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Simanaviciute U, Potter HG, Hager R, Glazier J, Hodson-Tole E, Gigg J, Grant R. Maternal immune activation affects female offspring whisker movements during object exploration in a rat model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 39:100807. [PMID: 38988451 PMCID: PMC11233915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100807] [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: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly I:C rat offspring are used to investigate the effects of in utero exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) and have been suggested as a model of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). The behavioural symptoms of this model are diverse and can vary with external factors, including the choice of background strain and husbandry practices. Measuring whisker movements provides quantitative, robust measurements of sensory, motor and cognitive behaviours in rodents. In this study, whisker movements were investigated in 50-day-old male and female offspring of MIA-exposed rat dams and compared to age-matched offspring of control (vehicle) dams. Rat offspring were filmed using high-speed videography in a sequential object exploration task with smooth and textured objects. Poly I:C treatment effects were found in female offspring that did not increase whisker mean angular position during object exploration, especially for the smooth object, indicating an attentional deficit. Whisker tracking during object exploration is demonstrated here, for the first time, as a useful, quick and non-invasive tool to identify both treatment effects and sex differences in a model of MIA-induced NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugne Simanaviciute
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Harry G Potter
- Institute for Behaviour, Sport and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Central Lancashire, Burnley, BB11 1RA, UK
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Reinmar Hager
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jocelyn Glazier
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Emma Hodson-Tole
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - John Gigg
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Robyn Grant
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
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Kumar S, Mehan S, Khan Z, Das Gupta G, Narula AS. Guggulsterone Selectively Modulates STAT-3, mTOR, and PPAR-Gamma Signaling in a Methylmercury-Exposed Experimental Neurotoxicity: Evidence from CSF, Blood Plasma, and Brain Samples. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5161-5193. [PMID: 38170440 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03902-x] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a paralytic disease that damages the brain and spinal cord motor neurons. Several clinical and preclinical studies have found that methylmercury (MeHg+) causes ALS. In ALS, MeHg+-induced neurotoxicity manifests as oligodendrocyte destruction; myelin basic protein (MBP) deficiency leads to axonal death. ALS development has been connected to an increase in signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3), a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and a decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. Guggulsterone (GST), a plant-derived chemical produced from Commiphorawhighitii resin, has been found to protect against ALS by modulating these signaling pathways. Vitamin D3 (VitD3) deficiency has been related to oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) damage, demyelination, and white matter deterioration, which results in motor neuron death. As a result, the primary goal of this work was to investigate the therapeutic potential of GST by altering STAT-3, mTOR, and PPAR-gamma levels in a MeHg+-exposed experimental model of ALS in adult rats. The GST30 and 60 mg/kg oral treatments significantly improved the behavioral, motor, and cognitive dysfunctions and increased remyelination, as proven by the Luxol Fast Blue stain (LFB), and reduced neuroinflammation as measured by histological examinations. Furthermore, the co-administration of VitD3 exhibits moderate efficacy when administered in combination with GST60. Our results show that GST protects neurons by decreasing STAT-3 and mTOR levels while increasing PPAR-gamma protein levels in ALS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kumar
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy (An Autonomous College), NAAC Accredited "A" Grade College, GT Road, Ghal-Kalan, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
- IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy (An Autonomous College), NAAC Accredited "A" Grade College, GT Road, Ghal-Kalan, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India.
- IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India.
| | - Zuber Khan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy (An Autonomous College), NAAC Accredited "A" Grade College, GT Road, Ghal-Kalan, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
- IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Acharan S Narula
- Narula Research, LLC, 107 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
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Sharma S, Mehan S, Khan Z, Gupta GD, Narula AS. Icariin prevents methylmercury-induced experimental neurotoxicity: Evidence from cerebrospinal fluid, blood plasma, brain samples, and in-silico investigations. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24050. [PMID: 38226245 PMCID: PMC10788811 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24050] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes significant neurodegeneration. Methylmercury (MeHg+) is a neurotoxin that induces axonal neurodegeneration and motor nerve degeneration by destroying oligodendrocytes, degenerating white matter, inducing apoptosis, excitotoxicity, and reducing myelin basic protein (MBP). This study examines the inhibition of SIRT-1 (silence information regulator 1), Nrf-2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2), HO-1 (heme oxygenase 1), and TDP-43 (TAR-DNA-binding protein 43) accumulation in the context of ALS, as well as the modulation of these proteins by icariin (15 and 30 mg/kg, orally), a glycoside flavonoid with neuroprotective properties. Neuroprotective icariin activates SIRT-1, Nrf-2, and HO-1, mitigating inflammation and neuronal injury in neurodegenerative disorders. In-vivo and in-silico testing of experimental ALS models confirmed icariin efficacy in modulating these cellular targets. The addition of sirtinol 10 mg/kg, an inhibitor of SIRT-1, helps determine the effectiveness of icariin. In this study, we also examined neurobehavioral, neurochemical, histopathological, and LFB (Luxol fast blue) markers in various biological samples, including Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood plasma, and brain homogenates (Cerebral Cortex, Hippocampus, Striatum, mid-brain, and Cerebellum). These results demonstrate that the administration of icariin ameliorates experimental ALS and that the mechanism underlying these benefits is likely related to regulating the SIRT-1, Nrf-2, and HO-1 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Sharma
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy (Affiliated to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India), Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy (Affiliated to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India), Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Zuber Khan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy (Affiliated to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India), Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy (Affiliated to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144603, India), Moga, Punjab, India
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Grant RA, Ryan H, Breakell V. Demonstrating a measurement protocol for studying comparative whisker movements with implications for the evolution of behaviour. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 384:109752. [PMID: 36435328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109752] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying natural, complex behaviours over a range of different species provides insights into the evolution of the brain and behaviour. Whisker movements reveal complex behaviours; however, there does not yet exist a protocol that is able to capture whisker movements and behaviours in a range of different species. NEW METHOD We develop a new protocol and make recommendations for measuring comparative whisker movements and behaviours. Using two set-ups - an enclosure camera set-up and a high-speed video set-up - we capture and measure the whisker movements of sixteen different captive mammal species from four different animal collections. RESULTS We demonstrate the ability to describe whisker movements and behaviours across a wide range of mammalian species. We describe whisker movements in European hedgehog, Cape porcupine, domestic rabbit, domestic ferret, weasel, European otter and red fox for the first time. We observe whisker movements in all the species we tested, although movement, positions and behaviours vary in a species-specific way. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The high-speed video set-up is based on the protocols of previous studies. The addition of an enclosure video set-up is entirely new, and allows us to include more species, especially large and shy species that cannot be moved into a high-speed filming arena. CONCLUSIONS We make recommendations for comparative whisker behaviour studies, particularly incorporating individual and species-specific considerations. We believe that flexible, comparative behavioural protocols have wide-ranging applications, specifically to better understand links between the brain and complex behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A Grant
- Department of Natural Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Hazel Ryan
- The Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Kent, United Kingdom
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Cannon AE, Zürrer WE, Zejlon C, Kulcsar Z, Lewandowski S, Piehl F, Granberg T, Ineichen BV. Neuroimaging findings in preclinical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models-How well do they mimic the clinical phenotype? A systematic review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1135282. [PMID: 37205225 PMCID: PMC10185801 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1135282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Animal models for motor neuron diseases (MND) such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are commonly used in preclinical research. However, it is insufficiently understood how much findings from these model systems can be translated to humans. Thus, we aimed at systematically assessing the translational value of MND animal models to probe their external validity with regards to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. Methods In a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and Embase, we retrieved 201 unique publications of which 34 were deemed eligible for qualitative synthesis including risk of bias assessment. Results ALS animal models can indeed present with human ALS neuroimaging features: Similar to the human paradigm, (regional) brain and spinal cord atrophy as well as signal changes in motor systems are commonly observed in ALS animal models. Blood-brain barrier breakdown seems to be more specific to ALS models, at least in the imaging domain. It is noteworthy that the G93A-SOD1 model, mimicking a rare clinical genotype, was the most frequently used ALS proxy. Conclusions Our systematic review provides high-grade evidence that preclinical ALS models indeed show imaging features highly reminiscent of human ALS assigning them a high external validity in this domain. This opposes the high attrition of drugs during bench-to-bedside translation and thus raises concerns that phenotypic reproducibility does not necessarily render an animal model appropriate for drug development. These findings emphasize a careful application of these model systems for ALS therapy development thereby benefiting refinement of animal experiments. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022373146.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charlotte Zejlon
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zsolt Kulcsar
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Neurology, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Granberg
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benjamin Victor Ineichen
- Center for Reproducible Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Benjamin Victor Ineichen
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Simanaviciute U, Brown RE, Wong A, Fertan E, Grant RA. Abnormal whisker movements in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12813. [PMID: 35733405 PMCID: PMC9744487 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent form of dementia in elderly people. The triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease is important in biomedical research as these mice develop both neuropathological and behavioural phenotypes. However, their behavioural phenotype is variable, with findings depending on the specific task, as well as the age and sex of the mice. Whisker movements show motor, sensory and cognitive deficits in mouse models of neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, we examined whisker movements in 3, 12.5 and 17-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice and their B6129S/F2 wildtype controls. Mice were filmed using a high-speed video camera (500 fps) in an open arena during a novel object exploration task. Genotype and age differences were found in mice exploring the arena prior to object contact. Prior to whisker contact, the 3-month-old 3xTg-AD mice had smaller whisker angles compared with the wildtype controls, suggesting an early motor phenotype in these mice. Pre-contact mean angular position at 3 months and whisking amplitude at 17 months of age differed between the 3xTg-AD and wildtype mice. During object contact 3xTg-AD mice did not reduce whisker spread as frequently as the wildtype mice at 12.5 and 17 months, which may suggest sensory or attentional deficits. We show that whisker movements are a powerful behavioural measurement tool for capturing behavioural deficits in mouse models that show complex phenotypes, such as the 3xTg-AD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugne Simanaviciute
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Richard E. Brown
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Aimee Wong
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Robyn A. Grant
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
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Landreth K, Simanaviciute U, Fletcher J, Grayson B, Grant RA, Harte MH, Gigg J. Dissociating the effects of distraction and proactive interference on object memory through tests of novelty preference. Brain Neurosci Adv 2021; 5:23982128211003199. [PMID: 35392130 PMCID: PMC8981243 DOI: 10.1177/23982128211003199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Encoding information into memory is sensitive to distraction while retrieving that memory may be compromised by proactive interference from pre-existing memories. These two debilitating effects are common in neuropsychiatric conditions, but modelling them preclinically to date is slow as it requires prolonged operant training. A step change would be the validation of functionally equivalent but fast, simple, high-throughput tasks based on spontaneous behaviour. Here, we show that spontaneous object preference testing meets these requirements in the subchronic phencyclidine rat model for cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia. Subchronic phencyclidine rats show clear memory sensitivity to distraction in the standard novel object recognition task. However, due to this, standard novel object recognition task cannot assess proactive interference. Therefore, we compared subchronic phencyclidine performance in standard novel object recognition task to that using the continuous novel object recognition task, which offers minimal distraction, allowing disease-relevant memory deficits to be assessed directly. We first determined that subchronic phencyclidine treatment did not affect whisker movements during object exploration. Subchronic phencyclidine rats exhibited the expected distraction standard novel object recognition task effect but had intact performance on the first continuous novel object recognition task trial, effectively dissociating distraction using two novel object recognition task variants. In remaining continuous novel object recognition task trials, the cumulative discrimination index for subchronic phencyclidine rats was above chance throughout, but, importantly, their detection of object novelty was increasingly impaired relative to controls. We attribute this effect to the accumulation of proactive interference. This is the first demonstration that increased sensitivity to distraction and proactive interference, both key cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, can be dissociated in the subchronic phencyclidine rat using two variants of the same fast, simple, spontaneous object memory paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Landreth
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - U. Simanaviciute
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - J. Fletcher
- Division of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - B. Grayson
- Division of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R. A. Grant
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - M. H. Harte
- Division of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J. Gigg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Jiang Y, Li J, Wang Z, Qin Y, Guo G, Zheng Z, Bian Y. Design and fabrication of an E-whisker using a PVDF ring. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:036007. [PMID: 33530062 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/abe27a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian whiskers can perceive obstacles and airflows. In this study, an electronic whisker (E-whisker) sensor was designed and fabricated by setting a PVDF ring with symmetrical electrodes on the root of a fiber beam. Vibration displacements with different waveforms were applied at the free end of the E-whisker beam to study the relationship between the vibration displacements and the output signals. The E-whisker protrusion sensing ability was investigated by driving it to sweep through the surface of a base platform. A static E-whisker beam and a swinging E-whisker were then separately placed in a wind tunnel to detect the airflow perception of the sensor. The experimental results suggested that the E-whisker could sense the frequencies and amplitudes of displacements at its free end, the height and width of a platform or the heights of other irregular protrusions; the static E-whisker could sense the magnitude or direction of an impact airflow, while the swinging E-whisker could sense the magnitude of a constant airflow. Thus, this kind of E-whisker could perceive the environment and airflow through touch sensation and could be used as a physical model to study the principles and abilities of animal whiskers to perceive obstacles and airflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yani Jiang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialing Li
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Wang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongbin Qin
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangming Guo
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaixiang Zheng
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixiang Bian
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, People's Republic of China
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Gugig E, Sharma H, Azouz R. Gradient of tactile properties in the rat whisker pad. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000699. [PMID: 33090990 PMCID: PMC7608947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The array of vibrissae on a rat's face is the first stage in a high-resolution tactile sensing system. Progressing from rostral to caudal in any vibrissae row results in an increase in whisker length and thickness. This may, in turn, provide a systematic map of separate tactile channels governed by the mechanical properties of the whiskers. To examine whether this map is expressed in a location-dependent transformation of tactile signals into whisker vibrations and neuronal responses, we monitored whiskers' movements across various surfaces and edges. We found a robust rostral-caudal (R-C) gradient of tactile information transmission in which rostral shorter vibrissae displayed a higher sensitivity and bigger differences in response to different textures, whereas longer caudal vibrissae were less sensitive. This gradient is evident in several dynamic properties of vibrissae trajectories. As rodents sample the environment with multiple vibrissae, we found that combining tactile signals from multiple vibrissae resulted in an increased sensitivity and bigger differences in response to the different textures. Nonetheless, we found that texture identity is not represented spatially across the whisker pad. Based on the responses of first-order sensory neurons, we found that they adhere to the tactile information conveyed by the vibrissae. That is, neurons innervating rostral vibrissae were better suited for texture discrimination, whereas neurons innervating caudal vibrissae were more suited for edge detection. These results suggest that the whisker array in rodents forms a sensory structure in which different facets of tactile information are transmitted through location-dependent gradient of vibrissae on the rat's face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erez Gugig
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hariom Sharma
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rony Azouz
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- * E-mail:
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10
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Simanaviciute U, Ahmed J, Brown RE, Connor-Robson N, Farr TD, Fertan E, Gambles N, Garland H, Morton AJ, Staiger JF, Skillings EA, Trueman RC, Wade-Martins R, Wood NI, Wong AA, Grant RA. Recommendations for measuring whisker movements and locomotion in mice with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 331:108532. [PMID: 31785300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have measured whisker movements and locomotion to characterise mouse models of neurodegenerative disease. However, these studies have always been completed in isolation, and do not involve standardized procedures for comparisons across multiple mouse models and background strains. NEW METHOD We present a standard method for conducting whisker movement and locomotion studies, by carrying out qualitative scoring and quantitative measurement of whisker movements from high-speed video footage of mouse models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Cerebellar Ataxia, Somatosensory Cortex Development and Ischemic stroke. RESULTS Sex, background strain, source breeder and genotype all affected whisker movements. All mouse models, apart from Parkinson's disease, revealed differences in whisker movements during locomotion. R6/2 CAG250 Huntington's disease mice had the strongest behavioural phenotype. Robo3R3-5-CKO and RIM-DKOSert mouse models have abnormal somatosensory cortex development and revealed significant changes in whisker movements during object exploration. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Our results have good agreement with past studies, which indicates the robustness and reliability of measuring whisking. We recommend that differences in whisker movements of mice with motor deficits can be captured in open field arenas, but that mice with impairments to sensory or cognitive functioning should also be filmed investigating objects. Scoring clips qualitatively before tracking will help to structure later analyses. CONCLUSIONS Studying whisker movements provides a quantitative measure of sensing, motor control and exploration. However, the effect of background strain, sex and age on whisker movements needs to be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugne Simanaviciute
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Manchester University, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jewel Ahmed
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Natalie Connor-Robson
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Tracy D Farr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nikki Gambles
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK; Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L2 2QP, UK
| | - Huw Garland
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - A Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Jochen F Staiger
- Institute for Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A Skillings
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Rebecca C Trueman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nigel I Wood
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Aimee A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
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11
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Gillespie D, Yap MH, Hewitt BM, Driscoll H, Simanaviciute U, Hodson-Tole EF, Grant RA. Description and validation of the LocoWhisk system: Quantifying rodent exploratory, sensory and motor behaviours. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 328:108440. [PMID: 31560929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that analysing whisker movements and locomotion allows us to quantify the behavioural consequences of sensory, motor and cognitive deficits in rodents. Independent whisker and feet trackers exist but there is no fully-automated, open-source software and hardware solution, that measures both whisker movements and gait. NEW METHOD We present the LocoWhisk arena and new accompanying software (ARTv2) that allows the automatic detection and measurement of both whisker and gait information from high-speed video footage. RESULTS We demonstrate the new whisker and foot detector algorithms on high-speed video footage of freely moving small mammals, and show that whisker movement and gait measurements collected in the LocoWhisk arena are similar to previously reported values in the literature. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) We demonstrate that the whisker and foot detector algorithms, are comparable in accuracy, and in some cases significantly better, than readily available software and manual trackers. CONCLUSION The LocoWhisk system enables the collection of quantitative data from whisker movements and locomotion in freely behaving rodents. The software automatically records both whisker and gait information and provides added statistical tools to analyse the data. We hope the LocoWhisk system and software will serve as a solid foundation from which to support future research in whisker and gait analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gillespie
- School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Moi Hoon Yap
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Brett M Hewitt
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; School of Science and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; CSols Ltd, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4QX, UK
| | - Heather Driscoll
- School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ugne Simanaviciute
- School of Science and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma F Hodson-Tole
- Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Dpt. Lifesciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- School of Science and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
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Grant RA, Wong AA, Fertan E, Brown RE. Whisker exploration behaviours in the 5xFAD mouse are affected by sex and retinal degeneration. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 19:e12532. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A. Grant
- Division of Biology and Conservation EcologyManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Aimee A. Wong
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Richard E. Brown
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
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Grant RA, Breakell V, Prescott TJ. Whisker touch sensing guides locomotion in small, quadrupedal mammals. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20180592. [PMID: 29899069 PMCID: PMC6015872 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
All small mammals have prominent facial whiskers that they employ as tactile sensors to guide navigation and foraging in complex habitats. Nocturnal, arboreal mammals tend to have the longest and most densely packed whiskers, and semi-aquatic mammals have the most sensitive. Here we present evidence to indicate that many small mammals use their whiskers to tactually guide safe foot positioning. Specifically, in 11, small, non-flying mammal species, we demonstrate that forepaw placement always falls within the ground contact zone of the whisker field and that forepaw width is always smaller than whisker span. We also demonstrate commonalities of whisker scanning movements (whisking) and elements of active control, associated with increasing contact with objects of interest, across multiple small mammal species that have previously only been shown in common laboratory animals. Overall, we propose that guiding locomotion, alongside environment exploration, is a common function of whisker touch sensing in small, quadrupedal mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A Grant
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Tony J Prescott
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Garland H, Wood NI, Skillings EA, Detloff PJ, Morton AJ, Grant RA. Characterisation of progressive motor deficits in whisker movements in R6/2, Q175 and Hdh knock-in mouse models of Huntington’s disease. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 300:103-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Mouse models of neurodegenerative disease: preclinical imaging and neurovascular component. Brain Imaging Behav 2017; 12:1160-1196. [PMID: 29075922 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-017-9770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent great challenges for basic science and clinical medicine because of their prevalence, pathologies, lack of mechanism-based treatments, and impacts on individuals. Translational research might contribute to the study of neurodegenerative diseases. The mouse has become a key model for studying disease mechanisms that might recapitulate in part some aspects of the corresponding human diseases. Neurodegenerative disorders are very complicated and multifactorial. This has to be taken in account when testing drugs. Most of the drugs screening in mice are very difficult to be interpretated and often useless. Mouse models could be condiderated a 'pathway models', rather than as models for the whole complicated construct that makes a human disease. Non-invasive in vivo imaging in mice has gained increasing interest in preclinical research in the last years thanks to the availability of high-resolution single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), high field Magnetic resonance, Optical Imaging scanners and of highly specific contrast agents. Behavioral test are useful tool to characterize different animal models of neurodegenerative pathology. Furthermore, many authors have observed vascular pathological features associated to the different neurodegenerative disorders. Aim of this review is to focus on the different existing animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, describe behavioral tests and preclinical imaging techniques used for diagnose and describe the vascular pathological features associated to these diseases.
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Hewitt BM, Yap MH, Hodson-Tole EF, Kennerley AJ, Sharp PS, Grant RA. A novel automated rodent tracker (ART), demonstrated in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 300:147-156. [PMID: 28414047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generating quantitative metrics of rodent locomotion and general behaviours from video footage is important in behavioural neuroscience studies. However, there is not yet a free software system that can process large amounts of video data with minimal user interventions. NEW METHOD Here we propose a new, automated rodent tracker (ART) that uses a simple rule-based system to quickly and robustly track rodent nose and body points, with minimal user input. Tracked points can then be used to identify behaviours, approximate body size and provide locomotion metrics, such as speed and distance. RESULTS ART was demonstrated here on video recordings of a SOD1 mouse model, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aged 30, 60, 90 and 120days. Results showed a robust decline in locomotion speeds, as well as a reduction in object exploration and forward movement, with an increase in the time spent still. Body size approximations (centroid width), showed a significant decrease from P30. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) ART performed to a very similar accuracy as manual tracking and Ethovision (a commercially available alternative), with average differences in coordinate points of 0.6 and 0.8mm, respectively. However, it required much less user intervention than Ethovision (6 as opposed to 30 mouse clicks) and worked robustly over more videos. CONCLUSIONS ART provides an open-source option for behavioural analysis of rodents, performing to the same standards as commercially available software. It can be considered a validated, and accessible, alternative for researchers for whom non-invasive quantification of natural rodent behaviour is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Hewitt
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; School of Biology & Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Moi Hoon Yap
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma F Hodson-Tole
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Paul S Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- School of Biology & Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
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17
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Grant RA, Cielen N, Maes K, Heulens N, Galli GL, Janssens W, Gayan-Ramirez G, Degens H. The effects of smoking on whisker movements: A quantitative measure of exploratory behaviour in rodents. Behav Processes 2016; 128:17-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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18
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Park S, Bandi A, Lee CR, Margolis DJ. Peripheral optogenetic stimulation induces whisker movement and sensory perception in head-fixed mice. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27269285 PMCID: PMC4940159 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We discovered that optical stimulation of the mystacial pad in Emx1-Cre;Ai27D transgenic mice induces whisker movements due to activation of ChR2 expressed in muscles controlling retraction and protraction. Using high-speed videography in anesthetized mice, we characterize the amplitude of whisker protractions evoked by varying the intensity, duration, and frequency of optogenetic stimulation. Recordings from primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in anesthetized mice indicated that optogenetic whisker pad stimulation evokes robust yet longer latency responses than mechanical whisker stimulation. In head-fixed mice trained to report optogenetic whisker pad stimulation, psychometric curves showed similar dependence on stimulus duration as evoked whisker movements and S1 activity. Furthermore, optogenetic stimulation of S1 in expert mice was sufficient to substitute for peripheral stimulation. We conclude that whisker protractions evoked by optogenetic activation of whisker pad muscles results in cortical activity and sensory perception, consistent with the coding of evoked whisker movements by reafferent sensory input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunmee Park
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, United States
| | - Akhil Bandi
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, United States
| | - Christian R Lee
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, United States
| | - David J Margolis
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, United States
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Caron I, Micotti E, Paladini A, Merlino G, Plebani L, Forloni G, Modo M, Bendotti C. Comparative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathological Correlates in Two SOD1 Transgenic Mouse Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132159. [PMID: 26132656 PMCID: PMC4488470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disease due to motoneuron degeneration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming a promising non-invasive approach to monitor the disease course but a direct correlation with neuropathology is not feasible in human. Therefore in this study we aimed to examine MRI changes in relation to histopathology in two mouse models of ALS (C57BL6/J and 129S2/SvHsd SOD1G93A mice) with different disease onset and progression. A longitudinal in vivo analysis of T2 maps, compared to ex vivo histological changes, was performed on cranial motor nuclei. An increased T2 value was associated with a significant tissue vacuolization that occurred prior to motoneuron loss in the cranial nuclei of C57 SOD1G93A mice. Conversely, in 129Sv SOD1G93A mice, which exhibit a more severe phenotype, MRI detected a milder increase of T2 value, associated with a milder vacuolization. This suggests that alteration within brainstem nuclei is not predictive of a more severe phenotype in the SOD1G93A mouse model. Using an ex vivo paradigm, Diffusion Tensor Imaging was also applied to study white matter spinal cord degeneration. In contrast to degeneration of cranial nuclei, alterations in white matter and axons loss reflected the different disease phenotype of SOD1G93A mice. The correspondence between MRI and histology further highlights the potential of MRI to monitor progressive motoneuron and axonal degeneration non-invasively in vivo. The identification of prognostic markers of the disease nevertheless requires validation in multiple models of ALS to ensure that these are not merely model-specific. Eventually this approach has the potential to lead to the development of robust and validated non-invasive imaging biomarkers in ALS patients, which may help to monitor the efficacy of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Caron
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Micotti
- Laboratory of Biology of neurodegenerative disorders, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Paladini
- Laboratory of Biology of neurodegenerative disorders, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merlino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Plebani
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Laboratory of Biology of neurodegenerative disorders, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
| | - Michel Modo
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine & Centre for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Departments of Radiology & Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
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