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Thouvenin
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,UMRS 1127, INSERM, Paris, France.,UMR 7225, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Nunes Figueiredo
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,UMRS 1127, INSERM, Paris, France.,UMR 7225, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Claire Wyart
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,UMRS 1127, INSERM, Paris, France.,UMR 7225, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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56
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Deán-Ben XL, Sela G, Lauri A, Kneipp M, Ntziachristos V, Westmeyer GG, Shoham S, Razansky D. Functional optoacoustic neuro-tomography for scalable whole-brain monitoring of calcium indicators. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2016; 5:e16201. [PMID: 30167137 PMCID: PMC6059886 DOI: 10.1038/lsa.2016.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive observation of spatiotemporal activity of large neural populations distributed over entire brains is a longstanding goal of neuroscience. We developed a volumetric multispectral optoacoustic tomography platform for imaging neural activation deep in scattering brains. It can record 100 volumetric frames per second across scalable fields of view ranging between 50 and 1000 mm3 with respective spatial resolution of 35-200 μm. Experiments performed in immobilized and freely swimming larvae and in adult zebrafish brains expressing the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP5G demonstrate, for the first time, the fundamental ability to directly track neural dynamics using optoacoustics while overcoming the longstanding penetration barrier of optical imaging in scattering brains. The newly developed platform thus offers unprecedented capabilities for functional whole-brain observations of fast calcium dynamics; in combination with optoacoustics' well-established capacity for resolving vascular hemodynamics, it could open new vistas in the study of neural activity and neurovascular coupling in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Luís Deán-Ben
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gali Sela
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antonella Lauri
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Moritz Kneipp
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gil G Westmeyer
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shy Shoham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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57
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Volkoff H. The Neuroendocrine Regulation of Food Intake in Fish: A Review of Current Knowledge. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:540. [PMID: 27965528 PMCID: PMC5126056 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish are the most diversified group of vertebrates and, although progress has been made in the past years, only relatively few fish species have been examined to date, with regards to the endocrine regulation of feeding in fish. In fish, as in mammals, feeding behavior is ultimately regulated by central effectors within feeding centers of the brain, which receive and process information from endocrine signals from both brain and peripheral tissues. Although basic endocrine mechanisms regulating feeding appear to be conserved among vertebrates, major physiological differences between fish and mammals and the diversity of fish, in particular in regard to feeding habits, digestive tract anatomy and physiology, suggest the existence of fish- and species-specific regulating mechanisms. This review provides an overview of hormones known to regulate food intake in fish, emphasizing on major hormones and the main fish groups studied to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Volkoff
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, Memorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John's, NL, Canada
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58
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Yang J, Cumberbatch D, Centanni S, Shi SQ, Winder D, Webb D, Johnson CH. Coupling optogenetic stimulation with NanoLuc-based luminescence (BRET) Ca ++ sensing. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13268. [PMID: 27786307 PMCID: PMC5476805 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques allow intracellular manipulation of Ca++ by illumination of light-absorbing probe molecules such as channelrhodopsins and melanopsins. The consequences of optogenetic stimulation would optimally be recorded by non-invasive optical methods. However, most current optical methods for monitoring Ca++ levels are based on fluorescence excitation that can cause unwanted stimulation of the optogenetic probe and other undesirable effects such as tissue autofluorescence. Luminescence is an alternate optical technology that avoids the problems associated with fluorescence. Using a new bright luciferase, we here develop a genetically encoded Ca++ sensor that is ratiometric by virtue of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). This sensor has a large dynamic range and partners optimally with optogenetic probes. Ca++ fluxes that are elicited by brief pulses of light to cultured cells expressing melanopsin and to neurons-expressing channelrhodopsin are quantified and imaged with the BRET Ca++ sensor in darkness, thereby avoiding undesirable consequences of fluorescence irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
| | - Derrick Cumberbatch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
| | - Samuel Centanni
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
| | - Shu-Qun Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
| | - Danny Winder
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
| | - Donna Webb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
| | - Carl Hirschie Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
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59
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Scalise K, Shimizu T, Hibi M, Sawtell NB. Responses of cerebellar Purkinje cells during fictive optomotor behavior in larval zebrafish. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:2067-2080. [PMID: 27512018 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most studies of the cerebellum have been conducted in mammals, cerebellar circuitry is highly conserved across vertebrates, suggesting that studies of simpler systems may be useful for understanding cerebellar function. The larval zebrafish is particularly promising in this regard because of its accessibility to optical monitoring and manipulations of neural activity. Although several studies suggest that the cerebellum plays a role in behavior at larval stages, little is known about the signals conveyed by particular classes of cerebellar neurons. Here we use electrophysiological recordings to characterize subthreshold, simple spike, and climbing fiber responses in larval zebrafish Purkinje cells in the context of the fictive optomotor response (OMR)-a paradigm in which fish adjust motor output to stabilize their virtual position relative to a visual stimulus. Although visual responses were prominent in Purkinje cells, they lacked the direction or velocity sensitivity that would be expected for controlling the OMR. On the other hand, Purkinje cells exhibited strong responses during fictive swim bouts. Temporal characteristics of these responses are suggestive of a general role for the larval zebrafish cerebellum in controlling swimming. Climbing fibers encoded both visual and motor signals but did not appear to encode signals that could be used to adjust OMR gain, such as retinal slip. Finally, the observation of diverse relationships between simple spikes and climbing fiber responses in individual Purkinje cells highlights the importance of distinguishing between these two types of activity in calcium imaging experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Scalise
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahiko Hibi
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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60
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61
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Berglund K, Tung JK, Higashikubo B, Gross RE, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U. Combined Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Control of Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1408:207-25. [PMID: 26965125 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3512-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics provides an array of elements for specific biophysical control, while designer chemogenetic receptors provide a minimally invasive method to control circuits in vivo by peripheral injection. We developed a strategy for selective regulation of activity in specific cells that integrates opto- and chemogenetic approaches, and thus allows manipulation of neuronal activity over a range of spatial and temporal scales in the same experimental animal. Light-sensing molecules (opsins) are activated by biologically produced light through luciferases upon peripheral injection of a small molecule substrate. Such luminescent opsins, luminopsins, allow conventional fiber optic use of optogenetic sensors, while at the same time providing chemogenetic access to the same sensors. We describe applications of this approach in cultured neurons in vitro, in brain slices ex vivo, and in awake and anesthetized animals in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jack K Tung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Robert E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Neuroscience Program and College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, 1280 S. East Campus Drive, CMED 1432, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA.
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62
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Abstract
Since their discovery, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute one of the most studied proteins leading to important discoveries and perspectives in terms of their biology and implication in physiology and pathophysiology. This is mostly linked to the remarkable advances in the development and application of the biophysical resonance energy transfer (RET)-based approaches, including bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (BRET and FRET, respectively). Indeed, BRET and FRET have been extensively applied to study different aspects of GPCR functioning such as their activation and regulation either statically or dynamically, in real-time and intact cells. Consequently, our view on GPCRs has considerably changed opening new challenges for the study of GPCRs in their native tissues in the aim to get more knowledge on how these receptors control the biological responses. Moreover, the technological aspect of this field of research promises further developments for robust and reliable new RET-based assays that may be compatible with high-throughput screening as well as drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akli Ayoub
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements; CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France; LE STUDIUM(®) Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies, Orléans, France.
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63
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TRP channel mediated neuronal activation and ablation in freely behaving zebrafish. Nat Methods 2015; 13:147-50. [PMID: 26657556 PMCID: PMC4851460 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a useful vertebrate model system in which to study neural circuits and behavior, but tools to modulate neurons in freely behaving animals are limited. As poikilotherms that live in water, zebrafish are amenable to thermal and pharmacological perturbations. We exploit these properties by using transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to activate or ablate specific neuronal populations using the chemical and thermal agonists of heterologously expressed TRPV1, TRPM8 and TRPA1.
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64
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Randlett O, Wee CL, Naumann EA, Nnaemeka O, Schoppik D, Fitzgerald JE, Portugues R, Lacoste AM, Riegler C, Engert F, Schier AF. Whole-brain activity mapping onto a zebrafish brain atlas. Nat Methods 2015; 12:1039-46. [PMID: 26778924 PMCID: PMC4710481 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In order to localize the neural circuits involved in generating behaviors, it is necessary to assign activity onto anatomical maps of the nervous system. Using brain registration across hundreds of larval zebrafish, we have built an expandable open-source atlas containing molecular labels and definitions of anatomical regions, the Z-Brain. Using this platform and immunohistochemical detection of phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) as a readout of neural activity, we have developed a system to create and contextualize whole-brain maps of stimulus- and behavior-dependent neural activity. This mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP)-mapping assay is technically simple, and data analysis is completely automated. Because MAP-mapping is performed on freely swimming fish, it is applicable to studies of nearly any stimulus or behavior. Here we demonstrate our high-throughput approach using pharmacological, visual and noxious stimuli, as well as hunting and feeding. The resultant maps outline hundreds of areas associated with behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Randlett
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Caroline L. Wee
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eva A. Naumann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Onyeka Nnaemeka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - David Schoppik
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Ruben Portugues
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alix M.B. Lacoste
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Clemens Riegler
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Florian Engert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alexander F. Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, MA 02138, USA
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65
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Grinstead K, Joel S, Zingg JM, Dikici E, Daunert S. Enabling Aequorin for Biotechnology Applications Through Genetic Engineering. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2015:149-179. [PMID: 26475468 DOI: 10.1007/10_2015_336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, luminescent proteins have been studied for their potential application in a variety of detection systems. Bioluminescent proteins, which do not require an external excitation source, are especially well-suited as reporters in analytical detection. The photoprotein aequorin is a bioluminescent protein that can be engineered for use as a molecular reporter under a wide range of conditions while maintaining its sensitivity. Herein, the characteristics of aequorin as well as the engineering and production of aequorin variants and their impact on signal detection in biological systems are presented. The structural features and activity of aequorin, its benefits as a label for sensing and applications in highly sensitive detection, as well as in gaining insight into biological processes are discussed. Among those, focus has been placed on the highly sensitive calcium detection in vivo, in vitro DNA and small molecule sensing, and development of in vivo imaging technologies. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Grinstead
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Smita Joel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Jean-Marc Zingg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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66
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Tung JK, Gutekunst CA, Gross RE. Inhibitory luminopsins: genetically-encoded bioluminescent opsins for versatile, scalable, and hardware-independent optogenetic inhibition. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14366. [PMID: 26399324 PMCID: PMC4585826 DOI: 10.1038/srep14366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques provide an unprecedented ability to precisely manipulate neural activity in the context of complex neural circuitry. Although the toolbox of optogenetic probes continues to expand at a rapid pace with more efficient and responsive reagents, hardware-based light delivery is still a major hurdle that limits its practical use in vivo. We have bypassed the challenges of external light delivery by directly coupling a bioluminescent light source (a genetically encoded luciferase) to an inhibitory opsin, which we term an inhibitory luminopsin (iLMO). iLMO was shown to suppress action potential firing and synchronous bursting activity in vitro in response to both external light and luciferase substrate. iLMO was further shown to suppress single-unit firing rate and local field potentials in the hippocampus of anesthetized rats. Finally, expression of iLMO was scaled up to multiple structures of the basal ganglia to modulate rotational behavior of freely moving animals in a hardware-independent fashion. This novel class of optogenetic probes demonstrates how non-invasive inhibition of neural activity can be achieved, which adds to the versatility, scalability, and practicality of optogenetic applications in freely behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack K. Tung
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Robert E. Gross
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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67
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Jones LJ, McCutcheon JE, Young AMJ, Norton WHJ. Neurochemical measurements in the zebrafish brain. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:246. [PMID: 26441575 PMCID: PMC4561813 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is an ideal model organism for behavioral genetics and neuroscience. The high conservation of genes and neurotransmitter pathways between zebrafish and other vertebrates permits the translation of research between species. Zebrafish behavior can be studied at both larval and adult stages and recent research has begun to establish zebrafish models for human disease. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical technique that permits the detection of neurotransmitter release and reuptake. In this study we have used in vitro FSCV to measure the release of analytes in the adult zebrafish telencephalon. We compare different stimulation methods and present a characterization of neurochemical changes in the wild-type zebrafish brain. This study represents the first FSCV recordings in zebrafish, thus paving the way for neurochemical analysis of the fish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| | - James E McCutcheon
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| | - Andrew M J Young
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
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68
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Effects of acoustic levitation on the development of zebrafish, Danio rerio, embryos. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13596. [PMID: 26337364 PMCID: PMC4559763 DOI: 10.1038/srep13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic levitation provides potential to characterize and manipulate material such as solid particles and fluid in a wall-less environment. While attempts to levitate small animals have been made, the biological effects of such levitation have been scarcely documented. Here, our goal was to explore if zebrafish embryos can be levitated (peak pressures at the pressure node and anti-node: 135 dB and 144 dB, respectively) with no effects on early development. We levitated the embryos (n = 94) at 2–14 hours post fertilization (hpf) for 1000 (n = 47) or 2000 seconds (n = 47). We compared the size and number of trunk neuromasts and otoliths in sonicated samples to controls (n = 94), and found no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). While mortality rate was lower in the control group (22.3%) compared to that in the 1000 s (34.0%) and 2000 s (42.6%) levitation groups, the differences were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). The results suggest that acoustic levitation for less than 2000 sec does not interfere with the development of zebrafish embryos, but may affect mortality rate. Acoustic levitation could potentially be used as a non-contacting wall-less platform for characterizing and manipulating vertebrae embryos without causing major adverse effects to their development.
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69
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Knafo S, Wyart C. Optogenetic neuromodulation: New tools for monitoring and breaking neural circuits. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2015; 58:259-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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70
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Dugué GP, Tricoire L. [Principles and applications of optogenetics in neuroscience]. Med Sci (Paris) 2015; 31:291-303. [PMID: 25855283 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20153103015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous achievements in biology have resulted from the evolution of biophotonics, a general term describing the use of light in the study of living systems. Over the last fifteen years, biophotonics has progressively blended with molecular genetics to give rise to optogenetics, a set of techniques enabling the functional study of genetically-defined cellular populations, compartments or processes with optical methods. In neuroscience, optogenetics allows real-time monitoring and control of the activity of specific neuronal populations in a wide range of animal models. This technical breakthrough provides a new level of sophistication in experimental approaches in the field of fundamental neuroscience, significantly enhancing our ability to understand the complexity of neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume P Dugué
- CNRS UMR 8197, Inserm U1024, IBENS S4.9, 46, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Tricoire
- CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm U1130, université Pierre et Marie Curie UM CR119, 9, quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
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71
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Sundvik M, Panula P. Interactions of the orexin/hypocretin neurones and the histaminergic system. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 213:321-33. [PMID: 25484194 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Histaminergic and orexin/hypocretin systems are components in the brain wake-promoting system. Both are affected in the sleep disorder narcolepsy, but the role of histamine in narcolepsy is unclear. The histaminergic neurones are activated by the orexin/hypocretin system in rodents, and the development of the orexin/hypocretin neurones is bidirectionally regulated by the histaminergic system in zebrafish. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the interactions of these two systems in normal and pathological conditions in humans and different animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Sundvik
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anatomy, and Neuroscience center; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - P. Panula
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anatomy, and Neuroscience center; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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72
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Ahrens MB, Engert F. Large-scale imaging in small brains. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2015; 32:78-86. [PMID: 25636154 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The dense connectivity in the brain means that one neuron's activity can influence many others. To observe this interconnected system comprehensively, an aspiration within neuroscience is to record from as many neurons as possible at the same time. There are two useful routes toward this goal: one is to expand the spatial extent of functional imaging techniques, and the second is to use animals with small brains. Here we review recent progress toward imaging many neurons and complete populations of identified neurons in small vertebrates and invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misha B Ahrens
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| | - Florian Engert
- Harvard University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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73
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Wyart C, Knafo S. Sensorimotor Integration in the Spinal Cord, from Behaviors to Circuits: New Tools to Close the Loop? BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL PHYSICS, BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-12913-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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74
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Jones LJ, Norton WH. Using zebrafish to uncover the genetic and neural basis of aggression, a frequent comorbid symptom of psychiatric disorders. Behav Brain Res 2015; 276:171-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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75
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Ayoub MA, Landomiel F, Gallay N, Jégot G, Poupon A, Crépieux P, Reiter E. Assessing Gonadotropin Receptor Function by Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Assays. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:130. [PMID: 26379624 PMCID: PMC4550792 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin receptors belong to the super family of G protein-coupled receptors and mediate the physiological effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone (LHR). Their central role in the control of reproductive function has made them the focus of intensive studies. Upon binding to their cognate hormone, they trigger complex signaling and trafficking mechanisms that are tightly regulated in concentration, time, and space. Classical cellular assays often fail to capture all these dynamics. Here, we describe the use of various bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (BRET and FRET) assays to investigate the activation and regulation of FSHR and LHR in real-time, in living cells (i.e., transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells). Indeed, the dynamics of hormone-mediated heterotrimeric G protein activation, cyclic adenosine-monophosphate (cAMP) production, calcium release, β-arrestin 2 recruitment, and receptor internalization/recycling was assessed. Kinetics and dose-response analyses confirmed the expected pharmacological and signaling properties of hFSHR and hLHR but revealed interesting characteristics when considering the two major pathways (cAMP and β-arrestin 2) of the two receptors assessed by BRET. Indeed, the EC50 values were in picomolar range for cAMP production while nanomolar range was observed for β-arrestin 2 recruitment as well as receptor internalization. Interestingly, the predicted receptor occupancy indicates that the maximal G protein activation and cAMP response occur at <10% of receptor occupancy whereas >90% of activated receptors is required to achieve full β-arrestin 2 recruitment and subsequent receptor internalization. The rapid receptor internalization was also followed by a recycling phase. Collectively, our data reveal that β-arrestin-mediated desensitization, internalization, and the subsequent fast recycling of receptors at the plasma membrane may provide a mechanistic ground to the "spare receptor" paradigm. More generally, the novel tools described here will undoubtedly provide the scientific community investigating gonadotropin receptors with powerful means to decipher their pharmacology and signaling with the prospect of pathophysiological and drug discovery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akli Ayoub
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
- LE STUDIUM Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies, Orléans, France
- *Correspondence: Mohammed Akli Ayoub, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) UMR85, CNRS-Université François Rabelais UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC) - Nouzilly 37380, France,
| | - Flavie Landomiel
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Nathalie Gallay
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Gwenhael Jégot
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne Poupon
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Eric Reiter
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- L’Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
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76
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Feierstein CE, Portugues R, Orger MB. Seeing the whole picture: A comprehensive imaging approach to functional mapping of circuits in behaving zebrafish. Neuroscience 2014; 296:26-38. [PMID: 25433239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the zebrafish has emerged as an appealing model system to tackle questions relating to the neural circuit basis of behavior. This can be attributed not just to the growing use of genetically tractable model organisms, but also in large part to the rapid advances in optical techniques for neuroscience, which are ideally suited for application to the small, transparent brain of the larval fish. Many characteristic features of vertebrate brains, from gross anatomy down to particular circuit motifs and cell-types, as well as conserved behaviors, can be found in zebrafish even just a few days post fertilization, and, at this early stage, the physical size of the brain makes it possible to analyze neural activity in a comprehensive fashion. In a recent study, we used a systematic and unbiased imaging method to record the pattern of activity dynamics throughout the whole brain of larval zebrafish during a simple visual behavior, the optokinetic response (OKR). This approach revealed the broadly distributed network of neurons that were active during the behavior and provided insights into the fine-scale functional architecture in the brain, inter-individual variability, and the spatial distribution of behaviorally relevant signals. Combined with mapping anatomical and functional connectivity, targeted electrophysiological recordings, and genetic labeling of specific populations, this comprehensive approach in zebrafish provides an unparalleled opportunity to study complete circuits in a behaving vertebrate animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Feierstein
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, Doca de Pedrouços, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
| | - R Portugues
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Germany
| | - M B Orger
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, Doca de Pedrouços, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal.
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77
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Kim CK, Miri A, Leung LC, Berndt A, Mourrain P, Tank DW, Burdine RD. Prolonged, brain-wide expression of nuclear-localized GCaMP3 for functional circuit mapping. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:138. [PMID: 25505384 PMCID: PMC4244806 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Larval zebrafish offer the potential for large-scale optical imaging of neural activity throughout the central nervous system; however, several barriers challenge their utility. First, ~panneuronal probe expression has to date only been demonstrated at early larval stages up to 7 days post-fertilization (dpf), precluding imaging at later time points when circuits are more mature. Second, nuclear exclusion of genetically-encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) limits the resolution of functional fluorescence signals collected during imaging. Here, we report the creation of transgenic zebrafish strains exhibiting robust, nuclearly targeted expression of GCaMP3 across the brain up to at least 14 dpf utilizing a previously described optimized Gal4-UAS system. We confirmed both nuclear targeting and functionality of the modified probe in vitro and measured its kinetics in response to action potentials (APs). We then demonstrated in vivo functionality of nuclear-localized GCaMP3 in transgenic zebrafish strains by identifying eye position-sensitive fluorescence fluctuations in caudal hindbrain neurons during spontaneous eye movements. Our methodological approach will facilitate studies of larval zebrafish circuitry by both improving resolution of functional Ca(2+) signals and by allowing brain-wide expression of improved GECIs, or potentially any probe, further into development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina K Kim
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA ; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew Miri
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA ; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Louis C Leung
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA ; Center for Sleep Sciences, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andre Berndt
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Mourrain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA ; Center for Sleep Sciences, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David W Tank
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA ; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA
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78
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Zada D, Tovin A, Lerer-Goldshtein T, Vatine GD, Appelbaum L. Altered behavioral performance and live imaging of circuit-specific neural deficiencies in a zebrafish model for psychomotor retardation. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004615. [PMID: 25255244 PMCID: PMC4177677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms and treatment of psychomotor retardation, which includes motor and cognitive impairment, are indefinite. The Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) is an X-linked psychomotor retardation characterized by delayed development, severe intellectual disability, muscle hypotonia, and spastic paraplegia, in combination with disturbed thyroid hormone (TH) parameters. AHDS has been associated with mutations in the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (mct8/slc16a2) gene, which is a TH transporter. In order to determine the pathophysiological mechanisms of AHDS, MCT8 knockout mice were intensively studied. Although these mice faithfully replicated the abnormal serum TH levels, they failed to exhibit the neurological and behavioral symptoms of AHDS patients. Here, we generated an mct8 mutant (mct8−/−) zebrafish using zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN)-mediated targeted gene editing system. The elimination of MCT8 decreased the expression levels of TH receptors; however, it did not affect the expression of other TH-related genes. Similar to human patients, mct8−/− larvae exhibited neurological and behavioral deficiencies. High-throughput behavioral assays demonstrated that mct8−/− larvae exhibited reduced locomotor activity, altered response to external light and dark transitions and an increase in sleep time. These deficiencies in behavioral performance were associated with altered expression of myelin-related genes and neuron-specific deficiencies in circuit formation. Time-lapse imaging of single-axon arbors and synapses in live mct8−/− larvae revealed a reduction in filopodia dynamics and axon branching in sensory neurons and decreased synaptic density in motor neurons. These phenotypes enable assessment of the therapeutic potential of three TH analogs that can enter the cells in the absence of MCT8. The TH analogs restored the myelin and axon outgrowth deficiencies in mct8−/− larvae. These findings suggest a mechanism by which MCT8 regulates neural circuit assembly, ultimately mediating sensory and motor control of behavioral performance. We also propose that the administration of TH analogs early during embryo development can specifically reduce neurological damage in AHDS patients. In a wide range of brain disorders, mutations in specific genes cause alterations in the development and function of neural circuits that ultimately affect behavior. A major challenge is to uncover the mechanism and provide treatment which is capable of preventing brain damage. Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) is a severe psychomotor retardation characterized by intellectual disabilities, neurological impairment and abnormal thyroid hormone (TH) levels. Mutations in the TH transporter MCT8 are associated with AHDS. Mice that lack the MCT8 protein exhibited impaired TH levels, as is the case in human patients; however, they lack neurological defects. Here, we generated an mct8 mutant (mct8−/−) zebrafish, which exhibited neurological and behavioral deficiencies and mimics pathological conditions of AHDS patients. The zebrafish is a simple transparent vertebrate and its nervous system is conserved with mammals. Time-lapse live imaging of single axons and synapses, and video-tracking of behavior revealed deficiencies in neural circuit assembly, which are associated with disturbed sleep and altered locomotor activity. In addition, since the mct8−/− larvae provides a highthroughput platform for testing therapeutic drugs, we showed that TH analogs can recover neurological deficiencies in an animal model for psychomotor retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zada
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Adi Tovin
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Tali Lerer-Goldshtein
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Gad David Vatine
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Lior Appelbaum
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- * E-mail:
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79
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Sumbre G, de Polavieja GG. The world according to zebrafish: how neural circuits generate behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:91. [PMID: 25126059 PMCID: PMC4115616 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Germán Sumbre
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS Paris, France ; Inserm, U1024 Paris, France ; CNRS, UMR 8197 Paris, France
| | - Gonzalo G de Polavieja
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain ; Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown Lisbon, Portugal
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80
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Freeman J, Vladimirov N, Kawashima T, Mu Y, Sofroniew NJ, Bennett DV, Rosen J, Yang CT, Looger LL, Ahrens MB. Mapping brain activity at scale with cluster computing. Nat Methods 2014; 11:941-50. [DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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81
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Fidelin K, Wyart C. Inhibition and motor control in the developing zebrafish spinal cord. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 26:103-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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82
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Seth A, Stemple DL, Barroso I. The emerging use of zebrafish to model metabolic disease. Dis Model Mech 2014; 6:1080-8. [PMID: 24046387 PMCID: PMC3759328 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.011346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish research community is celebrating! The zebrafish genome has recently been sequenced, the Zebrafish Mutation Project (launched by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) has published the results of its first large-scale ethylnitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen, and a host of new techniques, such as the genome editing technologies TALEN and CRISPR-Cas, are enabling specific mutations to be created in model organisms and investigated in vivo. The zebrafish truly seems to be coming of age. These powerful resources invoke the question of whether zebrafish can be increasingly used to model human disease, particularly common, chronic diseases of metabolism such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In recent years, there has been considerable success, mainly from genomic approaches, in identifying genetic variants that are associated with these conditions in humans; however, mechanistic insights into the role of implicated disease loci are lacking. In this Review, we highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of zebrafish to address the organism’s utility as a model system for human metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Seth
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
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83
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Babin PJ, Goizet C, Raldúa D. Zebrafish models of human motor neuron diseases: advantages and limitations. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 118:36-58. [PMID: 24705136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are an etiologically heterogeneous group of disorders of neurodegenerative origin, which result in degeneration of lower (LMNs) and/or upper motor neurons (UMNs). Neurodegenerative MNDs include pure hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), which involves specific degeneration of UMNs, leading to progressive spasticity of the lower limbs. In contrast, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) involves the specific degeneration of LMNs, with symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult-onset MND, is characterized by the degeneration of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity. A review of the comparative neuroanatomy of the human and zebrafish motor systems showed that, while the zebrafish was a homologous model for LMN disorders, such as SMA, it was only partially relevant in the case of UMN disorders, due to the absence of corticospinal and rubrospinal tracts in its central nervous system. Even considering the limitation of this model to fully reproduce the human UMN disorders, zebrafish offer an excellent alternative vertebrate model for the molecular and genetic dissection of MND mechanisms. Its advantages include the conservation of genome and physiological processes and applicable in vivo tools, including easy imaging, loss or gain of function methods, behavioral tests to examine changes in motor activity, and the ease of simultaneous chemical/drug testing on large numbers of animals. This facilitates the assessment of the environmental origin of MNDs, alone or in combination with genetic traits and putative modifier genes. Positive hits obtained by phenotype-based small-molecule screening using zebrafish may potentially be effective drugs for treatment of human MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Babin
- Univ. Bordeaux, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), EA 4576, Talence, France.
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Univ. Bordeaux, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), EA 4576, Talence, France; CHU Bordeaux, Hôpital Pellegrin, Service de Génétique Médicale, Bordeaux, France
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84
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Shipley FB, Clark CM, Alkema MJ, Leifer AM. Simultaneous optogenetic manipulation and calcium imaging in freely moving C. elegans. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:28. [PMID: 24715856 PMCID: PMC3970007 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how an organism's nervous system transforms sensory input into behavioral outputs requires recording and manipulating its neural activity during unrestrained behavior. Here we present an instrument to simultaneously monitor and manipulate neural activity while observing behavior in a freely moving animal, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neural activity is recorded optically from cells expressing a calcium indicator, GCaMP3. Neural activity is manipulated optically by illuminating targeted neurons expressing the optogenetic protein Channelrhodopsin. Real-time computer vision software tracks the animal's behavior and identifies the location of targeted neurons in the nematode as it crawls. Patterned illumination from a DMD is used to selectively illuminate subsets of neurons for either calcium imaging or optogenetic stimulation. Real-time computer vision software constantly updates the illumination pattern in response to the worm's movement and thereby allows for independent optical recording or activation of different neurons in the worm as it moves freely. We use the instrument to directly observe the relationship between sensory neuron activation, interneuron dynamics and locomotion in the worm's mechanosensory circuit. We record and compare calcium transients in the backward locomotion command interneurons AVA, in response to optical activation of the anterior mechanosensory neurons ALM, AVM or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick B Shipley
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher M Clark
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mark J Alkema
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Andrew M Leifer
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University Princeton, NJ, USA
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85
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Jun JJ, Longtin A, Maler L. Long-term behavioral tracking of freely swimming weakly electric fish. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 24637642 DOI: 10.3791/50962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term behavioral tracking can capture and quantify natural animal behaviors, including those occurring infrequently. Behaviors such as exploration and social interactions can be best studied by observing unrestrained, freely behaving animals. Weakly electric fish (WEF) display readily observable exploratory and social behaviors by emitting electric organ discharge (EOD). Here, we describe three effective techniques to synchronously measure the EOD, body position, and posture of a free-swimming WEF for an extended period of time. First, we describe the construction of an experimental tank inside of an isolation chamber designed to block external sources of sensory stimuli such as light, sound, and vibration. The aquarium was partitioned to accommodate four test specimens, and automated gates remotely control the animals' access to the central arena. Second, we describe a precise and reliable real-time EOD timing measurement method from freely swimming WEF. Signal distortions caused by the animal's body movements are corrected by spatial averaging and temporal processing stages. Third, we describe an underwater near-infrared imaging setup to observe unperturbed nocturnal animal behaviors. Infrared light pulses were used to synchronize the timing between the video and the physiological signal over a long recording duration. Our automated tracking software measures the animal's body position and posture reliably in an aquatic scene. In combination, these techniques enable long term observation of spontaneous behavior of freely swimming weakly electric fish in a reliable and precise manner. We believe our method can be similarly applied to the study of other aquatic animals by relating their physiological signals with exploratory or social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Jun
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Centre for Neural Dynamics, University of Ottawa;
| | - André Longtin
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Centre for Neural Dynamics, University of Ottawa
| | - Leonard Maler
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa; Centre for Neural Dynamics, University of Ottawa
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86
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Paley MA, Prescher JA. Bioluminescence: a versatile technique for imaging cellular and molecular features. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014; 5:255-267. [PMID: 27594981 PMCID: PMC5006753 DOI: 10.1039/c3md00288h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a ubiquitous imaging modality for visualizing biological processes in vivo. This technique employs visible light and interfaces readily with most cell and tissue types, making it a versatile technology for preclinical studies. Here we review basic bioluminescence imaging principles, along with applications of the technology that are relevant to the medicinal chemistry community. These include noninvasive cell tracking experiments, analyses of protein function, and methods to visualize small molecule metabolites. In each section, we also discuss how bioluminescent tools have revealed insights into experimental therapies and aided drug discovery. Last, we highlight the development of new bioluminescent tools that will enable more sensitive and multi-component imaging experiments and, thus, expand our broader understanding of living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda A. Paley
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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87
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Bioluminescent properties of obelin and aequorin with novel coelenterazine analogues. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:2695-707. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7656-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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88
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Nisembaum LG, de Pedro N, Delgado MJ, Sánchez-Bretaño A, Isorna E. Orexin as an input of circadian system in goldfish: Effects on clock gene expression and locomotor activity rhythms. Peptides 2014; 52:29-37. [PMID: 24284416 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Orexins are neuropeptides mainly known for regulating feeding behavior and sleep-wakefulness cycle in vertebrates. Daily variations of orexin-A expression have been reported in fish, with the highest levels preceding feeding time. However, it is unknown if such variations could be related with daily rhythms of clock genes, which form the molecular core of circadian oscillators. The aim of the present study was to identify the possible role of orexin as an input element of the goldfish circadian system. It was investigated the effects of orexin-A (10ng/gbw) intracerebroventricular injections on the expression of clock genes, NPY and ghrelin, as well as on daily locomotor activity rhythms. Goldfish held under 12L:12D photoperiod and injected at midday with orexin or saline, were sacrificed at 1 and 3h post-injection. The analysis of genes expression by qReal Time PCR showed an increment of Per genes in hypothalamus and foregut at 3h post-injection, but not in hindgut and liver. The gBmal1a expression remained unaltered in all the studied tissues. Orexin induced NPY in the hypothalamus and ghrelin in the foregut. Locomotor activity was studied in fish daily injected with orexin for several consecutive days under different experimental conditions. Orexin synchronized locomotor activity in goldfish maintained in 24L and fasting conditions. Present results support a cross-talking between orexin-A and other feeding regulators at central and peripheral level, and suggest, for the first time, a role of this peptide as an input of the circadian system in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Nisembaum
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria de Pedro
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Delgado
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aída Sánchez-Bretaño
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Isorna
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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89
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Webb SE, Karplus E, Miller AL. Retrospective on the development of aequorin and aequorin-based imaging to visualize changes in intracellular free [Ca2+]. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 82:563-86. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Webb
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Kowloon Hong Kong
| | | | - Andrew L. Miller
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Kowloon Hong Kong
- Marine Biological Laboratory; Woods Hole Massachusetts
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90
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Xiong TC, Ronzier E, Sanchez F, Corratgé-Faillie C, Mazars C, Thibaud JB. Imaging long distance propagating calcium signals in intact plant leaves with the BRET-based GFP-aequorin reporter. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:43. [PMID: 24600459 PMCID: PMC3927637 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a second messenger involved in many plant signaling processes. Biotic and abiotic stimuli induce Ca(2+) signals within plant cells, which, when decoded, enable these cells to adapt in response to environmental stresses. Multiple examples of Ca(2+) signals from plants containing the fluorescent yellow cameleon sensor (YC) have contributed to the definition of the Ca(2+) signature in some cell types such as root hairs, pollen tubes and guard cells. YC is, however, of limited use in highly autofluorescent plant tissues, in particular mesophyll cells. Alternatively, the bioluminescent reporter aequorin enables Ca(2+) imaging in the whole plant, including mesophyll cells, but this requires specific devices capable of detecting the low amounts of emitted light. Another type of Ca(2+) sensor, referred to as GFP-aequorin (G5A), has been engineered as a chimeric protein, which combines the two photoactive proteins from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the bioluminescent protein aequorin. The Ca(2+)-dependent light-emitting property of G5A is based on a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between aequorin and GFP. G5A has been used for over 10 years for enhanced in vivo detection of Ca(2+) signals in animal tissues. Here, we apply G5A in Arabidopsis and show that G5A greatly improves the imaging of Ca(2+) dynamics in intact plants. We describe a simple method to image Ca(2+) signals in autofluorescent leaves of plants with a cooled charge-coupled device (cooled CCD) camera. We present data demonstrating how plants expressing the G5A probe can be powerful tools for imaging of Ca(2+) signals. It is shown that Ca(2+) signals propagating over long distances can be visualized in intact plant leaves and are visible mainly in the veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tou Cheu Xiong
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 386Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5004Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des PlantesSupAgro, Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, UM2Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: Tou Cheu Xiong, Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 386/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5004/Montpellier SupAgro/Université Montpellier 2, Campus INRA-SupAgro, Place Pierre Viala, F34060 Montpellier Cedex 2, France e-mail:
| | - Elsa Ronzier
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 386Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5004Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des PlantesSupAgro, Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, UM2Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Sanchez
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 386Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5004Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des PlantesSupAgro, Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, UM2Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Corratgé-Faillie
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 386Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5004Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des PlantesSupAgro, Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, UM2Montpellier, France
| | - Christian Mazars
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, Université de Toulouse, UPS, UMR 5546Castanet-Tolosan, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5546Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Thibaud
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 386Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5004Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des PlantesSupAgro, Montpellier, France
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, UM2Montpellier, France
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91
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Tricoire L, Lambolez B. Neuronal network imaging in acute slices using Ca2+ sensitive bioluminescent reporter. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1098:33-45. [PMID: 24166366 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-718-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded indicators are valuable tools to study intracellular signaling cascades in real time using fluorescent or bioluminescent imaging techniques. Imaging of Ca(2+) indicators is widely used to record transient intracellular Ca(2+) increases associated with bioelectrical activity. The natural bioluminescent Ca(2+) sensor aequorin has been historically the first Ca(2+) indicator used to address biological questions. Aequorin imaging offers several advantages over fluorescent reporters: it is virtually devoid of background signal; it does not require light excitation and interferes little with intracellular processes. Genetically encoded sensors such as aequorin are commonly used in dissociated cultured cells; however it becomes more challenging to express them in differentiated intact specimen such as brain tissue. Here we describe a method to express a GFP-aequorin (GA) fusion protein in pyramidal cells of neocortical acute slices using recombinant Sindbis virus. This technique allows expressing GA in several hundreds of neurons on the same slice and to perform the bioluminescence recording of Ca(2+) transients in single neurons or multiple neurons simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Tricoire
- Neurobiologie des processus adaptatifs, UMR7102, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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92
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Sorribes A, Þorsteinsson H, Arnardóttir H, Jóhannesdóttir IÞ, Sigurgeirsson B, de Polavieja GG, Karlsson KÆ. The ontogeny of sleep-wake cycles in zebrafish: a comparison to humans. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:178. [PMID: 24312015 PMCID: PMC3826060 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used extensively in sleep research; both to further understanding of sleep in general and also as a model of human sleep. To date, sleep studies have been performed in larval and adult zebrafish but no efforts have been made to document the ontogeny of zebrafish sleep-wake cycles. Because sleep differs across phylogeny and ontogeny it is important to validate the use of zebrafish in elucidating the neural substrates of sleep. Here we describe the development of sleep and wake across the zebrafish lifespan and how it compares to humans. We find power-law distributions to best fit wake bout data but demonstrate that exponential distributions, previously used to describe sleep bout distributions, fail to adequately account for the data in either species. Regardless, the data reveal remarkable similarities in the ontogeny of sleep cycles in zebrafish and humans. Moreover, as seen in other organisms, zebrafish sleep levels are highest early in ontogeny and sleep and wake bouts gradually consolidate to form the adult sleep pattern. Finally, sleep percentage, bout duration, bout number, and sleep fragmentation are shown to allow for meaningful comparisons between zebrafish and human sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Sorribes
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain
| | - Haraldur Þorsteinsson
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik UniversityReykjavik, Iceland
- 3Z PharmaceuticalsReykjavik, Iceland
| | - Hrönn Arnardóttir
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik UniversityReykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Benjamín Sigurgeirsson
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik UniversityReykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Karl Æ. Karlsson
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik UniversityReykjavik, Iceland
- 3Z PharmaceuticalsReykjavik, Iceland
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93
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Marblestone AH, Zamft BM, Maguire YG, Shapiro MG, Cybulski TR, Glaser JI, Amodei D, Stranges PB, Kalhor R, Dalrymple DA, Seo D, Alon E, Maharbiz MM, Carmena JM, Rabaey JM, Boyden ES, Church GM, Kording KP. Physical principles for scalable neural recording. Front Comput Neurosci 2013; 7:137. [PMID: 24187539 PMCID: PMC3807567 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2013.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneously measuring the activities of all neurons in a mammalian brain at millisecond resolution is a challenge beyond the limits of existing techniques in neuroscience. Entirely new approaches may be required, motivating an analysis of the fundamental physical constraints on the problem. We outline the physical principles governing brain activity mapping using optical, electrical, magnetic resonance, and molecular modalities of neural recording. Focusing on the mouse brain, we analyze the scalability of each method, concentrating on the limitations imposed by spatiotemporal resolution, energy dissipation, and volume displacement. Based on this analysis, all existing approaches require orders of magnitude improvement in key parameters. Electrical recording is limited by the low multiplexing capacity of electrodes and their lack of intrinsic spatial resolution, optical methods are constrained by the scattering of visible light in brain tissue, magnetic resonance is hindered by the diffusion and relaxation timescales of water protons, and the implementation of molecular recording is complicated by the stochastic kinetics of enzymes. Understanding the physical limits of brain activity mapping may provide insight into opportunities for novel solutions. For example, unconventional methods for delivering electrodes may enable unprecedented numbers of recording sites, embedded optical devices could allow optical detectors to be placed within a few scattering lengths of the measured neurons, and new classes of molecularly engineered sensors might obviate cumbersome hardware architectures. We also study the physics of powering and communicating with microscale devices embedded in brain tissue and find that, while radio-frequency electromagnetic data transmission suffers from a severe power-bandwidth tradeoff, communication via infrared light or ultrasound may allow high data rates due to the possibility of spatial multiplexing. The use of embedded local recording and wireless data transmission would only be viable, however, given major improvements to the power efficiency of microelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H. Marblestone
- Biophysics Program, Harvard UniversityBoston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard UniversityBoston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yael G. Maguire
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
- Plum Labs LLCCambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mikhail G. Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - Joshua I. Glaser
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
| | - Dario Amodei
- Department of Radiology, Stanford UniversityPalo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Reza Kalhor
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - David A. Dalrymple
- Biophysics Program, Harvard UniversityBoston, MA, USA
- NemaloadSan Francisco, CA, USA
- Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dongjin Seo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Elad Alon
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michel M. Maharbiz
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jose M. Carmena
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jan M. Rabaey
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Edward S. Boyden
- Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA, USA
- Departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA, USA
| | - George M. Church
- Biophysics Program, Harvard UniversityBoston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard UniversityBoston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - Konrad P. Kording
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL, USA
- Sensory Motor Performance Program, The Rehabilitation Institute of ChicagoChicago, IL, USA
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94
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Lange M, Neuzeret F, Fabreges B, Froc C, Bedu S, Bally-Cuif L, Norton WHJ. Inter-individual and inter-strain variations in zebrafish locomotor ontogeny. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70172. [PMID: 23950910 PMCID: PMC3739779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish exhibit remarkable alterations in behaviour and morphology as they develop from early larval stages to mature adults. In this study we compare the locomotion parameters of six common zebrafish strains from two different laboratories to determine the stability and repeatability of these behaviours. Our results demonstrate large variability in locomotion and fast swim events between strains and between laboratories across time. These data highlight the necessity for careful, strain-specific controls when analysing locomotor phenotypes and open up the possibility of standardising the quantification of zebrafish behaviour at multiple life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Lange
- Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Neurobiologie et Développement, Insitut de Neurobiologie Albert Fessard, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France
| | | | - Benoit Fabreges
- Département de Mathématiques, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, Essonne, France
| | - Cynthia Froc
- Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Neurobiologie et Développement, Insitut de Neurobiologie Albert Fessard, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France
| | - Sebastien Bedu
- Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Neurobiologie et Développement, Insitut de Neurobiologie Albert Fessard, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France
| | - Laure Bally-Cuif
- Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Neurobiologie et Développement, Insitut de Neurobiologie Albert Fessard, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France
- * E-mail: (LBC); (WN)
| | - William H. J. Norton
- Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LBC); (WN)
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95
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Ahrens MB, Huang KH, Narayan S, Mensh BD, Engert F. Two-photon calcium imaging during fictive navigation in virtual environments. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:104. [PMID: 23761738 PMCID: PMC3674334 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A full understanding of nervous system function requires recording from large populations of neurons during naturalistic behaviors. Here we enable paralyzed larval zebrafish to fictively navigate two-dimensional virtual environments while we record optically from many neurons with two-photon imaging. Electrical recordings from motor nerves in the tail are decoded into intended forward swims and turns, which are used to update a virtual environment displayed underneath the fish. Several behavioral features—such as turning responses to whole-field motion and dark avoidance—are well-replicated in this virtual setting. We readily observed neuronal populations in the hindbrain with laterally selective responses that correlated with right or left optomotor behavior. We also observed neurons in the habenula, pallium, and midbrain with response properties specific to environmental features. Beyond single-cell correlations, the classification of network activity in such virtual settings promises to reveal principles of brainwide neural dynamics during behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misha B Ahrens
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA ; Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Ashburn, VA, USA
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96
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Renninger SL, Orger MB. Two-photon imaging of neural population activity in zebrafish. Methods 2013; 62:255-67. [PMID: 23727462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly developing imaging technologies including two-photon microscopy and genetically encoded calcium indicators have opened up new possibilities for recording neural population activity in awake, behaving animals. In the small, transparent zebrafish, it is even becoming possible to image the entire brain of a behaving animal with single-cell resolution, creating brain-wide functional maps. In this chapter, we comprehensively review past functional imaging studies in zebrafish, and the insights that they provide into the functional organization of neural circuits. We further offer a basic primer on state-of-the-art methods for in vivo calcium imaging in the zebrafish, including building a low-cost two-photon microscope and highlight possible challenges and technical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine L Renninger
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, Doca de Pedrouços, Lisbon, Portugal
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97
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Rihel J, Schier AF. Sites of action of sleep and wake drugs: insights from model organisms. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 23:831-40. [PMID: 23706898 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules have been used since antiquity to regulate our sleep. Despite the explosion of diverse drugs to treat problems of too much or too little sleep, the detailed mechanisms of action and especially the neuronal targets by which these compounds alter human behavioural states are not well understood. Research efforts in model systems such as mouse, zebrafish and fruit fly are combining conditional genetics and optogenetics with pharmacology to map the effects of sleep-promoting drugs onto neural circuits. Recent studies raise the possibility that many small molecules alter sleep and wake via specific sets of critical neurons rather than through the global modulation of multiple brain targets. These findings also uncover novel brain areas as sleep/wake regulators and indicate that the development of circuit-selective drugs might alleviate sleep disorders with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Rihel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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98
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Leung LC, Wang GX, Mourrain P. Imaging zebrafish neural circuitry from whole brain to synapse. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:76. [PMID: 23630470 PMCID: PMC3634052 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in imaging tools are inspiring zebrafish researchers to tackle ever more ambitious questions in the neurosciences. Behaviorally fundamental conserved neural networks can now be potentially studied using zebrafish from a brain-wide scale to molecular resolution. In this perspective, we offer a roadmap by which a zebrafish researcher can navigate the course from collecting neural activities across the brain associated with a behavior, to unraveling molecular identities and testing the functional relevance of active neurons. In doing so, important insights will be gained as to how neural networks generate behaviors and assimilate changes in synaptic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis C Leung
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Sleep Sciences, Beckman Center, Stanford University Palo Alto, CA, USA
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99
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Chiu CN, Prober DA. Regulation of zebrafish sleep and arousal states: current and prospective approaches. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:58. [PMID: 23576957 PMCID: PMC3620505 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Every day, we shift among various states of sleep and arousal to meet the many demands of our bodies and environment. A central puzzle in neurobiology is how the brain controls these behavioral states, which are essential to an animal's well-being and survival. Mammalian models have predominated sleep and arousal research, although in the past decade, invertebrate models have made significant contributions to our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of behavioral states. More recently, the zebrafish has emerged as a promising model system for sleep and arousal research. Here we review experimental evidence that the zebrafish, a diurnal vertebrate, exhibits fundamental behavioral and neurochemical characteristics of mammalian sleep and arousal. We also propose how specific advantages of the zebrafish can be harnessed to advance the field. These include tractable genetics to identify and manipulate molecular and cellular regulators of behavioral states, optical transparency to facilitate in vivo observation of neural structure and function, and amenability to high-throughput drug screens to discover novel therapies for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David A. Prober
- Division of Biology, California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CA, USA
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100
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Berglund K, Birkner E, Augustine GJ, Hochgeschwender U. Light-emitting channelrhodopsins for combined optogenetic and chemical-genetic control of neurons. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59759. [PMID: 23544095 PMCID: PMC3609769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Manipulation of neuronal activity through genetically targeted actuator molecules is a powerful approach for studying information flow in the brain. In these approaches the genetically targeted component, a receptor or a channel, is activated either by a small molecule (chemical genetics) or by light from a physical source (optogenetics). We developed a hybrid technology that allows control of the same neurons by both optogenetic and chemical genetic means. The approach is based on engineered chimeric fusions of a light-generating protein (luciferase) to a light-activated ion channel (channelrhodopsin). Ionic currents then can be activated by bioluminescence upon activation of luciferase by its substrate, coelenterazine (CTZ), as well as by external light. In cell lines, expression of the fusion of Gaussia luciferase to Channelrhodopsin-2 yielded photocurrents in response to CTZ. Larger photocurrents were produced by fusing the luciferase to Volvox Channelrhodopsin-1. This version allowed chemical modulation of neuronal activity when expressed in cultured neurons: CTZ treatment shifted neuronal responses to injected currents and sensitized neurons to fire action potentials in response to subthreshold synaptic inputs. These luminescent channelrhodopsins--or luminopsins--preserve the advantages of light-activated ion channels, while extending their capabilities. Our proof-of-principle results suggest that this novel class of tools can be improved and extended in numerous ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Birkner
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- NeuroTransgenic Laboratory, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - George J. Augustine
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- NeuroTransgenic Laboratory, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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