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Yuan X, Han S, Zhao F, Manyande A, Gao F, Wang J, Zhang W, Tian X. Rapid injection of lumbar dorsal root ganglia under direct vision: Relevant anatomy, protocol, and behaviors. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1138933. [PMID: 37114234 PMCID: PMC10126363 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1138933] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are anatomically well-defined structures that contain all primary sensory neurons and are distension nodules of the dorsal root in the spinal cord near the medial surface of each foramen. Therefore, DRG is considered to be a desirable target for injection to manage chronic pain. But it presents a limitation in probing deep into it without in vivo injection technology. Methods Here, we described a technique for administering intraganglionic injections of lumbar DRG under direct vision. We use partial osteotomy rather than laminectomy, which removes more bone, to preserve spinal structures while gaining adequate DRG access. To monitor the intraoperative progress of the DRG injection, a non-toxic dye was utilized. The effectiveness of the injection on the diffusion of AAV (adeno-associated virus) within the ganglion was assessed by histopathology at postoperative day 21. Results Behavioral tests showed that neither motor nor sensory abilities were affected by saline or AAV injections. Meanwhile, the decreased pain threshold of SNI (spared nerve injury) was considerably restored by pharmacological inhibition of DRG neurons. Discussion Our research achieved a new minimally invasive and intuitive intra-ganglionic injection in mice. In addition, the present protocol may serve as a valuable resource for planning preclinical studies of DRG injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Siyi Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengtian Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anne Manyande
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University of West London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Wen Zhang,
| | - Xuebi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Xuebi Tian,
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Lu J, Zhang Z, Yin X, Tang Y, Ji R, Chen H, Guang Y, Gong X, He Y, Zhou W, Wang H, Cheng K, Wang Y, Chen X, Xie P, Guo ZV. An entorhinal-visual cortical circuit regulates depression-like behaviors. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3807-3820. [PMID: 35388184 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is viewed as a 'circuitopathy'. The hippocampal-entorhinal network plays a pivotal role in regulation of depression, and its main sensory output, the visual cortex, is a promising target for stimulation therapy of depression. However, whether the entorhinal-visual cortical pathway mediates depression and the potential mechanism remains unknown. Here we report a cortical circuit linking entorhinal cortex layer Va neurons to the medial portion of secondary visual cortex (Ent→V2M) that bidirectionally regulates depression-like behaviors in mice. Analyses of brain-wide projections of Ent Va neurons and two-color retrograde tracing indicated that Ent Va→V2M projection neurons represented a unique population of neurons in Ent Va. Immunostaining of c-Fos revealed that activity in Ent Va neurons was decreased in mice under chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Both chemogenetic inactivation of Ent→V2M projection neurons and optogenetic inactivation of the projection terminals induced social deficiency, anxiety- and despair-related behaviors in healthy mice. Chemogenetic inactivation of Ent→V2M projection neurons also aggravated these depression-like behaviors in CSDS-resilient mice. Optogenetic activation of Ent→V2M projection terminals rapidly ameliorated depression-like phenotypes. Optical recording using fiber photometry indicated that elevated neural activity in Ent→V2M projection terminals promoted antidepressant-like behaviors. Thus, the Ent→V2M circuit plays a crucial role in regulation of depression-like behaviors, and can function as a potential target for treating major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouzhou Zhang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Yin
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjun Tang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Runan Ji
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Han Chen
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Guang
- Department of gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen) and Dapeng Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, 518028, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue Gong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zengcai V Guo
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China.
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Chimeric GPCRs mimic distinct signaling pathways and modulate microglia responses. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4728. [PMID: 35970889 PMCID: PMC9378622 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32390-1] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate processes ranging from immune responses to neuronal signaling. However, ligands for many GPCRs remain unknown, suffer from off-target effects or have poor bioavailability. Additionally, dissecting cell type-specific responses is challenging when the same GPCR is expressed on different cells within a tissue. Here, we overcome these limitations by engineering DREADD-based GPCR chimeras that bind clozapine-N-oxide and mimic a GPCR-of-interest. We show that chimeric DREADD-β2AR triggers responses comparable to β2AR on second messenger and kinase activity, post-translational modifications, and protein-protein interactions. Moreover, we successfully recapitulate β2AR-mediated filopodia formation in microglia, an immune cell capable of driving central nervous system inflammation. When dissecting microglial inflammation, we included two additional DREADD-based chimeras mimicking microglia-enriched GPR65 and GPR109A. DREADD-β2AR and DREADD-GPR65 modulate the inflammatory response with high similarity to endogenous β2AR, while DREADD-GPR109A shows no impact. Our DREADD-based approach allows investigation of cell type-dependent pathways without known endogenous ligands. Understanding the function of GPCRs requires stimulation with their specific ligands. Here, the authors design chemogenetic G-protein coupled receptors that allows for the study of receptors without knowing the immediate ligand, and demonstrate its use for the β2-adrenergic receptor in microglia.
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Mueller JS, Tescarollo FC, Sun H. DREADDs in Epilepsy Research: Network-Based Review. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:863003. [PMID: 35465094 PMCID: PMC9021489 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.863003] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy can be interpreted as altered brain rhythms from overexcitation or insufficient inhibition. Chemogenetic tools have revolutionized neuroscience research because they allow “on demand” excitation or inhibition of neurons with high cellular specificity. Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are the most frequently used chemogenetic techniques in epilepsy research. These engineered muscarinic receptors allow researchers to excite or inhibit targeted neurons with exogenous ligands. As a result, DREADDs have been applied to investigate the underlying cellular and network mechanisms of epilepsy. Here, we review the existing literature that has applied DREADDs to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The aim of this review is to provide a general introduction to DREADDs with a focus on summarizing the current main findings in experimental epilepsy research using these techniques. Furthermore, we explore how DREADDs may be applied therapeutically as highly innovative treatments for epilepsy.
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The DREADDful Hurdles and Opportunities of the Chronic Chemogenetic Toolbox. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071110. [PMID: 35406674 PMCID: PMC8998042 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic character of chemogenetics has been put forward as one of the assets of the technique, particularly in comparison to optogenetics. Yet, the vast majority of chemogenetic studies have focused on acute applications, while repeated, long-term neuromodulation has only been booming in the past few years. Unfortunately, together with the rising number of studies, various hurdles have also been uncovered, especially in relation to its chronic application. It becomes increasingly clear that chronic neuromodulation warrants caution and that the effects of acute neuromodulation cannot be extrapolated towards chronic experiments. Deciphering the underlying cellular and molecular causes of these discrepancies could truly unlock the chronic chemogenetic toolbox and possibly even pave the way for chemogenetics towards clinical application. Indeed, we are only scratching the surface of what is possible with chemogenetic research. For example, most investigations are concentrated on behavioral read-outs, whereas dissecting the underlying molecular signature after (chronic) neuromodulation could reveal novel insights in terms of basic neuroscience and deregulated neural circuits. In this review, we highlight the hurdles associated with the use of chemogenetic experiments, as well as the unexplored research questions for which chemogenetics offers the ideal research platform, with a particular focus on its long-term application.
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6
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Characterization of DREADD receptor expression and function in rhesus macaques trained to discriminate ethanol. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:857-865. [PMID: 34654906 PMCID: PMC8882175 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Circuit manipulation has been a staple technique in neuroscience to identify how the brain functions to control complex behaviors. Chemogenetics, including designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), have proven to be a powerful tool for the reversible modulation of discrete brain circuitry without the need for implantable devices, thereby making them especially useful in awake and unrestrained animals. This study used a DREADD approach to query the role of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in mediating the interoceptive effects of 1.0 g/kg ethanol (i.g.) in rhesus monkeys (n = 7) using a drug discrimination procedure. After training, stereotaxic surgery was performed to introduce an AAV carrying the human muscarinic 4 receptor DREADD (hM4Di) bilaterally into the NAc. The hypothesis was that decreasing the output of the NAc by activation of hM4Di with the DREADD actuator, clozapine-n-oxide (CNO), would potentiate the discriminative stimulus effect of ethanol (i.e., a leftward shift the ethanol dose discrimination curve). The results showed individual variability shifts of the ethanol dose-response determination under DREADD activation. Characterization of the expression and function of hM4Di with MRI, immunohistochemical, and electrophysiological techniques found the selectivity of NAc transduction was proportional to behavioral effect. Specifically, the proportion of hM4Di expression restricted to the NAc was associated with the potency of the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. Together, these experiments highlight the NAc in mediating the interoceptive effects of ethanol, provide a framework for validation of chemogenetic tools in primates, and underscore the importance of robust within-subjects examination of DREADD expression for interpretation of behavioral findings.
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Gargiulo AT, Jasodanand V, Luz S, O'Mara L, Kubin L, Ross RJ, Bhatnagar S, Grafe LA. Sex differences in stress-induced sleep deficits. Stress 2021; 24:541-550. [PMID: 33525935 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1879788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disruptions are hallmarks in the pathophysiology of several stress-related disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), both known to disproportionately affect female populations. Although previous studies have attempted to investigate disordered sleep in women, few studies have explored and compared how repeated stress affects sleep in both sexes in either human or animal models. We have previously shown that male rats exhibit behavioral and neuroendocrine habituation to 5 days of repeated restraint, whereas females do not; additional days of stress exposure are required to observe habituation in females. This study examined sex differences in sleep measures prior to, during, and after repeated restraint stress in adult male and female rats. Our data reveal that repeated stress increased time spent awake and decreased slow-wave sleep (SWS) and REM sleep (REMS) in females, and these effects persisted over 2 days of recovery. In contrast, the effects of stress on males were transient. These insomnia-like symptoms were accompanied by a greater number of exaggerated motor responses to waking from REMS in females, a phenotype similar to trauma-related nightmares. In sum, these data demonstrate that repeated stress produces disruptions in sleep that persist days after the stress is terminated in female rats. These disruptions in sleep produced by 5 days of repeated restraint may be due to their lack of habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Luz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lauren O'Mara
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leszek Kubin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard J Ross
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Behavioral Health Service, Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura A Grafe
- Department of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA
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He Y, Li Y, Pu Z, Chen M, Gao Y, Chen L, Ruan Y, Pan X, Zhou Y, Ge Y, Zhou J, Zheng W, Huang Z, Li Z, Chen JF. Striatopallidal Pathway Distinctly Modulates Goal-Directed Valuation and Acquisition of Instrumental Behavior via Striatopallidal Output Projections. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:1366-1381. [PMID: 31690946 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The striatopallidal pathway is specialized for control of motor and motivational behaviors, but its causal role in striatal control of instrumental learning remains undefined (partly due to the confounding motor effects). Here, we leveraged the transient and "time-locked" optogenetic manipulations with the reward delivery to minimize motor confounding effect, to better define the striatopallidal control of instrumental behaviors. Optogenetic (Arch) silencing of the striatopallidal pathway in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) promoted goal-directed and habitual behaviors, respectively, without affecting acquisition of instrumental behaviors, indicating striatopallidal pathway suppression of instrumental behaviors under physiological condition. Conversely, striatopallidal pathway activation mainly affected the acquisition of instrumental behaviors with the acquisition suppression achieved by either optogenetic (ChR2) or chemicogenetic (hM3q) activation, by strong (10 mW, but not weak 1 mW) optogenetic activation, by the time-locked (but not random) optogenetic activation with the reward and by the DMS (but not DLS) striatopallidal pathway. Lastly, striatopallidal pathway modulated instrumental behaviors through striatopallidal output projections into the external globus pallidus (GPe) since optogenetic activation of the striatopallidal pathway in the DMS and of the striatopallidal output projections in the GPe similarly suppressed goal-directed behavior. Thus, the striatopallidal pathway confers distinctive and inhibitory controls of animal's sensitivity to goal-directed valuation and acquisition of instrumental behaviors under normal and over-activation conditions, through the output projections into GPe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhilan Pu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Mozi Chen
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ying Gao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ruan
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xinran Pan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yuling Zhou
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ge
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jianhong Zhou
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Wu Zheng
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhili Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
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Pickering CA, Mazarakis ND. Viral Vector Delivery of DREADDs for CNS Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:191-206. [PMID: 33573551 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210211102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are genetically modified G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), that can be activated by a synthetic ligand which is otherwise inert at endogenous receptors. DREADDs can be expressed in cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and subsequently offer the opportunity for remote and reversible silencing or activation of the target cells when the synthetic ligand is systemically administered. In neuroscience, DREADDs have thus far shown to be useful tools for several areas of research and offer considerable potential for the development of gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders. However, in order to design a DREADD-based gene therapy, it is necessary to first evaluate the viral vector delivery methods utilised in the literature to deliver these chemogenetic tools. This review evaluates each of the prominent strategies currently utilised for DREADD delivery, discussing their respective advantages and limitations. We focus on adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based and lentivirus-based systems, and the manipulation of these through cell-type specific promoters and pseudotyping. Furthermore, we address how virally mediated DREADD delivery could be improved in order to make it a viable gene therapy strategy and thus expand its translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceri A Pickering
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D Mazarakis
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ozawa A, Arakawa H. Chemogenetics drives paradigm change in the investigation of behavioral circuits and neural mechanisms underlying drug action. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113234. [PMID: 33741409 PMCID: PMC8110310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in chemogenetic approaches to the investigation of brain function have ushered in a paradigm change in the strategy for drug and behavior research and clinical drug-based medications. As the nature of the drug action is based on humoral regulation, it is a challenge to identify the neuronal mechanisms responsible for the expression of certain targeted behavior induced by drug application. The development of chemogenetic approaches has allowed researchers to control neural activities in targeted neurons through a toolbox, including engineered G protein-coupled receptors or ligand-gated ion channels together with exogenously inert synthetic ligands. This review provides a brief overview of the chemogenetics toolbox with an emphasis on the DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) technique used in rodent models, which is applicable to the investigation of how specific neural circuits regulate behavioral processes. The use of chemogenetics has had a significant impact on basic neuroscience for a better understanding of the relationships between brain activity and the expression of behaviors with cell- and circuit-specific orders. Furthermore, chemogenetics is potentially a useful tool to deconstruct the neuropathological mechanisms of mental diseases and its regulation by drug, and provide us with transformative therapeutics with medication. We also review recent findings in the use of chemogenetic techniques to uncover functional circuit connections of serotonergic neurons in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Psychology, Tokiwa University, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Systems Physiology, University of Ryukyus, Faculty of Medicine, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan.
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Tian W, Chen S. Neurotransmitters, Cell Types, and Circuit Mechanisms of Motor Skill Learning and Clinical Applications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:616820. [PMID: 33716924 PMCID: PMC7947691 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.616820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals acquire motor skills to better survive and adapt to a changing environment. The ability to learn novel motor actions without disturbing learned ones is essential to maintaining a broad motor repertoire. During motor learning, the brain makes a series of adjustments to build novel sensory–motor relationships that are stored within specific circuits for long-term retention. The neural mechanism of learning novel motor actions and transforming them into long-term memory still remains unclear. Here we review the latest findings with regard to the contributions of various brain subregions, cell types, and neurotransmitters to motor learning. Aiming to seek therapeutic strategies to restore the motor memory in relative neurodegenerative disorders, we also briefly describe the common experimental tests and manipulations for motor memory in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wotu Tian
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengdi Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Haaranen M, Schäfer A, Järvi V, Hyytiä P. Chemogenetic Stimulation and Silencing of the Insula, Amygdala, Nucleus Accumbens, and Their Connections Differentially Modulate Alcohol Drinking in Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:580849. [PMID: 33328918 PMCID: PMC7671963 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.580849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior insular cortex is hypothesized to represent interoceptive effects of drug reward in the service of goal-directed behavior. The insula is richly connected, but the insula circuitry in addiction remains poorly characterized. We examined the involvement of the anterior insula, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, as well as the projections of the anterior insula to the central amygdala, basolateral amygdala (BLA), and nucleus accumbens core in voluntary alcohol drinking. We trained alcohol-preferring Alko Alcohol (AA) rats to drink alcohol during intermittent 2-h sessions. We then expressed excitatory or inhibitory designer receptors [designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs)] in the anterior insula, nucleus accumbens, or amygdala by means of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer and activated the DREADDs with clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) prior to the drinking sessions. Next, to examine the role of specific insula projections, we expressed FLEX-DREADDs in the efferent insula → nucleus accumbens core, insula → central amygdala, and insula → BLA projections by means of a retrograde AAV-Cre vector injected into the insula projection areas. In the anterior insula and amygdala, excitatory Gq-DREADDs significantly attenuated alcohol consumption. In contrast, in the nucleus accumbens, the Gq-DREADD stimulation increased alcohol drinking, and the inhibitory Gi-DREADDs suppressed it. The Gq-DREADDs expressed in the insula → nucleus accumbens core and insula → central amygdala projections increased alcohol intake, whereas inhibition of these projections had no effect. These data demonstrate that the anterior insula, along with the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, has a key role in controlling alcohol drinking by providing excitatory input to the central amygdala and nucleus accumbens to enhance alcohol reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Haaranen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Schäfer
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vilja Järvi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Glutamatergic lateral hypothalamus promotes defensive behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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14
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A Neural Circuit from Thalamic Paraventricular Nucleus to Central Amygdala for the Facilitation of Neuropathic Pain. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7837-7854. [PMID: 32958568 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2487-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the thalamic midline nuclei, the thalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVT) is considered to be an important signal integration site for many descending and ascending pathways that modulate a variety of behaviors, including feeding, emotions, and drug-seeking. A recent study has demonstrated that the PVT is implicated in the acute visceral pain response, but it is unclear whether the PVT plays a critical role in the central processing of chronic pain. Here, we report that the neurons in the posterior portion of the PVT (pPVT) and their downstream pathway are involved in descending nociceptive facilitation regarding the development of neuropathic pain conditions in male rats. Lesions or inhibition of pPVT neurons alleviated mechanical allodynia induced by spared nerve injury (SNI). The excitability of pPVT-central amygdala (CeA) projection neurons was significantly increased in SNI rats. Importantly, selective optogenetic activation of the pPVT-CeA pathway induced obvious mechanical hypersensitivity in naive rats. In addition, we used rabies virus (RV)-based and cell-type-specific retrograde transsynaptic tracing techniques to define a novel neuronal circuit in which glutamatergic neurons in the vlPAG were the target of the pPVT-CeA descending facilitation pathway. Our data suggest that this pPVTGlu+-CeA-vlPAGGlu+ circuit mediates central mechanisms of descending pain facilitation underlying persistent pain conditions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Studies have shown that the interactions between the posterior portion of the thalamic paraventricular nucleus (pPVT) and central amygdala (CeA) play a critical role in pain-related emotional regulation. However, most reports have associated this circuit with fear and anxiety behaviors. Here, an integrative approach of behavioral tests, electrophysiology, and immunohistochemistry was used to advance the novel concept that the pPVT-CeA pathway activation facilitates neuropathic pain processing. Using rabies virus (RV)-based and cell-type-specific retrograde transsynaptic tracing techniques, we found that glutamatergic neurons in the vlPAG were the target of the pPVT-CeA pathway. Thus, this study indicates the involvement of a pPVTGlu+-CeA-vlPAGGlu+ pathway in a descending facilitatory mechanism underlying neuropathic pain.
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15
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Willard FS, Meredith TD, Showalter AD, Ma W, Ho JD, Sauder JM, Sloop KW. Synthetic protease-activated class B GPCRs. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 530:246-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Nagai Y, Miyakawa N, Takuwa H, Hori Y, Oyama K, Ji B, Takahashi M, Huang XP, Slocum ST, DiBerto JF, Xiong Y, Urushihata T, Hirabayashi T, Fujimoto A, Mimura K, English JG, Liu J, Inoue KI, Kumata K, Seki C, Ono M, Shimojo M, Zhang MR, Tomita Y, Nakahara J, Suhara T, Takada M, Higuchi M, Jin J, Roth BL, Minamimoto T. Deschloroclozapine, a potent and selective chemogenetic actuator enables rapid neuronal and behavioral modulations in mice and monkeys. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:1157-1167. [PMID: 32632286 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The chemogenetic technology designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) afford remotely reversible control of cellular signaling, neuronal activity and behavior. Although the combination of muscarinic-based DREADDs with clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) has been widely used, sluggish kinetics, metabolic liabilities and potential off-target effects of CNO represent areas for improvement. Here, we provide a new high-affinity and selective agonist deschloroclozapine (DCZ) for muscarinic-based DREADDs. Positron emission tomography revealed that DCZ selectively bound to and occupied DREADDs in both mice and monkeys. Systemic delivery of low doses of DCZ (1 or 3 μg per kg) enhanced neuronal activity via hM3Dq within minutes in mice and monkeys. Intramuscular injections of DCZ (100 μg per kg) reversibly induced spatial working memory deficits in monkeys expressing hM4Di in the prefrontal cortex. DCZ represents a potent, selective, metabolically stable and fast-acting DREADD agonist with utility in both mice and nonhuman primates for a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nagai
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naohisa Miyakawa
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takuwa
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hori
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kei Oyama
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Manami Takahashi
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samuel T Slocum
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey F DiBerto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takuya Urushihata
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Hirabayashi
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fujimoto
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koki Mimura
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Justin G English
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ken-Ichi Inoue
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Katsushi Kumata
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals Development, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chie Seki
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Maiko Ono
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masafumi Shimojo
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ming-Rong Zhang
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals Development, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yutaka Tomita
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Suhara
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Takada
- Systems Neuroscience Section, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Makoto Higuchi
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical School, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Takafumi Minamimoto
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan.
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Vincis R, Chen K, Czarnecki L, Chen J, Fontanini A. Dynamic Representation of Taste-Related Decisions in the Gustatory Insular Cortex of Mice. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1834-1844.e5. [PMID: 32243860 PMCID: PMC7239762 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Research over the past decade has established the gustatory insular cortex (GC) as a model for studying howprimary sensory cortices integrate sensory,affective, and cognitive signals. This integration occurs through time-varyingpatterns of neural activity. Selective silencing of GC activity during specific temporal windows provided evidence forGC’s role in mediating taste palatability and expectation. Recent results also suggest that this areamay play a role in decision making. However, existing data are limited to GC involvement in controlling the timing of stereotyped, orofacial reactions to aversive tastants during consumption. Here,we present electrophysiological, chemogenetic, and optogenetic results demonstrating the key role of GCin the executionof a taste-guided, reward-directed decision-making task. Mice were trained in a two-alternative choice task, in which they had to associate tastants sampled from a central spout with different actions (i.e., licking either a left or a right spout). Stimulus sampling and action were separated by a delay period. Electrophysiological recordings revealed chemosensory processing during the sampling period and the emergence of task-related, cognitive signals during the delay period. Chemogenetic silencing of GCimpaired task performance. Optogenetic silencing of GC allowed us to tease apart the contribution of activity during sampling and delay periods. Although silencing during the sampling period had no effect, silencing during the delay period significantly impacted behavioral performance, demonstrating the importance of the cognitive signals processed by GC in driving decision making. Altogether, our data highlight a novel role ofGCin controlling taste-guided, reward-directed choices and actions. Relying on behavioral electrophysiology and neural manipulations, Vincis, Chen, et al. demonstrate that neurons in the gustatory cortex (GC) encode perceptual and cognitive signals important for tasteguided choices. These data demonstrate a novel role of GC as a key area for sensorimotor transformations related to gustatory perceptual decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vincis
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Biological Science and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Lindsey Czarnecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - John Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Alfredo Fontanini
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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18
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Liu K, Wang L. Optogenetics: Therapeutic spark in neuropathic pain. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:321-327. [PMID: 30995901 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics is an emerging field, which uses light and molecular genetics to manipulate the activity of live cells by expressing light-sensitive proteins. With the discovery of bacteriorhodopsin, a light-sensitive bacterial protein, in 1971 Oesterhelt and Stoeckenius laid the pavement of optogenetics. However, the cross-integration of different disciplines is a little more than a decade old. The toolbox contains fluorescent sensors and optogenetic actuators that enable visualization of signaling events and manipulation of cellular activities, respectively. Neuropathic pain is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory system. The exact mechanism for neuropathic pain is not known, however proposed mechanisms include immune reactions, ion channel expressions, and inflammation. Current regimen for the disease provides about 50% relief for only 40-60% of patients. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate the potential therapeutic applications of optogenetics by manipulating the activity of neurons. This review summarizes the basic concept, therapeutic applications for neuropathy, and potential of optogenetics to reach from bench to bedside in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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19
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Raper J, Murphy L, Richardson R, Romm Z, Kovacs-Balint Z, Payne C, Galvan A. Chemogenetic Inhibition of the Amygdala Modulates Emotional Behavior Expression in Infant Rhesus Monkeys. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0360-19.2019. [PMID: 31541000 PMCID: PMC6791827 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0360-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Manipulation of neuronal activity during the early postnatal period in monkeys has been largely limited to permanent lesion studies, which can be impacted by developmental plasticity leading to reorganization and compensation from other brain structures that can interfere with the interpretations of results. Chemogenetic tools, such as DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs), can transiently and reversibly activate or inactivate brain structures, avoiding the pitfalls of permanent lesions to better address important developmental neuroscience questions. We demonstrate that inhibitory DREADDs in the amygdala can be used to manipulate socioemotional behavior in infant monkeys. Two infant rhesus monkeys (1 male, 1 female) received AAV5-hSyn-HA-hM4Di-IRES-mCitrine injections bilaterally in the amygdala at 9 months of age. DREADD activation after systemic administration of either clozapine-N-oxide or low-dose clozapine resulted in decreased freezing and anxiety on the human intruder paradigm and changed the looking patterns on a socioemotional attention eye-tracking task, compared with vehicle administration. The DREADD-induced behaviors were reminiscent of, but not identical to, those seen after permanent amygdala lesions in infant monkeys, such that neonatal lesions produce a more extensive array of behavioral changes in response to the human intruder task that were not seen with DREADD-evoked inhibition of this region. Our results may help support the notion that the more extensive behavior changes seen after early lesions are manifested from brain reorganization that occur after permanent damage. The current study provides a proof of principle that DREADDs can be used in young infant monkeys to transiently and reversibly manipulate behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Raper
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Lauren Murphy
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Rebecca Richardson
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Zoe Romm
- Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Zsofia Kovacs-Balint
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | | | - Adriana Galvan
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
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20
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Hinton EA, Li DC, Allen AG, Gourley SL. Social Isolation in Adolescence Disrupts Cortical Development and Goal-Dependent Decision-Making in Adulthood, Despite Social Reintegration. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0318-19.2019. [PMID: 31527057 PMCID: PMC6757188 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0318-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The social environment influences neurodevelopment. Investigations using rodents to study this phenomenon commonly isolate subjects, then assess neurobehavioral consequences while animals are still isolated. This approach precludes one from dissociating the effects of on-going versus prior isolation, hindering our complete understanding of the consequences of social experience during particular developmental periods. Here, we socially isolated adolescent mice from postnatal day (P)31 to P60, then re-housed them into social groups. We tested their ability to select actions based on expected outcomes using multiple reinforcer devaluation and instrumental contingency degradation techniques. Social isolation in adolescence (but not adulthood) weakened instrumental response updating, causing mice to defer to habit-like behaviors. Habit biases were associated with glucocorticoid insufficiency in adolescence, oligodendrocyte marker loss throughout cortico-striatal regions, and dendritic spine and synaptic marker excess in the adult orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Artificial, chemogenetic stimulation of the ventrolateral OFC in typical, healthy mice recapitulated response biases following isolation, causing habit-like behaviors. Meanwhile, correcting dendritic architecture by inhibiting the cytoskeletal regulatory protein ROCK remedied instrumental response updating defects in socially isolated mice. Our findings suggest that adolescence is a critical period during which social experience optimizes one's ability to seek and attain goals later in life. Age-typical dendritic spine elimination appears to be an essential factor, and in its absence, organisms may defer to habit-based behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Hinton
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
| | - Dan C Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
| | - Aylet G Allen
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329
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Abstract
Over the past decade, basic sleep research investigating the circuitry controlling sleep and wakefulness has been boosted by pharmacosynthetic approaches, including chemogenetic techniques using designed receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD). DREADD offers a series of tools that selectively control neuronal activity as a way to probe causal relationship between neuronal sub-populations and the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Following the path opened by optogenetics, DREADD tools applied to discrete neuronal sub-populations in numerous brain areas quickly made their contribution to the discovery and the expansion of our understanding of critical brain structures involved in a wide variety of behaviors and in the control of vigilance state architecture.
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Fu R, Zuo W, Shiwalkar N, Mei Q, Fan Q, Chen X, Li J, Bekker A, Ye JH. Alcohol withdrawal drives depressive behaviors by activating neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1464-1475. [PMID: 30928995 PMCID: PMC6784902 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) GABA neurons exert a primary inhibitory drive onto midbrain dopamine neurons and are excited by a variety of aversive stimuli. There is, however, little evidence that the RMTg-ventral tegmental area (VTA)-nucleus accumbens shell (Acb) circuit plays a role in the aversive consequences of alcohol withdrawal. This study was performed in adult male Long-Evans rats at 48-h withdrawal from chronic alcohol drinking in the intermittent schedule. These rats displayed clear anhedonia and depression-like behaviors, as measured with the sucrose preference, and forced swimming tests. These aberrant behaviors were accompanied by a substantial increase in cFos expression in the VTA-projecting RMTg neurons, identified by a combination of immunohistochemistry and retrograde-tracing techniques. Pharmacological or chemogenetic inhibition of RMTg neurons mitigated the anhedonia and depression-like behaviors. Ex vivo electrophysiological data showed that chemogenetic inactivation of RMTg neurons reduced GABA release and accelerated spontaneous firings of VTA dopamine neurons. Finally, using a functional hemispheric disconnection procedure, we demonstrated that inhibition of unilateral RMTg, when combined with activation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the contralateral (but not ipsilateral) Acb, mitigated the anhedonia and depression-like behaviors in alcohol-withdrawal rats. These data show that the integrity in the RMTg-VTA-Acb pathway in a single hemisphere is sufficient to elicit depression-like behavior during ethanol-withdrawal. Overall, the present results reveal that the RMTg-VTA-Acb pathway plays a crucial role in the depression-like behavior in animals undergoing alcohol withdrawal, further advocating the RMTg as a potential therapeutic target for alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Nimisha Shiwalkar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qinghua Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xuejun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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23
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Ciriachi C, Svane‐Petersen D, Rickhag M. Genetic tools to study complexity of striatal function. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1181-1193. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ciriachi
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - David Svane‐Petersen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Mattias Rickhag
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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24
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Structure–function relationships in peripheral nerve contributions to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Pain 2019; 160 Suppl 1:S29-S36. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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25
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Cope ZA, Vazey EM, Floresco SB, Aston Jones GS. DREADD-mediated modulation of locus coeruleus inputs to mPFC improves strategy set-shifting. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 161:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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26
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Cheng Y, Wang J. The use of chemogenetic approaches in alcohol use disorder research and treatment. Alcohol 2019; 74:39-45. [PMID: 30442535 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Several novel techniques were developed recently to explore neural circuit mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. These techniques include the Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD)-based chemogenetic tools, which represent valuable platforms for selective and non-invasive control of neural activity with a high degree of spatial resolution. Among all variants, Gq- and Gi-DREADDs are widely used by neuroscientists to dissect out the circuitry and cellular signals. This review is focused on strategies to access a specific neuronal population or circuit using the DREADD technique and summarizes the current knowledge of the DREADDs' application in alcohol use disorder research and therapeutics.
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Benskey MJ, Sandoval IM, Miller K, Sellnow RL, Gezer A, Kuhn NC, Vashon R, Manfredsson FP. Basic Concepts in Viral Vector-Mediated Gene Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1937:3-26. [PMID: 30706387 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9065-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Today any researcher with the desire can easily purchase a viral vector. However, despite the availability of viral vectors themselves, the requisite knowledge that is absolutely essential to conducting a gene therapy experiment remains somewhat obscure and esoteric. To utilize viral vectors to their full potential, a large number of decisions must be made, in some instances prior to even obtaining the vector itself. For example, critical decisions include selection of the proper virus, selection of the proper expression cassette, whether to produce or purchase a viral vector, proper viral handling and storage, the most appropriate delivery method, selecting the proper controls, how to ensure your virus is expressing properly, and many other complex decisions that are essential to performing a successful gene therapy experiment. The need to make so many important decisions can be overwhelming and potentially prohibitive, especially to the novice gene therapist. In order to aid in this challenging process, here we provide an overview of basic gene therapy modalities and a decision tree that can be used to make oneself aware of the options available to the beginning gene therapist. This information can be used as a road map to help navigate the complex and perhaps confusing process of designing a successful gene therapy experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Benskey
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ivette M Sandoval
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Kathryn Miller
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Rhyomi L Sellnow
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Aysegul Gezer
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Nathan C Kuhn
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Roslyn Vashon
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
- Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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28
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Eacret D, Grafe LA, Dobkin J, Gotter AL, Renger JJ, Winrow CJ, Bhatnagar S. Orexin signaling during social defeat stress influences subsequent social interaction behaviour and recognition memory. Behav Brain Res 2019; 356:444-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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29
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Allen DC, Carlson TL, Xiong Y, Jin J, Grant KA, Cuzon Carlson VC. A Comparative Study of the Pharmacokinetics of Clozapine N-Oxide and Clozapine N-Oxide Hydrochloride Salt in Rhesus Macaques. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 368:199-207. [PMID: 30523062 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.252031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Translating chemogenetic techniques from nonhuman primates to potential clinical applications has been complicated in part due to in vivo conversion of the chemogenetic actuator, clozapine N-oxide (CNO), to its pharmacologically active parent compound, clozapine, a ligand with known side effects, including five boxed warnings from the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the limited solubility of CNO requires high concentrations of potentially toxic detergents such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). To address these concerns, pharmacokinetic profiling of commercially available CNO in DMSO (CNO-DMSO, 10% v/v DMSO in saline) and a water-soluble salt preparation (CNO-HCl, saline) was conducted in rhesus macaques. A time course of blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of CNO and clozapine was conducted (30-240 minutes post-administration) following a range of doses (3-10 mg/kg, i.m. and/or i.v.) of CNO-DMSO or CNO-HCl. CNO-HCl resulted in 6- to 7-fold higher plasma concentrations of CNO compared to CNO-DMSO, and relatively less clozapine (3%-5% clozapine/CNO in the CNO-DMSO group and 0.5%-1.5% clozapine/CNO in the CNO-HCl group). Both groups had large between-subjects variability, pointing to the necessity of performing individual CNO pharmacokinetic studies prior to further experimentation. The ratio of CNO measured in the CSF was between 2% and 6% of that measured in the plasma and did not differ across drug preparation, indicating that CSF concentrations may be approximated from plasma samples. In conclusion, CNO-HCl demonstrated improved bioavailability compared with CNO-DMSO with less conversion to clozapine. Further investigation is needed to determine if brain concentrations of clozapine following CNO-HCl administration are pharmacologically active at off-target monoaminergic receptor systems in the primate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daicia C Allen
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.C.A., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon (T.L.C., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Y.X., J.J.)
| | - Timothy L Carlson
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.C.A., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon (T.L.C., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Y.X., J.J.)
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.C.A., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon (T.L.C., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Y.X., J.J.)
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.C.A., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon (T.L.C., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Y.X., J.J.)
| | - Kathleen A Grant
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.C.A., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon (T.L.C., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Y.X., J.J.)
| | - Verginia C Cuzon Carlson
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.C.A., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon (T.L.C., K.A.G., V.C.C.C.); and Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Y.X., J.J.)
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30
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Leffler KE, Abdel-Rahman AA. Estrogen-Dependent Disruption of Adiponectin-Connexin43 Signaling Underlies Exacerbated Myocardial Dysfunction in Diabetic Female Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 368:208-217. [PMID: 30523063 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.254029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The reasons for the higher severity of type 2 diabetes (T2DM)-associated cardiomyopathy in women, despite their inherent estrogen (E2)-dependent cardioprotection, remain unknown. We hypothesized that the reliance of the healthy females' hearts on augmented adiponectin (APN)-connexin 43 (Cx43) signaling becomes paradoxically detrimental when disrupted by T2DM in an E2-dependent manner. We tested this hypothesis in high-fat, low- dose streptozotocin diabetic rats and their controls with the following designations: 1) sham-operated (SO), 2) ovariectomized (OVX), 3) ovariectomized with E2 supplementation (OVX + E2), and 4) male. E2-replete (SO or OVX + E2) diabetic rats exhibited higher mortality and greater increases in left ventricular (LV) mass and reduced LV developed pressure, LV contractility, and fractional shortening but preserved ejection fraction. Further, compared with respective nondiabetic counterparts, the hearts of these E2-replete diabetic rats exhibited greater upregulation of cardiac estrogen receptor α and reductions in Cx43 expression and in the phosphorylation levels of the survival molecules extracellular regulating kinases 1/2 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT). Whereas serum APN was reduced, independent of sex and ovarian hormone status in all DM rats, cardiac APN was most drastically reduced in DM SO rats. The present translational findings are the first to implicate ovarian hormones/E2 in the exacerbated myocardial dysfunction in female diabetic subjects and to suggest a pivotal role for malfunctioning cardiac APN-Cx43 signaling in this sex/E2-specific clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korin E Leffler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
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31
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Jarovi J, Volle J, Yu X, Guan L, Takehara-Nishiuchi K. Prefrontal Theta Oscillations Promote Selective Encoding of Behaviorally Relevant Events. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0407-18.2018. [PMID: 30693310 PMCID: PMC6348453 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0407-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to capture the most relevant information from everyday experiences without constantly learning unimportant details is vital to survival and mental health. While decreased activity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is associated with failed or inflexible encoding of relevant events in the hippocampus, mechanisms used by the mPFC to discern behavioral relevance of events are not clear. To address this question, we chemogenetically activated excitatory neurons in the mPFC of male rats and examined its impact on local network activity and differential associative learning dependent on the hippocampus. Rats were exposed to two neutral stimuli in two environments whose contingency with an aversive stimulus changed systematically across days. Over 2 weeks of differential and reversal learning, theta band activity began to ramp up toward the expected onset of the aversive stimulus, and this ramping activity tracked the subsequent shift of the set (stimulus modality to environment) predictive of the aversive stimulus. With chemogenetic mPFC activation, the ramping activity emerged within a few sessions of differential learning, which paralleled faster learning and stronger correlations between the ramping activity and conditioned responses. Chemogenetic mPFC activity, however, did not affect the adjustment of ramping activity or behavior during reversal learning or set-shifting, suggesting that the faster learning was not because of a general enhancement of attention, sensory, or motor processing. Thus, the dynamics of the mPFC network activation during events provide a relevance-signaling mechanism through which the mPFC exerts executive control over the encoding of those events in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kaori Takehara-Nishiuchi
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology
- Department of Psychology
- Neuroscience Program, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3G3, Canada
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32
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Considerations for the use of virally delivered genetic tools for in-vivo circuit analysis and behavior in mutant mice: a practical guide to optogenetics. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:598-609. [PMID: 29099403 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics was the method of the year in 2010 according to Nature Neuroscience. Since then, this method has become widespread, the use of virally delivered genetic tools has extended to other fields such as pharmacogenetics, and optogenetic techniques have become frequently applied in genetically manipulated animals for in-vivo circuit analysis and behavioral studies. However, several issues should be taken into consideration when planning such experiments. We aimed to summarize the critical points concerning optogenetic manipulation of a specific brain area in mutant mice. First, the appropriate vector should be chosen to allow optimal optogenetic manipulation. Adeno-associated viral vectors are the most common carriers with different available serotypes. Light-sensitive channels are available in many forms, and the expression of the delivered genetic material can be influenced in many ways. Second, selecting the adequate stimulation protocol is also essential. The pattern, intensity, and timing could be determinative parameters. Third, the mutant strain might have a phenotype that influences the observed behavior. In conclusion, detailed preliminary experiments and numerous control groups are required to choose the best vector and stimulation protocol and to ensure that the mutant animals do not have a specific phenotype that can influence the examined behavior.
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33
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Grafe LA, Eacret D, Dobkin J, Bhatnagar S. Reduced Orexin System Function Contributes to Resilience to Repeated Social Stress. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0273-17.2018. [PMID: 29662948 PMCID: PMC5900465 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0273-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stress increases the risk of developing affective disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, these disorders occur in only a subset of individuals, those that are more vulnerable to the effects of stress, whereas others remain resilient. The coping style adopted to deal with the stressor, either passive or active coping, is related to vulnerability or resilience, respectively. Important neural substrates that mediate responses to a stressor are the orexins. These neuropeptides are altered in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with stress-related illnesses such as depression and PTSD. The present experiments used a rodent social defeat model that generates actively coping rats and passively coping rats, which we have previously shown exhibit resilient and vulnerable profiles, respectively, to examine if orexins play a role in these stress-induced phenotypes. In situ radiolabeling and qPCR revealed that actively coping rats expressed significantly lower prepro-orexin mRNA compared with passively coping rats. This led to the hypothesis that lower levels of orexins contribute to resilience to repeated social stress. To test this hypothesis, rats first underwent 5 d of social defeat to establish active and passive coping phenotypes. Then, orexin neurons were inhibited before each social defeat for three additional days using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). Inhibition of orexins increased social interaction behavior and decreased depressive-like behavior in the vulnerable population of rats. Indeed, these data suggest that lowering orexins promoted resilience to social defeat and may be an important target for treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Grafe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Darrell Eacret
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Jane Dobkin
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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34
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Campbell EJ, Marchant NJ. The use of chemogenetics in behavioural neuroscience: receptor variants, targeting approaches and caveats. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:994-1003. [PMID: 29338070 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen major advances in neuroscience tools allowing us to selectively modulate cellular pathways in freely moving animals. Chemogenetic approaches such as designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) permit the remote control of neuronal function by systemic drug administration. These approaches have dramatically advanced our understanding of the neural control of behaviour. Here, we review the different techniques and genetic approaches available for the restriction of chemogenetic receptors to defined neuronal populations. We highlight the use of a dual virus approach to target specific circuitries and the effectiveness of different routes of administration of designer drugs. Finally, we discuss the potential caveats associated with DREADDs including off-target effects of designer drugs, the effects of chronic chemogenetic receptor activation and the issue of collateral projections associated with DREADD activation and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Campbell
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nathan J Marchant
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Bernasconi S. Low Dose Medicine: theoretical background and scientific evidence. Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:23. [PMID: 29422102 PMCID: PMC5806381 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Bernasconi
- Former Director Pediatric Department, University of Parma, Via A. Catalani 10, 43123, Parma, Italy.
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36
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Memory Retention Involves the Ventrolateral Orbitofrontal Cortex: Comparison with the Basolateral Amygdala. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:373-383. [PMID: 28664926 PMCID: PMC5729558 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is thought to link stimuli and actions with anticipated outcomes in order to sustain flexible behavior in an ever-changing environment. How it retains these associations to guide future behavior is less well-defined. Here we focused on one subregion of this heterogeneous structure, the ventrolateral OFC (VLO). CaMKII-driven inhibitory Gi-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) were infused and subsequently activated by their ligand Clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) in conjunction with fear extinction training (a form of aversive conditioning) and response-outcome conditioning (a form of appetitive conditioning). Gi-DREADD-mediated inactivation of the VLO during extinction conditioning interfered with fear extinction memory, resulting in sustained freezing when mice were later tested drug-free. Similarly, Gi-DREADD-mediated inactivation in conjunction with response-outcome conditioning caused a later decay in goal-directed responding-that is, mice were unable to select actions based on the likelihood that they would be rewarded in a sustainable manner. By contrast, inhibitory Gi-DREADDs in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impaired the acquisition of both conditioned fear extinction and response-outcome conditioning, as expected based on prior studies using other inactivation techniques. Meanwhile, DREADD-mediated inhibition of the dorsolateral striatum enhanced response-outcome conditioning, also in line with prior reports. Together, our findings suggest that learning-related neuroplasticity in the VLO may be necessary for memory retention in both appetitive and aversive domains.
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37
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Yuan XS, Wang L, Dong H, Qu WM, Yang SR, Cherasse Y, Lazarus M, Schiffmann SN, d'Exaerde ADK, Li RX, Huang ZL. Striatal adenosine A 2A receptor neurons control active-period sleep via parvalbumin neurons in external globus pallidus. eLife 2017; 6:29055. [PMID: 29022877 PMCID: PMC5655138 DOI: 10.7554/elife.29055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the striatum is frequently associated with sleep disturbances. However, its role in sleep-wake regulation has been paid little attention even though the striatum densely expresses adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs), which are essential for adenosine-induced sleep. Here we showed that chemogenetic activation of A2AR neurons in specific subregions of the striatum induced a remarkable increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Anatomical mapping and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that striatal A2AR neurons innervated the external globus pallidus (GPe) in a topographically organized manner and preferentially formed inhibitory synapses with GPe parvalbumin (PV) neurons. Moreover, lesions of GPe PV neurons abolished the sleep-promoting effect of striatal A2AR neurons. In addition, chemogenetic inhibition of striatal A2AR neurons led to a significant decrease of NREM sleep at active period, but not inactive period of mice. These findings reveal a prominent contribution of striatal A2AR neuron/GPe PV neuron circuit in sleep control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Shan Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Rong Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yoan Cherasse
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Michael Lazarus
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Serge N Schiffmann
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Rui-Xi Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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38
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Raper J, Morrison RD, Daniels JS, Howell L, Bachevalier J, Wichmann T, Galvan A. Metabolism and Distribution of Clozapine-N-oxide: Implications for Nonhuman Primate Chemogenetics. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1570-1576. [PMID: 28324647 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) in neuroscience has rapidly expanded in rodent studies but has lagged behind in nonhuman primate (NHP) experiments, slowing the development of this method for therapeutic use in humans. One reason for the slow adoption of DREADD technology in primates is that the pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability of clozapine-n-oxide (CNO), the most commonly used ligand for human muscarinic (hM) DREADDs, are not fully described in primates. We report an extensive pharmacokinetic study using subcutaneous (SC) administration of CNO in five adult rhesus monkeys. CNO reached maximal plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations within 2 h after injection, with an observed dose-dependent increase in levels following a 3 and 10 mg/kg SC dose. Since CSF concentrations were below values predicted from unbound plasma concentrations, we investigated whether CNO was restricted from the CNS through active transport at the blood-brain barrier. In vitro assessment demonstrated that CNO is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (Pgp; efflux ratio, 20), thus providing a likely mechanism limiting CNO levels in the CNS. Furthermore, CNO is metabolized to the psychoactive compounds clozapine and n-desmethylclozapine in monkeys. The concentrations of clozapine detected in the CSF are sufficient to activate several types of receptor (including the hM-DREADDs). Our results suggest that CNO metabolism and distribution may interfere with reproducibility and interpretation of DREADD-related experiments in NHPs and calls for a re-evaluation of the use of CNO in DREADD-related experiments in NHPs along with the need to test alternative compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Raper
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Ryan D. Morrison
- Sano Informed Prescribing, Inc. Franklin, Tennessee 37067, United States
| | - J. Scott Daniels
- Sano Informed Prescribing, Inc. Franklin, Tennessee 37067, United States
| | - Leonard Howell
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jocelyne Bachevalier
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Thomas Wichmann
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s
Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Adriana Galvan
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s
Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
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39
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Jørgensen SH, Fitzpatrick CM, Gether U, Woldbye DPD, Sørensen AT. Chemogenetic Modulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signalling in Visual Attention Research. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 121:373-381. [PMID: 28609587 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Attention is a fundamental cognitive process involved in nearly all aspects of life. Abnormal attentional control is a symptom of many neurological disorders, most notably recognized in ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Although attentional performance and its malfunction has been a major area of investigation, it has proven difficult to accurately associate specific neuronal projections, cell types, neurotransmitter systems and receptors with distinct phenotypes owing to its complexity. In this MiniReview, we present a recently invented technology known as Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). The DREADD technology is an emerging and transformative method that allows selective manipulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling, and its broad-ranging usefulness in attention research is now beginning to emerge. We first describe the different DREADDs available and explain how unprecedented specificity of neuronal signalling can be achieved using DREADDs. We next discuss various studies performed in animal models of visual attention, where different brain regions and neuronal populations have been probed by DREADDs. We highlight the interplay between the dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) catecholamine systems in visual attention and explain why DREADD technology can untangle and help us better understand such complex systems in normal and malfunctioning conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren H Jørgensen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ulrik Gether
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David P D Woldbye
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory of Neural Plasticity, Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas T Sørensen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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40
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Harris AZ, Golder D, Likhtik E. Multisite Electrophysiology Recordings in Mice to Study Cross-Regional Communication During Anxiety. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 80:8.40.1-8.40.21. [PMID: 28678397 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recording neural activity in awake, freely moving mice is a powerful and flexible technique for dissecting the neural circuit mechanisms underlying pathological behavior. This unit describes protocols for designing a drive and recording single neurons and local field potentials during anxiety-related paradigms. We also include protocols for integrating pharmacologic and optogenetic means for circuit manipulations, which, when combined with electrophysiological recordings, demonstrate input-specific and cell-specific contributions to circuit-wide activity. We discuss the planning, execution, and troubleshooting of physiology experiments during anxiety-like behavior. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Z Harris
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | - Danielle Golder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, CUNY, New York City, New York
| | - Ekaterina Likhtik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, CUNY, New York City, New York.,CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York City, New York
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41
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Grafe LA, Cornfeld A, Luz S, Valentino R, Bhatnagar S. Orexins Mediate Sex Differences in the Stress Response and in Cognitive Flexibility. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:683-692. [PMID: 27955897 PMCID: PMC5359079 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are twice as likely as men to experience stress-related psychiatric disorders. The biological basis of these sex differences is poorly understood. Orexins are altered in anxious and depressed patients. Using a rat model of repeated stress, we examined whether orexins contribute to sex differences in outcomes relevant to stress-related psychiatric diseases. METHODS Behavioral, neural, and endocrine habituation to repeated restraint stress and subsequent cognitive flexibility was examined in adult male and female rats. In parallel, orexin expression and activation were determined in both sexes, and chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine transcription factors acting at the orexin promoter. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs were used to inhibit orexin activation throughout repeated restraint to determine if the stress-related impairments in female rats could be reduced. RESULTS Female rats exhibited impaired habituation to repeated restraint with subsequent deficits in cognitive flexibility compared with male rats. Increased orexin expression and activation were observed in female rats compared with male rats. The higher expression of orexin messenger RNA in female rats was due to actions of glucocorticoid receptors on the orexin promoter, as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Inhibition of orexins using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs in female rats throughout repeated restraint abolished their heightened hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responsivity and reduced stress-induced cognitive impairments. CONCLUSIONS Orexins mediate the impairments in adaptations to repeated stress and in subsequent cognitive flexibility exhibited by female rats and provide evidence for a broader role for orexins in mediating functions relevant to stress-related psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Grafe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Amanda Cornfeld
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Sandra Luz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Rita Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104,University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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42
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Activation of the Hypoglossal to Tongue Musculature Motor Pathway by Remote Control. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45860. [PMID: 28383527 PMCID: PMC5382915 DOI: 10.1038/srep45860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced tongue muscle tone precipitates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and activation of the tongue musculature can lessen OSA. The hypoglossal motor nucleus (HMN) innervates the tongue muscles but there is no pharmacological agent currently able to selectively manipulate a channel (e.g., Kir2.4) that is highly restricted in its expression to cranial motor pools such as the HMN. To model the effect of manipulating such a restricted target, we introduced a “designer” receptor into the HMN and selectively modulated it with a “designer” drug. We used cre-dependent viral vectors (AAV8-hSyn-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry) to transduce hypoglossal motoneurons of ChAT-Cre+ mice with hM3Dq (activating) receptors. We measured sleep and breathing in three conditions: (i) sham, (ii) after systemic administration of clozapine-N-oxide (CNO; 1 mg/kg) or (iii) vehicle. CNO activates hM3Dq receptors but is otherwise biologically inert. Systemic administration of CNO caused significant and sustained increases in tongue muscle activity in non-REM (261 ± 33% for 10 hrs) and REM sleep (217 ± 21% for 8 hrs), both P < 0.01 versus controls. Responses were specific and selective for the tongue with no effects on diaphragm or postural muscle activities, or sleep-wake states. These results support targeting a selective and restricted “druggable” target at the HMN (e.g., Kir2.4) to activate tongue motor activity during sleep.
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Orexin 2 receptor regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response to acute and repeated stress. Neuroscience 2017; 348:313-323. [PMID: 28257896 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides that have a documented role in mediating the acute stress response. However, their role in habituation to repeated stress, and the role of orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R) in the stress response, has yet to be defined. Orexin neuronal activation and levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were found to be stimulated with acute restraint, but were significantly reduced by day five of repeated restraint. As certain disease states such as panic disorder are associated with increased central orexin levels and failure to habituate to repeated stress, the effect of activating orexin signaling via Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response was evaluated after repeated restraint. While vehicle-treated rats displayed habituation of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) from day 1 to day 5 of restraint, stimulating orexins did not further increase ACTH beyond vehicle levels for either acute or repeated restraint. We delineated the roles of orexin receptors in acute and repeated stress using a selective OX2R antagonist (MK-1064). Pretreatment with MK-1064 reduced day 1 ACTH levels, but did not allow further habituation on day 5 compared with vehicle-treated rats, indicating that endogenous OX2R activity plays a role in acute stress, but not in habituation to repeated stress. However, in restrained rats with further stimulated orexins by DREADDs, MK-1064 decreased ACTH levels on day 5. Collectively, these results indicate that the OX2R plays a role in acute stress, and can prevent habituation to repeated stress under conditions of high orexin release.
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Galvan A, Caiola MJ, Albaugh DL. Advances in optogenetic and chemogenetic methods to study brain circuits in non-human primates. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:547-563. [PMID: 28238201 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 10 years, the use of opto- and chemogenetics to modulate neuronal activity in research applications has increased exponentially. Both techniques involve the genetic delivery of artificial proteins (opsins or engineered receptors) that are expressed on a selective population of neurons. The firing of these neurons can then be manipulated using light sources (for opsins) or by systemic administration of exogenous compounds (for chemogenetic receptors). Opto- and chemogenetic tools have enabled many important advances in basal ganglia research in rodent models, yet these techniques have faced a slow progress in non-human primate (NHP) research. In this review, we present a summary of the current state of these techniques in NHP research and outline some of the main challenges associated with the use of these genetic-based approaches in monkeys. We also explore cutting-edge developments that will facilitate the use of opto- and chemogenetics in NHPs, and help advance our understanding of basal ganglia circuits in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Galvan
- Department of Neurology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA. .,Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA. .,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Michael J Caiola
- Department of Neurology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Daniel L Albaugh
- Department of Neurology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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45
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GABA Cells in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Promote Cataplexy. J Neurosci 2017; 37:4007-4022. [PMID: 28209737 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4070-15.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataplexy is a hallmark of narcolepsy characterized by the sudden uncontrollable onset of muscle weakness or paralysis during wakefulness. It can occur spontaneously, but is typically triggered by positive emotions such as laughter. Although cataplexy was identified >130 years ago, its neural mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that a newly identified GABA circuit within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) promotes cataplexy. We used behavioral, electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, and chemogenetic strategies to target and manipulate CeA activity selectively in narcoleptic (orexin-/-) mice to determine its functional role in controlling cataplexy. First, we show that chemogenetic activation of the entire CeA produces a marked increase in cataplexy attacks. Then, we show that GABA cells within the CeA are responsible for mediating this effect. To manipulate GABA cells specifically, we developed a new mouse line that enables genetic targeting of GABA cells in orexin-/- mice. We found that chemogenetic activation of GABA CeA cells triggered a 253% increase in the number of cataplexy attacks without affecting their duration, suggesting that GABA cells play a functional role in initiating but not maintaining cataplexy. We show that GABA cell activation only promotes cataplexy attacks associated with emotionally rewarding stimuli, not those occurring spontaneously. However, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of GABA CeA cells does not prevent cataplexy, suggesting these cells are not required for initiating cataplexy attacks. Our results indicate that the CeA promotes cataplexy onset and that emotionally rewarding stimuli may trigger cataplexy by activating GABA cells in the CeA.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although cataplexy has been closely linked to positive emotions for >130 years, the neural circuitry that underlies this relationship is poorly understood. Recent work suggests that the amygdala, a brain area important for processing emotion, may be part of this circuit. This study provides the first functional evidence to implicate GABA cells in the amygdala as regulators of cataplexy triggered by positive emotions and identifies the amygdala as the brain region important more for gating the entrance into rather than the exit from cataplexy. We also generated a new mouse model for studying GABA neurons in narcoleptic mice, which could serve as a useful tool for studying the neurobiological underpinnings of narcolepsy.
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46
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Roles of prefrontal cortex and paraventricular thalamus in affective and mechanical components of visceral nociception. Pain 2016; 156:2479-2491. [PMID: 26262826 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Visceral pain represents a major clinical challenge in the management of many gastrointestinal disorders, eg, pancreatitis. However, cerebral neurobiological mechanisms underlying visceral nociception are poorly understood. As a representative model of visceral nociception, we applied cerulein hyperstimulation in C57BL6 mice to induce acute pancreatitis and performed a behavioral test battery and c-Fos staining of brains. We observed a specific pain phenotype and a significant increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), the periaqueductal gray, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Using neuronal tracing, we observed projections of the PVT to cortical layers of the mPFC with contacts to inhibitory GABAergic neurons. These inhibitory neurons showed more activation after cerulein treatment suggesting thalamocortical "feedforward inhibition" in visceral nociception. The activity of neurons in pancreatitis-related pain centers was pharmacogenetically modulated by designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs, selectively and cell type specifically expressed in target neurons using adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer. Pharmacogenetic inhibition of PVT but not periaqueductal gray neurons attenuated visceral pain and induced an activation of the descending inhibitory pain pathway. Activation of glutamatergic principle neurons in the mPFC, but not inhibitory neurons, also reversed visceral nociception. These data reveal novel insights into central pain processing that underlies visceral nociception and may trigger the development of novel, potent centrally acting analgesic drugs.
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47
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Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Primarily Contribute to Inhibition of Electroencephalogram Delta Activity, Rather Than Inducing Behavioral Wakefulness in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2133-46. [PMID: 26797244 PMCID: PMC4908644 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons have long been thought to be involved in behavioral wakefulness and cortical activation. However, owing to the heterogeneity of BF neurons and poor selectivity of traditional methods, the precise role of BF cholinergic neurons in regulating the sleep-wake cycle remains unclear. We investigated the effects of cell-selective manipulation of BF cholinergic neurons on the sleep-wake behavior and electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum using the pharmacogenetic technique, the 'designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD)' approach, and ChAT-IRES-Cre mice. Our results showed that activation of BF cholinergic neurons expressing hM3Dq receptors significantly and lastingly decreased the EEG delta power spectrum, produced low-delta non-rapid eye movement sleep, and slightly increased wakefulness in both light and dark phases, whereas inhibition of BF cholinergic neurons expressing hM4Di receptors significantly increased EEG delta power spectrum and slightly decreased wakefulness. Next, the projections of BF cholinergic neurons were traced by humanized Renilla green fluorescent protein (hrGFP). Abundant and highly dense hrGFP-positive fibers were observed in the secondary motor cortex and cingulate cortex, and sparse hrGFP-positive fibers were observed in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, a known sleep-related structure. Finally, we found that activation of BF cholinergic neurons significantly increased c-Fos expression in the secondary motor cortex and cingulate cortex, but decreased c-Fos expression in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus. Taken together, these findings reveal that the primary function of BF cholinergic neurons is to inhibit EEG delta activity through the activation of cerebral cortex, rather than to induce behavioral wakefulness.
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48
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Volle J, Yu X, Sun H, Tanninen SE, Insel N, Takehara-Nishiuchi K. Enhancing Prefrontal Neuron Activity Enables Associative Learning of Temporally Disparate Events. Cell Rep 2016; 15:2400-10. [PMID: 27264170 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to link events that are separated in time is important for extracting meaning from experiences and guiding behavior in the future. This ability likely requires the brain to continue representing events even after they have passed, a process that may involve the prefrontal cortex and takes the form of sustained, event-specific neuron activity. Here, we show that experimentally increasing the activity of excitatory neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) enables rats to associate two stimuli separated by a 750-ms long temporal gap. Learning is accompanied by ramping increases in prefrontal theta and beta rhythms during the interval between stimuli. This ramping activity predicts memory-related behavioral responses on a trial-by-trial basis but is not correlated with the same muscular activity during non-memory conditions. Thus, the enhancement of prefrontal neuron excitability extends the time course of evoked prefrontal network activation and facilitates the formation of associations of temporally disparate, but correlated, events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Volle
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Xiaotian Yu
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Huaying Sun
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | | | - Nathan Insel
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Kaori Takehara-Nishiuchi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Neuroscience Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada.
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49
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Ordovas-Montanes J, Rakoff-Nahoum S, Huang S, Riol-Blanco L, Barreiro O, von Andrian UH. The Regulation of Immunological Processes by Peripheral Neurons in Homeostasis and Disease. Trends Immunol 2016; 36:578-604. [PMID: 26431937 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system and the immune system are the principal sensory interfaces between the internal and external environment. They are responsible for recognizing, integrating, and responding to varied stimuli, and have the capacity to form memories of these encounters leading to learned or 'adaptive' future responses. We review current understanding of the cross-regulation between these systems. The autonomic and somatosensory nervous systems regulate both the development and deployment of immune cells, with broad functions that impact on hematopoiesis as well as on priming, migration, and cytokine production. In turn, specific immune cell subsets contribute to homeostatic neural circuits such as those controlling metabolism, hypertension, and the inflammatory reflex. We examine the contribution of the somatosensory system to autoimmune, autoinflammatory, allergic, and infectious processes in barrier tissues and, in this context, discuss opportunities for therapeutic manipulation of neuro-immune interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Ordovas-Montanes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Seth Rakoff-Nahoum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siyi Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Olga Barreiro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ulrich H von Andrian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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50
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Abstract
Unraveling the complex network of neural circuits that form the nervous system demands tools that can manipulate specific circuits. The recent evolution of genetic tools to target neural circuits allows an unprecedented precision in elucidating their function. Here we describe two general approaches for achieving circuit specificity. The first uses the genetic identity of a cell, such as a transcription factor unique to a circuit, to drive expression of a molecule that can manipulate cell function. The second uses the spatial connectivity of a circuit to achieve specificity: one genetic element is introduced at the origin of a circuit and the other at its termination. When the two genetic elements combine within a neuron, they can alter its function. These two general approaches can be combined to allow manipulation of neurons with a specific genetic identity by introducing a regulatory gene into the origin or termination of the circuit. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of both these general approaches with regard to specificity and efficacy of the manipulations. We also review the genetic techniques that allow gain- and loss-of-function within specific neural circuits. These approaches introduce light-sensitive channels (optogenetic) or drug sensitive channels (chemogenetic) into neurons that form specific circuits. We compare these tools with others developed for circuit-specific manipulation and describe the advantages of each. Finally, we discuss how these tools might be applied for identification of the neural circuits that mediate behavior and for repair of neural connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Geun Park
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, USA.
| | - Jason B Carmel
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, USA
- Brain and Mind Research Institute and Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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