151
|
Burnett CJ, Funderburk SC, Navarrete J, Sabol A, Liang-Guallpa J, Desrochers TM, Krashes MJ. Need-based prioritization of behavior. eLife 2019; 8:44527. [PMID: 30907726 PMCID: PMC6433464 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
When presented with a choice, organisms need to assimilate internal information with external stimuli and past experiences to rapidly and flexibly optimize decisions on a moment-to-moment basis. We hypothesized that increasing hunger intensity would curb expression of social behaviors such as mating or territorial aggression; we further hypothesized social interactions, reciprocally, would influence food consumption. We assessed competition between these motivations from both perspectives of mice within a resident-intruder paradigm. We found that as hunger state escalated, resident animal social interactions with either a female or male intruder decreased. Furthermore, intense hunger states, especially those evoked via AgRP photoactivation, fundamentally altered sequences of behavioral choice; effects dependent on food availibility. Additionally, female, but not male, intrusion attenuated resident mouse feeding. Lastly, we noted environmental context-dependent gating of food intake in intruding mice, suggesting a dynamic influence of context cues on the expression of feeding behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Joseph Burnett
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States.,Brown University Graduate Partnerships Program, Providence, United States
| | - Samuel C Funderburk
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jovana Navarrete
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Alexander Sabol
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jing Liang-Guallpa
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States
| | | | - Michael J Krashes
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States
| |
Collapse
|
152
|
Runegaard AH, Fitzpatrick CM, Woldbye DPD, Andreasen JT, Sørensen AT, Gether U. Modulating Dopamine Signaling and Behavior with Chemogenetics: Concepts, Progress, and Challenges. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:123-156. [PMID: 30814274 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.013995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than 60 years, dopamine (DA) has been known as a critical modulatory neurotransmitter regulating locomotion, reward-based motivation, and endocrine functions. Disturbances in DA signaling have been linked to an array of different neurologic and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and addiction, but the underlying pathologic mechanisms have never been fully elucidated. One major obstacle limiting interpretation of standard pharmacological and transgenic interventions is the complexity of the DA system, which only appears to widen as research progresses. Nonetheless, development of new genetic tools, such as chemogenetics, has led to an entirely new era for functional studies of neuronal signaling. By exploiting receptors that are engineered to respond selectively to an otherwise inert ligand, so-called Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), chemogenetics enables pharmacological remote control of neuronal activity. Here we review the recent, extensive application of this technique to the DA field and how its use has advanced the study of the DA system and contributed to our general understanding of DA signaling and related behaviors. Moreover, we discuss the challenges and pitfalls associated with the chemogenetic technology, such as the metabolism of the DREADD ligand clozapine N-oxide (CNO) to the D2 receptor antagonist clozapine. We conclude that despite the recent concerns regarding CNO, the chemogenetic toolbox provides an exceptional approach to study neuronal function. The huge potential should promote continued investigations and additional refinements to further expound key mechanisms of DA signaling and circuitries in normal as well as maladaptive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Højrup Runegaard
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (A.H.R., D.P.D.W., A.T.S., U.G.) and Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (C.M.F., J.T.A.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ciarán Martin Fitzpatrick
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (A.H.R., D.P.D.W., A.T.S., U.G.) and Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (C.M.F., J.T.A.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Paul Drucker Woldbye
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (A.H.R., D.P.D.W., A.T.S., U.G.) and Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (C.M.F., J.T.A.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Tobias Andreasen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (A.H.R., D.P.D.W., A.T.S., U.G.) and Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (C.M.F., J.T.A.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Toft Sørensen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (A.H.R., D.P.D.W., A.T.S., U.G.) and Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (C.M.F., J.T.A.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Gether
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience (A.H.R., D.P.D.W., A.T.S., U.G.) and Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (C.M.F., J.T.A.), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Kakava-Georgiadou N, Zwartkruis MM, Bullich-Vilarrubias C, Luijendijk MCM, Garner KM, van der Plasse G, Adan RAH. An Intersectional Approach to Target Neural Circuits With Cell- and Projection-Type Specificity: Validation in the Mesolimbic Dopamine System. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:49. [PMID: 30873002 PMCID: PMC6403677 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of tools to manipulate activity of specific neurons is important for dissecting the function of neural circuits. Viral vectors and conditional transgenic animal lines that target recombinases to specific cells facilitate the successful manipulation and recording of specific subsets of neurons. So far, it has been possible to target neuronal subtypes within a certain brain region based on transcriptional control regions from a gene selectively expressed in those cells or based upon its projections. Nevertheless, there are only a few tools available that combine this and target a neuronal subtype within a projection. We tested a viral vector system, consisting of a canine adenovirus type 2 expressing a Cre-dependent Flp recombinase (CavFlexFlp) and an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing a Flp-dependent cDNA, which targets neurons in a subtype- and projection-specific manner. As proof of principle we targeted expression of a Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) to the dopamine neurons of the mesolimbic projection, which allows the transient activation of neurons by the ligand Clozapine-N-Oxide (CNO). We validated that the system specifically targets dopamine neurons and that chemogenetic activation of these neurons induces an increase in locomotor activity. We thus validated a valuable tool that allows in vivo neuronal activation in a projection- and subtype-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nefeli Kakava-Georgiadou
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maria M Zwartkruis
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Master's Program Neuroscience and Cognition, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Clara Bullich-Vilarrubias
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Master's Program Neuroscience and Cognition, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mieneke C M Luijendijk
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Keith M Garner
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Geoffrey van der Plasse
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roger A H Adan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
154
|
Magnus CJ, Lee PH, Bonaventura J, Zemla R, Gomez JL, Ramirez MH, Hu X, Galvan A, Basu J, Michaelides M, Sternson SM. Ultrapotent chemogenetics for research and potential clinical applications. SCIENCE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 364:science.aav5282. [PMID: 30872534 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemogenetics enables noninvasive chemical control over cell populations in behaving animals. However, existing small-molecule agonists show insufficient potency or selectivity. There is also a need for chemogenetic systems compatible with both research and human therapeutic applications. We developed a new ion channel-based platform for cell activation and silencing that is controlled by low doses of the smoking cessation drug varenicline. We then synthesized subnanomolar-potency agonists, called uPSEMs, with high selectivity for the chemogenetic receptors. uPSEMs and their receptors were characterized in brains of mice and a rhesus monkey by in vivo electrophysiology, calcium imaging, positron emission tomography, behavioral efficacy testing, and receptor counterscreening. This platform of receptors and selective ultrapotent agonists enables potential research and clinical applications of chemogenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Magnus
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Peter H Lee
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Roland Zemla
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Melissa H Ramirez
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Xing Hu
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Adriana Galvan
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jayeeta Basu
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Scott M Sternson
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Li C, Navarrete J, Liang-Guallpa J, Lu C, Funderburk SC, Chang RB, Liberles SD, Olson DP, Krashes MJ. Defined Paraventricular Hypothalamic Populations Exhibit Differential Responses to Food Contingent on Caloric State. Cell Metab 2019; 29:681-694.e5. [PMID: 30472090 PMCID: PMC6402975 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the neural framework behind appetite control is fundamental to developing effective therapies to combat the obesity epidemic. The paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) is critical for appetite regulation, yet, the real-time, physiological response properties of PVH neurons to nutrients are unknown. Using a combination of fiber photometry, electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and neural manipulation strategies, we determined the population dynamics of four molecularly delineated PVH subsets implicated in feeding behavior: glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (PVHGlp1r), melanocortin-4 receptor (PVHMc4r), oxytocin (PVHOxt), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (PVHCrh). We identified both calorie- and state-dependent sustained activity increases and decreases in PVHGlp1r and PVHCrh populations, respectively, while observing transient bulk changes of PVHMc4r, but no response in PVHOxt, neurons to food. Furthermore, we highlight the role of PVHGlp1r neurons in orchestrating acute feeding behavior, independent of the anti-obesity drug liraglutide, and demonstrate the indispensability of PVHGlp1r and PVHMc4r, but not PVHOxt or PVHCrh neurons, in body weight maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia Li
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jovana Navarrete
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jing Liang-Guallpa
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Brown University Graduate Partnerships Program, Providence, RI 02912, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Chunxia Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel C Funderburk
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Rui B Chang
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen D Liberles
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David P Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael J Krashes
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
156
|
Leippe P, Frank JA. Designing azobenzene-based tools for controlling neurotransmission. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:23-30. [PMID: 30825844 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chemical and electrical signaling at the synapse is a dynamic process that is crucial to neurotransmission and pathology. Traditional pharmacotherapy has found countless applications in both academic labs and the clinic; however, diffusible drugs lack spatial and temporal precision when employed in heterogeneous tissues such as the brain. In the field of photopharmacology, chemical attachment of a synthetic photoswitch to a bioactive ligand allows cellular signaling to be controlled with light. Azobenzenes have remained the go-to photoswitch for biological applications due to their tunable photophysical properties, and can be leveraged to achieve reversible optical control of numerous receptors and ion channels. Here, we discuss the most recent advances in photopharmacology which will improve the use of azobenzene-based probes for neuroscience applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Leippe
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Jahnstr. 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James Allen Frank
- The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Duret G, Polali S, Anderson ED, Bell AM, Tzouanas CN, Avants BW, Robinson JT. Magnetic Entropy as a Proposed Gating Mechanism for Magnetogenetic Ion Channels. Biophys J 2019; 116:454-468. [PMID: 30665695 PMCID: PMC6369444 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetically sensitive ion channels would allow researchers to better study how specific brain cells affect behavior in freely moving animals; however, recent reports of "magnetogenetic" ion channels based on biogenic ferritin nanoparticles have been questioned because known biophysical mechanisms cannot explain experimental observations. Here, we reproduce a weak magnetically mediated calcium response in HEK cells expressing a previously published TRPV4-ferritin fusion protein. We find that this magnetic sensitivity is attenuated when we reduce the temperature sensitivity of the channel but not when we reduce the mechanical sensitivity of the channel, suggesting that the magnetic sensitivity of this channel is thermally mediated. As a potential mechanism for this thermally mediated magnetic response, we propose that changes in the magnetic entropy of the ferritin particle can generate heat via the magnetocaloric effect and consequently gate the associated temperature-sensitive ion channel. Unlike other forms of magnetic heating, the magnetocaloric mechanism can cool magnetic particles during demagnetization. To test this prediction, we constructed a magnetogenetic channel based on the cold-sensitive TRPM8 channel. Our observation of a magnetic response in cold-gated channels is consistent with the magnetocaloric hypothesis. Together, these new data and our proposed mechanism of action provide additional resources for understanding how ion channels could be activated by low-frequency magnetic fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Duret
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Sruthi Polali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Erin D Anderson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - A Martin Bell
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Benjamin W Avants
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Jacob T Robinson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
158
|
Cheng Y, Wang J. The use of chemogenetic approaches in alcohol use disorder research and treatment. Alcohol 2019; 74:39-45. [PMID: 30442535 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Several novel techniques were developed recently to explore neural circuit mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. These techniques include the Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD)-based chemogenetic tools, which represent valuable platforms for selective and non-invasive control of neural activity with a high degree of spatial resolution. Among all variants, Gq- and Gi-DREADDs are widely used by neuroscientists to dissect out the circuitry and cellular signals. This review is focused on strategies to access a specific neuronal population or circuit using the DREADD technique and summarizes the current knowledge of the DREADDs' application in alcohol use disorder research and therapeutics.
Collapse
|
159
|
Placzek MS, Schroeder FA, Che T, Wey HY, Neelamegam R, Wang C, Roth BL, Hooker JM. Discrepancies in Kappa Opioid Agonist Binding Revealed through PET Imaging. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:384-395. [PMID: 30212182 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) modulation has been pursued in many conceptual frameworks for the treatment of human pain, depression, and anxiety. As such, several imaging tools have been developed to characterize the density of KORs in the human brain and its occupancy by exogenous drug-like compounds. While exploring the pharmacology of KOR tool compounds using positron emission tomography (PET), we observed discrepancies in the apparent competition binding as measured by changes in binding potential (BPND, binding potential with respect to non-displaceable uptake). This prompted us to systematically look at the relationships between baseline BPND maps for three common KOR PET radioligands, the antagonists [11C]LY2795050 and [11C]LY2459989, and the agonist [11C]GR103545. We then measured changes in BPND using kappa antagonists (naloxone, naltrexone, LY2795050, JDTic, nor-BNI), and found BPND was affected similarly between [11C]GR103545 and [11C]LY2459989. Longitudinal PET studies with nor-BNI and JDTic were also examined, and we observed a persistent decrease in [11C]GR103545 BPND up to 25 days after drug administration for both nor-BNI and JDTic. Kappa agonists were also administered, and butorphan and GR89696 (racemic GR103545) impacted binding to comparable levels between the two radiotracers. Of greatest significance, kappa agonists salvinorin A and U-50488 caused dramatic reductions in [11C]GR103545 BPND but did not change [11C]LY2459989 binding. This discrepancy was further examined in dose-response studies with each radiotracer as well as in vitro binding experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Placzek
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Frederick A. Schroeder
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States
| | - Hsiao-Ying Wey
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Ramesh Neelamegam
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States
| | - Jacob M. Hooker
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Aldrin-Kirk P, Björklund T. Practical Considerations for the Use of DREADD and Other Chemogenetic Receptors to Regulate Neuronal Activity in the Mammalian Brain. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1937:59-87. [PMID: 30706390 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9065-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemogenetics is the process of genetically expressing a macromolecule receptor capable of modulating the activity of the cell in response to selective chemical ligand. This chapter will cover the chemogenetic technologies that are available to date, focusing on the commonly available engineered or otherwise modified ligand-gated ion channels and G-protein-coupled receptors in the context of neuromodulation. First, we will give a brief overview of each chemogenetic approach as well as in vitro/in vivo applications, then we will list their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we will provide tips for ligand application in each case.Each technology has specific limitations that make them more or less suitable for different applications in neuroscience although we will focus mainly on the most commonly used and versatile family named designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs or DREADDs. We here describe the most common cases where these can be implemented and provide tips on how and where these technologies can be applied in the field of neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Aldrin-Kirk
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Björklund
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
161
|
Aggarwal S, Tang C, Sing K, Kim HW, Millar RP, Tello JA. Medial Amygdala Kiss1 Neurons Mediate Female Pheromone Stimulation of Luteinizing Hormone in Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:172-189. [PMID: 30537700 PMCID: PMC6518874 DOI: 10.1159/000496106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The medial amygdala (MeA) responds to olfactory stimuli and alters reproductive physiology. However, the neuronal circuit that relays signals from the MeA to the reproductive axis remains poorly defined. This study aimed to test whether MeA kisspeptin (MeAKiss) neurons in male mice are sensitive to sexually relevant olfactory stimuli and transmit signals to alter reproductive physiology. We also investigated whether MeAKiss neurons have the capacity to elaborate glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters and potentially contribute to reproductive axis regulation. METHODS Using female urine as a pheromone stimulus, MeAKiss neuronal activity was analysed and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in male mice. Next, using a chemogenetic approach, MeAKiss neurons were bi-directionally modulated to measure the effect on serum LH and evaluate the activation of the preoptic area. Lastly, using in situ hybridization, we identified the proportion of MeAKiss neurons that express markers for GABAergic (Vgat) and glutamatergic (Vglut2) neurotransmission. RESULTS Male mice exposed to female urine showed a two-fold increase in the number of c-Fos-positive MeAKiss neurons concomitant with raised LH. Chemogenetic activation of MeAKiss neurons significantly increased LH in the absence of urine exposure, whereas inhibition of MeAKiss neurons did not alter LH. In situ hybridization revealed that MeAKiss neurons are a mixed neuronal population in which 71% express Vgat mRNA, 29% express Vglut2 mRNA, and 6% express both. CONCLUSIONS Our results uncover, for the first time, that MeAKiss neurons process sexually relevant olfactory signals to influence reproductive hormone levels in male mice, likely through a complex interplay of neuropeptide and neurotransmitter signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Aggarwal
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Celion Tang
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Sing
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Hyun Wook Kim
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology and Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Javier A Tello
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom,
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Gardner E, Ellington A. Reprogramming the brain with synthetic neurobiology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 58:37-44. [PMID: 30458406 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian brain is among the most complex organs known in biology. Historically, neuroscience techniques have consisted primarily of low-throughput microscopy and electrophysiological approaches. While these methods will continue to serve the community, the emerging field of synthetic neurobiology may be better equipped to scale with systems neuroscience. By using genetic techniques to achieve cell-type specificity, a map of the connectome, neural activation and recording, and ultimately to program neural development itself, we can begin to build a better framework with which to understand the brain's mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Gardner
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrew Ellington
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
Chemogenetic inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, individually and concurrently, impairs object recognition and spatial memory consolidation in female mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 156:103-116. [PMID: 30408525 PMCID: PMC7310386 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The dorsal hippocampus (DH) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are brain regions essential for processing and storing episodic memory. In rodents, the DH has a well-established role in supporting the consolidation of episodic-like memory in tasks such as object recognition and object placement. However, the role of the mPFC in the consolidation of episodic-like memory tasks remains controversial. Therefore, the present study examined involvement of the DH and mPFC, alone and in combination, in object and spatial recognition memory consolidation in ovariectomized female mice. To this end, we utilized two types of inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) to inactivate the DH alone, the mPFC alone, or both brain regions concurrently immediately after object training to assess the role of each region in the consolidation of object recognition and spatial memories. Our results using single and multiplexed DREADDS suggest that excitatory activity in the DH and mPFC, alone or in combination, is required for the successful consolidation of object recognition and spatial memories. Together, these studies provide critical insight into how the DH and mPFC work in concert to facilitate memory consolidation in female mice.
Collapse
|
164
|
Wang L, Chen SR, Ma H, Chen H, Hittelman WN, Pan HL. Regulating nociceptive transmission by VGluT2-expressing spinal dorsal horn neurons. J Neurochem 2018; 147:526-540. [PMID: 30203849 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vesicular glutamate transporter-2 (VGluT2) mediates the uptake of glutamate into synaptic vesicles in neurons. Spinal cord dorsal horn interneurons are highly heterogeneous and molecularly diverse. The functional significance of VGluT2-expressing dorsal horn neurons in physiological and pathological pain conditions has not been explicitly demonstrated. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are a powerful chemogenetic tool to reversibly control neuronal excitability and behavior. Here, we used transgenic mice with Cre recombinase expression driven by the VGluT2 promoter, combined with the chemogenetic approach, to determine the contribution of VGluT2-expressing dorsal horn neurons to nociceptive regulation. Adeno-associated viral vectors expressing double-floxed Cre-dependent Gαq-coupled human M3 muscarinic receptor DREADD (hM3D)-mCherry or Gαi-coupled κ-opioid receptor DREADD (KORD)-IRES-mCitrine were microinjected into the superficial spinal dorsal horn of VGluT2-Cre mice. Immunofluorescence labeling showed that VGluT2 was predominantly expressed in lamina II excitatory interneurons. Activation of excitatory hM3D in VGluT2-expressing neurons with clozapine N-oxide caused a profound increase in neuronal firing and synaptic glutamate release. Conversely, activation of inhibitory KORD in VGluT2-expressing neurons with salvinorin B markedly inhibited neuronal activity and synaptic glutamate release. In addition, chemogenetic stimulation of VGluT2-expressing neurons increased mechanical and thermal sensitivities in naive mice, whereas chemogenetic silencing of VGluT2-expressing neurons reversed pain hypersensitivity induced by tissue inflammation and peripheral nerve injury. These findings indicate that VGluT2-expressing excitatory neurons play a crucial role in mediating nociceptive transmission in the spinal dorsal horn. Targeting glutamatergic dorsal horn neurons with inhibitory DREADDs may be a new strategy for treating inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Huijie Ma
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Walter N Hittelman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
165
|
Yudin Y, Rohacs T. Inhibitory G i/O-coupled receptors in somatosensory neurons: Potential therapeutic targets for novel analgesics. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918763646. [PMID: 29580154 PMCID: PMC5882016 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918763646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia are responsible for sensing mechanical and thermal stimuli, as well as detecting tissue damage. These neurons express ion channels that respond to thermal, mechanical, or chemical cues, conduct action potentials, and mediate transmitter release. These neurons also express a large number of G-protein coupled receptors, which are major transducers for extracellular signaling molecules, and their activation usually modulates the primary transduction pathways. Receptors that couple to phospholipase C via heterotrimeric Gq/11 proteins and those that activate adenylate cyclase via Gs are considered excitatory; they positively regulate somatosensory transduction and they play roles in inflammatory sensitization and pain, and in some cases also in inducing itch. On the other hand, receptors that couple to Gi/o proteins, such as opioid or GABAB receptors, are generally inhibitory. Their activation counteracts the effect of Gs-stimulation by inhibiting adenylate cyclase, as well as exerts effects on ion channels, usually resulting in decreased excitability. This review will summarize knowledge on Gi-coupled receptors in sensory neurons, focusing on their roles in ion channel regulation and discuss their potential as targets for analgesic and antipruritic medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yevgen Yudin
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Tibor Rohacs
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Chen JY, Campos CA, Jarvie BC, Palmiter RD. Parabrachial CGRP Neurons Establish and Sustain Aversive Taste Memories. Neuron 2018; 100:891-899.e5. [PMID: 30344042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Food aversions develop when the taste of a novel food is associated with sickness, which often occurs after food poisoning or chemotherapy treatment. We identified calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) as sufficient and necessary for establishing a conditioned taste aversion (CTA). Photoactivating projections from CGRPPBN neurons to either the central nucleus of the amygdala or the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis can also induce robust CTA. CGRPPBN neurons undergo plasticity following CTA, and inactivation of either Arc or Grin1 (genes involved in memory consolidation) prevents establishment of a strong CTA. Calcium imaging reveals that the novel food re-activates CGRPPBN neurons after conditioning. Inhibition of these neurons or inactivation of the Grin1 gene after conditioning attenuates CTA expression. Our results indicate that CGRPPBN neurons not only play a key role for learning food aversions but also contribute to the maintenance and expression of those memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Y Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Carlos A Campos
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brooke C Jarvie
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
167
|
Abstract
Chemogenetic technologies enable selective pharmacological control of specific cell populations. An increasing number of approaches have been developed that modulate different signaling pathways. Selective pharmacological control over G protein-coupled receptor signaling, ion channel conductances, protein association, protein stability, and small molecule targeting allows modulation of cellular processes in distinct cell types. Here, we review these chemogenetic technologies and instances of their applications in complex tissues in vivo and ex vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Atasoy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Regenerative-Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University , Istanbul , Turkey ; and Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Ashburn, Virginia
| | - Scott M Sternson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Regenerative-Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University , Istanbul , Turkey ; and Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Ashburn, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
168
|
Kubota R, Nomura W, Iwasaka T, Ojima K, Kiyonaka S, Hamachi I. Chemogenetic Approach Using Ni(II) Complex-Agonist Conjugates Allows Selective Activation of Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptors. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2018; 4:1211-1221. [PMID: 30276255 PMCID: PMC6161059 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.8b00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Investigating individual G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in various signaling cascades can unlock a myriad of invaluable physiological findings. One of the promising strategies for addressing the activity of each subtype of receptor is to design chemical turn-on switches on the target receptors. However, valid methods to selectively control class A GPCRs, the largest receptor family encoded in the human genome, remain limited. Here, we describe a novel approach to chemogenetically manipulate activity of engineered class A GPCRs carrying a His4 tag, using metal complex-agonist conjugates (MACs). This manipulation is termed coordination tethering. With the assistance of coordination bonds, MACs showed 10-100-fold lower EC50 values in the engineered receptors, compared with wild-type receptors. Such coordination tethering enabled selective activation of β2-adrenoceptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, without loss of natural receptor responses, in living mammalian cells, including primary cultured astrocytes. Our generalized, modular chemogenetic approach should facilitate more precise control and deeper understanding of individual GPCR signaling pathways in living systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department
of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Wataru Nomura
- Department
of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Takuma Iwasaka
- Department
of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kento Ojima
- Department
of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Shigeki Kiyonaka
- Department
of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department
of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- Core
Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 5 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0075, Japan
- E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
169
|
Timing Mechanisms Underlying Gate Control by Feedforward Inhibition. Neuron 2018; 99:941-955.e4. [PMID: 30122375 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The gate control theory proposes that Aβ mechanoreceptor inputs to spinal pain transmission T neurons are gated via feedforward inhibition, but it remains unclear how monosynaptic excitation is gated by disynaptic inhibitory inputs that arrive later. Here we report that Aβ-evoked, non-NMDAR-dependent EPSPs in T neurons are subthreshold, allowing time for inhibitory inputs to prevent action potential firing that requires slow-onset NMDAR activation. Potassium channel activities-including IA, whose sizes are established constitutively by PreprodynorphinCre-derived inhibitory neurons-either completely filter away Aβ inputs or make them subthreshold, thereby creating a permissive condition to achieve gate control. Capsaicin-activated nociceptor inputs reduce IA and sensitize the T neurons, allowing Aβ inputs to cause firing before inhibitory inputs arrive. Thus, distinct kinetics of glutamate receptors and electric filtering by potassium channels solve the timing problem underlying the gating by feedforward inhibition, and their modulation offers a way to bypass the gate control.
Collapse
|
170
|
Munshi R, Qadri SM, Pralle A. Transient Magnetothermal Neuronal Silencing Using the Chloride Channel Anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A). Front Neurosci 2018; 12:560. [PMID: 30154692 PMCID: PMC6103273 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the role and necessity of specific neurons in a network calls for precisely timed, reversible removal of these neurons from the circuit via remotely triggered transient silencing. Previously, we have shown that alternating magnetic field mediated heating of magnetic nanoparticles, bound to neurons, expressing temperature-sensitive cation channels TRPV1 remotely activates these neurons, evoking behavioral responses in mice. Here, we demonstrate how to apply magnetic nanoparticle heating to silence target neurons. Rat hippocampal neuronal cultures were transfected to express the temperature gated chloride channel, anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A). Spontaneous firing was suppressed within seconds of alternating magnetic field application to anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A) channel expressing, magnetic nanoparticle decorated neurons. Five seconds of magnetic field application leads to 12 s of silencing, with a latency of 2 s and an average suppression ratio of more than 80%. Immediately following the silencing period spontaneous activity resumed. The method provides a promising avenue for tether free, remote, transient neuronal silencing in vivo for both scientific and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arnd Pralle
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
171
|
Ilg AK, Enkel T, Bartsch D, Bähner F. Behavioral Effects of Acute Systemic Low-Dose Clozapine in Wild-Type Rats: Implications for the Use of DREADDs in Behavioral Neuroscience. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:173. [PMID: 30154702 PMCID: PMC6102325 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are popular tools used to manipulate the activity of defined groups of neurons. Recent work has shown that DREADD effects in the brain are most likely not mediated by the proposed ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) but its metabolite clozapine (CLOZ). However, it is not known whether low doses of CLOZ required to activate DREADDs already have DREADD-independent effects on behavior as described for higher CLOZ doses used in previous preclinical studies. To close this gap, we compared effects of acute systemic (i.p.) CLOZ treatment vs. vehicle (VEH) in a wide range of behavioral tests in male wild-type rats. We found that CLOZ doses as low as 0.05–0.1 mg/kg significantly affected locomotion, anxiety and cognitive flexibility but had no effect on working memory or social interaction. These results highlight the need for careful controls in future chemogenetic experiments and show that previous results in studies lacking CNO/CLOZ controls may require critical re-evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Ilg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Enkel
- Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dusan Bartsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Florian Bähner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
172
|
Behavioral Effect of Chemogenetic Inhibition Is Directly Related to Receptor Transduction Levels in Rhesus Monkeys. J Neurosci 2018; 38:7969-7975. [PMID: 30082415 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1422-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We used inhibitory DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) to reversibly disrupt dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) function in male rhesus monkeys. Monkeys were tested on a spatial delayed response task to assess working memory function after intramuscular injection of either clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) or vehicle. CNO injections given before DREADD transduction were without effect on behavior. rAAV5/hSyn-hM4Di-mCherry was injected bilaterally into the dlPFC of five male rhesus monkeys, to produce neuronal expression of the inhibitory (Gi-coupled) DREADD receptor. We quantified the percentage of DREADD-transduced cells using stereological analysis of mCherry-immunolabeled neurons. We found a greater number of immunolabeled neurons in monkeys that displayed CNO-induced behavioral impairment after DREADD transduction compared with monkeys that showed no behavioral effect after CNO. Even in monkeys that showed reliable effects of CNO on behavior after DREADD transduction, the number of prefrontal neurons transduced with DREADD receptor was on the order of 3% of total prefrontal neurons counted. This level of histological analysis facilitates our understanding of behavioral effects, or lack thereof, after DREADD vector injection in monkeys. It also implies that a functional silencing of a relatively small fraction of dlPFC neurons, albeit in a widely distributed area, is sufficient to disrupt spatial working memory.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cognitive domains such as working memory and executive function are mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Impairments in these domains are common in neurodegenerative diseases as well as normal aging. The present study sought to measure deficits in a spatial delayed response task following activation of viral-vector transduced inhibitory DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug) receptors in rhesus macaques and compare this to the level of transduction in dlPFC using stereology. We found a significant relationship between the extent of DREADD transduction and the magnitude of behavioral deficit following administration of the DREADD actuator compound clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). These results demonstrate it will be critical to validate transduction to ensure DREADDs remain a powerful tool for neuronal disruption.
Collapse
|
173
|
Luo SX, Huang J, Li Q, Mohammad H, Lee CY, Krishna K, Kok AMY, Tan YL, Lim JY, Li H, Yeow LY, Sun J, He M, Grandjean J, Sajikumar S, Han W, Fu Y. Regulation of feeding by somatostatin neurons in the tuberal nucleus. Science 2018; 361:76-81. [PMID: 29976824 DOI: 10.1126/science.aar4983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The tuberal nucleus (TN) is a surprisingly understudied brain region. We found that somatostatin (SST) neurons in the TN, which is known to exhibit pathological or cytological changes in human neurodegenerative diseases, play a crucial role in regulating feeding in mice. GABAergic tuberal SST (TNSST) neurons were activated by hunger and by the hunger hormone, ghrelin. Activation of TNSST neurons promoted feeding, whereas inhibition reduced it via projections to the paraventricular nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Ablation of TNSST neurons reduced body weight gain and food intake. These findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism of feeding regulation that operates through orexigenic TNSST neurons, providing a new perspective for understanding appetite changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Xinwei Luo
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Ju Huang
- Discipline of Neuroscience and Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China 200025
| | - Qin Li
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667.,Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China 430071
| | - Hasan Mohammad
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Chun-Yao Lee
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Kumar Krishna
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
| | - Alison Maun-Yeng Kok
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Yu Lin Tan
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Joy Yi Lim
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Hongyu Li
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Ling Yun Yeow
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Discipline of Neuroscience and Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China 200025
| | - Miao He
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China 200032
| | - Joanes Grandjean
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
| | - Weiping Han
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
| | - Yu Fu
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667. .,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Thompson KJ, Khajehali E, Bradley SJ, Navarrete JS, Huang XP, Slocum S, Jin J, Liu J, Xiong Y, Olsen RHJ, Diberto JF, Boyt KM, Pina MM, Pati D, Molloy C, Bundgaard C, Sexton PM, Kash TL, Krashes MJ, Christopoulos A, Roth BL, Tobin AB. DREADD Agonist 21 Is an Effective Agonist for Muscarinic-Based DREADDs in Vitro and in Vivo. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2018; 1:61-72. [PMID: 30868140 PMCID: PMC6407913 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.8b00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Chemogenetic tools such as designer
receptors exclusively activated
by designer drugs (DREADDs) are routinely used to modulate neuronal
and non-neuronal signaling and activity in a relatively noninvasive
manner. The first generation of DREADDs were templated from the human
muscarinic acetylcholine receptor family and are relatively insensitive
to the endogenous agonist acetylcholine but instead are activated
by clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). Despite the undisputed
success of CNO as an activator of muscarinic DREADDs, it has been
known for some time that CNO is subject to a low rate of metabolic
conversion to clozapine, raising the need for alternative chemical
actuators of muscarinic-based DREADDs. Here we show that DREADD agonist 21 (C21) (11-(1-piperazinyl)-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepine)
is a potent and selective agonist at both excitatory (hM3Dq) and inhibitory
(hM4Di) DREADDs and has excellent bioavailability, pharmacokinetic
properties, and brain penetrability. We also show that C21-induced
activation of hM3Dq and hM4Di in vivo can modulate
bidirectional feeding in defined circuits in mice. These results indicate
that C21 represents an alternative to CNO for in vivo studies where metabolic conversion of CNO to clozapine is a concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Thompson
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Elham Khajehali
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sophie J Bradley
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jovana S Navarrete
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Xi Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Samuel Slocum
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, United States
| | - Jing Liu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, United States
| | - Yan Xiong
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029, United States
| | - Reid H J Olsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Jeffrey F Diberto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Kristen M Boyt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Melanie M Pina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Dipanwita Pati
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Colin Molloy
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Christoffer Bundgaard
- Neuroscience, Eli Lilly & Co., Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PH, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick M Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Michael J Krashes
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States.,National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina NC2751, United States
| | - Andrew B Tobin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
175
|
Keri D, Barth P. Reprogramming G protein coupled receptor structure and function. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2018; 51:187-194. [PMID: 30055347 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The prominence of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in human physiology and disease has resulted in their intense study in various fields of research ranging from neuroscience to structural biology. With over 800 members in the human genome and their involvement in a myriad of diseases, GPCRs are the single largest family of drug targets, and an ever-present interest exists in further drug discovery and structural characterization efforts. However, low GPCR expression and stability outside the natural lipid environments have challenged these efforts. In vivo functional studies of GPCR signaling are complicated not only by the need for specific spatiotemporal activation, but also by downstream effector promiscuity. In this review, we summarize the present and emerging GPCR engineering methods that have been employed to overcome the challenges involved in receptor characterization, and to better understand the functional role of these receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Keri
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - P Barth
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne Branch, 1066 Lausanne, Switzerland; Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Doron A, Goshen I. Investigating the transition from recent to remote memory using advanced tools. Brain Res Bull 2018; 141:35-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
177
|
Szablowski JO, Lee-Gosselin A, Lue B, Malounda D, Shapiro MG. Acoustically targeted chemogenetics for the non-invasive control of neural circuits. Nat Biomed Eng 2018; 2:475-484. [PMID: 30948828 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-018-0258-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric disorders are often characterized by dysfunctional neural circuits in specific regions of the brain. Existing treatment strategies, including the use of drugs and implantable brain stimulators, aim to modulate the activity of these circuits. However, they are not cell-type-specific, lack spatial targeting or require invasive procedures. Here, we report a cell-type-specific and non-invasive approach based on acoustically targeted chemogenetics that enables the modulation of neural circuits with spatiotemporal specificity. The approach uses ultrasound waves to transiently open the blood-brain barrier and transduce neurons at specific locations in the brain with virally encoded engineered G-protein-coupled receptors. The engineered neurons subsequently respond to systemically administered designer compounds to activate or inhibit their activity. In a mouse model of memory formation, the approach can modify and subsequently activate or inhibit excitatory neurons within the hippocampus, with selective control over individual brain regions. This technology overcomes some of the key limitations associated with conventional brain therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy O Szablowski
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Audrey Lee-Gosselin
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Brian Lue
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Dina Malounda
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
The State of the NIH BRAIN Initiative. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6427-6438. [PMID: 29921715 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3174-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The BRAIN Initiative arose from a grand challenge to "accelerate the development and application of new technologies that will enable researchers to produce dynamic pictures of the brain that show how individual brain cells and complex neural circuits interact at the speed of thought." The BRAIN Initiative is a public-private effort focused on the development and use of powerful tools for acquiring fundamental insights about how information processing occurs in the central nervous system (CNS). As the Initiative enters its fifth year, NIH has supported >500 principal investigators, who have answered the Initiative's challenge via hundreds of publications describing novel tools, methods, and discoveries that address the Initiative's seven scientific priorities. We describe scientific advances produced by individual laboratories, multi-investigator teams, and entire consortia that, over the coming decades, will produce more comprehensive and dynamic maps of the brain, deepen our understanding of how circuit activity can produce a rich tapestry of behaviors, and lay the foundation for understanding how its circuitry is disrupted in brain disorders. Much more work remains to bring this vision to fruition, and the National Institutes of Health continues to look to the diverse scientific community, from mathematics, to physics, chemistry, engineering, neuroethics, and neuroscience, to ensure that the greatest scientific benefit arises from this unique research Initiative.
Collapse
|
179
|
Onda M, Sansawa K, Osakada F. [Viral and Electrophysiological Approaches for Elucidating the Structure and Function of Retinal Circuits]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2018; 138:669-678. [PMID: 29710012 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.17-00200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian retina consists of five classes of neurons: photoreceptor, horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells. Based on cell morphology, electrophysiological properties, connectivity, and gene expression patterns, each class of retinal neurons is further subdivided into many distinct cell types. Each type of photoreceptor, bipolar, and ganglion cell tiles the retina, collectively providing a complete representation across the visual scene. Visual signals are processed by at least 80 distinct cell types and at least 20 separate circuits in the retina. These circuits comprise parallel pathways from the photoreceptor cells to ganglion cells, each forming a channel of visual information. Feed-forward and feedback inhibition of horizontal and amacrine cells shape these parallel pathways. However, the cell-type-specific roles of inhibitory circuits in retinal information processing remain unknown. Here we summarize parallel processing strategies in the retina, and then introduce our viral and electrophysiological approaches that reveal the roles of genetically defined subtypes of amacrine cells in retinal circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Onda
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University
| | - Kouki Sansawa
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University
| | - Fumitaka Osakada
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University.,Laboratory of Neural Information Processing, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University.,Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies.,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
Purohit K, Parekh PK, Kern J, Logan RW, Liu Z, Huang Y, McClung CA, Crabbe JC, Ozburn AR. Pharmacogenetic Manipulation of the Nucleus Accumbens Alters Binge-Like Alcohol Drinking in Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:879-888. [PMID: 29668112 PMCID: PMC6034712 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol intake leads to long-lasting changes in reward- and stress-related neuronal circuitry. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is an integral component of this circuitry. Here, we investigate the effects of DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) on neuronal activity in the NAc and binge-like drinking. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were stereotaxically injected with AAV2 hSyn-HA hM3Dq, -hM4Di, or -eGFP bilaterally into NAc [core + shell, core or shell]. We measured clozapine-n-oxide (CNO)-induced changes in NAc activity and assessed binge-like ethanol (EtOH) or tastant/fluid intake in a limited access Drinking in the Dark (DID) schedule. RESULTS We found that CNO increased NAc firing in hM3Dq positive cells and decreased firing in hM4Di cells, confirming the efficacy of these channels to alter neuronal activity both spatially and temporally. Increasing NAc core + shell activity decreased binge-like drinking without altering intake of other tastants. Increasing activity specifically in the NAc core reduced binge-like drinking, and decreasing activity in the NAc core increased drinking. Manipulation of NAc shell activity did not alter DID. Thus, we find that increasing activity in the entire NAc, or just the NAc core is sufficient to decrease binge drinking. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the reduction in EtOH drinking is not due to general malaise, altered perception of taste, or reduced calorie-seeking. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence for bidirectional control of NAc core and binge-like drinking. These findings could have promising implications for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kush Purohit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Puja K Parekh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph Kern
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanhua Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Colleen A McClung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John C Crabbe
- Research and Development Service, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Angela R Ozburn
- Research and Development Service, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Khlghatyan J, Evstratova A, Chamberland S, Marakhovskaia A, Bahremand A, Toth K, Beaulieu JM. Mental Illnesses-Associated Fxr1 and Its Negative Regulator Gsk3β Are Modulators of Anxiety and Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:119. [PMID: 29706865 PMCID: PMC5906571 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants of the fragile X mental retardation syndrome-related protein 1 (FXR1) have been associated to mood regulation, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders. Nonetheless, genetic association does not indicate a functional link of a given gene to neuronal activity and associated behaviors. In addition, interaction between multiple genes is often needed to sculpt complex traits such as behavior. Thus, modulation of neuronal functions by a given gene product, such as Fxr1, has to be thoroughly studied in the context of its interactions with other gene products. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) is a shared target of several psychoactive drugs. In addition, interaction between functional polymorphisms of GSK3b and FXR1 has been implicated in mood regulation in healthy subjects and bipolar patients. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of this interaction remain unknown. We used somatic CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout and overexpression to investigate the impact of Fxr1 and its regulator Gsk3β on neuronal functions directly in the adult mouse brain. Suppression of Gsk3β or increase of Fxr1 expression in medial prefrontal cortex neurons leads to anxiolytic-like responses associated with a decrease in AMPA mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents. Furthermore, Fxr1 and Gsk3β modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission via regulation of AMPA receptor subunits GluA1 and GluA2 as well as vesicular glutamate transporter VGlut1. These results underscore a potential mechanism underlying the action of Fxr1 on neuronal activity and behaviors. Association between the Gsk3β-Fxr1 pathway and glutamatergic signaling also suggests how it may contribute to emotional regulation in response to mood stabilizers, or in illnesses like mood disorders and schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jivan Khlghatyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alesya Evstratova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Chamberland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Arash Bahremand
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Katalin Toth
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Starkweather CK, Gershman SJ, Uchida N. The Medial Prefrontal Cortex Shapes Dopamine Reward Prediction Errors under State Uncertainty. Neuron 2018; 98:616-629.e6. [PMID: 29656872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Animals make predictions based on currently available information. In natural settings, sensory cues may not reveal complete information, requiring the animal to infer the "hidden state" of the environment. The brain structures important in hidden state inference remain unknown. A previous study showed that midbrain dopamine neurons exhibit distinct response patterns depending on whether reward is delivered in 100% (task 1) or 90% of trials (task 2) in a classical conditioning task. Here we found that inactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) affected dopaminergic signaling in task 2, in which the hidden state must be inferred ("will reward come or not?"), but not in task 1, where the state was known with certainty. Computational modeling suggests that the effects of inactivation are best explained by a circuit in which the mPFC conveys inference over hidden states to the dopamine system. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Kwon Starkweather
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Samuel J Gershman
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Naoshige Uchida
- Center for Brain Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Benekareddy M, Stachniak TJ, Bruns A, Knoflach F, von Kienlin M, Künnecke B, Ghosh A. Identification of a Corticohabenular Circuit Regulating Socially Directed Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:607-617. [PMID: 29336819 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of social dysfunction, but the specific circuit partners mediating PFC function in health and disease are unclear. METHODS The excitatory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) hM3Dq was used to induce PFC activation during social behavior measured in the three-chamber sociability assay (rats/mice). Functional magnetic resonance imaging was combined with hM3Dq-mediated PFC activation to identify novel nodes in the "social brain" in a hypothesis-free manner. In multiplexed DREADD experiments, hM3Dq and the inhibitory KORDi were used to bidirectionally modulate PFC activity and measure social behavior and global functional magnetic resonance imaging signature. To characterize the functional role of specific nodes identified in this functional magnetic resonance imaging screen, we used anterograde and retrograde tracers, optogenetic and DREADD-assisted circuit mapping, and circuit behavioral experiments. RESULTS PFC activation suppressed social behavior and modulated activity in a number of regions involved in emotional behavior. Bidirectional modulation of PFC activity further refined this subset of brain regions and identified the habenula as a node robustly correlated with PFC activity. Furthermore, we showed that the lateral habenula (LHb) receives direct synaptic input from the PFC and that activation of LHb neurons or the PFC inputs to the LHb suppresses social preference. Finally, we demonstrated that LHb inhibition can prevent the social deficits induced by PFC activation. CONCLUSIONS The LHb is thought to provide reward-related contextual information to the mesolimbic reward system known to be involved in social behavior. Thus, PFC projections to the LHb may represent an important part of descending PFC pathways that control social behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Benekareddy
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tevye Jason Stachniak
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Bruns
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Knoflach
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus von Kienlin
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Basil Künnecke
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anirvan Ghosh
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Padovan-Hernandez Y, Knackstedt LA. Dose-dependent reduction in cocaine-induced locomotion by Clozapine-N-Oxide in rats with a history of cocaine self-administration. Neurosci Lett 2018; 674:132-135. [PMID: 29571824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are novel tools for the dissection of circuitry mediating behavior and neural function. Designer receptors based on the muscarinic M3 and M4 subtypes were designed to be activated by clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), a ligand previously shown to be an inert metabolite of clozapine. However, recent work in rats has shown that CNO is reverse metabolized to its parent compound. Furthermore, CNO administration (5 mg/kg IP) attenuates amphetamine-induced locomotion and the evoked dopamine response that accompanies it. As these systems are routinely used to probe the neurocircuitry underlying cocaine-seeking behavior, here we sought to determine whether CNO would have similar effects on cocaine-induced locomotion in rats with a history of cocaine self-administration. In order for muscarinic-based DREADDs to be utilized for the dissection of circuitry underlying behavioral responses to cocaine, the doses of CNO administered to induce DREADD signaling must themselves have no effect on cocaine-induced behavior. Male Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered cocaine (0.35 mg/infusion) for 12 days, followed by 14-21 days of instrumental extinction training. Rats then underwent locomotor testing. CNO (0, 3, or 5 mg/kg) was injected (utilizing a within-subjects design), followed 20 min later by cocaine (10 mg/kg IP). Locomotion was monitored for the following 120 min. We found that the 5, but not the 3 mg/kg, dose of CNO reduced cocaine-induced locomotion. Thus, studies utilizing DREAADs to probe cocaine-induced behavior should consider these findings when choosing a dose of CNO and include non-DREADD CNO controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611, United States; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
185
|
|
186
|
Abstract
Optogenetics and chemogenetics provide the ability to modulate neurons in a type- and region-specific manner. These powerful techniques are useful to test hypotheses regarding the neural circuit mechanisms of general anesthetic end points such as hypnosis and analgesia. With both techniques, a genetic strategy is used to target expression of light-sensitive ion channels (opsins) or designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs in specific neurons. Optogenetics provides precise temporal control of neuronal firing with light pulses, whereas chemogenetics provides the ability to modulate neuronal firing for several hours with the single administration of a designer drug. This chapter provides an overview of neuronal targeting and experimental strategies and highlights the important advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Vlasov
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Christa J Van Dort
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ken Solt
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
187
|
Fear extinction requires infralimbic cortex projections to the basolateral amygdala. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:60. [PMID: 29507292 PMCID: PMC5838104 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear extinction involves the formation of a new memory trace that attenuates fear responses to a conditioned aversive memory, and extinction impairments are implicated in trauma- and stress-related disorders. Previous studies in rodents have found that the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL) and its glutamatergic projections to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and basomedial amygdala (BMA) instruct the formation of fear extinction memories. However, it is unclear whether these pathways are exclusively involved in extinction, or whether other major targets of the IL, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) also play a role. To address this outstanding issue, the current study employed a combination of electrophysiological and chemogenetic approaches in mice to interrogate the role of IL-BLA and IL-NAc pathways in extinction. Specifically, we used patch-clamp electrophysiology coupled with retrograde tracing to examine changes in neuronal activity of the IL and prelimbic cortex (PL) projections to both the BLA and NAc following fear extinction. We found that extinction produced a significant increase in the intrinsic excitability of IL-BLA projection neurons, while extinction appeared to reverse fear-induced changes in IL-NAc projection neurons. To establish a causal counterpart to these observations, we then used a pathway-specific Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) strategy to selectively inhibit PFC-BLA projection neurons during extinction acquisition. Using this approach, we found that DREADD-mediated inhibition of PFC-BLA neurons during extinction acquisition impaired subsequent extinction retrieval. Taken together, our findings provide further evidence for a critical contribution of the IL-BLA neural circuit to fear extinction.
Collapse
|
188
|
The DREADD agonist clozapine N-oxide (CNO) is reverse-metabolized to clozapine and produces clozapine-like interoceptive stimulus effects in rats and mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3840. [PMID: 29497149 PMCID: PMC5832819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) has long been the ligand of choice for selectively activating Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). However, recent studies have challenged the long-held assertion that CNO is otherwise pharmacologically inert. The present study aimed to 1) determine whether CNO is reverse-metabolized to its parent compound clozapine in mice (as has recently been reported in rats), and 2) determine whether CNO exerts clozapine-like interoceptive stimulus effects in rats and/or mice. Following administration of 10.0 mg/kg CNO, pharmacokinetic analyses replicated recent reports of back-conversion to clozapine in rats and revealed that this phenomenon also occurs in mice. In rats and mice trained to discriminate 1.25 mg/kg clozapine from vehicle, CNO (1.0–20.0 mg/kg) produced partial substitution for the clozapine stimulus on average, with full substitution being detected in some individual animals of both species at doses frequently used to activate DREADDs. The present demonstration that CNO is converted to clozapine and exerts clozapine-like behavioral effects in both mice and rats further emphasizes the need for appropriate control groups in studies employing DREADDs, and highlights the utility of the drug discrimination procedure as a tool with which to screen the off-target effects of novel DREADD agonists.
Collapse
|
189
|
Campbell EJ, Marchant NJ. The use of chemogenetics in behavioural neuroscience: receptor variants, targeting approaches and caveats. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:994-1003. [PMID: 29338070 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen major advances in neuroscience tools allowing us to selectively modulate cellular pathways in freely moving animals. Chemogenetic approaches such as designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) permit the remote control of neuronal function by systemic drug administration. These approaches have dramatically advanced our understanding of the neural control of behaviour. Here, we review the different techniques and genetic approaches available for the restriction of chemogenetic receptors to defined neuronal populations. We highlight the use of a dual virus approach to target specific circuitries and the effectiveness of different routes of administration of designer drugs. Finally, we discuss the potential caveats associated with DREADDs including off-target effects of designer drugs, the effects of chronic chemogenetic receptor activation and the issue of collateral projections associated with DREADD activation and inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Campbell
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nathan J Marchant
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
190
|
Heeley N, Kirwan P, Darwish T, Arnaud M, Evans ML, Merkle FT, Reimann F, Gribble FM, Blouet C. Rapid sensing of l-leucine by human and murine hypothalamic neurons: Neurochemical and mechanistic insights. Mol Metab 2018; 10:14-27. [PMID: 29439854 PMCID: PMC5985239 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Dietary proteins are sensed by hypothalamic neurons and strongly influence multiple aspects of metabolic health, including appetite, weight gain, and adiposity. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which hypothalamic neural circuits controlling behavior and metabolism sense protein availability. The aim of this study is to characterize how neurons from the mediobasal hypothalamus respond to a signal of protein availability: the amino acid l-leucine. Methods We used primary cultures of post-weaning murine mediobasal hypothalamic neurons, hypothalamic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, and calcium imaging to characterize rapid neuronal responses to physiological changes in extracellular l-Leucine concentration. Results A neurochemically diverse subset of both mouse and human hypothalamic neurons responded rapidly to l-leucine. Consistent with l-leucine's anorexigenic role, we found that 25% of mouse MBH POMC neurons were activated by l-leucine. 10% of MBH NPY neurons were inhibited by l-leucine, and leucine rapidly reduced AGRP secretion, providing a mechanism for the rapid leucine-induced inhibition of foraging behavior in rodents. Surprisingly, none of the candidate mechanisms previously implicated in hypothalamic leucine sensing (KATP channels, mTORC1 signaling, amino-acid decarboxylation) were involved in the acute activity changes produced by l-leucine. Instead, our data indicate that leucine-induced neuronal activation involves a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel, whereas leucine-induced neuronal inhibition is mediated by inhibition of a store-operated Ca2+ current. Conclusions A subset of neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus rapidly respond to physiological changes in extracellular leucine concentration. Leucine can produce both increases and decreases in neuronal Ca2+ concentrations in a neurochemically-diverse group of neurons, including some POMC and NPY/AGRP neurons. Our data reveal that leucine can signal through novel mechanisms to rapidly affect neuronal activity. A neurochemically diverse group of mouse and human hypothalamic neurons rapidly sense and respond to l-leucine. Leucine can produce neuronal activation or neuronal inhibition via distinct and novel Ca2+ signaling mechanisms. Leucine activates 25% ARH POMC neurons. Leucine inhibits 10% ARH NPY/AGRP neurons and reduces AGRP secretion from fasted mediobasal hypothalamic slices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Heeley
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Peter Kirwan
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Tamana Darwish
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Marion Arnaud
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Mark L Evans
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Florian T Merkle
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK
| | - Clemence Blouet
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OQQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Che T, Majumdar S, Zaidi SA, Ondachi P, McCorvy JD, Wang S, Mosier PD, Uprety R, Vardy E, Krumm BE, Han GW, Lee MY, Pardon E, Steyaert J, Huang XP, Strachan RT, Tribo AR, Pasternak GW, Carroll FI, Stevens RC, Cherezov V, Katritch V, Wacker D, Roth BL. Structure of the Nanobody-Stabilized Active State of the Kappa Opioid Receptor. Cell 2018; 172:55-67.e15. [PMID: 29307491 PMCID: PMC5802374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOP) mediates the actions of opioids with hallucinogenic, dysphoric, and analgesic activities. The design of KOP analgesics devoid of hallucinatory and dysphoric effects has been hindered by an incomplete structural and mechanistic understanding of KOP agonist actions. Here, we provide a crystal structure of human KOP in complex with the potent epoxymorphinan opioid agonist MP1104 and an active-state-stabilizing nanobody. Comparisons between inactive- and active-state opioid receptor structures reveal substantial conformational changes in the binding pocket and intracellular and extracellular regions. Extensive structural analysis and experimental validation illuminate key residues that propagate larger-scale structural rearrangements and transducer binding that, collectively, elucidate the structural determinants of KOP pharmacology, function, and biased signaling. These molecular insights promise to accelerate the structure-guided design of safer and more effective κ-opioid receptor therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Che
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Saheem A Zaidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Pauline Ondachi
- Center for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Philip D Mosier
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonweath University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Rajendra Uprety
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eyal Vardy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gye Won Han
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ming-Yue Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; School of Molecular Sciences, Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Institute of Natural Resources and Environmental Audits, Nanjing Audit University, Nanjing, China
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ryan T Strachan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexandra R Tribo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gavril W Pasternak
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Center for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Raymond C Stevens
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Daniel Wacker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Boesmans W, Hao MM, Vanden Berghe P. Optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques for neurogastroenterology. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 15:21-38. [PMID: 29184183 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics and chemogenetics comprise a wide variety of applications in which genetically encoded actuators and indicators are used to modulate and monitor activity with high cellular specificity. Over the past 10 years, development of these genetically encoded tools has contributed tremendously to our understanding of integrated physiology. In concert with the continued refinement of probes, strategies to target transgene expression to specific cell types have also made much progress in the past 20 years. In addition, the successful implementation of optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques thrives thanks to ongoing advances in live imaging microscopy and optical technology. Although innovation of optogenetic and chemogenetic methods has been primarily driven by researchers studying the central nervous system, these techniques also hold great promise to boost research in neurogastroenterology. In this Review, we describe the different classes of tools that are currently available and give an overview of the strategies to target them to specific cell types in the gut wall. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of optogenetic and chemogenetic technology in the gut and provide an overview of their current use, with a focus on the enteric nervous system. Furthermore, we suggest some experiments that can advance our understanding of how the intrinsic and extrinsic neural networks of the gut control gastrointestinal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werend Boesmans
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience (LENS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N 1 Box 701, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debeijelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marlene M Hao
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience (LENS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N 1 Box 701, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience (LENS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N 1 Box 701, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
193
|
Robins MT, Chiang T, Mores KL, Alongkronrusmee D, van Rijn RM. Critical Role for G i/o-Protein Activity in the Dorsal Striatum in the Reduction of Voluntary Alcohol Intake in C57Bl/6 Mice. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:112. [PMID: 29686629 PMCID: PMC5900748 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from non-dependent alcohol use to alcohol dependence involves increased activity of the dorsal striatum. Interestingly, the dorsal striatum expresses a large number of inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which when activated may inhibit alcohol-induced increased activity and can decrease alcohol consumption. Here, we explore the hypothesis that dorsal striatal Gi/o-protein activation is sufficient to reduce voluntary alcohol intake. Using a voluntary, limited-access, two-bottle choice, drink-in-the-dark model of alcohol (10%) consumption, we validated the importance of Gi/o signaling in this region by locally expressing neuron-specific, adeno-associated-virus encoded Gi/o-coupled muscarinic M4 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) in the dorsal striatum and observed a decrease in alcohol intake upon DREADD activation. We validated our findings by activating Gi/o-coupled delta-opioid receptors (DORs), which are natively expressed in the dorsal striatum, using either a G-protein biased agonist or a β-arrestin-biased agonist. Local infusion of TAN-67, an in vitro-determined Gi/o-protein biased DOR agonist, decreased voluntary alcohol intake in wild-type and β-arrestin-2 knockout (KO) mice. SNC80, a β-arrestin-2 biased DOR agonist, increased alcohol intake in wild-type mice; however, SNC80 decreased alcohol intake in β-arrestin-2 KO mice, thus resulting in a behavioral outcome generally observed for Gi/o-biased agonists and suggesting that β-arrestin recruitment is required for SNC80-increased alcohol intake. Overall, these results suggest that activation Gi/o-coupled GPCRs expressed in the dorsal striatum, such as the DOR, by G-protein biased agonists may be a potential strategy to decrease voluntary alcohol consumption and β-arrestin recruitment is to be avoided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meridith T Robins
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue University Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Terrance Chiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue University Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Kendall L Mores
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Doungkamol Alongkronrusmee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue University Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue University Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
194
|
Neuromodulation Using Optogenetics and Related Technologies. Neuromodulation 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-805353-9.00035-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
195
|
Kipniss NH, Dingal PCDP, Abbott TR, Gao Y, Wang H, Dominguez AA, Labanieh L, Qi LS. Engineering cell sensing and responses using a GPCR-coupled CRISPR-Cas system. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2212. [PMID: 29263378 PMCID: PMC5738360 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes and detect a wide array of cues in the human body. Here we describe a molecular device that couples CRISPR-dCas9 genome regulation to diverse natural and synthetic extracellular signals via GPCRs. We generate alternative architectures for fusing CRISPR to GPCRs utilizing the previously reported design, Tango, and our design, ChaCha. Mathematical modeling suggests that for the CRISPR ChaCha design, multiple dCas9 molecules can be released across the lifetime of a GPCR. The CRISPR ChaCha is dose-dependent, reversible, and can activate multiple endogenous genes simultaneously in response to extracellular ligands. We adopt the design to diverse GPCRs that sense a broad spectrum of ligands, including synthetic compounds, chemokines, mitogens, fatty acids, and hormones. This toolkit of CRISPR-coupled GPCRs provides a modular platform for rewiring diverse ligand sensing to targeted genome regulation for engineering cellular functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan H Kipniss
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - P C Dave P Dingal
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Timothy R Abbott
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
196
|
Shields BC, Kahuno E, Kim C, Apostolides PF, Brown J, Lindo S, Mensh BD, Dudman JT, Lavis LD, Tadross MR. Deconstructing behavioral neuropharmacology with cellular specificity. Science 2017; 356:356/6333/eaaj2161. [PMID: 28385956 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaj2161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Behavior has molecular, cellular, and circuit determinants. However, because many proteins are broadly expressed, their acute manipulation within defined cells has been difficult. Here, we combined the speed and molecular specificity of pharmacology with the cell type specificity of genetic tools. DART (drugs acutely restricted by tethering) is a technique that rapidly localizes drugs to the surface of defined cells, without prior modification of the native target. We first developed an AMPAR antagonist DART, with validation in cultured neuronal assays, in slices of mouse dorsal striatum, and in behaving mice. In parkinsonian animals, motor deficits were causally attributed to AMPARs in indirect spiny projection neurons (iSPNs) and to excess phasic firing of tonically active interneurons (TANs). Together, iSPNs and TANs (i.e., D2 cells) drove akinesia, whereas movement execution deficits reflected the ratio of AMPARs in D2 versus D1 cells. Finally, we designed a muscarinic antagonist DART in one iteration, demonstrating applicability of the method to diverse targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda C Shields
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kahuno
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Charles Kim
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Pierre F Apostolides
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Jennifer Brown
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Sarah Lindo
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Brett D Mensh
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Joshua T Dudman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Luke D Lavis
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Michael R Tadross
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
197
|
Yu K, Ahrens S, Zhang X, Schiff H, Ramakrishnan C, Fenno L, Deisseroth K, Zhao F, Luo MH, Gong L, He M, Zhou P, Paninski L, Li B. The central amygdala controls learning in the lateral amygdala. Nat Neurosci 2017; 20:1680-1685. [PMID: 29184202 PMCID: PMC5755715 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-017-0009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Experience-driven synaptic plasticity in the lateral amygdala is thought to underlie the formation of associations between sensory stimuli and an ensuing threat. However, how the central amygdala participates in such a learning process remains unclear. Here we show that PKC-δ-expressing central amygdala neurons are essential for the synaptic plasticity underlying learning in the lateral amygdala, as they convey information about the unconditioned stimulus to lateral amygdala neurons during fear conditioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Ahrens
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Xian Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Hillary Schiff
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Min-Hua Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Gong
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao He
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Departments of Statistics and Neuroscience, Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, and Grossman Center for the Statistics of Mind, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liam Paninski
- Departments of Statistics and Neuroscience, Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, and Grossman Center for the Statistics of Mind, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
198
|
Huang XP, Che T, Mangano TJ, Le Rouzic V, Pan YX, Majumdar S, Cameron MD, Baumann MH, Pasternak GW, Roth BL. Fentanyl-related designer drugs W-18 and W-15 lack appreciable opioid activity in vitro and in vivo. JCI Insight 2017; 2:97222. [PMID: 29202454 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.97222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
W-18 (4-chloro-N-[1-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]-2-piperidinylidene]-benzenesulfonamide) and W-15 (4-chloro-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-2-piperidinylidene]-benzenesulfonamide) represent two emerging drugs of abuse chemically related to the potent opioid agonist fentanyl (N-(1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl)-N-phenylpropanamide). Here, we describe the comprehensive pharmacological profiles of W-18 and W-15, as examination of their structural features predicted that they might lack opioid activity. We found W-18 and W-15 to be without detectible activity at μ, δ, κ, and nociception opioid receptors in a variety of assays. We also tested W-18 and W-15 for activity as allosteric modulators at opioid receptors and found them devoid of significant positive or negative allosteric modulatory activity. Comprehensive profiling at essentially all the druggable GPCRs in the human genome using the PRESTO-Tango platform revealed no significant activity. Weak activity at the sigma receptors and the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor was found for W-18 (Ki = 271 nM). W-18 showed no activity in either the radiant heat tail-flick or the writhing assays and also did not induce classical opioid behaviors. W-18 is extensively metabolized, but its metabolites also lack opioid activity. Thus, although W-18 and W-15 have been suggested to be potent opioid agonists, our results reveal no significant activity at these or other known targets for psychoactive drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas J Mangano
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Valerie Le Rouzic
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael D Cameron
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gavril W Pasternak
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
199
|
Howell CJ, Sceniak MP, Lang M, Krakowiecki W, Abouelsoud FE, Lad SU, Yu H, Katz DM. Activation of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Reverses Cognitive and Respiratory Symptoms in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. eNeuro 2017; 4:ENEURO.0277-17.2017. [PMID: 29333487 PMCID: PMC5762598 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0277-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2; Amir et al., 1999), a transcriptional regulatory protein (Klose et al., 2005). Mouse models of RTT (Mecp2 mutants) exhibit excitatory hypoconnectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC; Sceniak et al., 2015), a region critical for functions that are abnormal in RTT patients, ranging from learning and memory to regulation of visceral homeostasis (Riga et al., 2014). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that increasing the activity of mPFC pyramidal neurons in heterozygous female Mecp2 mutants (Hets) would ameliorate RTT-like symptoms, including deficits in respiratory control and long-term retrieval of auditory conditioned fear. Selective activation of mPFC pyramidal neurons in adult animals was achieved by bilateral infection with an AAV8 vector expressing excitatory hm3D(Gq) DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) (Armbruster et al., 2007) under the control of the CamKIIa promoter. DREADD activation in Mecp2 Hets completely restored long-term retrieval of auditory conditioned fear, eliminated respiratory apneas, and reduced respiratory frequency variability to wild-type (Wt) levels. Reversal of respiratory symptoms following mPFC activation was associated with normalization of Fos protein levels, a marker of neuronal activity, in a subset of brainstem respiratory neurons. Thus, despite reduced levels of MeCP2 and severe neurological deficits, mPFC circuits in Het mice are sufficiently intact to generate normal behavioral output when pyramidal cell activity is increased. These findings highlight the contribution of mPFC hypofunction to the pathophysiology of RTT and raise the possibility that selective activation of cortical regions such as the mPFC could provide therapeutic benefit to RTT patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C James Howell
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Michael P Sceniak
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Min Lang
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Wenceslas Krakowiecki
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Fatimah E Abouelsoud
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Saloni U Lad
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Heping Yu
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - David M Katz
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| |
Collapse
|
200
|
Aldrin-Kirk P, Heuer A, Rylander Ottosson D, Davidsson M, Mattsson B, Björklund T. Chemogenetic modulation of cholinergic interneurons reveals their regulating role on the direct and indirect output pathways from the striatum. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 109:148-162. [PMID: 29037828 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance between dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission in the striatum has been thoroughly difficult to characterize. It was initially described as a seesaw with a competing function of dopamine versus acetylcholine. Recent technical advances however, have brought this view into question suggesting that the two systems work rather in concert with the cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) driving dopamine release. In this study, we have utilized two transgenic Cre-driver rat lines, a choline acetyl transferase ChAT-Cre transgenic rat and a novel double-transgenic tyrosine hydroxylase TH-Cre/ChAT-Cre rat to further elucidate the role of striatal ChIs in normal motor function and in Parkinson's disease. Here we show that selective and reversible activation of ChIs using chemogenetic (DREADD) receptors increases locomotor function in intact rats and potentiate the therapeutic effect of L-DOPA in the rats with lesions of the nigral dopamine system. However, the potentiation of the L-DOPA effect is accompanied by an aggravation of L-DOPA induced dyskinesias (LIDs). These LIDs appear to be driven primarily through the indirect striato-pallidal pathway since the same effect can be induced by the D2 agonist Quinpirole. Taken together, the results highlight the intricate regulation of balance between the two output pathways from the striatum orchestrated by the ChIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Aldrin-Kirk
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Davidsson
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Bengt Mattsson
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Björklund
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|