1
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Kapustina M, Zhang AA, Tsai JYJ, Bristow BN, Kraus L, Sullivan KE, Erwin SR, Wang L, Stach TR, Clements J, Lemire AL, Cembrowski MS. The cell-type-specific spatial organization of the anterior thalamic nuclei of the mouse brain. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113842. [PMID: 38427564 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cell-type composition and spatial organization of brain regions is crucial for interpreting brain computation and function. In the thalamus, the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) are involved in a wide variety of functions, yet the cell-type composition of the ATN remains unmapped at a single-cell and spatial resolution. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and multiplexed fluorescent in situ hybridization, we identify three discrete excitatory cell-type clusters that correspond to the known nuclei of the ATN and uncover marker genes, molecular pathways, and putative functions of these cell types. We further illustrate graded spatial variation along the dorsomedial-ventrolateral axis for all individual nuclei of the ATN and additionally demonstrate that the anteroventral nucleus exhibits spatially covarying protein products and long-range inputs. Collectively, our study reveals discrete and continuous cell-type organizational principles of the ATN, which will help to guide and interpret experiments on ATN computation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Kapustina
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Angela A Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer Y J Tsai
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Brianna N Bristow
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Larissa Kraus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kaitlin E Sullivan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sarah R Erwin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lihua Wang
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Tara R Stach
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jody Clements
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Andrew L Lemire
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Mark S Cembrowski
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
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2
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Brown A, Villaruel FR, Chaudhri N. Neural correlates of recall and extinction in a rat model of appetitive Pavlovian conditioning. Behav Brain Res 2023; 440:114248. [PMID: 36496079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extinction is a fundamental form of inhibitory learning that is important for adapting to changing environmental contingencies. While numerous studies have investigated the neural correlates of extinction using Pavlovian fear conditioning and appetitive operant reward-seeking procedures, less is known about the neural circuitry mediating the extinction of appetitive Pavlovian responding. Here, we aimed to generate an extensive brain activation map of extinction learning in a rat model of appetitive Pavlovian conditioning. Male Long-Evans rats were trained to associate a conditioned stimulus (CS; 20 s white noise) with the delivery of a 10% sucrose unconditioned stimulus (US; 0.3 ml/CS) to a fluid port. Control groups also received CS presentations, but sucrose was delivered either during the inter-trial interval or in the home-cage. After conditioning, 1 or 6 extinction sessions were conducted in which the CS was presented but sucrose was withheld. We performed Fos immunohistochemistry and network connectivity analyses on a set of cortical, striatal, thalamic, and amygdalar brain regions. Neural activity in the prelimbic cortex, ventral orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, and paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus was greater during recall relative to extinction. Conversely, prolonged extinction following 6 sessions induced increased neural activity in the infralimbic cortex, medial orbitofrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens shell compared to home-cage controls. All these structures were similarly recruited during recall on the first extinction session. These findings provide novel evidence for the contribution of brain areas and neural networks that are differentially involved in the recall versus extinction of appetitive Pavlovian conditioned responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Brown
- Center for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Franz R Villaruel
- Center for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nadia Chaudhri
- Center for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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3
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Aggleton JP, Nelson AJD, O'Mara SM. Time to retire the serial Papez circuit: Implications for space, memory, and attention. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 140:104813. [PMID: 35940310 PMCID: PMC10804970 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
After more than 80 years, Papez serial circuit remains a hugely influential concept, initially for emotion, but in more recent decades, for memory. Here, we show how this circuit is anatomically and mechanistically naïve as well as outdated. We argue that a new conceptualisation is necessitated by recent anatomical and functional findings that emphasize the more equal, working partnerships between the anterior thalamic nuclei and the hippocampal formation, along with their neocortical interactions in supporting, episodic memory. Furthermore, despite the importance of the anterior thalamic for mnemonic processing, there is growing evidence that these nuclei support multiple aspects of cognition, only some of which are directly associated with hippocampal function. By viewing the anterior thalamic nuclei as a multifunctional hub, a clearer picture emerges of extra-hippocampal regions supporting memory. The reformulation presented here underlines the need to retire Papez serially processing circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Aggleton
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, Wales, UK.
| | - Andrew J D Nelson
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, Wales, UK
| | - Shane M O'Mara
- School of Psychology and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin D02 PN40, Ireland
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4
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Tomé DF, Sadeh S, Clopath C. Coordinated hippocampal-thalamic-cortical communication crucial for engram dynamics underneath systems consolidation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:840. [PMID: 35149680 PMCID: PMC8837777 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems consolidation refers to the time-dependent reorganization of memory representations or engrams across brain regions. Despite recent advancements in unravelling this process, the exact mechanisms behind engram dynamics and the role of associated pathways remain largely unknown. Here we propose a biologically-plausible computational model to address this knowledge gap. By coordinating synaptic plasticity timescales and incorporating a hippocampus-thalamus-cortex circuit, our model is able to couple engram reactivations across these regions and thereby reproduce key dynamics of cortical and hippocampal engram cells along with their interdependencies. Decoupling hippocampal-thalamic-cortical activity disrupts systems consolidation. Critically, our model yields testable predictions regarding hippocampal and thalamic engram cells, inhibitory engrams, thalamic inhibitory input, and the effect of thalamocortical synaptic coupling on retrograde amnesia induced by hippocampal lesions. Overall, our results suggest that systems consolidation emerges from coupled reactivations of engram cells in distributed brain regions enabled by coordinated synaptic plasticity timescales in multisynaptic subcortical-cortical circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sadra Sadeh
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Claudia Clopath
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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5
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Ventral midline thalamus activation is correlated with memory performance in a delayed spatial matching-to-sample task: A c-Fos imaging approach in the rat. Behav Brain Res 2022; 418:113670. [PMID: 34798168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The reuniens (Re) and rhomboid (Rh) nuclei of the ventral midline thalamus are bi-directionally connected with the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. They participate in a variety of cognitive functions, including information holding for seconds to minutes in working memory tasks. What about longer delays? To address this question, we used a spatial working memory task in which rats had to reach a platform submerged in water. The platform location was changed every 2-trial session and rats had to use allothetic cues to find it. Control rats received training in a typical response-memory task. We interposed a 6 h interval between instruction (locate platform) and evaluation (return to platform) trials in both tasks. After the last session, rats were killed for c-Fos imaging. A home-cage group was used as additional control of baseline levels of c-Fos expression. C-Fos expression was increased to comparable levels in the Re (not Rh) of both spatial memory and response-memory rats as compared to their home cage counterparts. However, in spatial memory rats, not in their response-memory controls, task performance was correlated with c-Fos expression in the Re: the higher this expression, the better the performance. Furthermore, we noticed an activation of hippocampal region CA1 and of the anteroventral nucleus of the rostral thalamus. This activation was specific to spatial memory. The data point to a possible performance-determinant participation of the Re nucleus in the delayed engagement of spatial information encoded in a temporary memory.
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6
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Smith DM, Yang YY, Subramanian DL, Miller AMP, Bulkin DA, Law LM. The limbic memory circuit and the neural basis of contextual memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 187:107557. [PMID: 34808337 PMCID: PMC8755583 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus, retrosplenial cortex and anterior thalamus are key components of a neural circuit known to be involved in a variety of memory functions, including spatial, contextual and episodic memory. In this review, we focus on the role of this circuit in contextual memory processes. The background environment, or context, is a powerful cue for memory retrieval, and neural representations of the context provide a mechanism for efficiently retrieving relevant memories while avoiding interference from memories that belong to other contexts. Data from experimental lesions and neural manipulation techniques indicate that each of these regions is critical for contextual memory. Neurophysiological evidence from the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex suggest that contextual information is represented within this circuit by population-level neural firing patterns that reliably differentiate each context a subject encounters. These findings indicate that encoding contextual information to support context-dependent memory retrieval is a key function of this circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Smith
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
| | - Yan Yu Yang
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Adam M P Miller
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - David A Bulkin
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - L Matthew Law
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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7
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Perry BAL, Lomi E, Mitchell AS. Thalamocortical interactions in cognition and disease: the mediodorsal and anterior thalamic nuclei. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:162-177. [PMID: 34216651 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) are two adjacent brain nodes that support our ability to make decisions, learn, update information, form and retrieve memories, and find our way around. The MD and PFC work in partnerships to support cognitive processes linked to successful learning and decision-making, while the ATN and extended hippocampal system together coordinate the encoding and retrieval of memories and successful spatial navigation. Yet, while these distinctions may appear to be segregated, both the MD and ATN together support our higher cognitive functions as they regulate and are influenced by interconnected fronto-temporal neural networks and subcortical inputs. Our review focuses on recent studies in animal models and in humans. This evidence is re-shaping our understanding of the importance of MD and ATN cortico-thalamocortical pathways in influencing complex cognitive functions. Given the evidence from clinical settings and neuroscience research labs, the MD and ATN should be considered targets for effective treatments in neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, The Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Lomi
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, The Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, The Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom.
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8
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Vetere G, Xia F, Ramsaran AI, Tran LM, Josselyn SA, Frankland PW. An inhibitory hippocampal-thalamic pathway modulates remote memory retrieval. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:685-693. [PMID: 33782621 PMCID: PMC8715645 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Memories are supported by distributed hippocampal-thalamic-cortical networks, but the brain regions that contribute to network activity may vary with memory age. This process of reorganization is referred to as systems consolidation, and previous studies have examined the relationship between the activation of different hippocampal, thalamic, and cortical brain regions and memory age at the time of recall. While the activation of some brain regions increases with memory age, other regions become less active. In mice, here we show that the active disengagement of one such brain region, the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus, is necessary for recall at remote time-points and, in addition, which projection(s) mediate such inhibition. Specifically, we identified a sparse inhibitory projection from CA3 to the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus that becomes more active during systems consolidation, such that it is necessary for contextual fear memory retrieval at remote, but not recent, time-points post-learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisella Vetere
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Team Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity (C4), Plasticité du Cerveau, ESPCI Paris, CNRS, PSL University, Paris, France,These authors contributed equally: Gisella Vetere, Frances Xia
| | - Frances Xia
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,These authors contributed equally: Gisella Vetere, Frances Xia
| | - Adam I. Ramsaran
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lina M. Tran
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheena A. Josselyn
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Brain, Mind & Consciousness Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul W. Frankland
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Child & Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to P.W.F.
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9
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Wolff M, Morceau S, Folkard R, Martin-Cortecero J, Groh A. A thalamic bridge from sensory perception to cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 120:222-235. [PMID: 33246018 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ability to adapt to dynamic environments requires tracking multiple signals with variable sensory salience and fluctuating behavioral relevance. This complex process requires integrative crosstalk between sensory and cognitive brain circuits. Functional interactions between cortical and thalamic regions are now considered essential for both sensory perception and cognition but a clear account of the functional link between sensory and cognitive circuits is currently lacking. This review aims to document how thalamic nuclei may effectively act as a bridge allowing to fuse perceptual and cognitive events into meaningful experiences. After highlighting key aspects of thalamocortical circuits such as the classic first-order/higher-order dichotomy, we consider the role of the thalamic reticular nucleus from directed attention to cognition. We next summarize research relying on Pavlovian learning paradigms, showing that both first-order and higher-order thalamic nuclei contribute to associative learning. Finally, we propose that modulator inputs reaching all thalamic nuclei may be critical for integrative purposes when environmental signals are computed. Altogether, the thalamus appears as the bridge linking perception, cognition and possibly affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wolff
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France.
| | - S Morceau
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - R Folkard
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, INF 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Martin-Cortecero
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, INF 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Groh
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, INF 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Mathiasen ML, O'Mara SM, Aggleton JP. The anterior thalamic nuclei and nucleus reuniens: So similar but so different. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:268-280. [PMID: 33069688 PMCID: PMC7738755 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Two thalamic sites are of especial significance for understanding hippocampal - diencephalic interactions: the anterior thalamic nuclei and nucleus reuniens. Both nuclei have dense, direct interconnections with the hippocampal formation, and both are directly connected with many of the same cortical and subcortical areas. These two thalamic sites also contain neurons responsive to spatial stimuli while lesions within these two same areas can disrupt spatial learning tasks that are hippocampal dependent. Despite these many similarities, closer analysis reveals important differences in the details of their connectivity and the behavioural impact of lesions in these two thalamic sites. These nuclei play qualitatively different roles that largely reflect the contrasting relative importance of their medial frontal cortex interactions (nucleus reuniens) compared with their retrosplenial, cingulate, and mammillary body interactions (anterior thalamic nuclei). While the anterior thalamic nuclei are critical for multiple aspects of hippocampal spatial encoding and performance, nucleus reuniens contributes, as required, to aid cognitive control and help select correct from competing memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias L Mathiasen
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, UK
| | - Shane M O'Mara
- School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John P Aggleton
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, UK.
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11
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Safari V, Nategh M, Dargahi L, Zibaii ME, Khodagholi F, Rafiei S, Khatami L, Motamedi F. Individual Subnuclei of the Rat Anterior Thalamic Nuclei Differently affect Spatial Memory and Passive Avoidance Tasks. Neuroscience 2020; 444:19-32. [PMID: 32745505 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The role of the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) has been proven in different learning and memory tasks. The ATN consist of three main subnuclei, the anterodorsal (AD), anteroventral (AV) and anteromedial (AM), which have different biological characteristics such as distinct circuitry, cell population and neurotransmitter content. The role of ATN subnuclei in learning and memory has been shown in several studies. However, their probable role in different phases of memory including acquisition, consolidation and retrieval are not still well-known. For this purpose, the effect of reversible inactivation of each ATN subnucleus on different memory phases in two behavioral tasks including passive avoidance (PA) and Morris water maze (MWM) was studied. Wister male rats were bilaterally implanted with cannulas above the AD, AV or AM subnucleus in separate experimental groups in order to inject lidocaine (4%) for their temporal inactivation or, equal volume of saline. Animals were trained in the behavioral tasks and different phases of memory were investigated. Our findings indicated that the AV inactivation strongly disrupts all memory phases in the MWM, and consolidation and retrieval phases in the PA tasks. The AM inactivation had no effect on acquisition of both tasks while it impaired the PA consolidation and MWM retrieval. However, the AD inactivation could not disrupt memory phases in the PA task but impaired the MWM retrieval. In conclusion, it seems that the ATN distinct subnuclei differently affect different phases of memory in these two tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Safari
- School of Cognitive Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nategh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leila Dargahi
- Neuro Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran; Neuro Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrbanoo Rafiei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Khatami
- School of Cognitive Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Motamedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Prefrontal neural dynamics in consciousness. Neuropsychologia 2019; 131:25-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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Xu C, Li Q, Efimova O, Jiang X, Petrova M, K Vinarskaya A, Kolosov P, Aseyev N, Koshkareva K, Ierusalimsky VN, Balaban PM, Khaitovich P. Identification of Immediate Early Genes in the Nervous System of Snail Helix lucorum. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0416-18.2019. [PMID: 31053606 PMCID: PMC6584072 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0416-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immediate early genes (IEGs) are useful markers of neuronal activation and essential components of neuronal response. While studies of gastropods have provided many insights into the basic learning and memory mechanisms, the genome-wide assessment of IEGs has been mainly restricted to vertebrates. In this study, we identified IEGs in the terrestrial snail Helix lucorum In the absence of the genome, we conducted de novo transcriptome assembly using reads with short and intermediate lengths cumulatively covering more than 98 billion nucleotides. Based on this assembly, we identified 37 proteins corresponding to contigs differentially expressed (DE) in either the parietal ganglia (PaG) or two giant interneurons located within the PaG of the snail in response to the neuronal stimulation. These proteins included homologues of well-known mammalian IEGs, such as c-jun/jund, C/EBP, c-fos/fosl2, and Egr1, as well as homologues of genes not yet implicated in the neuronal response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesellschaft Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qian Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesellschaft Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Olga Efimova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Xi Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesellschaft Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Marina Petrova
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesellschaft Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Alia K Vinarskaya
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Peter Kolosov
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Nikolay Aseyev
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Kira Koshkareva
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | | | - Pavel M Balaban
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Philipp Khaitovich
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Comparative Biology Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesellschaft Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200031, China
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14
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Quillfeldt JA. Temporal Flexibility of Systems Consolidation and the Synaptic Occupancy/Reset Theory (SORT): Cues About the Nature of the Engram. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2019; 11:1. [PMID: 30814946 PMCID: PMC6381034 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2019.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to adapt to new situations involves behavioral changes expressed either from an innate repertoire, or by acquiring experience through memory consolidation mechanisms, by far a much richer and flexible source of adaptation. Memory formation consists of two interrelated processes that take place at different spatial and temporal scales, Synaptic Consolidation, local plastic changes in the recruited neurons, and Systems Consolidation, a process of gradual reorganization of the explicit/declarative memory trace between hippocampus and the neocortex. In this review, we summarize some converging experimental results from our lab that support a normal temporal framework of memory systems consolidation as measured both from the anatomical and the psychological points of view, and propose a hypothetical model that explains these findings while predicting other phenomena. Then, the same experimental design was repeated interposing additional tasks between the training and the remote test to verify for any interference: we found that (a) when the animals were subject to a succession of new learnings, systems consolidation was accelerated, with the disengagement of the hippocampus taking place before the natural time point of this functional switch, but (b) when a few reactivation sessions reexposed the animal to the training context without the shock, systems consolidation was delayed, with the hippocampus prolonging its involvement in retrieval. We hypothesize that new learning recruits from a fixed number of plastic synapses in the CA1 area to store the engram index, while reconsolidation lead to a different outcome, in which additional synapses are made available. The first situation implies the need of a reset mechanism in order to free synapses needed for further learning, and explains the acceleration observed under intense learning activity, while the delay might be explained by a different process, able to generate extra free synapses: depending on the cognitive demands, it deals either with a fixed or a variable pool of available synapses. The Synaptic Occupancy/Reset Theory (SORT) emerged as an explanation for the temporal flexibility of systems consolidation, to encompass the two different dynamics of explicit memories, as well as to bridge both synaptic and systems consolidation in one single mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Alberto Quillfeldt
- Psychobiology and Neurocomputation Lab, Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neurosciences Graduate Program, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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15
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Corcoran KA, Yamawaki N, Leaderbrand K, Radulovic J. Role of retrosplenial cortex in processing stress-related context memories. Behav Neurosci 2018; 132:388-395. [PMID: 29878804 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This work summarizes evidence for the role of RSC in processing fear-inducing context memories. Specifically, we discuss molecular, cellular, and network mechanisms by which RSC might contribute the processing of contextual fear memories. We focus on glutamatergic and cholinergic mechanisms underlying encoding, retrieval, and extinction of context-dependent fear. RSC mechanisms underlying retrieval of recently and remotely acquired memories are compared to memory mechanisms of anterior cortices. Due to the strong connectivity between hippocampus and RSC, we also compare the extent to which their mechanisms of encoding, retrieval, and extinction show overlap. At a theoretical level, we discuss the role of RSC in the framework of systems consolidation as well as retrieval-induced memory modulation. Lastly, we emphasize the implication of these findings for psychopathologies associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Corcoran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University
| | | | | | - Jelena Radulovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University
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16
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Memory retrieval in addiction: a role for miR-105-mediated regulation of D1 receptors in mPFC neurons projecting to the basolateral amygdala. BMC Biol 2017; 15:128. [PMID: 29282124 PMCID: PMC5745965 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-017-0467-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by the compulsive use of drugs. The study of chronic morphine-induced adaptation in the brain and its functional significance is of importance to understand the mechanism of morphine addiction. Previous studies have found a number of chronic morphine-induced adaptive changes at molecular levels in the brain. A study from our lab showed that chronic morphine-induced increases in the expression of D1 receptors at presynaptic terminals coming from other structures to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) played an important role in environmental cue-induced retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory. However, the neurocircuitry where the increased D1 receptors are located and how chronic morphine increases D1 receptor expression in specific neurocircuits remain to be elucidated. Results Our results show that chronic morphine induces a persistent increase in D1 receptor expression in glutamatergic terminals of projection neurons from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to the BLA, but has no influence on D1 receptor expression in projection neurons from the hippocampus or the thalamus to the BLA. This adaptation to chronic morphine is mediated by reduced expression of miR-105 in the mPFC, which results in enhanced D1 receptor expression in glutamatergic terminals of projection neurons from the mPFC to the BLA. Ex vivo optogenetic experiments show that a chronic morphine-induced increase in D1 receptor expression in glutamatergic terminals of projection neurons from the mPFC to the BLA results in sensitization of the effect of D1 receptor agonist on presynaptic glutamate release. mPFC to BLA projection neurons are activated by withdrawal-associated environmental cues in morphine-withdrawal rats, and overexpression of miR-105 in the mPFC leads to reduced D1 receptor induction in response to chronic morphine in glutamatergic terminals of the projection neurons from the mPFC to the BLA, and a reduction in place aversion conditioned by morphine withdrawal. Conclusions These results suggest that chronic morphine use induces a persistent increase in D1 receptors in glutamatergic terminals of projection neurons from the mPFC to the BLA via downregulation of miR-105 in the mPFC, and that these adaptive changes contribute to environmental cue-induced retrieval of morphine withdrawal memory. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-017-0467-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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