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Ma LH, Li S, Jiao XH, Li ZY, Zhou Y, Zhou CR, Zhou CH, Zheng H, Wu YQ. BLA-involved circuits in neuropsychiatric disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102363. [PMID: 38838785 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102363] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is the subregion of the amygdala located in the medial of the temporal lobe, which is connected with a wide range of brain regions to achieve diverse functions. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the participation of the BLA in many neuropsychiatric disorders from the neural circuit perspective, aided by the rapid development of viral tracing methods and increasingly specific neural modulation technologies. However, how to translate this circuit-level preclinical intervention into clinical treatment using noninvasive or minor invasive manipulations to benefit patients struggling with neuropsychiatric disorders is still an inevitable question to be considered. In this review, we summarized the role of BLA-involved circuits in neuropsychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease, perioperative neurocognitive disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and pain-associative affective states and cognitive dysfunctions. Additionally, we provide insights into future directions and challenges for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Hui Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xin-Hao Jiao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Zi-Yi Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Chen-Rui Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Yu-Qing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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Matsumoto Y, Miwa H, Katayama KI, Watanabe A, Yamada K, Ito T, Nakagawa S, Aruga J. Slitrk4 is required for the development of inhibitory neurons in the fear memory circuit of the lateral amygdala. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1386924. [PMID: 38736483 PMCID: PMC11082273 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1386924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Slitrk family consists of six synaptic adhesion molecules, some of which are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physiological role of Slitrk4 by analyzing Slitrk4 knockout (KO) mice. The Slitrk4 protein was widely detected in the brain and was abundant in the olfactory bulb and amygdala. In a systematic behavioral analysis, male Slitrk4 KO mice exhibited an enhanced fear memory acquisition in a cued test for classical fear conditioning, and social behavior deficits in reciprocal social interaction tests. In an electrophysiological analysis using amygdala slices, Slitrk4 KO mice showed enhanced long-term potentiation in the thalamo-amygdala afferents and reduced feedback inhibition. In the molecular marker analysis of Slitrk4 KO brains, the number of calretinin (CR)-positive interneurons was decreased in the anterior part of the lateral amygdala nuclei at the adult stage. In in vitro experiments for neuronal differentiation, Slitrk4-deficient embryonic stem cells were defective in inducing GABAergic interneurons with an altered response to sonic hedgehog signaling activation that was involved in the generation of GABAergic interneuron subsets. These results indicate that Slitrk4 function is related to the development of inhibitory neurons in the fear memory circuit and would contribute to a better understanding of osttraumatic stress disorder, in which an altered expression of Slitrk4 has been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Behavioral and Developmental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan
| | - Hideki Miwa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei-ichi Katayama
- Laboratory for Behavioral and Developmental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan
| | - Arata Watanabe
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Nagasaki University Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Yamada
- Support Unit for Animal Experiments, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Nagasaki University Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakagawa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Nagasaki University Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jun Aruga
- Laboratory for Behavioral and Developmental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Nagasaki University Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Bratsch-Prince JX, Warren JW, Jones GC, McDonald AJ, Mott DD. Acetylcholine Engages Distinct Amygdala Microcircuits to Gate Internal Theta Rhythm. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1568232024. [PMID: 38438258 PMCID: PMC11055655 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1568-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is released from basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in response to salient stimuli and engages brain states supporting attention and memory. These high ACh states are associated with theta oscillations, which synchronize neuronal ensembles. Theta oscillations in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in both humans and rodents have been shown to underlie emotional memory, yet their mechanism remains unclear. Here, using brain slice electrophysiology in male and female mice, we show large ACh stimuli evoke prolonged theta oscillations in BLA local field potentials that depend upon M3 muscarinic receptor activation of cholecystokinin (CCK) interneurons (INs) without the need for external glutamate signaling. Somatostatin (SOM) INs inhibit CCK INs and are themselves inhibited by ACh, providing a functional SOM→CCK IN circuit connection gating BLA theta. Parvalbumin (PV) INs, which can drive BLA oscillations in baseline states, are not involved in the generation of ACh-induced theta, highlighting that ACh induces a cellular switch in the control of BLA oscillatory activity and establishes an internally BLA-driven theta oscillation through CCK INs. Theta activity is more readily evoked in BLA over the cortex or hippocampus, suggesting preferential activation of the BLA during high ACh states. These data reveal a SOM→CCK IN circuit in the BLA that gates internal theta oscillations and suggest a mechanism by which salient stimuli acting through ACh switch the BLA into a network state enabling emotional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua X Bratsch-Prince
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
| | - James W Warren
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
| | - Grace C Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
| | - Alexander J McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
| | - David D Mott
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
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Bertero A, Apicella AJ. Distinct electrophysiological properties of long-range GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons from the lateral amygdala to the auditory cortex of the mouse. J Physiol 2024; 602:1733-1757. [PMID: 38493320 DOI: 10.1113/jp286094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating between auditory signals of various emotional significance plays a crucial role in an individual's ability to thrive and excel in social interactions and in survival. Multiple approaches, including anatomical studies, electrophysiological investigations, imaging techniques, optogenetics and chemogenetics, have confirmed that the auditory cortex (AC) impacts fear-related behaviours driven by auditory stimuli by conveying auditory information to the lateral amygdala (LA) through long-range excitatory glutamatergic and GABAergic connections. In addition, the LA provides glutamatergic projections to the AC which are important to fear memory expression and are modified by associative fear learning. Here we test the hypothesis that the LA also sends long-range direct inhibitory inputs to the cortex. To address this fundamental question, we used anatomical and electrophysiological approaches, allowing us to directly assess the nature of GABAergic inputs from the LA to the AC in the mouse. Our findings elucidate the existence of a long-range inhibitory pathway from the LA to the AC (LAC) via parvalbumin-expressing (LAC-Parv) and somatostatin-expressing (LAC-SOM) neurons. This research identifies distinct electrophysiological properties for genetically defined long-range GABAergic neurons involved in the communication between the LA and the cortex (LAC-Parv inhibitory projections → AC neurons; LAC-Som inhibitory projections → AC neurons) within the lateral amygdala cortical network. KEY POINTS: The mouse auditory cortex receives inputs from the lateral amygdala. Retrograde viral tracing techniques allowed us to identify two previously undescribed lateral amygdala to auditory cortex (LAC) GABAergic projecting neurons. Extensive electrophysiological, morphological and anatomical characterization of LAC neurons is provided here, demonstrating key differences in the three populations. This study paves the way for a better understanding of the growing complexity of the cortico-amygdala-cortico circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bertero
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alfonso Junior Apicella
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Kim T, Choi DI, Choi JE, Lee H, Jung H, Kim J, Sung Y, Park H, Kim MJ, Han DH, Lee SH, Kaang BK. Activated somatostatin interneurons orchestrate memory microcircuits. Neuron 2024; 112:201-208.e4. [PMID: 37944516 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.013] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in identifying engram cells, our understanding of their regulatory and functional mechanisms remains in its infancy. To provide mechanistic insight into engram cell functioning, we introduced a novel local microcircuit labeling technique that enables the labeling of intraregional synaptic connections. Utilizing this approach, we discovered a unique population of somatostatin (SOM) interneurons in the mouse basolateral amygdala (BLA). These neurons are activated during fear memory formation and exhibit a preference for forming synapses with excitatory engram neurons. Post-activation, these SOM neurons displayed varying excitability based on fear memory retrieval. Furthermore, when we modulated these SOM neurons chemogenetically, we observed changes in the expression of fear-related behaviors, both in a fear-associated context and in a novel setting. Our findings suggest that these activated SOM interneurons play a pivotal role in modulating engram cell activity. They influence the expression of fear-related behaviors through a mechanism that is dependent on memory cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- TaeHyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Dong Il Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ja Eun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Hoonwon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Hyunsu Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jooyoung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Yongmin Sung
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - HyoJin Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Dae Hee Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
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Fish KN, Joffe ME. Targeting prefrontal cortex GABAergic microcircuits for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:936911. [PMID: 36105666 PMCID: PMC9465392 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.936911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing novel treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is of paramount importance for improving patient outcomes and alleviating the suffering related to the disease. A better understanding of the molecular and neurocircuit mechanisms through which alcohol alters brain function will be instrumental in the rational development of new efficacious treatments. Clinical studies have consistently associated the prefrontal cortex (PFC) function with symptoms of AUDs. Population-level analyses have linked the PFC structure and function with heavy drinking and/or AUD diagnosis. Thus, targeting specific PFC cell types and neural circuits holds promise for the development of new treatments. Here, we overview the tremendous diversity in the form and function of inhibitory neuron subtypes within PFC and describe their therapeutic potential. We then summarize AUD population genetics studies, clinical neurophysiology findings, and translational neuroscience discoveries. This study collectively suggests that changes in fast transmission through PFC inhibitory microcircuits are a central component of the neurobiological effects of ethanol and the core symptoms of AUDs. Finally, we submit that there is a significant and timely need to examine sex as a biological variable and human postmortem brain tissue to maximize the efforts in translating findings to new clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Max E. Joffe
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Cummings KA, Lacagnina AF, Clem RL. GABAergic microcircuitry of fear memory encoding. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 184:107504. [PMID: 34425220 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm of fear conditioning is largely responsible for our current understanding of how memories are encoded at the cellular level. Its most fundamental underlying mechanism is considered to be plasticity of synaptic connections between excitatory projection neurons (PNs). However, recent studies suggest that while PNs execute critical memory functions, their activity at key stages of learning and recall is extensively orchestrated by a diverse array of GABAergic interneurons (INs). Here we review the contributions of genetically-defined INs to processing of threat-related stimuli in fear conditioning, with a particular focus on how synaptic interactions within interconnected networks of INs modulates PN activity through both inhibition and disinhibition. Furthermore, we discuss accumulating evidence that GABAergic microcircuits are an important locus for synaptic plasticity during fear learning and therefore a viable substrate for long-term memory. These findings suggest that further investigation of INs could unlock unique conceptual insights into the organization and function of fear memory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie A Cummings
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Anthony F Lacagnina
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Roger L Clem
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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Hájos N. Interneuron Types and Their Circuits in the Basolateral Amygdala. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:687257. [PMID: 34177472 PMCID: PMC8222668 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.687257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a cortical structure based on its cell types, connectivity features, and developmental characteristics. This part of the amygdala is considered to be the main entry site of processed and multisensory information delivered via cortical and thalamic afferents. Although GABAergic inhibitory cells in the BLA comprise only 20% of the entire neuronal population, they provide essential control over proper network operation. Previous studies have uncovered that GABAergic cells in the basolateral amygdala are as diverse as those present in other cortical regions, including the hippocampus and neocortex. To understand the role of inhibitory cells in various amygdala functions, we need to reveal the connectivity and input-output features of the different types of GABAergic cells. Here, I review the recent achievements in uncovering the diversity of GABAergic cells in the basolateral amygdala with a specific focus on the microcircuit organization of these inhibitory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Hájos
- Laboratory of Network Neurophysiology, ELRN Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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