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Mishima T, Komano K, Tabaru M, Kofuji T, Saito A, Ugawa Y, Terao Y. Repetitive pulsed-wave ultrasound stimulation suppresses neural activity by modulating ambient GABA levels via effects on astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1361242. [PMID: 38601023 PMCID: PMC11004293 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1361242] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is highly biopermeable and can non-invasively penetrate deep into the brain. Stimulation with patterned low-intensity ultrasound can induce sustained inhibition of neural activity in humans and animals, with potential implications for research and therapeutics. Although mechanosensitive channels are involved, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuromodulation by ultrasound remain unknown. To investigate the mechanism of action of ultrasound stimulation, we studied the effects of two types of patterned ultrasound on synaptic transmission and neural network activity using whole-cell recordings in primary cultured hippocampal cells. Single-shot pulsed-wave (PW) or continuous-wave (CW) ultrasound had no effect on neural activity. By contrast, although repetitive CW stimulation also had no effect, repetitive PW stimulation persistently reduced spontaneous recurrent burst firing. This inhibitory effect was dependent on extrasynaptic-but not synaptic-GABAA receptors, and the effect was abolished under astrocyte-free conditions. Pharmacological activation of astrocytic TRPA1 channels mimicked the effects of ultrasound by increasing the tonic GABAA current induced by ambient GABA. Pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 channels abolished the inhibitory effect of ultrasound. These findings suggest that the repetitive PW low-intensity ultrasound used in our study does not have a direct effect on neural function but instead exerts its sustained neuromodulatory effect through modulation of ambient GABA levels via channels with characteristics of TRPA1, which is expressed in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Mishima
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Kenta Komano
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Marie Tabaru
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Saito
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
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Wæhler HA, Labba NA, Paulsen RE, Sandve GK, Eskeland R. ANDA: an open-source tool for automated image analysis of in vitro neuronal cells. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:56. [PMID: 37875799 PMCID: PMC10594822 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00826-z] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imaging of in vitro neuronal differentiation and measurements of cell morphologies have led to novel insights into neuronal development. Live-cell imaging techniques and large datasets of images have increased the demand for automated pipelines for quantitative analysis of neuronal morphological metrics. RESULTS ANDA is an analysis workflow that quantifies various aspects of neuronal morphology from high-throughput live-cell imaging screens of in vitro neuronal cell types. This tool automates the analysis of neuronal cell numbers, neurite lengths and neurite attachment points. We used chicken, rat, mouse, and human in vitro models for neuronal differentiation and have demonstrated the accuracy, versatility, and efficiency of the tool. CONCLUSIONS ANDA is an open-source tool that is easy to use and capable of automated processing from time-course measurements of neuronal cells. The strength of this pipeline is the capability to analyse high-throughput imaging screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Austin Wæhler
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 1112, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils-Anders Labba
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 1112, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Elisabeth Paulsen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Kjetil Sandve
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Eskeland
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 1112, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
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Corrigan M, O'Rourke A, Moran B, Fletcher J, Harkin A. Inflammation in the pathogenesis of depression: a disorder of neuroimmune origin. Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220054. [PMID: 37457896 PMCID: PMC10345431 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There are several hypotheses concerning the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of major depression, which centre largely around adaptive changes in neuronal transmission and plasticity, neurogenesis, and circuit and regional connectivity. The immune and endocrine systems are commonly implicated in driving these changes. An intricate interaction of stress hormones, innate immune cells and the actions of soluble mediators of immunity within the nervous system is described as being associated with the symptoms of depression. Bridging endocrine and immune processes to neurotransmission and signalling within key cortical and limbic brain circuits are critical to understanding depression as a disorder of neuroimmune origins. Emergent areas of research include a growing recognition of the adaptive immune system, advances in neuroimaging techniques and mechanistic insights gained from transgenic animals. Elucidation of glial-neuronal interactions is providing additional avenues into promising areas of research, the development of clinically relevant disease models and the discovery of novel therapies. This narrative review focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms that are influenced by inflammation and stress. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of our current understanding of depression as a disorder of neuroimmune origin, focusing on neuroendocrine and neuroimmune dysregulation in depression pathophysiology. Advances in current understanding lie in pursuit of relevant biomarkers, as the potential of biomarker signatures to improve clinical outcomes is yet to be fully realised. Further investigations to expand biomarker panels including integration with neuroimaging, utilising individual symptoms to stratify patients into more homogenous subpopulations and targeting the immune system for new treatment approaches will help to address current unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Corrigan
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Transpharmation Ireland, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife M. O'Rourke
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biosciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barry Moran
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biosciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean M. Fletcher
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biosciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Harkin
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Wæhler HA, Labba NA, Paulsen RE, Sandve GK, Eskeland R. ANDA: An open-source tool for automated image analysis of neuronal differentiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.27.538564. [PMID: 37162841 PMCID: PMC10168306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.27.538564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Imaging of in vitro neuronal differentiation and measurements of cell morphologies has led to novel insights into neuronal development. Live-cell imaging techniques and large datasets of images has increased the demand for automated pipelines for quantitative analysis of neuronal morphological metrics. Results We present ANDA, an analysis workflow for quantification of various aspects of neuronal morphology from high-throughput live-cell imaging screens. This tool automates the analysis of neuronal cell numbers, neurite lengths and neurite attachment points. We used rat, chicken and human in vitro models for neuronal differentiation and have demonstrated the accuracy, versatility, and efficiency of the tool. Conclusions ANDA is an open-source tool that is easy to use and capable of automated processing from time-course measurements of neuronal cells. The strength of this pipeline is the capability to analyse high-throughput imaging screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Austin Wæhler
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1112 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils-Anders Labba
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1112 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Elisabeth Paulsen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Kjetil Sandve
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Eskeland
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1112 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
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5
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Berryer MH, Rizki G, Nathanson A, Klein JA, Trendafilova D, Susco SG, Lam D, Messana A, Holton KM, Karhohs KW, Cimini BA, Pfaff K, Carpenter AE, Rubin LL, Barrett LE. High-content synaptic phenotyping in human cellular models reveals a role for BET proteins in synapse assembly. eLife 2023; 12:80168. [PMID: 37083703 PMCID: PMC10121225 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resolving fundamental molecular and functional processes underlying human synaptic development is crucial for understanding normal brain function as well as dysfunction in disease. Based upon increasing evidence of species-divergent features of brain cell types, coupled with emerging studies of complex human disease genetics, we developed the first automated and quantitative high-content synaptic phenotyping platform using human neurons and astrocytes. To establish the robustness of our platform, we screened the effects of 376 small molecules on presynaptic density, neurite outgrowth, and cell viability, validating six small molecules that specifically enhanced human presynaptic density in vitro. Astrocytes were essential for mediating the effects of all six small molecules, underscoring the relevance of non-cell-autonomous factors in synapse assembly and their importance in synaptic screening applications. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors emerged as the most prominent hit class and global transcriptional analyses using multiple BET inhibitors confirmed upregulation of synaptic gene expression. Through these analyses, we demonstrate the robustness of our automated screening platform for identifying potent synaptic modulators, which can be further leveraged for scaled analyses of human synaptic mechanisms and drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Berryer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Gizem Rizki
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Anna Nathanson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jenny A Klein
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Darina Trendafilova
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Sara G Susco
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Daisy Lam
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Angelica Messana
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Kristina M Holton
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Kyle W Karhohs
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Beth A Cimini
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Kathleen Pfaff
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Anne E Carpenter
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Lindy E Barrett
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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Xu J, Shirinkami H, Hwang S, Jeong HS, Kim G, Jun SB, Chun H. Fast Reconfigurable Electrode Array Based on Titanium Oxide for Localized Stimulation of Cultured Neural Network. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:19092-19101. [PMID: 37036145 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Planar microelectrode arrays have become standard tools for in vitro neural-network analysis. However, these predefined micropatterned devices lack adaptability to target-specific cells within a cultured network. Herein, we fabricated a reconfigurable TiO2 electrode array with an anatase-brookite bicrystalline polymorphous mesoporous layer. Because of its selective absorption of ultraviolet (UV) light and corresponding photoconductivity, TiO2 electrode array was identified as a promising tool for high-resolution light-addressing. The TiO2 film was used as a semitransparent semiconductor with a high Roff/Ron ratio of 105 and a fast response time of 400 ms. In addition, the effect of UV radiation on the resistance of the TiO2 film over 30 d in an aqueous environment was analyzed, with the film exhibiting high stability. An arbitrary UV pattern was applied to a reconfigurable TiO2 electrode using a digital micromirror device (DMD), affording highly localized neural stimulation at the single-cell level. The reconfigurable TiO2 electrode with a patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate enabled the independent connection of up to 60 points with external stimulators and signal recorders. We believe this technique would be helpful for electrophysiological research requiring the analysis of cell and neural-network features using a highly localized neural interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Hana Science Hall, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hamidreza Shirinkami
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Hana Science Hall, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Seoyoung Hwang
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Asan Engineering Building, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Hee Soo Jeong
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Asan Engineering Building, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Gijung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Hana Science Hall, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
- BK21 Four Institute of Precision Public Health, Korea University, Hana Science Hall, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sang Beom Jun
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Asan Engineering Building, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
- Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Asan Engineering Building, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Honggu Chun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Hana Science Hall, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
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Sun Z. A Simple Ca 2+-Imaging Approach of Network-Activity Analyses for Human Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2683:247-258. [PMID: 37300781 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3287-1_20] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advances in light microscopy and development of all-optical electrophysiological imaging tools have greatly leveraged the speed and the depth of neurobiology studies. Calcium imaging is a common method that is useful for measuring calcium signals in cells and has been used as a functional proxy for neuronal activity. Here I describe a simple, stimulation-free approach that measures neuronal network activity and single-neuron dynamics in human neurons. This protocol provides the experimental workflow that includes step-wise illustrations of sample preparations, data processing, and analyses that can be used for quick phenotypical assessment and serves as a quick functional readout for mutagenesis or screen effort for neurodegenerative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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NPFF Decreases Activity of Human Arcuate NPY Neurons: A Study in Embryonic-Stem-Cell-Derived Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063260. [PMID: 35328681 PMCID: PMC8948797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoring the control of food intake is the key to obesity management and prevention. The arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus is extensively being studied as a potential anti-obesity target. Animal studies showed that neuropeptide FF (NPFF) reduces food intake by its action in neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons of the hypothalamic ARC, but the detailed mode of action observed in human neurons is missing, due to the lack of a human-neuron-based model for pharmacology testing. Here, we validated and utilized a human-neural-stem-cell-based (hNSC) model of ARC to test the effects of NPFF on cellular pathways and neuronal activity. We found that in the human neurons, decreased cAMP levels by NPFF resulted in a reduced rate of cytoplasmic calcium oscillations, indicating an inhibition of ARC NPY neurons. This suggests the therapeutic potential of NPFFR2 in obesity. In addition, we demonstrate the use of human-stem-cell-derived neurons in pharmacological applications and the potential of this model to address functional aspects of human hypothalamic neurons.
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Petrović A, Ban J, Tomljanović I, Pongrac M, Ivaničić M, Mikašinović S, Mladinic M. Establishment of Long-Term Primary Cortical Neuronal Cultures From Neonatal Opossum Monodelphis domestica. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661492. [PMID: 33815068 PMCID: PMC8012671 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary dissociated neuronal cultures have become a standard model for studying central nervous system (CNS) development. Such cultures are predominantly prepared from the hippocampus or cortex of rodents (mice and rats), while other mammals are less used. Here, we describe the establishment and extensive characterization of the primary dissociated neuronal cultures derived from the cortex of the gray South American short-tailed opossums, Monodelphis domestica. Opossums are unique in their ability to fully regenerate their CNS after an injury during their early postnatal development. Thus, we used cortex of postnatal day (P) 3–5 opossum to establish long-surviving and nearly pure neuronal cultures, as well as mixed cultures composed of radial glia cells (RGCs) in which their neurogenic and gliogenic potential was confirmed. Both types of cultures can survive for more than 1 month in vitro. We also prepared neuronal cultures from the P16–18 opossum cortex, which were composed of astrocytes and microglia, in addition to neurons. The long-surviving opossum primary dissociated neuronal cultures represent a novel mammalian in vitro platform particularly useful to study CNS development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonela Petrović
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jelena Ban
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ivana Tomljanović
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marta Pongrac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Matea Ivaničić
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sanja Mikašinović
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Miranda Mladinic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Sun Z, Südhof TC. A simple Ca 2+-imaging approach to neural network analyses in cultured neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 349:109041. [PMID: 33340555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ca2+-imaging is a powerful tool to measure neuronal dynamics and network activity. To monitor network-level changes in cultured neurons, neuronal activity is often evoked by electrical or optogenetic stimulation and assessed using multi-electrode arrays or sophisticated imaging. Although such approaches allow detailed network analyses, multi-electrode arrays lack single-cell precision, whereas optical physiology generally requires advanced instrumentation that may not be universally available. NEW METHOD Here we developed a simple, stimulation-free protocol with associated Matlab algorithms that enables scalable analyses of spontaneous network activity in cultured human and mouse neurons. The approach allows analysis of the overall network activity and of single-neuron dynamics, and is amenable to screening purposes. RESULTS We validated the new protocol by assessing human neurons with a heterozygous conditional deletion of Munc18-1, and mouse neurons with a homozygous conditional deletion of neurexins. The approach described enabled identification of differential changes in these mutant neurons, allowing quantifications of the synchronous firing rate at the network level and of the amplitude and frequency of Ca2+-spikes at the single-neuron level. These results demonstrate the utility of the approach. COMPARISION WITH EXISTING METHODS Compared with current imaging platforms, our method is simple, scalable, accessible, and easy to implement. It enables quantification of more detailed parameters than multi-electrode arrays, but does not have the resolution and depth of more sophisticated yet labour-intensive methods, such as patch-clamp electrophysiology. CONCLUSION The method reported here is scalable for a rapid direct assessment of neuronal function in culture, and can be applied to both human and mouse neurons. Thus, the method can serve as a basis for phenotypical analysis of mutations and for drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Verstraelen P, Garcia-Diaz Barriga G, Verschuuren M, Asselbergh B, Nuydens R, Larsen PH, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Systematic Quantification of Synapses in Primary Neuronal Culture. iScience 2020; 23:101542. [PMID: 33083769 PMCID: PMC7516133 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Most neurological disorders display impaired synaptic connectivity. Hence, modulation of synapse formation may have therapeutic relevance. However, the high density and small size of synapses complicate their quantification. To improve synapse-oriented screens, we analyzed the labeling performance of synapse-targeting antibodies on neuronal cell cultures using segmentation-independent image analysis based on sliding window correlation. When assessing pairwise colocalization, a common readout for mature synapses, overlap was incomplete and confounded by spurious signals. To circumvent this, we implemented a proximity ligation-based approach that only leads to a signal when two markers are sufficiently close. We applied this approach to different marker combinations and demonstrate its utility for detecting synapse density changes in healthy and compromised cultures. Thus, segmentation-independent analysis and exploitation of resident protein proximity increases the sensitivity of synapse quantifications in neuronal cultures and represents a valuable extension to the analytical toolset for in vitro synapse screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | | | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Bob Asselbergh
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, Belgium
| | - Peter H. Larsen
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
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Soscia DA, Lam D, Tooker AC, Enright HA, Triplett M, Karande P, Peters SKG, Sales AP, Wheeler EK, Fischer NO. A flexible 3-dimensional microelectrode array for in vitro brain models. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:901-911. [PMID: 31976505 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01148j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models have become increasingly popular as systems to study cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions dependent on the spatial, mechanical, and chemical cues within the environment of the tissue, which is limited in traditional two-dimensional (2D) models. Although electrophysiological recordings of neuronal action potentials through 2D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are a common and trusted method of evaluating neuronal function, network communication, and response to chemicals and biologicals, there are currently limited options for measuring electrophysiological activity from many locations simultaneously throughout a 3D network of neurons in vitro. Here, we have developed a thin-film, 3D flexible microelectrode array (3DMEA) that non-invasively interrogates a 3D culture of neurons and can accommodate 256 channels of recording or stimulation. Importantly, the 3DMEA is straightforward to fabricate and integrates with standard commercially available electrophysiology hardware. Polyimide probe arrays were microfabricated on glass substrates and mechanically actuated to collectively lift the arrays into a vertical position, relying solely on plastic deformation of their base hinge regions to maintain vertical alignment. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and astrocytes were entrapped in a collagen-based hydrogel and seeded onto the 3DMEA, enabling growth of suspended cells in the matrix and the formation and maturation of a neural network around the 3DMEA probes. The 3DMEA supported the growth of functional neurons in 3D with action potential spike and burst activity recorded over 45 days in vitro. This platform is an important step in facilitating noninvasive electrophysiological characterization of 3D networks of electroactive cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Soscia
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Doris Lam
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Angela C Tooker
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Heather A Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Michael Triplett
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Piyush Karande
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Sandra K G Peters
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Ana Paula Sales
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
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13
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Sirenko O, Parham F, Dea S, Sodhi N, Biesmans S, Mora-Castilla S, Ryan K, Behl M, Chandy G, Crittenden C, Vargas-Hurlston S, Guicherit O, Gordon R, Zanella F, Carromeu C. Functional and Mechanistic Neurotoxicity Profiling Using Human iPSC-Derived Neural 3D Cultures. Toxicol Sci 2019; 167:58-76. [PMID: 30169818 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide and appear to be on the rise. Whereas the reason for this increase remains unknown, environmental factors are a suspected contributor. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive in vitro assays to screen larger sets of compounds with the potential for neurotoxicity. Here, we employed a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based 3D neural platform composed of mature cortical neurons and astrocytes as a model for this purpose. The iPSC-derived human 3D cortical neuron/astrocyte co-cultures (3D neural cultures) present spontaneous synchronized, readily detectable calcium oscillations. This advanced neural platform was optimized for high-throughput screening in 384-well plates and displays highly consistent, functional performance across different wells and plates. Characterization of oscillation profiles in 3D neural cultures was performed through multi-parametric analysis that included the calcium oscillation rate and peak width, amplitude, and waveform irregularities. Cellular and mitochondrial toxicity were assessed by high-content imaging. For assay characterization, we used a set of neuromodulators with known mechanisms of action. We then explored the neurotoxic profile of a library of 87 compounds that included pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, flame retardants, and other chemicals. Our results demonstrated that 57% of the tested compounds exhibited effects in the assay. The compounds were then ranked according to their effective concentrations based on in vitro activity. Our results show that a human iPSC-derived 3D neural culture assay platform is a promising biologically relevant tool to assess the neurotoxic potential of drugs and environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederick Parham
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Steven Dea
- StemoniX, Inc, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311
| | - Neha Sodhi
- StemoniX, Inc, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311
| | | | | | - Kristen Ryan
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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14
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Verschuuren M, Verstraelen P, García-Díaz Barriga G, Cilissen I, Coninx E, Verslegers M, Larsen PH, Nuydens R, De Vos WH. High-throughput microscopy exposes a pharmacological window in which dual leucine zipper kinase inhibition preserves neuronal network connectivity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:93. [PMID: 31164177 PMCID: PMC6549294 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0741-3] [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: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative disorders are redirecting their focus to the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal connectivity and the loss thereof. Using a high-throughput microscopy pipeline that integrates morphological and functional measurements, we found that inhibition of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) increased neuronal connectivity in primary cortical cultures. This neuroprotective effect was not only observed in basal conditions but also in cultures depleted from antioxidants and in cultures in which microtubule stability was genetically perturbed. Based on the morphofunctional connectivity signature, we further showed that the effects were limited to a specific dose and time range. Thus, our results illustrate that profiling microscopy images with deep coverage enables sensitive interrogation of neuronal connectivity and allows exposing a pharmacological window for targeted treatments. In doing so, we revealed a broad-spectrum neuroprotective effect of DLK inhibition, which may have relevance to pathological conditions that ar.e associated with compromised neuronal connectivity.
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15
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Lam D, Enright HA, Cadena J, Peters SKG, Sales AP, Osburn JJ, Soscia DA, Kulp KS, Wheeler EK, Fischer NO. Tissue-specific extracellular matrix accelerates the formation of neural networks and communities in a neuron-glia co-culture on a multi-electrode array. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4159. [PMID: 30858401 PMCID: PMC6411890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecular network composed of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and fibrous proteins. In vitro studies often use purified ECM proteins for cell culture coatings, however these may not represent the molecular complexity and heterogeneity of the brain’s ECM. To address this, we compared neural network activity (over 30 days in vitro) from primary neurons co-cultured with glia grown on ECM coatings from decellularized brain tissue (bECM) or MaxGel, a non-tissue-specific ECM. Cells were grown on a multi-electrode array (MEA) to enable noninvasive long-term interrogation of neuronal networks. In general, the presence of ECM accelerated the formation of networks without affecting the inherent network properties. However, specific features of network activity were dependent on the type of ECM: bECM enhanced network activity over a greater region of the MEA whereas MaxGel increased network burst rate associated with robust synaptophysin expression. These differences in network activity were not attributable to cellular composition, glial proliferation, or astrocyte phenotypes, which remained constant across experimental conditions. Collectively, the addition of ECM to neuronal cultures represents a reliable method to accelerate the development of mature neuronal networks, providing a means to enhance throughput for routine evaluation of neurotoxins and novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lam
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Heather A Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Jose Cadena
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Sandra K G Peters
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Ana Paula Sales
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Joanne J Osburn
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - David A Soscia
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Kristen S Kulp
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA.
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16
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Verstraelen P, Van Dyck M, Verschuuren M, Kashikar ND, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Image-Based Profiling of Synaptic Connectivity in Primary Neuronal Cell Culture. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:389. [PMID: 29997468 PMCID: PMC6028601 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders display a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Yet, at the cellular level, virtually all these diseases converge into a common phenotype of dysregulated synaptic connectivity. In dementia, synapse dysfunction precedes neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment by several years, making the synapse a crucial entry point for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Whereas high-resolution imaging and biochemical fractionations yield detailed insight into the molecular composition of the synapse, standardized assays are required to quickly gauge synaptic connectivity across large populations of cells under a variety of experimental conditions. Such screening capabilities have now become widely accessible with the advent of high-throughput, high-content microscopy. In this review, we discuss how microscopy-based approaches can be used to extract quantitative information about synaptic connectivity in primary neurons with deep coverage. We elaborate on microscopic readouts that may serve as a proxy for morphofunctional connectivity and we critically analyze their merits and limitations. Finally, we allude to the potential of alternative culture paradigms and integrative approaches to enable comprehensive profiling of synaptic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van Dyck
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cell Systems and Imaging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Xiong R, Verstraelen P, Demeester J, Skirtach AG, Timmermans JP, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Selective Labeling of Individual Neurons in Dense Cultured Networks With Nanoparticle-Enhanced Photoporation. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:80. [PMID: 29651235 PMCID: PMC5884872 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by subtle alterations in synaptic connections and perturbed neuronal network functionality. A hallmark of neuronal connectivity is the presence of dendritic spines, micron-sized protrusions of the dendritic shaft that compartmentalize single synapses to fine-tune synaptic strength. However, accurate quantification of spine density and morphology in mature neuronal networks is hampered by the lack of targeted labeling strategies. To resolve this, we have optimized a method to deliver cell-impermeable compounds into selected cells based on Spatially resolved NAnoparticle-enhanced Photoporation (SNAP). We show that SNAP enables efficient labeling of selected individual neurons and their spines in dense cultured networks without affecting short-term viability. We compare SNAP with widely used spine labeling techniques such as the application of lipophilic dyes and genetically encoded fluorescent markers. Using SNAP, we demonstrate a time-dependent increase in spine density in healthy cultures as well as a reduction in spine density after chemical mimicry of hypoxia. Since the sparse labeling procedure can be automated using an intelligent acquisition scheme, SNAP holds promise for high-content screening campaigns of neuronal connectivity in the context of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranhua Xiong
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jo Demeester
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andre G Skirtach
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Univ Lille 1, Univ Lille Nord France, IEMN, UMR 8520, Villeneuve D'Ascq, France.,Univ Lille 1, Univ Lille Nord France, Lab Phys Lasers Atomes & Mol, UMR 8523, Villeneuve D'Ascq, France
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18
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Verstraelen P, Detrez JR, Verschuuren M, Kuijlaars J, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Dysregulation of Microtubule Stability Impairs Morphofunctional Connectivity in Primary Neuronal Networks. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:173. [PMID: 28690500 PMCID: PMC5480095 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Functionally related neurons assemble into connected networks that process and transmit electrochemical information. To do this in a coordinated manner, the number and strength of synaptic connections is tightly regulated. Synapse function relies on the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton, the dynamics of which are in turn controlled by a plethora of MT-associated proteins, including the MT-stabilizing protein Tau. Although mutations in the Tau-encoding MAPT gene underlie a set of neurodegenerative disorders, termed tauopathies, the exact contribution of MT dynamics and the perturbation thereof to neuronal network connectivity has not yet been scrutinized. Therefore, we investigated the impact of targeted perturbations of MT stability on morphological (e.g., neurite- and synapse density) and functional (e.g., synchronous calcium bursting) correlates of connectivity in networks of primary hippocampal neurons. We found that treatment with MT-stabilizing or -destabilizing compounds impaired morphofunctional connectivity in a reversible manner. We also discovered that overexpression of MAPT induced significant connectivity defects, which were accompanied by alterations in MT dynamics and increased resistance to pharmacological MT depolymerization. Overexpression of a MAPT variant harboring the P301L point mutation in the MT-binding domain did far less, directly linking neuronal connectivity with Tau's MT binding affinity. Our results show that MT stability is a vulnerable node in tauopathies and that its precise pharmacological tuning may positively affect neuronal network connectivity. However, a critical balance in MT turnover causes it to be a difficult therapeutic target with a narrow operating window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan R. Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V.Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, University of GhentGhent, Belgium
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19
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Schulte C, Ripamonti M, Maffioli E, Cappelluti MA, Nonnis S, Puricelli L, Lamanna J, Piazzoni C, Podestà A, Lenardi C, Tedeschi G, Malgaroli A, Milani P. Scale Invariant Disordered Nanotopography Promotes Hippocampal Neuron Development and Maturation with Involvement of Mechanotransductive Pathways. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:267. [PMID: 27917111 PMCID: PMC5114288 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of biomaterials which promote neuronal maturation up to the generation of integrated neural circuits is fundamental for modern neuroscience. The development of neural circuits arises from complex maturative processes regulated by poorly understood signaling events, often guided by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here we report that nanostructured zirconia surfaces, produced by supersonic cluster beam deposition of zirconia nanoparticles and characterized by ECM-like nanotopographical features, can direct the maturation of neural networks. Hippocampal neurons cultured on such cluster-assembled surfaces displayed enhanced differentiation paralleled by functional changes. The latter was demonstrated by single-cell electrophysiology showing earlier action potential generation and increased spontaneous postsynaptic currents compared to the neurons grown on the featureless unnaturally flat standard control surfaces. Label-free shotgun proteomics broadly confirmed the functional changes and suggests furthermore a vast impact of the neuron/nanotopography interaction on mechanotransductive machinery components, known to control physiological in vivo ECM-regulated axon guidance and synaptic plasticity. Our results indicate a potential of cluster-assembled zirconia nanotopography exploitable for the creation of efficient neural tissue interfaces and cell culture devices promoting neurogenic events, but also for unveiling mechanotransductive aspects of neuronal development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schulte
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturate, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilan, Italy; Fondazione FilareteMilan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ripamonti
- Neurobiology of Learning Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Maffioli
- Fondazione FilareteMilan, Italy; Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilan, Italy
| | - Martino A Cappelluti
- Fondazione FilareteMilan, Italy; SEMM - European School of Molecular MedicineMilan, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Puricelli
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturate, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lamanna
- Neurobiology of Learning Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Piazzoni
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturate, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Podestà
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturate, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Lenardi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturate, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Fondazione FilareteMilan, Italy; Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilan, Italy
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Neurobiology of Learning Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Milani
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturate, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy
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20
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Kuijlaars J, Oyelami T, Diels A, Rohrbacher J, Versweyveld S, Meneghello G, Tuefferd M, Verstraelen P, Detrez JR, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH, Meert T, Peeters PJ, Cik M, Nuydens R, Brône B, Verheyen A. Sustained synchronized neuronal network activity in a human astrocyte co-culture system. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36529. [PMID: 27819315 PMCID: PMC5098163 DOI: 10.1038/srep36529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired neuronal network function is a hallmark of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease and is typically studied using genetically modified cellular and animal models. Weak predictive capacity and poor translational value of these models urge for better human derived in vitro models. The implementation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) allows studying pathologies in differentiated disease-relevant and patient-derived neuronal cells. However, the differentiation process and growth conditions of hiPSC-derived neurons are non-trivial. In order to study neuronal network formation and (mal)function in a fully humanized system, we have established an in vitro co-culture model of hiPSC-derived cortical neurons and human primary astrocytes that recapitulates neuronal network synchronization and connectivity within three to four weeks after final plating. Live cell calcium imaging, electrophysiology and high content image analyses revealed an increased maturation of network functionality and synchronicity over time for co-cultures compared to neuronal monocultures. The cells express GABAergic and glutamatergic markers and respond to inhibitors of both neurotransmitter pathways in a functional assay. The combination of this co-culture model with quantitative imaging of network morphofunction is amenable to high throughput screening for lead discovery and drug optimization for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobine Kuijlaars
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, B-3590, Belgium
| | - Tutu Oyelami
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Annick Diels
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Jutta Rohrbacher
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Sofie Versweyveld
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Giulia Meneghello
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Marianne Tuefferd
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Peter Verstraelen
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
| | - Jan R. Detrez
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
- Ghent University, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
| | - Theo Meert
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, B-3590, Belgium
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Pieter J. Peeters
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Miroslav Cik
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, B-3590, Belgium
| | - An Verheyen
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
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21
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Bart Martens M, Frega M, Classen J, Epping L, Bijvank E, Benevento M, van Bokhoven H, Tiesinga P, Schubert D, Nadif Kasri N. Euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1 regulates cortical neuronal network development. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35756. [PMID: 27767173 PMCID: PMC5073331 DOI: 10.1038/srep35756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous mutations or deletions in the human Euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) gene cause Kleefstra syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by autistic-like features and severe intellectual disability (ID). Neurodevelopmental disorders including ID and autism may be related to deficits in activity-dependent wiring of brain circuits during development. Although Kleefstra syndrome has been associated with dendritic and synaptic defects in mice and Drosophila, little is known about the role of EHMT1 in the development of cortical neuronal networks. Here we used micro-electrode arrays and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to investigate the impact of EHMT1 deficiency at the network and single cell level. We show that EHMT1 deficiency impaired neural network activity during the transition from uncorrelated background action potential firing to synchronized network bursting. Spontaneous bursting and excitatory synaptic currents were transiently reduced, whereas miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents were not affected. Finally, we show that loss of function of EHMT1 ultimately resulted in less regular network bursting patterns later in development. These data suggest that the developmental impairments observed in EHMT1-deficient networks may result in a temporal misalignment between activity-dependent developmental processes thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of Kleefstra syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn Bart Martens
- Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Frega
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jessica Classen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Epping
- Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elske Bijvank
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Benevento
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Tiesinga
- Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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22
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Ulloa Severino FP, Ban J, Song Q, Tang M, Bianconi G, Cheng G, Torre V. The role of dimensionality in neuronal network dynamics. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29640. [PMID: 27404281 PMCID: PMC4939604 DOI: 10.1038/srep29640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent results from network theory show that complexity affects several dynamical properties of networks that favor synchronization. Here we show that synchronization in 2D and 3D neuronal networks is significantly different. Using dissociated hippocampal neurons we compared properties of cultures grown on a flat 2D substrates with those formed on 3D graphene foam scaffolds. Both 2D and 3D cultures had comparable glia to neuron ratio and the percentage of GABAergic inhibitory neurons. 3D cultures because of their dimension have many connections among distant neurons leading to small-world networks and their characteristic dynamics. After one week, calcium imaging revealed moderately synchronous activity in 2D networks, but the degree of synchrony of 3D networks was higher and had two regimes: a highly synchronized (HS) and a moderately synchronized (MS) regime. The HS regime was never observed in 2D networks. During the MS regime, neuronal assemblies in synchrony changed with time as observed in mammalian brains. After two weeks, the degree of synchrony in 3D networks decreased, as observed in vivo. These results show that dimensionality determines properties of neuronal networks and that several features of brain dynamics are a consequence of its 3D topology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jelena Ban
- Neurobiology Sector, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Qin Song
- Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Mingliang Tang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Sipailou 2, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Ginestra Bianconi
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Guosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Vincent Torre
- Neurobiology Sector, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
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23
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Suresh J, Radojicic M, Pesce LL, Bhansali A, Wang J, Tryba AK, Marks JD, van Drongelen W. Network burst activity in hippocampal neuronal cultures: the role of synaptic and intrinsic currents. J Neurophysiol 2016; 115:3073-89. [PMID: 26984425 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00995.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this work was to define the contributions of intrinsic and synaptic mechanisms toward spontaneous network-wide bursting activity, observed in dissociated rat hippocampal cell cultures. This network behavior is typically characterized by short-duration bursts, separated by order of magnitude longer interburst intervals. We hypothesize that while short-timescale synaptic processes modulate spectro-temporal intraburst properties and network-wide burst propagation, much longer timescales of intrinsic membrane properties such as persistent sodium (Nap) currents govern burst onset during interburst intervals. To test this, we used synaptic receptor antagonists picrotoxin, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), and 3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonate (CPP) to selectively block GABAA, AMPA, and NMDA receptors and riluzole to selectively block Nap channels. We systematically compared intracellular activity (recorded with patch clamp) and network activity (recorded with multielectrode arrays) in eight different synaptic connectivity conditions: GABAA + NMDA + AMPA, NMDA + AMPA, GABAA + AMPA, GABAA + NMDA, AMPA, NMDA, GABAA, and all receptors blocked. Furthermore, we used mixed-effects modeling to quantify the aforementioned independent and interactive synaptic receptor contributions toward spectro-temporal burst properties including intraburst spike rate, burst activity index, burst duration, power in the local field potential, network connectivity, and transmission delays. We found that blocking intrinsic Nap currents completely abolished bursting activity, demonstrating their critical role in burst onset within the network. On the other hand, blocking different combinations of synaptic receptors revealed that spectro-temporal burst properties are uniquely associated with synaptic functionality and that excitatory connectivity is necessary for the presence of network-wide bursting. In addition to confirming the critical contribution of direct excitatory effects, mixed-effects modeling also revealed distinct combined (nonlinear) contributions of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity to network bursting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothsna Suresh
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Committee on Computational Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois;
| | - Mihailo Radojicic
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lorenzo L Pesce
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; The Computation Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Anita Bhansali
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Janice Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew K Tryba
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeremy D Marks
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wim van Drongelen
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Committee on Computational Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; The Computation Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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24
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Williams S, Chen L, Savignac HM, Tzortzis G, Anthony DC, Burnet PWJ. Neonatal prebiotic (BGOS) supplementation increases the levels of synaptophysin, GluN2A-subunits and BDNF proteins in the adult rat hippocampus. Synapse 2016; 70:121-4. [PMID: 26682524 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Compelling data suggest that perturbations in microbial colonization of the gut in early-life, influences neurodevelopment and adult brain function. If this is the case, then ensuring the growth of beneficial bacteria at an early age will lead to optimal brain development and maturation. We have tested whether feeding neonatal rats daily (from post-natal days 3-21) with a galacto-oligosaccharide prebiotic (Bimuno®, BGOS) or a control solution, alters the levels of hippocampal N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits (GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B), synaptic proteins (synaptophysin, MAP2, and GAP43) and brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF), at post-natal days 22 and 56. The administration of BGOS significantly elevated GluN2A subunits, synaptophysin and BDNF in the hippocampus of 22 day old rats. The effect was also observed on day 56 (26 days after the feeding ceased). The levels of all other proteins (GluN1, GluN2B, MAP2, GAP43) remained unaltered. Increased GluN2A, synaptophysin, BDNF, but not MAP2, may suggest that neonatal BGOS feeding alters neurotransmission rather than synaptic architecture. Although the functional consequences of our findings require further investigation, the current study confirms that the manipulation of gut bacteria in early-life, has central effects that persist until at least young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | | | - George Tzortzis
- Clasado Research Services Ltd, Reading, RG6 6BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Philip W J Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
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25
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Detrez JR, Verstraelen P, Gebuis T, Verschuuren M, Kuijlaars J, Langlois X, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Image Informatics Strategies for Deciphering Neuronal Network Connectivity. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2016; 219:123-48. [PMID: 27207365 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-28549-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain function relies on an intricate network of highly dynamic neuronal connections that rewires dramatically under the impulse of various external cues and pathological conditions. Amongst the neuronal structures that show morphological plasticity are neurites, synapses, dendritic spines and even nuclei. This structural remodelling is directly connected with functional changes such as intercellular communication and the associated calcium bursting behaviour. In vitro cultured neuronal networks are valuable models for studying these morpho-functional changes. Owing to the automation and standardization of both image acquisition and image analysis, it has become possible to extract statistically relevant readouts from such networks. Here, we focus on the current state-of-the-art in image informatics that enables quantitative microscopic interrogation of neuronal networks. We describe the major correlates of neuronal connectivity and present workflows for analysing them. Finally, we provide an outlook on the challenges that remain to be addressed, and discuss how imaging algorithms can be extended beyond in vitro imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Titia Gebuis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jacobine Kuijlaars
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
- Laboratory for Cell Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Xavier Langlois
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Cell Systems and Cellular Imaging, Department Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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26
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O'Farrell K, Harkin A. Stress-related regulation of the kynurenine pathway: Relevance to neuropsychiatric and degenerative disorders. Neuropharmacology 2015; 112:307-323. [PMID: 26690895 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP), which is activated in times of stress and infection has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Activation of this tryptophan metabolising pathway results in the production of neuroactive metabolites which have the potential to interfere with normal neuronal functioning which may contribute to altered neuronal transmission and the emergence of symptoms of these brain disorders. This review investigates the involvement of the KP in a range of neurological disorders, examining recent in vitro, in vivo and clinical discoveries highlights evidence to indicate that the KP is a potential therapeutic target in both neurodegenerative and stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, this review identifies gaps in our knowledge with regard to this field which are yet to be examined to lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of KP activation in brain health and disease. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Kynurenine Pathway in Health and Disease'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine O'Farrell
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Harkin
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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27
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Meneghello G, Verheyen A, Van Ingen M, Kuijlaars J, Tuefferd M, Van Den Wyngaert I, Nuydens R. Evaluation of established human iPSC-derived neurons to model neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroscience 2015; 301:204-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.05.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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28
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Bradford AB, McNutt PM. Importance of being Nernst: Synaptic activity and functional relevance in stem cell-derived neurons. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:899-921. [PMID: 26240679 PMCID: PMC4515435 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i6.899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional synaptogenesis and network emergence are signature endpoints of neurogenesis. These behaviors provide higher-order confirmation that biochemical and cellular processes necessary for neurotransmitter release, post-synaptic detection and network propagation of neuronal activity have been properly expressed and coordinated among cells. The development of synaptic neurotransmission can therefore be considered a defining property of neurons. Although dissociated primary neuron cultures readily form functioning synapses and network behaviors in vitro, continuously cultured neurogenic cell lines have historically failed to meet these criteria. Therefore, in vitro-derived neuron models that develop synaptic transmission are critically needed for a wide array of studies, including molecular neuroscience, developmental neurogenesis, disease research and neurotoxicology. Over the last decade, neurons derived from various stem cell lines have shown varying ability to develop into functionally mature neurons. In this review, we will discuss the neurogenic potential of various stem cells populations, addressing strengths and weaknesses of each, with particular attention to the emergence of functional behaviors. We will propose methods to functionally characterize new stem cell-derived neuron (SCN) platforms to improve their reliability as physiological relevant models. Finally, we will review how synaptically active SCNs can be applied to accelerate research in a variety of areas. Ultimately, emphasizing the critical importance of synaptic activity and network responses as a marker of neuronal maturation is anticipated to result in in vitro findings that better translate to efficacious clinical treatments.
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29
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Archer T, Kostrzewa RM. Physical Exercise Alleviates Health Defects, Symptoms, and Biomarkers in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. Neurotox Res 2015; 28:268-80. [PMID: 26174041 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are characterized by symptom profiles consisting of positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and a plethora of genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic biomarkers. Assorted animal models of these disorders and clinical neurodevelopmental indicators have implicated neurodegeneration as an element in the underlying pathophysiology. Physical exercise or activity regimes--whether aerobic, resistance, or endurance--ameliorate regional brain and functional deficits not only in affected individuals but also in animal models of the disorder. Cognitive deficits, often linked to regional deficits, were alleviated by exercise, as were quality-of-life, independent of disorder staging and risk level. Apoptotic processes intricate to the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia were likewise attenuated by physical exercise. There is also evidence of manifest benefits endowed by physical exercise in preserving telomere length and integrity. Not least, exercise improves overall health and quality-of-life. The notion of scaffolding as the outcome of physical exercise implies the "buttressing" of regional network circuits, neurocognitive domains, anti-inflammatory defenses, maintenance of telomeric integrity, and neuro-reparative and regenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Archer
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden,
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30
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Multi-well microelectrode array recordings detect neuroactivity of ToxCast compounds. Neurotoxicology 2014; 44:204-17. [PMID: 24997244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous activity in neuronal cultures on microelectrode arrays (MEAs) is sensitive to effects of drugs, chemicals, and particles. Multi-well MEA (mwMEA) systems have increased throughput of MEAs, enabling their use for chemical screening. The present experiments examined a subset of EPA's ToxCast compounds for effects on spontaneous neuronal activity in primary cortical cultures using 48-well MEA plates. A first cohort of 68 compounds was selected from the ToxCast Phase I and II libraries; 37 were positive in one or more of 20 individual ToxCast Novascreen assays related to ion channels (NVS_IC), with the remainder selected based on known neuroactivity. A second cohort of 25 compounds was then tested with 20 originating from the ToxCast Phase I and II libraries (not hits in NVS_IC assays) and 5 known negatives from commercial vendors. Baseline activity (1h) was recorded prior to exposing the networks to compounds for 1h, and the weighted mean firing rate (wMFR) was determined in the absence and presence of each compound. Compounds that altered activity by greater than the weighted change of DMSO-treated wells plus 2SD were considered "hits". Of the first set of 68 compounds, 54 altered wMFR by more than the threshold, while in the second set, 13/25 compounds were hits. MEAs detected 30 of 37 (81.1%) compounds that were hits in NVS_IC assays, as well as detected known neurotoxicants that were negative in NVS_IC assays, primarily pyrethroids and GABAA receptor antagonists. Conversely, wMFR of cortical neuronal networks on MEAs was insensitive to nicotinic compounds, as only one neonicotinoid was detected by MEAs; this accounts for the bulk of non-concordant compounds between MEA and NVS_IC assays. These data demonstrate that mwMEAs can be used to screen chemicals efficiently for potential neurotoxicity, and that the results are concordant with predictions from ToxCast NVS_IC assays for interactions with ion channels.
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