1
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Loonen AJM. The putative role of the habenula in animal migration. Physiol Behav 2024; 286:114668. [PMID: 39151652 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When an addicted animal seeks a specific substance, it is based on the perception of internal and external cues that strongly motivate to pursue the acquisition of that compound. In essence, a similar process acts out when an animal leaves its present area to begin its circannual migration. This review article examines the existence of scientific evidence for possible relatedness of migration and addiction by influencing Dorsal Diencephalic Conduction System (DDCS) including the habenula. METHODS For this review especially the databases of Pubmed and Embase were frequently and non-systematically searched. RESULTS The mechanisms of bird migration have been thoroughly investigated. Especially the mechanism of the circannual biorhythm and its associated endocrine regulation has been well elucidated. A typical behavior called "Zugunruhe" marks the moment of leaving in migratory birds. The role of magnetoreception in navigation has also been clarified in recent years. However, how bird migration is regulated at the neuronal level in the forebrain is not well understood. Among mammals, marine mammals are most similar to birds. They use terrestrial magnetic field when navigating and often bridge long distances between breeding and foraging areas. Population migration is further often seen among the large hoofed mammals in different parts of the world. Importantly, learning processes and social interactions with conspecifics play a major role in these ungulates. Considering the evolutionary development of the forebrain in vertebrates, it can be postulated that the DDCS plays a central role in regulating the readiness and intensity of essential (emotional) behaviors. There is manifold evidence that this DDCS plays an important role in relapse to abuse after prolonged periods of abstinence from addictive behavior. It is also possible that the DDCS plays a role in navigation. CONCLUSIONS The role of the DDCS in the neurobiological regulation of bird migration has hardly been investigated. The involvement of this system in relapse to addiction in mammals might suggest to change this. It is recommended that particularly during "Zugunruhe" the role of neuronal regulation via the DDCS will be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton J M Loonen
- Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands.
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2
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Metzger M, Donato J. Emotional contagion builds resilience. Science 2024; 385:1045-1046. [PMID: 39236197 DOI: 10.1126/science.adr9296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Mice that witness cage mates in distress withstand future negative emotions better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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3
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Michel L, Molina P, Mameli M. The behavioral relevance of a modular organization in the lateral habenula. Neuron 2024; 112:2669-2685. [PMID: 38772374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral strategies for survival rely on the updates the brain continuously makes based on the surrounding environment. External stimuli-neutral, positive, and negative-relay core information to the brain, where a complex anatomical network rapidly organizes actions, including approach or escape, and regulates emotions. Human neuroimaging and physiology in nonhuman primates, rodents, and teleosts suggest a pivotal role of the lateral habenula in translating external information into survival behaviors. Here, we review the literature describing how discrete habenular modules-reflecting the molecular signatures, anatomical connectivity, and functional components-are recruited by environmental stimuli and cooperate to prompt specific behavioral outcomes. We argue that integration of these findings in the context of valence processing for reinforcing or discouraging behaviors is necessary, offering a compelling model to guide future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Michel
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Molina
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France.
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4
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Zhang Y, Ma H, Bai Y, Hou X, Yang Y, Wang G, Li Y. Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Comorbid Depression Syndrome: From Neural Circuit Mechanisms to Treatment. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2432-2444. [PMID: 38916052 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00125] [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: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain and comorbid depression syndrome (CDS) is a major worldwide health problem that affects the quality of life of patients and imposes a tremendous socioeconomic burden. More than half of patients with chronic neuropathic pain also suffer from moderate or severe depression. Due to the complex pathogenesis of CDS, there are no effective therapeutic drugs available. The lack of research on the neural circuit mechanisms of CDS limits the development of treatments. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various circuits involved in CDS. Notably, activating some neural circuits can alleviate pain and/or depression, while activating other circuits can exacerbate these conditions. Moreover, we discuss current and emerging pharmacotherapies for CDS, such as ketamine. Understanding the circuit mechanisms of CDS may provide clues for the development of novel drug treatments for improved CDS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yafan Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Guyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, 100850, China
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5
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Tsuzuki A, Yamasaki M, Konno K, Miyazaki T, Takei N, Tomita S, Yuzaki M, Watanabe M. Abundant extrasynaptic expression of α3β4-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus pathway in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14193. [PMID: 38902419 PMCID: PMC11189931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65076-3] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the medial habenula (MHb)-interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) pathway play critical roles in nicotine-related behaviors. This pathway is particularly enriched in nAChR α3 and β4 subunits, both of which are genetically linked to nicotine dependence. However, the cellular and subcellular expression of endogenous α3β4-containing nAChRs remains largely unknown because specific antibodies and appropriate detection methods were unavailable. Here, we successfully uncovered the expression of endogenous nAChRs containing α3 and β4 subunits in the MHb-IPN pathway using novel specific antibodies and a fixative glyoxal that enables simultaneous detection of synaptic and extrasynaptic molecules. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that both subunits were predominantly localized to the extrasynaptic cell surface of somatodendritic and axonal compartments of MHb neurons but not at their synaptic junctions. Immunolabeling for α3 and β4 subunits disappeared in α5β4-knockout brains, which we used as negative controls. The enriched and diffuse extrasynaptic expression along the MHb-IPN pathway suggests that α3β4-containing nAChRs may enhance the excitability of MHb neurons and neurotransmitter release from their presynaptic terminals in the IPN. The revealed distribution pattern provides a molecular and anatomical basis for understanding the functional role of α3β4-containing nAChRs in the crucial pathway of nicotine dependence.
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Grants
- 17KK0160 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 21K06746 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 22K06784 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 20H05628 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 20H05628 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Tsuzuki
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Miwako Yamasaki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Kohtarou Konno
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Taisuke Miyazaki
- Department of Functioning and Disability, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Norio Takei
- Institute for Animal Experimentation, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Susumu Tomita
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
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6
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Nardelli D, Gambioli F, De Bartolo MI, Mancinelli R, Biagioni F, Carotti S, Falato E, Leodori G, Puglisi-Allegra S, Vivacqua G, Fornai F. Pain in Parkinson's disease: a neuroanatomy-based approach. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae210. [PMID: 39130512 PMCID: PMC11311710 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae210] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of misfolded alpha-synuclein in different regions of the central and peripheral nervous system. Motor impairment represents the signature clinical expression of Parkinson's disease. Nevertheless, non-motor symptoms are invariably present at different stages of the disease and constitute an important therapeutic challenge with a high impact for the patients' quality of life. Among non-motor symptoms, pain is frequently experienced by patients, being present in a range of 24-85% of Parkinson's disease population. Moreover, in more than 5% of patients, pain represents the first clinical manifestation, preceding by decades the exordium of motor symptoms. Pain implies a complex biopsychosocial experience with a downstream complex anatomical network involved in pain perception, modulation, and processing. Interestingly, all the anatomical areas involved in pain network can be affected by a-synuclein pathology, suggesting that pathophysiology of pain in Parkinson's disease encompasses a 'pain spectrum', involving different anatomical and neurochemical substrates. Here the various anatomical sites recruited in pain perception, modulation and processing are discussed, highlighting the consequences of their possible degeneration in course of Parkinson's disease. Starting from peripheral small fibres neuropathy and pathological alterations at the level of the posterior laminae of the spinal cord, we then describe the multifaceted role of noradrenaline and dopamine loss in driving dysregulated pain perception. Finally, we focus on the possible role of the intertwined circuits between amygdala, nucleus accumbens and habenula in determining the psycho-emotional, autonomic and cognitive experience of pain in Parkinson's disease. This narrative review provides the first anatomically driven comprehension of pain in Parkinson's disease, aiming at fostering new insights for personalized clinical diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Nardelli
- Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Francesco Gambioli
- Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Rome 00128, Italy
| | | | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Simone Carotti
- Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Emma Falato
- Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Giorgio Leodori
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS 86077, Italy
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Roma, Rome 00185, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Vivacqua
- Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS 86077, Italy
- Department of Experimental Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa 56122, Italy
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7
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Groos D, Helmchen F. The lateral habenula: A hub for value-guided behavior. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113968. [PMID: 38522071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenula is an evolutionarily highly conserved diencephalic brain region divided into two major parts, medial and lateral. Over the past two decades, studies of the lateral habenula (LHb), in particular, have identified key functions in value-guided behavior in health and disease. In this review, we focus on recent insights into LHb connectivity and its functional relevance for different types of aversive and appetitive value-guided behavior. First, we give an overview of the anatomical organization of the LHb and its main cellular composition. Next, we elaborate on how distinct LHb neuronal subpopulations encode aversive and appetitive stimuli and on their involvement in more complex decision-making processes. Finally, we scrutinize the afferent and efferent connections of the LHb and discuss their functional implications for LHb-dependent behavior. A deepened understanding of distinct LHb circuit components will substantially contribute to our knowledge of value-guided behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Groos
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Research Priority Program (URPP), Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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Bian B, Zhang B, Wong C, Dou L, Pan X, Wang H, Guo S, Zhang H, Zhang L. Recent Advances in Habenula Imaging Technology: A Comprehensive Review. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:737-746. [PMID: 37254969 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28830] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is involved in many natural human behaviors, and the relevance of its alterations in size and neural activity to several psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviors has been presumed and investigated in recent years using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the Hb is small, an increasing number of studies have overcome the difficulties in MRI. Conventional structural-based imaging also has great defects in observing the Hb contrast with adjacent structures. In addition, more and more attention should be paid to the Hb's functional, structural, and quantitative imaging studies. Several advanced MRI methods have recently been employed in clinical studies to explore the Hb and its involvement in psychiatric diseases. This review summarizes the anatomy and function of the human Hb; moreover, it focuses on exploring the human Hb with noninvasive MRI approaches, highlighting strategies to overcome the poor contrast with adjacent structures and the need for multiparametric MRI to develop imaging markers for diagnosis and treatment follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- BingYang Bian
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - ChinTing Wong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Dou
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - XingChen Pan
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - HongChao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - ShiYu Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - HuiMao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Big Data, Radiology and Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center of Medical Artificial Intelligence, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
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9
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Piper JA, Musumeci G, Castorina A. The Neuroanatomy of the Habenular Complex and Its Role in the Regulation of Affective Behaviors. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38249091 PMCID: PMC10801627 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenular complex is a diencephalic structure divided into the medial and lateral divisions that lie within the epithalamus of most vertebrates. This brain structure, whose activities are mainly regulated via inputs/outputs from and to the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus, plays a significant role in the modulation of anti-reward behaviors in both the rodent and human brain. Such anti-reward circuits are regulated by dopaminergic and serotonergic projections with several other subcortical and cortical regions; therefore, it is plausible that impairment to this key subcortical structure or its connections contributes to the pathogenesis of affective disorders. Current literature reveals the existence of structural changes in the habenula complex in individuals afflicted by such disorders; however, there is a need for more comprehensive investigations to elucidate the underlying neuroanatomical connections that underpin disease development. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the neuroanatomical differences between the rodent and human habenular complex, the main circuitries, and provide an update on the emerging roles of this understudied subcortical structure in the control of affective behaviors, with special emphasis to morbid conditions of the affective sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Allan Piper
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania (Sydney), Sydney, NSW 2040, Australia;
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical & Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology & Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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10
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Chung L, Jing M, Li Y, Tapper AR. Feed-forward Activation of Habenula Cholinergic Neurons by Local Acetylcholine. Neuroscience 2023; 529:172-182. [PMID: 37572877 PMCID: PMC10840387 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.030] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
While the functional and behavioral role of the medial habenula (MHb) is still emerging, recent data indicate an involvement of this nuclei in regulating mood, aversion, and addiction. Unique to the MHb is a large cluster of cholinergic neurons that project to the interpeduncular nucleus and densely express acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) suggesting that the activity of these cholinergic neurons may be regulated by ACh itself. Whether endogenous ACh from within the habenula regulates cholinergic neuron activity has not been demonstrated. Supporting a role for ACh in modulating MHb activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors increased the firing rate of MHb cholinergic neurons in mouse habenula slices, an effect blocked by AChR antagonists and mediated by ACh which was detected via expressing fluorescent ACh sensors in MHb in vivo. To test if cholinergic afferents innervate MHb cholinergic neurons, we used anterograde and retrograde viral tracing to identify cholinergic inputs. Surprisingly, tracing experiments failed to detect cholinergic inputs into the MHb, including from the septum, suggesting that MHb cholinergic neurons may release ACh within the MHb to drive cholinergic activity. To test this hypothesis, we expressed channelrhodopsin in a portion of MHb cholinergic neurons while recording from non-opsin-expressing neurons. Light pulses progressively increased activity of MHb cholinergic neurons indicating feed-forward activation driven by MHb ACh release. These data indicate MHb cholinergic neurons may utilize a unique feed-forward mechanism to synchronize and increase activity by releasing local ACh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeyup Chung
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept. of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Miao Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, 102206 Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, 102206 Beijing, China
| | - Andrew R Tapper
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept. of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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11
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Srivastava S, Arenkiel BR, Salas R. Habenular molecular targets for depression, impulsivity, and addiction. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:757-761. [PMID: 37705488 PMCID: PMC10591939 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2257390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ramiro Salas
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- The Menninger Clinic, Houston TX, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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12
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Meyer JM, Correll CU. Increased Metabolic Potential, Efficacy, and Safety of Emerging Treatments in Schizophrenia. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:545-570. [PMID: 37470979 PMCID: PMC10374807 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia experience a broad range of detrimental health outcomes resulting from illness severity, heterogeneity of disease, lifestyle behaviors, and adverse effects of antipsychotics. Because of these various factors, patients with schizophrenia have a much higher risk of cardiometabolic abnormalities than people without psychiatric illness. Although exposure to many antipsychotics increases cardiometabolic risk factors, mortality is higher in patients who are not treated versus those who are treated with antipsychotics. This indicates both direct and indirect benefits of adequately treated illness, as well as the need for beneficial medications that result in fewer cardiometabolic risk factors and comorbidities. The aim of the current narrative review was to outline the association between cardiometabolic dysfunction and schizophrenia, as well as discuss the confluence of factors that increase cardiometabolic risk in this patient population. An increased understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has guided discovery of novel treatments that do not directly target dopamine and that not only do not add, but may potentially minimize relevant cardiometabolic burden for these patients. Key discoveries that have advanced the understanding of the neural circuitry and pathophysiology of schizophrenia now provide possible pathways toward the development of new and effective treatments that may mitigate the risk of metabolic dysfunction in these patients. Novel targets and preclinical and clinical data on emerging treatments, such as glycine transport inhibitors, nicotinic and muscarinic receptor agonists, and trace amine-associated receptor-1 agonists, offer promise toward relevant therapeutic advancements. Numerous areas of investigation currently exist with the potential to considerably progress our knowledge and treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Antunes GF, Campos ACP, Martins DDO, Gouveia FV, Rangel Junior MJ, Pagano RL, Martinez RCR. Unravelling the Role of Habenula Subnuclei on Avoidance Response: Focus on Activation and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10693. [PMID: 37445871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310693] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders is a major challenge. Avoidance behavior is an essential feature of anxiety disorders. The two-way avoidance test is a preclinical model with two distinct subpopulations-the good and poor performers-based on the number of avoidance responses presented during testing. It is believed that the habenula subnuclei could be important for the elaboration of avoidance response with a distinct pattern of activation and neuroinflammation. The present study aimed to shed light on the habenula subnuclei signature in avoidance behavior, evaluating the pattern of neuronal activation using FOS expression and astrocyte density using GFAP immunoreactivity, and comparing control, good and poor performers. Our results showed that good performers had a decrease in FOS immunoreactivity (IR) in the superior part of the medial division of habenula (MHbS) and an increase in the marginal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLMg). Poor performers showed an increase in FOS in the basal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLB). Considering the astroglial immunoreactivity, the poor performers showed an increase in GFAP-IR in the inferior portion of the medial complex (MHbl), while the good performers showed a decrease in the oval part of the lateral part of the lateral complex (LHbLO) in comparison with the other groups. Taken together, our data suggest that specific subdivisions of the MHb and LHb have different activation patterns and astroglial immunoreactivity in good and poor performers. This study could contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Miguel José Rangel Junior
- Centro Universitário de Santa Fé do Sul, Santa Fé do Sul 15775-000, Brazil
- Medical School, Universidade Brasil, Fernandópolis 15600-000, Brazil
| | - Rosana Lima Pagano
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
| | - Raquel Chacon Ruiz Martinez
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
- Laboratorios de Investigação Médica-LIM/23, Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
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14
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Milotta G, Green I, Roiser JP, Callaghan MF. In vivo multi-parameter mapping of the habenula using MRI. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3754. [PMID: 36882432 PMCID: PMC9992523 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a small, epithalamic brain structure situated between the mediodorsal thalamus and the third ventricle. It plays an important role in the reward circuitry of the brain and is implicated in psychiatric conditions, such as depression. The importance of the habenula for human cognition and mental health make it a key structure of interest for neuroimaging studies. However, few studies have characterised the physical properties of the human habenula using magnetic resonance imaging because its challenging visualisation in vivo, primarily due to its subcortical location and small size. To date, microstructural characterization of the habenula has focused on quantitative susceptibility mapping. In this work, we complement this previous characterisation with measures of longitudinal and effective transverse relaxation rates, proton density and magnetisation transfer saturation using a high-resolution quantitative multi-parametric mapping protocol at 3T, in a cohort of 26 healthy participants. The habenula had consistent boundaries across the various parameter maps and was most clearly visualised on the longitudinal relaxation rate maps. We have provided a quantitative multi-parametric characterisation that may be useful for future sequence optimisation to enhance visualisation of the habenula, and additionally provides reference values for future studies investigating pathological differences in habenula microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Milotta
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3AR, UK.
| | - Isobel Green
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan P Roiser
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, 17 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Martina F Callaghan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3AR, UK
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15
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Liu X, Huang H, Zhang Y, Wang L, Wang F. Sexual Dimorphism of Inputs to the Lateral Habenula in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1439-1456. [PMID: 35644002 PMCID: PMC9723051 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00885-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb), which is a critical neuroanatomical hub and a regulator of midbrain monoaminergic centers, is activated by events resulting in negative valence and contributes to the expression of both appetitive and aversive behaviors. However, whole-brain cell-type-specific monosynaptic inputs to the LHb in both sexes remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, we used viral tracing combined with in situ hybridization targeting vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGlut2) and glutamic acid decarboxylase 2 (Gad2) to generate a comprehensive whole-brain atlas of inputs to glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons in the LHb. We found >30 ipsilateral and contralateral brain regions that projected to the LHb. Of these, there were significantly more monosynaptic LHb-projecting neurons from the lateral septum, anterior hypothalamus, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and ventromedial hypothalamus in females than in males. More interestingly, we found a stronger GABAergic projection from the medial septum to the LHb in males than in females. Our results reveal a comprehensive connectivity atlas of glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to the LHb in both sexes, which may facilitate a better understanding of sexual dimorphism in physiological and pathological brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongren Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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16
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King SG, Gaudreault PO, Malaker P, Kim JW, Alia-Klein N, Xu J, Goldstein RZ. Prefrontal-habenular microstructural impairments in human cocaine and heroin addiction. Neuron 2022; 110:3820-3832.e4. [PMID: 36206758 PMCID: PMC9671835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is central to adaptive reward- and aversion-driven behaviors, comprising a hub for higher-order processing networks involving the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Despite an established role in preclinical models of cocaine addiction, the translational significance of the Hb and its connectivity with the PFC in humans is unclear. Using diffusion tractography, we detailed PFC structural connectivity with the Hb and two control regions, quantifying tract-specific microstructural features in healthy and cocaine-addicted individuals. White matter was uniquely impaired in PFC-Hb projections in both short-term abstainers and current cocaine users. Abnormalities in this tract further generalized to an independent sample of heroin-addicted individuals and were associated, in an exploratory analysis, with earlier onset of drug use across the addiction subgroups, potentially serving as a predisposing marker amenable for early intervention. Importantly, these findings contextualize a plausible PFC-Hb circuit in the human brain, supporting preclinical evidence for its impairment in cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G King
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Pierre-Olivier Gaudreault
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Pias Malaker
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Joo-Won Kim
- Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Junqian Xu
- Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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17
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Chen W. Neural circuits provide insights into reward and aversion. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:1002485. [PMID: 36389177 PMCID: PMC9650032 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.1002485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive changes in the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion result in some common symptoms, such as drug addiction, anxiety, and depression. Historically, the study of these circuits has been hampered by technical limitations. In recent years, however, much progress has been made in understanding the neural mechanisms of reward and aversion owing to the development of technologies such as cell type-specific electrophysiology, neuronal tracing, and behavioral manipulation based on optogenetics. The aim of this paper is to summarize the latest findings on the mechanisms of the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion in a review of previous studies with a focus on the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and basal forebrain (BF). These findings may inform efforts to prevent and treat mental illnesses associated with dysfunctions of the brain's reward and aversion system.
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18
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Sylwestrak EL, Jo Y, Vesuna S, Wang X, Holcomb B, Tien RH, Kim DK, Fenno L, Ramakrishnan C, Allen WE, Chen R, Shenoy KV, Sussillo D, Deisseroth K. Cell-type-specific population dynamics of diverse reward computations. Cell 2022; 185:3568-3587.e27. [PMID: 36113428 PMCID: PMC10387374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Computational analysis of cellular activity has developed largely independently of modern transcriptomic cell typology, but integrating these approaches may be essential for full insight into cellular-level mechanisms underlying brain function and dysfunction. Applying this approach to the habenula (a structure with diverse, intermingled molecular, anatomical, and computational features), we identified encoding of reward-predictive cues and reward outcomes in distinct genetically defined neural populations, including TH+ cells and Tac1+ cells. Data from genetically targeted recordings were used to train an optimized nonlinear dynamical systems model and revealed activity dynamics consistent with a line attractor. High-density, cell-type-specific electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic perturbation provided supporting evidence for this model. Reverse-engineering predicted how Tac1+ cells might integrate reward history, which was complemented by in vivo experimentation. This integrated approach describes a process by which data-driven computational models of population activity can generate and frame actionable hypotheses for cell-type-specific investigation in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Sylwestrak
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - YoungJu Jo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sam Vesuna
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Blake Holcomb
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Rebecca H Tien
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Doo Kyung Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William E Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
| | - Ritchie Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Krishna V Shenoy
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Sussillo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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19
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Structural connectivity of the ANT region based on human ex-vivo and HCP data. Relevance for DBS in ANT for epilepsy. Neuroimage 2022; 262:119551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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20
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Antunes GF, Pinheiro Campos AC, de Assis DV, Gouveia FV, de Jesus Seno MD, Pagano RL, Ruiz Martinez RC. Habenula activation patterns in a preclinical model of neuropathic pain accompanied by depressive-like behaviour. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271295. [PMID: 35819957 PMCID: PMC9275703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and depression are complex disorders that frequently co-occur, resulting in diminished quality of life. The habenula is an epithalamic structure considered to play a pivotal role in the neurocircuitry of both pain and depression. The habenula can be divided into two major areas, the lateral and medial habenula, that can be further subdivided, resulting in 6 main subregions. Here, we investigated habenula activation patterns in a rat model of neuropathic pain with accompanying depressive-like behaviour. Wistar rats received active surgery for the development of neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve; CCI), sham surgery (surgical control), or no surgery (behavioural control). All animals were evaluated for mechanical nociceptive threshold using the paw pressure test and depressive-like behaviour using the forced swimming test, followed by evaluation of the immunoreactivity to cFos—a marker of neuronal activity—in the habenula and subregions. The Open Field Test was used to evaluate locomotor activity. Animals with peripheral neuropathy (CCI) showed decreased mechanical nociceptive threshold and increased depressive-like behaviour compared to control groups. The CCI group presented decreased cFos immunoreactivity in the total habenula, total lateral habenula and lateral habenula subregions, compared to controls. No difference was found in cFos immunoreactivity in the total medial habenula, however when evaluating the subregions of the medial habenula, we observed distinct activation patterns, with increase cFos immunoreactivity in the superior subregion and decrease in the central subregion. Taken together, our data suggest an involvement of the habenula in neuropathic pain and accompanying depressive-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail: (RCRM); (FVG)
| | | | | | - Raquel Chacon Ruiz Martinez
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
- LIM/23, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: (RCRM); (FVG)
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21
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Stria medullaris innervation follows the transcriptomic division of the habenula. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10118. [PMID: 35710872 PMCID: PMC9203815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14328-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a complex neuronal population integrated in a pivotal functional position into the vertebrate limbic system. Its main afference is the stria medullaris and its main efference the fasciculus retroflexus. This neuronal complex is composed by two main components, the medial and lateral habenula. Transcriptomic and single cell RNAseq studies have unveiled the morphological complexity of both components. The aim of our work was to analyze the relation between the origin of the axonal fibers and their final distribution in the habenula. We analyzed 754 tracing experiments from Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, Allen Brain Map databases, and selected 12 neuronal populations projecting into the habenular territory. Our analysis demonstrated that the projections into the medial habenula discriminate between the different subnuclei and are generally originated in the septal territory. The innervation of the lateral habenula displayed instead a less restricted distribution from preoptic, terminal hypothalamic and peduncular nuclei. Only the lateral oval subnucleus of the lateral habenula presented a specific innervation from the dorsal entopeduncular nucleus. Our results unveiled the necessity of novel sorts of behavioral experiments to dissect the different functions associated with the habenular complex and their correlation with the distinct neuronal populations that generate them.
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22
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Baker PM, Mathis V, Lecourtier L, Simmons SC, Nugent FS, Hill S, Mizumori SJY. Lateral Habenula Beyond Avoidance: Roles in Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making With Implications for Psychiatric Disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:826475. [PMID: 35308564 PMCID: PMC8930415 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.826475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Perspective review, we highlight some of the less explored aspects of lateral habenula (LHb) function in contextual memory, sleep, and behavioral flexibility. We provide evidence that LHb is well-situated to integrate different internal state and multimodal sensory information from memory-, stress-, motivational-, and reward-related circuits essential for both survival and decision making. We further discuss the impact of early life stress (ELS) on LHb function as an example of stress-induced hyperactivity and dysregulation of neuromodulatory systems within the LHb that promote anhedonia and motivational deficits following ELS. We acknowledge that recent technological advancements in manipulation and recording of neural circuits in simplified and well-controlled behavioral paradigms have been invaluable in our understanding of the critical role of LHb in motivation and emotional regulation as well as the involvement of LHb dysfunction in stress-induced psychopathology. However, we also argue that the use of ethologically-relevant behaviors with consideration of complex aspects of decision-making is warranted for future studies of LHb contributions in a wide range of psychiatric illnesses. We conclude this Perspective with some of the outstanding issues for the field to consider where a multi-systems approach is needed to investigate the complex nature of LHb circuitry interactions with environmental stimuli that predisposes psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Baker
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Phillip M. Baker,
| | - Victor Mathis
- CNRS UPR 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Lecourtier
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Lucas Lecourtier,
| | - Sarah C. Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Fereshteh S. Nugent,
| | - Sierra Hill
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sheri J. Y. Mizumori
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Sheri J. Y. Mizumori,
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23
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Wang YT, Zhang NN, Liu LJ, Jiang H, Hu D, Wang ZZ, Chen NH, Zhang Y. Glutamatergic receptor and neuroplasticity in depression: Implications for ketamine and rapastinel as the rapid-acting antidepressants. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 594:46-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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Yee DM, Leng X, Shenhav A, Braver TS. Aversive motivation and cognitive control. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 133:104493. [PMID: 34910931 PMCID: PMC8792354 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aversive motivation plays a prominent role in driving individuals to exert cognitive control. However, the complexity of behavioral responses attributed to aversive incentives creates significant challenges for developing a clear understanding of the neural mechanisms of this motivation-control interaction. We review the animal learning, systems neuroscience, and computational literatures to highlight the importance of experimental paradigms that incorporate both motivational context manipulations and mixed motivational components (e.g., bundling of appetitive and aversive incentives). Specifically, we postulate that to understand aversive incentive effects on cognitive control allocation, a critical contextual factor is whether such incentives are associated with negative reinforcement or punishment. We further illustrate how the inclusion of mixed motivational components in experimental paradigms enables increased precision in the measurement of aversive influences on cognitive control. A sharpened experimental and theoretical focus regarding the manipulation and assessment of distinct motivational dimensions promises to advance understanding of the neural, monoaminergic, and computational mechanisms that underlie the interaction of motivation and cognitive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie M Yee
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, USA; Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, USA.
| | - Xiamin Leng
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, USA; Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, USA
| | - Amitai Shenhav
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, USA; Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, USA
| | - Todd S Braver
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, USA
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25
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Young CJ, Lyons D, Piggins HD. Circadian Influences on the Habenula and Their Potential Contribution to Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:815700. [PMID: 35153695 PMCID: PMC8831701 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.815700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural circadian system consists of the master circadian clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) communicating time of day cues to the rest of the body including other brain areas that also rhythmically express circadian clock genes. Over the past 16 years, evidence has emerged to indicate that the habenula of the epithalamus is a candidate extra-SCN circadian oscillator. When isolated from the SCN, the habenula sustains rhythms in clock gene expression and neuronal activity, with the lateral habenula expressing more robust rhythms than the adjacent medial habenula. The lateral habenula is responsive to putative SCN output factors as well as light information conveyed to the perihabenula area. Neuronal activity in the lateral habenula is altered in depression and intriguingly disruptions in circadian rhythms can elevate risk of developing mental health disorders including depression. In this review, we will principally focus on how circadian and light signals affect the lateral habenula and evaluate the possibility that alteration in these influences contribute to mental health disorders.
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26
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Zhang GM, Wu HY, Cui WQ, Peng W. Multi-level variations of lateral habenula in depression: A comprehensive review of current evidence. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1043846. [PMID: 36386995 PMCID: PMC9649931 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1043846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research in recent decades, knowledge of the pathophysiology of depression in neural circuits remains limited. Recently, the lateral habenula (LHb) has been extensively reported to undergo a series of adaptive changes at multiple levels during the depression state. As a crucial relay in brain networks associated with emotion regulation, LHb receives excitatory or inhibitory projections from upstream brain regions related to stress and cognition and interacts with brain regions involved in emotion regulation. A series of pathological alterations induced by aberrant inputs cause abnormal function of the LHb, resulting in dysregulation of mood and motivation, which present with depressive-like phenotypes in rodents. Herein, we systematically combed advances from rodents, summarized changes in the LHb and related neural circuits in depression, and attempted to analyze the intrinsic logical relationship among these pathological alterations. We expect that this summary will greatly enhance our understanding of the pathological processes of depression. This is advantageous for fostering the understanding and screening of potential antidepressant targets against LHb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Ming Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Yun Wu
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Cui
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Peng
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Company V, Moreno-Cerdá A, Andreu-Cervera A, Murcia-Ramón R, Almagro-García F, Echevarría D, Martínez S, Puelles E. Wnt1 Role in the Development of the Habenula and the Fasciculus Retroflexus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:755729. [PMID: 34722541 PMCID: PMC8551717 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.755729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt1 is one of the morphogenes that controls the specification and differentiation of neuronal populations in the developing central nervous system. The habenula is a diencephalic neuronal complex located in the most dorsal aspect of the thalamic prosomere. This diencephalic neuronal population is involved in the limbic system and its malfunction is related with several psychiatric disorders. Our aim is to elucidate the Wnt1 role in the habenula and its main efferent tract, the fasciculus retroflexus, development. In order to achieve these objectives, we analyzed these structures development in a Wnt1 lack of function mouse model. The habenula was generated in our model, but it presented an enlarged volume. This alteration was due to an increment in habenular neuroblasts proliferation rate. The fasciculus retroflexus also presented a wider and disorganized distribution and a disturbed final trajectory toward its target. The mid-hindbrain territories that the tract must cross were miss-differentiated in our model. The specification of the habenula is Wnt1 independent. Nevertheless, it controls its precursors proliferation rate. Wnt1 expressed in the isthmic organizer is vital to induce the midbrain and rostral hindbrain territories. The alteration of these areas is responsible for the fasciculus retroflexus axons misroute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Company
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Ana Moreno-Cerdá
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Abraham Andreu-Cervera
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Raquel Murcia-Ramón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Francisca Almagro-García
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Diego Echevarría
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Salvador Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Eduardo Puelles
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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Leal-Galicia P, Chávez-Hernández ME, Mata F, Mata-Luévanos J, Rodríguez-Serrano LM, Tapia-de-Jesús A, Buenrostro-Jáuregui MH. Adult Neurogenesis: A Story Ranging from Controversial New Neurogenic Areas and Human Adult Neurogenesis to Molecular Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11489. [PMID: 34768919 PMCID: PMC8584254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of new neurons in the adult brain is a currently accepted phenomenon. Over the past few decades, the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus have been described as the two main neurogenic niches. Neurogenic niches generate new neurons through an asymmetric division process involving several developmental steps. This process occurs throughout life in several species, including humans. These new neurons possess unique properties that contribute to the local circuitry. Despite several efforts, no other neurogenic zones have been observed in many years; the lack of observation is probably due to technical issues. However, in recent years, more brain niches have been described, once again breaking the current paradigms. Currently, a debate in the scientific community about new neurogenic areas of the brain, namely, human adult neurogenesis, is ongoing. Thus, several open questions regarding new neurogenic niches, as well as this phenomenon in adult humans, their functional relevance, and their mechanisms, remain to be answered. In this review, we discuss the literature and provide a compressive overview of the known neurogenic zones, traditional zones, and newly described zones. Additionally, we will review the regulatory roles of some molecular mechanisms, such as miRNAs, neurotrophic factors, and neurotrophins. We also join the debate on human adult neurogenesis, and we will identify similarities and differences in the literature and summarize the knowledge regarding these interesting topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Leal-Galicia
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
| | - María Elena Chávez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
| | - Florencia Mata
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
| | - Jesús Mata-Luévanos
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
| | - Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Tapia-de-Jesús
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
| | - Mario Humberto Buenrostro-Jáuregui
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (M.E.C.-H.); (F.M.); (J.M.-L.); (L.M.R.-S.); (A.T.-d.-J.)
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Sevigny JP, Bryant EN, Encarnacion É, Smith DF, Acosta R, Baker PM. Lateral Habenula Inactivation Alters Willingness to Exert Physical Effort Using a Maze Task in Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:652793. [PMID: 34447300 PMCID: PMC8382800 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.652793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An impairment in willingness to exert physical effort in daily activities is a noted aspect of several psychiatric conditions. Previous studies have supported an important role for the lateral habenula (LHb) in dynamic decision-making, including decisions associated with discounting costly high value rewards. It is unknown whether a willingness to exert physical effort to obtain higher rewards is also mediated by the LHb. It also remains unclear whether the LHb is critical to monitoring the task contingencies generally as they change, or whether it also mediates choices in otherwise static reward environments. The present study indicates that the LHb might have an integrative role in effort-based decision-making even when no alterations in choice contingencies occur. Specifically, pharmacological inactivation of the LHb showed differences in motivational behavior by reducing choices for the high effort (30cm barrier) high reward (2 pellets) choice versus the low effort (0 cm) low reward (1 pellet) choice. In sessions where the barrier was removed, rats demonstrated a similar preference for the high reward arm under both control and LHb inactivation. Further, no differences were observed when accounting for sex as a biological variable. These results support that effort to receive a high-value reward is considered on a trial-by-trial basis and the LHb is part of the circuit responsible for integrating this information during decision-making. Therefore, it is likely that previously observed changes in the LHb may be a key contributor to changes in a willingness to exert effort in psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Sevigny
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Emily N Bryant
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Érica Encarnacion
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dylan F Smith
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rudith Acosta
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Phillip M Baker
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
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Gordon-Fennell A, Stuber GD. Illuminating subcortical GABAergic and glutamatergic circuits for reward and aversion. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108725. [PMID: 34375625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reinforcement, reward, and aversion are fundamental processes for guiding appropriate behaviors. Longstanding theories have pointed to dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the limbic systems' descending pathways as crucial systems for modulating these behaviors. The application of optogenetic techniques in neurotransmitter- and projection-specific circuits has supported and enhanced many preexisting theories but has also revealed many unexpected results. Here, we review the past decade of optogenetic experiments to study the neural circuitry of reinforcement and reward/aversion with a focus on the mesolimbic dopamine system and brain areas along the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). The cumulation of these studies to date has revealed generalizable findings across molecularly defined cell types in areas of the basal forebrain and anterior hypothalamus. Optogenetic stimulation of GABAergic neurons in these brain regions drives reward and can support positive reinforcement and optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in these regions drives aversion. We also review studies of the activity dynamics of neurotransmitter defined populations in these areas which have revealed varied response patterns associated with motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gordon-Fennell
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA.
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31
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Shepard RD, Nugent FS. Targeting Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Lateral Habenula as an Intervention to Prevent Mental Illnesses Following Early Life Stress: A Perspective. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:689518. [PMID: 34122037 PMCID: PMC8194269 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.689518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse events and childhood trauma increase the susceptibility towards developing psychiatric disorders (substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, etc.) in adulthood. Although there are treatment strategies that have utility in combating these psychiatric disorders, little attention is placed on how to therapeutically intervene in children exposed to early life stress (ELS) to prevent the development of later psychopathology. The lateral habenula (LHb) has been a topic of extensive investigation in mental health disorders due to its prominent role in emotion and mood regulation through modulation of brain reward and motivational neural circuits. Importantly, rodent models of ELS have been shown to promote LHb dysfunction. Moreover, one of the potential mechanisms contributing to LHb neuronal and synaptic dysfunction involves endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, which has been observed to critically regulate emotion/mood and motivation. Many pre-clinical studies targeting eCB signaling suggest that this neuromodulatory system could be exploited as an intervention therapy to halt maladaptive processes that promote dysfunction in reward and motivational neural circuits involving the LHb. In this perspective article, we report what is currently known about the role of eCB signaling in LHb function and discuss our opinions on new research directions to determine whether the eCB system is a potentially attractive therapeutic intervention for the prevention and/or treatment of ELS-associated psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Shepard
- Department of Pharmacology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fereshteh S Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Kheiralla O, Abdalkariem A, Alghamdi A, Tajaldeen A, Hamid N. Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Promising New Technique for Accurate Identification of the Stria Medullaris and Habenula. Open Neuroimag J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874440002114010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Stria Medullaris (SM) is a white-matter tract that contains afferent fibres that connect the cognitive-emotional areas in the forebrain to the Habenula (Hb). The Hb plays an important role in behavioral responses to reward, stress, anxiety, pain, and sleep through its action on neuromodulator systems. The Fasciculus Retroflexus (FR) forms the primary output of the Hb to the midbrain. The SM, Hb, and FR are part of a special pathway between the forebrain and the midbrain known as the Dorsal Diencephalic Conduction system (DDC). Hb dysfunction is accompanied by different types of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Due to difficulties in the imaging assessment of the SM and HB in vivo, they had not been a focus of clinical studies until the invention of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), which has revolutionized the imaging and investigation of the SM and Hb. DTI has facilitated the imaging of the SM and Hb and has provided insights into their properties through the investigation of their monoamine dysregulation. DTI is a well-established technique for mapping brain microstructure and white matter tracts; it provides indirect information about the microstructural architecture and integrity of white matter in vivo, based on water diffusion properties in the intra- and extracellular space, such as Axial Diffusivity (AD), Radial Diffusivity (RD), mean diffusivity, and Fractional Anisotropy (FA). Neurosurgeons have recognized the potential value of DTI in the direct anatomical targeting of the SM and Hb prior to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for the treatment of certain neuropsychiatric conditions, such as TRD. DTI is the only non-invasive method that offers the possibility of visualization in vivo of the white-matter tracts and nuclei in the human brain. This review study summarizes the use of DTI as a promising new imaging method for accurate identification of the SM and Hb, with special emphasis on direct anatomical targeting of the SM and Hb prior to DBS surgery.
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Zapata A, Lupica CR. Lateral habenula cannabinoid CB1 receptor involvement in drug-associated impulsive behavior. Neuropharmacology 2021; 192:108604. [PMID: 33965396 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal and human studies show that cannabis or its derivatives can increase relapse to cocaine seeking following withdrawal. Moreover, cannabis use in humans is associated with impulse control deficits and animal studies implicate endogenous cannabinoids (eCB) in several impulsivity constructs. However, the brain areas where cannabinoids might control impulsivity or cocaine seeking are largely unknown. Here, we assess Lateral Habenula (LHb) involvement on performance in the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) in rats and investigate whether LHb cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) are involved in these effects. Systemic cocaine increased premature responding, a measure of impulsivity, at a dose (5 mg/kg) that did not alter other measures of task performance. Intra-LHb infusion of the CB1R antagonist AM251 blocked this effect. Systemic injection of the psychoactive constituent of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, 1 mg/kg), also increased 5CSRTT premature responding at a dose that did not otherwise disrupt task performance. This was blocked by intra-LHb infusion of AM251 in a subgroup of rats showing the largest increases in Δ9-THC-evoked premature responses. Systemic Δ9-THC also prompted impulsive cocaine seeking in a Go/NoGo cocaine self-administration task and this was blocked by intra-LHb AM251. These data show that LHb CB1Rs are involved in deficits in impulse control initiated by cocaine and Δ9-THC, as assessed by the 5CSRTT, and play a role in impulsive cocaine seeking during cocaine self-administration. This suggests that the LHb eCB system contributes to the control of impulsive behavior, and thus represents a potential target for therapeutic treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Zapata
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Cellular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Cellular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Cherng BW, Islam T, Torigoe M, Tsuboi T, Okamoto H. The Dorsal Lateral Habenula-Interpeduncular Nucleus Pathway Is Essential for Left-Right-Dependent Decision Making in Zebrafish. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108143. [PMID: 32937118 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
How animals behave using suitable information to adapt to the environment is not well known. We address this issue by devising an automated system to let zebrafish exploit either internal (choice of left or right turn) or external (choice of cue color) navigation information to achieve operant behavior by reward reinforcement learning. The results of behavioral task with repeated rule shift indicate that zebrafish can learn operant behavior using both internal-directional and external-cued information. The learning time is reduced as rule shifts are repeated, revealing the capacity of zebrafish to adaptively retrieve the suitable rule memory after training. Zebrafish with an impairment in the neural pathway from the lateral subregion of the dorsal habenula to the interpeduncular nucleus, known to be potentiated in the winners of social conflicts, show specific defects in the application of the internal-directional rule, suggesting the dual roles of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor-Wei Cherng
- Laboratory for Neural Circuit Dynamics of Decision-making, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Tanvir Islam
- Laboratory for Neural Circuit Dynamics of Decision-making, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Makio Torigoe
- Laboratory for Neural Circuit Dynamics of Decision-making, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takashi Tsuboi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okamoto
- Laboratory for Neural Circuit Dynamics of Decision-making, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; RIKEN CBS-Kao Collaboration Center, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan.
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35
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Freudenmacher L, Twickel AV, Walkowiak W. Input of sensory, limbic, basal ganglia and pallial/cortical information into the ventral/lateral habenula: Functional principles in anuran amphibians. Brain Res 2021; 1766:147506. [PMID: 33930373 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The habenula - a phylogenetically old brain structure present in all vertebrates - is involved in pain processing, reproductive behaviors, sleep-wake cycles, stress responses, reward, and learning. We performed intra- and extracellular recordings of ventral habenula (VHb) neurons in the isolated brain of anurans and revealed similar cell and response properties to those reported for the lateral habenula of mammals. We identified tonic regular, tonic irregular, rhythmic firing, and silent VHb neurons. Transitions between these firing patterns were observed during spontaneous activity. Electrical stimulation of various brain areas demonstrated VHb input of auditory, optic, limbic, basal ganglia, and pallial information. This resulted in three different response behaviors in VHb neurons: excitation, inhibition, or alternating facilitation and suppression of neuronal activity. Spontaneously changing activity patterns were observed to modulate, reset, or suppress the response behavior of VHb neurons, indicating a gating mechanism. This could be a network status or context dependent selection mechanism for which information are transmitted to task relevant brain areas (i.e., sensory system, limbic system, basal ganglia). Furthermore, alternating facilitation and suppression sequences upon auditory nerve stimulation correlated positively fictive motor activities recorded via the compound potential of the vagal nerve. Stimulation of the auditory nerve or the habenula led to facilitation, suppression, or alternating facilitation and suppression of neuronal activity in putative dopaminergic neurons. Due to complex habenula feedback loops with basal ganglia, limbic, and sensory systems, the habenula involvement in a variety of functions might therefore be explained by a modulatory effect on a task-relevant input stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Freudenmacher
- Institute for Zoology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany; Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Arndt von Twickel
- Institute for Zoology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Walkowiak
- Institute for Zoology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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Arfuso M, Salas R, Castellanos FX, Krain Roy A. Evidence of Altered Habenular Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Pediatric ADHD. J Atten Disord 2021; 25:749-757. [PMID: 31014160 PMCID: PMC9295305 DOI: 10.1177/1087054719843177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The habenula is a small region in the epithalamus that contributes to the regulation of midbrain dopaminergic circuits implicated in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This investigation aims to evaluate the intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) of the habenula in children with ADHD. Method: A total of 112 children (5-9 years; 75 ADHD, 37 healthy comparisons) completed anatomical and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Habenula regions of interest (ROIs) were identified individually on normalized T1-weighted anatomical images. Seed-based iFC analyses and group comparisons were conducted for habenula ROIs, as well as thalamic ROIs to test the specificity of habenula findings. Results: Children with ADHD exhibited reduced habenula-putamen iFC compared with healthy comparisons. Group differences in thalamic iFC showed no overlap with habenular findings. Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that habenula-putamen iFC may be disrupted in children with ADHD. Further work is needed to confirm and elucidate the role of this circuit in ADHD pathophysiology.
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Wang GT, Pan HY, Lang WH, Yu YD, Hsieh CH, Kuan YS. Three-dimensional multi-gene expression maps reveal cell fate changes associated with laterality reversal of zebrafish habenula. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1632-1645. [PMID: 33638209 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The conserved bilateral habenular nuclei (HA) in vertebrate diencephalon develop into compartmentalized structures containing neurons derived from different cell lineages. Despite extensive studies demonstrated that zebrafish larval HA display distinct left-right (L-R) asymmetry in gene expression and connectivity, the spatial gene expression domains were mainly obtained from two-dimensional (2D) snapshots of colorimetric RNA in situ hybridization staining which could not properly reflect different HA neuronal lineages constructed in three-dimension (3D). Combing the tyramide-based fluorescent mRNA in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy and customized imaging processing procedures, we have created spatial distribution maps of four genes for 4-day-old zebrafish and in sibling fish whose L-R asymmetry was spontaneously reversed. 3D volumetric analyses showed that ratios of cpd2, lov, ron, and nrp1a expression in L-R reversed HA were reversed according to the parapineal positions. However, the quantitative changes of gene expression in reversed larval brains do not mirror the gene expression level in the obverse larval brains. There were a total 87.78% increase in lov+ nrp1a+ and a total 12.45% decrease in lov+ ron+ double-positive neurons when the L-R asymmetry of HA was reversed. Thus, our volumetric analyses of the 3D maps indicate that changes of HA neuronal cell fates are associated with the reversal of HA laterality. These changes likely account for the behavior changes associated with HA laterality alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Tzau Wang
- National Center for High-Performance Computing, Hsinchu, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - He-Yen Pan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Wei-Han Lang
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Yuan-Ding Yu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Chang-Huain Hsieh
- National Center for High-Performance Computing, Hsinchu, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Yung-Shu Kuan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.,Neuroscience Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
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Bühler A, Carl M. Zebrafish Tools for Deciphering Habenular Network-Linked Mental Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020324. [PMID: 33672636 PMCID: PMC7924194 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Everything that we think, feel or do depends on the function of neural networks in the brain. These are highly complex structures made of cells (neurons) and their interconnections (axons), which develop dependent on precisely coordinated interactions of genes. Any gene mutation can result in unwanted alterations in neural network formation and concomitant brain disorders. The habenula neural network is one of these important circuits, which has been linked to autism, schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Studies using the zebrafish have uncovered genes involved in the development of this network. Intriguingly, some of these genes have also been identified as risk genes of human brain disorders highlighting the power of this animal model to link risk genes and the affected network to human disease. But can we use the advantages of this model to identify new targets and compounds with ameliorating effects on brain dysfunction? In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on techniques to manipulate the habenula neural network to study the consequences on behavior. Moreover, we give an overview of existing behavioral test to mimic aspects of mental disorders and critically discuss the applicability of the zebrafish model in this field of research. Abstract The prevalence of patients suffering from mental disorders is substantially increasing in recent years and represents a major burden to society. The underlying causes and neuronal circuits affected are complex and difficult to unravel. Frequent disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder share links to the habenular neural circuit. This conserved neurotransmitter system relays cognitive information between different brain areas steering behaviors ranging from fear and anxiety to reward, sleep, and social behaviors. Advances in the field using the zebrafish model organism have uncovered major genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of the habenular neural circuit. Some of the identified genes involved in regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling have previously been suggested as risk genes of human mental disorders. Hence, these studies on habenular genetics contribute to a better understanding of brain diseases. We are here summarizing how the gained knowledge on the mechanisms underlying habenular neural circuit development can be used to introduce defined manipulations into the system to study the functional behavioral consequences. We further give an overview of existing behavior assays to address phenotypes related to mental disorders and critically discuss the power but also the limits of the zebrafish model for identifying suitable targets to develop therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Bühler
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (M.C.); Tel.: +39-0461-282745 (A.B.); +39-0461-283931 (M.C.)
| | - Matthias Carl
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (M.C.); Tel.: +39-0461-282745 (A.B.); +39-0461-283931 (M.C.)
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Zhang L, Hernandez VS, Gerfen CR, Jiang SZ, Zavala L, Barrio RA, Eiden LE. Behavioral role of PACAP signaling reflects its selective distribution in glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal subpopulations. eLife 2021; 10:61718. [PMID: 33463524 PMCID: PMC7875564 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide PACAP, acting as a co-transmitter, increases neuronal excitability, which may enhance anxiety and arousal associated with threat conveyed by multiple sensory modalities. The distribution of neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor, PAC1, throughout the mouse nervous system was determined, in register with expression of glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal markers, to develop a coherent chemoanatomical picture of PACAP role in brain motor responses to sensory input. A circuit role for PACAP was tested by observing Fos activation of brain neurons after olfactory threat cue in wild-type and PACAP knockout mice. Neuronal activation and behavioral response, were blunted in PACAP knock-out mice, accompanied by sharply downregulated vesicular transporter expression in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor. This report signals a new perspective on the role of neuropeptide signaling in supporting excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the nervous system within functionally coherent polysynaptic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.,Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
| | - Vito S Hernandez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Charles R Gerfen
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
| | - Sunny Z Jiang
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
| | - Lilian Zavala
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael A Barrio
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States.,Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Physics, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lee E Eiden
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, United States
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Robinson SL, Dornellas APS, Burnham NW, Houck CA, Luhn KL, Bendrath SC, Companion MA, Brewton HW, Thomas RD, Navarro M, Thiele TE. Distinct and Overlapping Patterns of Acute Ethanol-Induced C-Fos Activation in Two Inbred Replicate Lines of Mice Selected for Drinking to High Blood Ethanol Concentrations. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120988. [PMID: 33333877 PMCID: PMC7765285 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The inbred high drinking in the dark (iHDID1 and iHDID2) strains are two replicate lines bred from the parent HS/Npt (HS) line for achieving binge levels of blood ethanol concentration (≥80 mg/dL BEC) in a four-hour period. In this work, we sought to evaluate differences in baseline and ethanol-induced c-Fos activation between the HS, iHDID1, and iHDID2 genetic lines in brain regions known to process the aversive properties of ethanol. Methods: Male and female HS, iHDID1, and iHDID2 mice underwent an IP saline 2 3 g/kg ethanol injection. Brain sections were then stained for c-Fos expression in the basolateral/central amygdala (BLA/CeA), bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST), A2, locus coeruleus (LC), parabrachial nucleus (PBN), lateral/medial habenula (LHb/MHb), paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), periaqueductal gray (PAG), Edinger–Westphal nuclei (EW), and rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Results: The iHDID1 and iHDID2 lines showed similar and distinct patterns of regional c-Fos; however, in no region did the two both significantly differ from the HS line together. Conclusions: Our findings lend further support to the hypothesis the iHDID1 and the iHDID2 lines arrive at a similar behavior phenotype through divergent genetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Robinson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ana Paula S. Dornellas
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nathan W. Burnham
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Christa A. Houck
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kendall L. Luhn
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
| | - Sophie C. Bendrath
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michel A. Companion
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Honoreé W. Brewton
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rhiannon D. Thomas
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Montserrat Navarro
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Todd E. Thiele
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.L.R.); (A.P.S.D.); (C.A.H.); (K.L.L.); (S.C.B.); (M.A.C.); (H.W.B.); (R.D.T.); (M.N.)
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-966-1519; Fax: +1-919-962-2537
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London E, Wester JC, Bloyd M, Bettencourt S, McBain CJ, Stratakis CA. Loss of habenular Prkar2a reduces hedonic eating and increases exercise motivation. JCI Insight 2020; 5:141670. [PMID: 33141766 PMCID: PMC7714411 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.141670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a bilateral, evolutionarily conserved epithalamic structure connecting forebrain and midbrain structures that has gained attention for its roles in depression, addiction, rewards processing, and motivation. Of its 2 major subdivisions, the medial Hb (MHb) and lateral Hb (LHb), MHb circuitry and function are poorly understood relative to those of the LHb. Prkar2a codes for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) regulatory subunit IIα (RIIα), a component of the PKA holoenzyme at the center of one of the major cell-signaling pathways conserved across systems and species. Type 2 regulatory subunits (RIIα, RIIβ) determine the subcellular localization of PKA, and unlike other PKA subunits, Prkar2a has minimal brain expression except in the MHb. We previously showed that RIIα-knockout (RIIα-KO) mice resist diet-induced obesity. In the present study, we report that RIIα-KO mice have decreased consumption of palatable, “rewarding” foods and increased motivation for voluntary exercise. Prkar2a deficiency led to decreased habenular PKA enzymatic activity and impaired dendritic localization of PKA catalytic subunits in MHb neurons. Reexpression of Prkar2a in the Hb rescued this phenotype, confirming differential roles for Prkar2a in regulating the drives for palatable foods and voluntary exercise. Our findings show that in the MHb decreased PKA signaling and dendritic PKA activity decrease motivation for palatable foods, while enhancing the motivation for exercise, a desirable combination of behaviors. Decreased habenular PKA signaling and altered localization of PKA catalytic subunits in medial habenula dendrites caused by Prkar2a deletion led to increased voluntary running and decreased sucrose solution intake in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason C Wester
- Section on Cellular and Synaptic Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Chris J McBain
- Section on Cellular and Synaptic Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Midbrain circuits of novelty processing. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 176:107323. [PMID: 33053429 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Novelty triggers an increase in orienting behavior that is critical to evaluate the potential salience of unknown events. As novelty becomes familiar upon repeated encounters, this increase in response rapidly habituates as a form of behavioral adaptation underlying goal-directed behaviors. Many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders are associated with abnormal responses to novelty and/or familiarity, although the neuronal circuits and cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying these natural behaviors in the healthy brain are largely unknown, as is the maladaptive processes that occur to induce impairment of novelty signaling in diseased brains. In rodents, the development of cutting-edge tools that allow for measurements of real time activity dynamics in selectively identified neuronal ensembles by gene expression signatures is beginning to provide advances in understanding the neural bases of the novelty response. Accumulating evidence indicate that midbrain circuits, the majority of which linked to dopamine transmission, promote exploratory assessments and guide approach/avoidance behaviors to different types of novelty via specific projection sites. The present review article focuses on midbrain circuit analysis relevant to novelty processing and habituation with familiarity.
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The increased density of the habenular neurons, high impulsivity, aggression and resistant fear memory in Disc1-Q31L genetic mouse model of depression. Behav Brain Res 2020; 392:112693. [PMID: 32422236 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mood disorders affect nearly 300 million humans worldwide, and it is a leading cause of death from suicide. In the last decade, the habenula has gained increased attention due to its major role to modulate emotional behavior and related psychopathologies, including depression and bipolar disorder, through the modulation of monoamines' neurotransmission. However, it is still unclear which genetic factors may directly affect the function of the habenula and hence, could contribute to the psychopathological mechanisms of mood disorders. Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) gene is among robust gene-candidates predisposing to major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in humans. DISC1-Q31L, a well-established genetic mouse model of depression, offers a unique opportunity for translational studies. The current study aimed to probe morphological features of the habenula in the DISC1-Q31L mouse line and detect novel behavioral endophenotypes, including the increased emotionality in mutant females, high aggression in mutant males and deficient extinction of fear memory in DISC1 mutant mice of both sexes. The histological analysis found the increased neural density in the lateral and medial habenula in DISC1-Q31L mice regardless of sex, hence, excluding direct association between the habenular neurons and emotionality in mutant females. Altogether, our findings demonstrated, for the first time, the direct impact of the DISC1 gene on the habenular neurons and affective behavior in the DISC1-Q31L genetic mouse line. These new findings suggest that the combination of the DISC1 genetic analysis together with habenular neuroimaging may improve diagnostics of mood disorder in clinical studies.
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T-Type Calcium Channels Contribute to Burst Firing in a Subpopulation of Medial Habenula Neurons. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0201-20.2020. [PMID: 32719103 PMCID: PMC7433892 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0201-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Action potential (AP) burst firing caused by the activation of low-voltage-activated T-type Ca2+ channels is a unique mode of neuronal firing. T-type channels have been implicated in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, including epilepsy, autism, and mood regulation, but the brain structures involved remain incompletely understood. The medial habenula (MHb) is an epithalamic structure implicated in anxiety-like and withdrawal behavior. Previous studies have shown that MHb neurons fire tonic APs at a frequency of ∼2–10 Hz or display depolarized low-amplitude membrane oscillations. Here, we report in C57BL/6J mice that a subpopulation of MHb neurons are capable of firing transient, high-frequency AP bursts mediated by T-type channels. Burst firing was observed following rebounding from hyperpolarizing current injections or during depolarization from hyperpolarized membrane potentials in ∼20% of MHb neurons. It was rarely observed at baseline but could be evoked in MHb neurons displaying different initial activity states. Further, we show that T-type channel mRNA, in particular Cav3.1, is expressed in the MHb in both cholinergic and substance P-ergic neurons. Pharmacological Cav3 antagonism blocked both burst firing and evoked Ca2+ currents in MHb neurons. Additionally, we observed high-frequency AP doublet firing at sustained depolarized membrane potentials that was independent of T-type channels. Thus, there is a greater diversity of AP firing patterns in MHb neurons than previously identified, including T-type channel-mediated burst firing, which may uniquely contribute to behaviors with relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.
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Miller CN, Kamens HM. Reduced expression of ethanol sensitization by α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in DBA/2J mice. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 28:348-354. [PMID: 31580099 PMCID: PMC7117981 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, however existing treatments are ineffective and produce aversive side effects such as nausea and fatigue. One potential therapeutic for AUD is the α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC). Prior work has shown that 18-MC reduces ethanol consumption in rodent models. The present study sought to further examine the therapeutic potential of 18-MC by testing its effects on nonconsummatory behaviors. We examined 2 behavioral measures: ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation, which measures euphoric properties of the drug, and the expression of locomotor sensitization which models neuroadaptations in response to repeated exposure. We tested dose-dependent effects of 18-MC (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) administration on ethanol stimulation and locomotor sensitization in female and male DBA/2J mice. 18-MC had no effect on acute ethanol-induced stimulation, but the highest dose (30 mg/kg) significantly decreased the expression of locomotor sensitization. Our results support the involvement of α3β4 nAChR in the expression of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization and suggest that 18-MC may be a therapeutic for AUD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen M Kamens
- Corresponding Author: Helen M Kamens, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, , Phone: 814-865-1269, Fax: 814-863-7525
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Roman E, Weininger J, Lim B, Roman M, Barry D, Tierney P, O'Hanlon E, Levins K, O'Keane V, Roddy D. Untangling the dorsal diencephalic conduction system: a review of structure and function of the stria medullaris, habenula and fasciculus retroflexus. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1437-1458. [PMID: 32367265 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The often-overlooked dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDCS) is a highly conserved pathway linking the basal forebrain and the monoaminergic brainstem. It consists of three key structures; the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus. The first component of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, is a discrete bilateral tract composed of fibers from the basal forebrain that terminate in the triangular eminence of the stalk of the pineal gland, known as the habenula. The habenula acts as a relay hub where incoming signals from the stria medullaris are processed and subsequently relayed to the midbrain and hindbrain monoaminergic nuclei through the fasciculus retroflexus. As a result of its wide-ranging connections, the DDCS has recently been implicated in a wide range of behaviors related to reward processing, aversion and motivation. As such, an understanding of the structure and connections of the DDCS may help illuminate the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction and pain. This is the first review of all three components of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus, with particular focus on their anatomy, function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Joshua Weininger
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Basil Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Game Design, Technological University Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marin Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Tierney
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kirk Levins
- Department of Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Jeon SG, Yoo A, Chun DW, Hong SB, Chung H, Kim JI, Moon M. The Critical Role of Nurr1 as a Mediator and Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease-related Pathogenesis. Aging Dis 2020; 11:705-724. [PMID: 32489714 PMCID: PMC7220289 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have revealed that the transcription factor nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) plays several roles not only in the regulation of gene expression related to dopamine synthesis, but also in alternative splicing, and miRNA targeting. Moreover, it regulates cognitive functions and protects against inflammation-induced neuronal death. In particular, the role of Nurr1 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been well investigated; for example, it has been shown that it restores behavioral and histological impairments in PD models. Although many studies have evaluated the connection between Nurr1 and PD pathogenesis, the role of Nurr1 in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain to be studied. There have been several studies describing Nurr1 protein expression in the AD brain. However, only a few studies have examined the role of Nurr1 in the context of AD. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the overall effects of Nurr1 under the neuropathologic conditions related to AD. Furthermore, we suggest the possibility of using Nurr1 as a therapeutic target for AD or other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Gak Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Anji Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Chun
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Bum Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Chung
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-il Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
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Hu H, Cui Y, Yang Y. Circuits and functions of the lateral habenula in health and in disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:277-295. [PMID: 32269316 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed exponentially growing interest in the lateral habenula (LHb) owing to new discoveries relating to its critical role in regulating negatively motivated behaviour and its implication in major depression. The LHb, sometimes referred to as the brain's 'antireward centre', receives inputs from diverse limbic forebrain and basal ganglia structures, and targets essentially all midbrain neuromodulatory systems, including the noradrenergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. Its unique anatomical position enables the LHb to act as a hub that integrates value-based, sensory and experience-dependent information to regulate various motivational, cognitive and motor processes. Dysfunction of the LHb may contribute to the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders, especially major depression. Recently, exciting progress has been made in identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms in the LHb that underlie negative emotional state in animal models of drug withdrawal and major depression. A future challenge is to translate these advances into effective clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Hu
- Department of Psychiatry of First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Mental Health Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China. .,Fountain-Valley Institute for Life Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yihui Cui
- The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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β4-Nicotinic Receptors Are Critically Involved in Reward-Related Behaviors and Self-Regulation of Nicotine Reinforcement. J Neurosci 2020; 40:3465-3477. [PMID: 32184221 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0356-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine addiction, through smoking, is the principal cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Human genome-wide association studies have linked polymorphisms in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster, coding for the α5, α3, and β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits, to nicotine addiction. β4*nAChRs have been implicated in nicotine withdrawal, aversion, and reinforcement. Here we show that β4*nAChRs also are involved in non-nicotine-mediated responses that may predispose to addiction-related behaviors. β4 knock-out (KO) male mice show increased novelty-induced locomotor activity, lower baseline anxiety, and motivational deficits in operant conditioning for palatable food rewards and in reward-based Go/No-go tasks. To further explore reward deficits we used intracranial self-administration (ICSA) by directly injecting nicotine into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mice. We found that, at low nicotine doses, β4KO self-administer less than wild-type (WT) mice. Conversely, at high nicotine doses, this was reversed and β4KO self-administered more than WT mice, whereas β4-overexpressing mice avoided nicotine injections. Viral expression of β4 subunits in medial habenula (MHb), interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), and VTA of β4KO mice revealed dose- and region-dependent differences: β4*nAChRs in the VTA potentiated nicotine-mediated rewarding effects at all doses, whereas β4*nAChRs in the MHb-IPN pathway, limited VTA-ICSA at high nicotine doses. Together, our findings indicate that the lack of functional β4*nAChRs result in deficits in reward sensitivity including increased ICSA at high doses of nicotine that is restored by re-expression of β4*nAChRs in the MHb-IPN. These data indicate that β4 is a critical modulator of reward-related behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Human genetic studies have provided strong evidence for a relationship between variants in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster and nicotine addiction. Yet, little is known about the role of β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit encoded by this cluster. We investigated the implication of β4*nAChRs in anxiety-, food reward- and nicotine reward-related behaviors. Deletion of the β4 subunit gene resulted in an addiction-related phenotype characterized by low anxiety, high novelty-induced response, lack of sensitivity to palatable food rewards and increased intracranial nicotine self-administration at high doses. Lentiviral vector-induced re-expression of the β4 subunit into either the MHb or IPN restored a "stop" signal on nicotine self-administration. These results suggest that β4*nAChRs provide a promising novel drug target for smoking cessation.
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Guglielmi L, Bühler A, Moro E, Argenton F, Poggi L, Carl M. Temporal control of Wnt signaling is required for habenular neuron diversity and brain asymmetry. Development 2020; 147:147/6/dev182865. [PMID: 32179574 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Precise temporal coordination of signaling processes is pivotal for cellular differentiation during embryonic development. A vast number of secreted molecules are produced and released by cells and tissues, and travel in the extracellular space. Whether they induce a signaling pathway and instruct cell fate, however, depends on a complex network of regulatory mechanisms, which are often not well understood. The conserved bilateral left-right asymmetrically formed habenulae of the zebrafish are an excellent model for investigating how signaling control facilitates the generation of defined neuronal populations. Wnt signaling is required for habenular neuron type specification, asymmetry and axonal connectivity. The temporal regulation of this pathway and the players involved have, however, have remained unclear. We find that tightly regulated temporal restriction of Wnt signaling activity in habenular precursor cells is crucial for the diversity and asymmetry of habenular neuron populations. We suggest a feedback mechanism whereby the tumor suppressor Wnt inhibitory factor Wif1 controls the Wnt dynamics in the environment of habenular precursor cells. This mechanism might be common to other cell types, including tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guglielmi
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Anja Bühler
- University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Enrico Moro
- University of Padova, Department of Molecular Medicine, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Poggi
- University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Matthias Carl
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 68167 Mannheim, Germany. ,University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), 38123 Trento, Italy.
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