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Liu W, Gao J, Hao N, Li J, Pei J, Zou D, Yang S, Yin Y, Yang X, Mu P, Zhang L. Effects of miR-204-5p and Target Gene EphB2 on Cognitive Impairment Induced by Aluminum Exposure in Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:3740-3749. [PMID: 37985568 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Aluminum is a common environmental neurotoxin. Aluminum ions can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in different brain regions, damage brain tissue, and cause cognitive impairment, but the molecular mechanism of aluminum neurotoxicity is not precise. This study investigated the effects of miR-204-5p, target gene EphB2, and downstream signaling pathway NMDAR-ERK-CREB-Arc on cognitive dysfunction induced by aluminum exposure. The results showed that the learning and memory of the rats were impaired in behavior. The accumulation of aluminum in the hippocampus resulted in the damage of nerve cell morphology in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The expression level of miR-204-5p was increased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of EphB2, NMDAR2B, ERK1/2, CREB, and Arc were decreased. The results indicated that the mechanism of impaired learning and memory induced by aluminum exposure might promote the expression of miR-204-5P and further inhibit the expression of the target gene EphB2 and its downstream signaling pathway NMDAR-ERK-CREB-Arc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Niping Hao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Shenyang Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110034, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Pei
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Danfeng Zou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Yin
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Mu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110034, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Liaoning Province 110034, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Agarwal K, Lamprecht R. EphB2 activation in neural stem cells in the basolateral amygdala facilitates neurogenesis and enhances long-term memory. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:277. [PMID: 38913115 PMCID: PMC11335201 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05317-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Many brain diseases lead to a reduction in the number of functional neurons and it would be of value to be able to increase the number of neurons in the affected brain areas. In this study, we examined whether we can promote neural stem cells to produce mature neurons and whether an increase in the mature neurons can affect cognitive performance. We detected that the EphB2 receptor is localized in immature basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons. We therefore aimed to increase the level of EphB2 activity in neural stem cells (NSCs) in the BLA and examine the effects on the production of mature neurons and cognition. Toward that end, we utilized a photoactivatable EphB2 construct (optoEphB2) to increase EphB2 forward signaling in NSCs in the BLA. We revealed that the activation of optoEphB2 in NSCs in the BLA increased the level of immature and mature neurons in the BLA. We further found that activation of optoEphB2 in BLA NSCs enhanced auditory, but not contextual, long-term fear memory formation. Impairing EphB2 forward signaling did not affect the level of immature and mature neurons in the BLA. This study provides evidence that NSCs can be promoted to produce mature neurons by activating EphB2 to enhance specific brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Agarwal
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Raphael Lamprecht
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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3
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Shao Y, Cai Y, Chen T, Hao K, Luo B, Wang X, Guo W, Su X, Lv L, Yang Y, Li W. Impaired erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular B receptors signaling in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus following maternal immune activation in male rats. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12863. [PMID: 37575018 PMCID: PMC10733575 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
An environmental risk factor for schizophrenia (SZ) is maternal infection, which exerts longstanding effects on the neurodevelopment of offspring. Accumulating evidence suggests that synaptic disturbances may contribute to the pathology of the disease, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular B (EphB) receptor signaling plays an important role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the formation and maturation of dendritic spines and regulating excitatory neurotransmission. We examined whether EphB receptors and downstream associated proteins are susceptible to environmental risk factors implicated in the etiology of synaptic disturbances in SZ. Using an established rodent model, which closely imitates the characteristics of SZ, we observed the behavioral performance and synaptic structure of male offspring in adolescence and early adulthood. We then analyzed the expression of EphB receptors and associated proteins in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Maternal immune activation offspring showed significantly progressive cognitive impairment and pre-pulse inhibition deficits together with an increase in the expression of EphB2 receptors and NMDA receptor subunits. We also found changes in EphB receptor downstream signaling, in particular, a decrease in phospho-cofilin levels which may explain the reduced dendritic spine density. Besides, we found that the AMPA glutamate, another glutamate ionic receptor associated with cofilin, decreased significantly in maternal immune activation offspring. Thus, alterations in EphB signaling induced by immune activation during pregnancy may underlie disruptions in synaptic plasticity and function in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus associated with behavioral and cognitive impairment. These findings may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Shao
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yaqi Cai
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Keke Hao
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Binbin Luo
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Weiyun Guo
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Stem Cell and Biological Treatment Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and TechnologyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Xi Su
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
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Jana S, Dines M, Lalzar M, Lamprecht R. Fear Conditioning Leads to Enduring Alterations in RNA Transcripts in Hippocampal Neuropil that are Dependent on EphB2 Forward Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2320-2329. [PMID: 36637747 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03191-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in mRNA transcription have been associated with changes in brain functions. We wanted to examine if fear conditioning causes long-term changes in transcriptome profiles in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and hippocampus using RNA-Seq and laser microdissection microscopy. We further aimed to uncover whether these changes are involved in memory formation by monitoring their levels in EphB2lacZ/lacZ mice, which lack EphB2 forward signaling and can form short-term fear conditioning memory but not long-term fear conditioning memory. We found transcriptome signatures unique to each brain region that are comprise of specific cellular pathways. We also revealed that fear conditioning leads to alterations in mRNAs levels 24 h after training in hippocampal neuropil, but not in hippocampal cell layers or BLA. The two main groups of altered mRNAs encode proteins involved in neuronal transmission, neuronal morphogenesis and neuronal development and the vast majority are known to be enriched in neurons. None of these mRNAs levels were altered by fear conditioning in EphB2lacZ/lacZ mice, which were also impaired in long-term fear memory. We show here that fear conditioning leads to an enduring alteration in mRNAs levels in hippocampal neuropil that is dependent on processes mediated by EphB2 that are needed for long-term memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Jana
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Monica Dines
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maya Lalzar
- Bioinformatics Service Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Raphael Lamprecht
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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5
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Kim J, Kaang BK. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcription factor in astrocytic synaptic communication. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 14:1059918. [PMID: 36685081 PMCID: PMC9845270 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.1059918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are known to actively participate in synaptic communication by forming structures called tripartite synapses. These synapses consist of presynaptic axon terminals, postsynaptic dendritic spines, and astrocytic processes where astrocytes release and receive transmitters. Although the transcription factor cyclic AMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) has been actively studied as an important factor for mediating synaptic activity-induced responses in neurons, its role in astrocytes is relatively unknown. Synaptic signals are known to activate various downstream pathways in astrocytes, which can activate the CREB transcription factor. Therefore, there is a need to summarize studies on astrocytic intracellular pathways that are induced by synaptic communication resulting in activation of the CREB pathway. In this review, we discuss the various neurotransmitter receptors and intracellular pathways that can induce CREB activation and CREB-induced gene regulation in astrocytes.
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Washburn HR, Chander P, Srikanth KD, Dalva MB. Transsynaptic Signaling of Ephs in Synaptic Development, Plasticity, and Disease. Neuroscience 2023; 508:137-152. [PMID: 36460219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Synapse formation between neurons is critical for proper circuit and brain function. Prior to activity-dependent refinement of connections between neurons, activity-independent cues regulate the contact and recognition of potential synaptic partners. Formation of a synapse results in molecular recognition events that initiate the process of synaptogenesis. Synaptogenesis requires contact between axon and dendrite, selection of correct and rejection of incorrect partners, and recruitment of appropriate pre- and postsynaptic proteins needed for the establishment of functional synaptic contact. Key regulators of these events are families of transsynaptic proteins, where one protein is found on the presynaptic neuron and the other is found on the postsynaptic neuron. Of these families, the EphBs and ephrin-Bs are required during each phase of synaptic development from target selection, recruitment of synaptic proteins, and formation of spines to regulation of synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic spine synapses in the mature brain. These roles also place EphBs and ephrin-Bs as important regulators of human neurological diseases. This review will focus on the role of EphBs and ephrin-Bs at synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halley R Washburn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Praveen Chander
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kolluru D Srikanth
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Matthew B Dalva
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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7
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Crossman SH, Janovjak H. Light-activated receptor tyrosine kinases: Designs and applications. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 63:102197. [PMID: 35245796 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a large and essential membrane receptor family. The molecular mechanisms and physiological consequences of RTK activation depend on, for example, ligand identity, subcellular localization, and developmental or disease stage. In the past few years, genetically-encoded light-activated RTKs (Opto-RTKs) have been developed to dissect these complexities by providing reversible and spatio-temporal control over cell signaling. These methods have very recently matured to include highly-sensitive multi-color actuators. The new ability to regulate RTK activity with high precision has been recently harnessed to gain mechanistic insights in subcellular, tissue, and animal models. Because of their sophisticated engineering, Opto-RTKs may only mirror some aspects of natural activation mechanisms but nevertheless offer unique opportunities to study RTK signaling and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Crossman
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
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8
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Huang P, Zhao Z, Duan L. Optogenetic activation of intracellular signaling based on light-inducible protein-protein homo-interactions. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:25-30. [PMID: 34100422 PMCID: PMC8451544 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic protein-protein interactions are essential for proper cell functioning. Homo-interaction events—physical interactions between the same type of proteins—represent a pivotal subset of protein-protein interactions that are widely exploited in activating intracellular signaling pathways. Capacities of modulating protein-protein interactions with spatial and temporal resolution are greatly desired to decipher the dynamic nature of signal transduction mechanisms. The emerging optogenetic technology, based on genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins, provides promising opportunities to dissect the highly complex signaling networks with unmatched specificity and spatiotemporal precision. Here we review recent achievements in the development of optogenetic tools enabling light-inducible protein-protein homo-interactions and their applications in optical activation of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Liting Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering (SHIAE), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Yuan L, Yi W, Sun C, Ma S, Wang J, Liu S, Chen Y, Chen Y, Chen Y. EphB2 activates CREB-dependent expression of Annexin A1 to regulate dendritic spine morphogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 584:107-115. [PMID: 34781202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are the postsynaptic structure to mediate signal transduction in neural circuitry, whose function and plasticity are regulated by organization of their molecular architecture and by the expression of target genes and proteins. EphB2, a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, potentiates dendritic spine maturation through cytoskeleton reorganization and protein trafficking. However, the transcriptional mechanisms underlying prolonged activation of EphB2 signaling during dendritic spine morphogenesis are unknown. Herein, we performed transcriptional profiling by stimulating EphB2 signaling and identified differentially expressed genes implicated in pivotal roles at synapses. Notably, we characterized an F-actin binding protein, Annexin A1, whose expression was induced by EphB2 signaling; the promotor activity of its coding gene Anxa1 is regulated by the activity of CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein). Knockdown of Annexin A1 led to a significant reduction of mature dendritic spines without an obvious deficit in the complexity of dendrites. Altogether, our findings suggest that EphB2-induced, CREB-dependent Annexin A1 expression plays a key role in regulating dendritic spine morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yuan
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wanying Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Changyu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Shuangshuang Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Saijuan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Yijing Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuewen Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
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10
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Bodin R, Paillé V, Oullier T, Durand T, Aubert P, Le Berre-Scoul C, Hulin P, Neunlist M, Cissé M. The ephrin receptor EphB2 regulates the connectivity and activity of enteric neurons. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101300. [PMID: 34648765 PMCID: PMC8569587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly organized circuits of enteric neurons are required for the regulation of gastrointestinal functions, such as peristaltism or migrating motor complex. However, the factors and molecular mechanisms that regulate the connectivity of enteric neurons and their assembly into functional neuronal networks are largely unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which neurotrophic factors regulate this enteric neuron circuitry is paramount to understanding enteric nervous system (ENS) physiology. EphB2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is essential for neuronal connectivity and plasticity in the brain, but so far its presence and function in the ENS remain largely unexplored. Here we report that EphB2 is expressed preferentially by enteric neurons relative to glial cells throughout the gut in rats. We show that in primary enteric neurons, activation of EphB2 by its natural ligand ephrinB2 engages ERK signaling pathways. Long-term activation with ephrinB2 decreases EphB2 expression and reduces molecular and functional connectivity in enteric neurons without affecting neuronal density, ganglionic fiber bundles, or overall neuronal morphology. This is highlighted by a loss of neuronal plasticity markers such as synapsin I, PSD95, and synaptophysin, and a decrease of spontaneous miniature synaptic currents. Together, these data identify a critical role for EphB2 in the ENS and reveal a unique EphB2-mediated molecular program of synapse regulation in enteric neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Bodin
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Paillé
- UMR 1280 Physiologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, INRA, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Thibauld Oullier
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Tony Durand
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Aubert
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Catherine Le Berre-Scoul
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Michel Neunlist
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Moustapha Cissé
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.
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11
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Assali A, Cho JY, Tsvetkov E, Gupta AR, Cowan CW. Sex-dependent role for EPHB2 in brain development and autism-associated behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2021-2029. [PMID: 33649502 PMCID: PMC8429442 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-00986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors. It is frequently associated with comorbidities, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, altered sensory sensitivity, and intellectual disability. A de novo nonsense mutation in EPHB2 (Q857X) was discovered in a female patient with ASD [13], revealing EPHB2 as a candidate ASD risk gene. EPHB2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase implicated in axon guidance, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity, positioning it as a plausible contributor to the pathophysiology of ASD and related disorders. In this study, we show that the Q857X mutation produced a truncated protein lacking forward signaling and that global disruption of one EphB2 allele (EphB2+/-) in mice produced several behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of ASD and common associated symptoms. EphB2+/- female, but not male, mice displayed increased repetitive behavior, motor hyperactivity, and learning and memory deficits, revealing sex-specific effects of EPHB2 hypofunction. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the intrinsic excitability, but not excitatory/inhibitory ratio, of motor cortex layer V pyramidal neurons in EphB2+/- female, but not male, mice, suggesting a possible mechanism by which EPHB2 hypofunction may contribute to sex-specific motor-related phenotypes. Together, our findings suggest that EPHB2 hypofunction, particularly in females, is sufficient to produce ASD-associated behaviors and altered cortical functions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlem Assali
- grid.259828.c0000 0001 2189 3475Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Jennifer Y. Cho
- grid.259828.c0000 0001 2189 3475Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA ,grid.259828.c0000 0001 2189 3475Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Evgeny Tsvetkov
- grid.259828.c0000 0001 2189 3475Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Abha R. Gupta
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Departments of Pediatrics, Child Study Center, and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Christopher W. Cowan
- grid.259828.c0000 0001 2189 3475Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
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12
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Kramer MM, Lataster L, Weber W, Radziwill G. Optogenetic Approaches for the Spatiotemporal Control of Signal Transduction Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5300. [PMID: 34069904 PMCID: PMC8157557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological signals are sensed by their respective receptors and are transduced and processed by a sophisticated intracellular signaling network leading to a signal-specific cellular response. Thereby, the response to the signal depends on the strength, the frequency, and the duration of the stimulus as well as on the subcellular signal progression. Optogenetic tools are based on genetically encoded light-sensing proteins facilitating the precise spatiotemporal control of signal transduction pathways and cell fate decisions in the absence of natural ligands. In this review, we provide an overview of optogenetic approaches connecting light-regulated protein-protein interaction or caging/uncaging events with steering the function of signaling proteins. We briefly discuss the most common optogenetic switches and their mode of action. The main part deals with the engineering and application of optogenetic tools for the control of transmembrane receptors including receptor tyrosine kinases, the T cell receptor and integrins, and their effector proteins. We also address the hallmarks of optogenetics, the spatial and temporal control of signaling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M. Kramer
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
- SGBM—Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Levin Lataster
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
- SGBM—Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerald Radziwill
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
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13
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Memories are not written in stone: Re-writing fear memories by means of non-invasive brain stimulation and optogenetic manipulations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:334-352. [PMID: 33964307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of fear associative memory requires brain processes of coordinated neural activity within the amygdala, prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, thalamus and brainstem. After fear consolidation, a suppression of fear memory in the absence of danger is crucial to permit adaptive coping behavior. Acquisition and maintenance of fear extinction critically depend on amygdala-PFC projections. The robust correspondence between the brain networks encompassed cortical and subcortical hubs involved into fear processing in humans and in other species underscores the potential utility of comparing the modulation of brain circuitry in humans and animals, as a crucial step to inform the comprehension of fear mechanisms and the development of treatments for fear-related disorders. The present review is aimed at providing a comprehensive description of the literature on recent clinical and experimental researches regarding the noninvasive brain stimulation and optogenetics. These innovative manipulations applied over specific hubs of fear matrix during fear acquisition, consolidation, reconsolidation and extinction allow an accurate characterization of specific brain circuits and their peculiar interaction within the specific fear processing.
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14
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Oh TJ, Fan H, Skeeters SS, Zhang K. Steering Molecular Activity with Optogenetics: Recent Advances and Perspectives. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000180. [PMID: 34028216 PMCID: PMC8218620 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics utilizes photosensitive proteins to manipulate the localization and interaction of molecules in living cells. Because light can be rapidly switched and conveniently confined to the sub-micrometer scale, optogenetics allows for controlling cellular events with an unprecedented resolution in time and space. The past decade has witnessed an enormous progress in the field of optogenetics within the biological sciences. The ever-increasing amount of optogenetic tools, however, can overwhelm the selection of appropriate optogenetic strategies. Considering that each optogenetic tool may have a distinct mode of action, a comparative analysis of the current optogenetic toolbox can promote the further use of optogenetics, especially by researchers new to this field. This review provides such a compilation that highlights the spatiotemporal accuracy of current optogenetic systems. Recent advances of optogenetics in live cells and animal models are summarized, the emerging work that interlinks optogenetics with other research fields is presented, and exciting clinical and industrial efforts to employ optogenetic strategy toward disease intervention are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teak-Jung Oh
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Huaxun Fan
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Savanna S Skeeters
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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15
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Leung HW, Leung CON, Lau EY, Chung KPS, Mok EH, Lei MML, Leung RWH, Tong M, Keng VW, Ma C, Zhao Q, Ng IOL, Ma S, Lee TK. EPHB2 Activates β-Catenin to Enhance Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Drive Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3229-3240. [PMID: 33903122 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The survival benefit derived from sorafenib treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is modest due to acquired resistance. Targeting cancer stem cells (CSC) is a possible way to reverse drug resistance, however, inhibitors that specifically target liver CSCs are limited. In this study, we established two sorafenib-resistant, patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) that mimicked development of acquired resistance to sorafenib in patients with HCC. RNA-sequencing analysis of sorafenib-resistant PDXs and their corresponding mock controls identified EPH receptor B2 (EPHB2) as the most significantly upregulated kinase. EPHB2 expression increased stepwise from normal liver tissue to fibrotic liver tissue to HCC tissue and correlated with poor prognosis. Endogenous EPHB2 knockout showed attenuation of tumor development in mice. EPHB2 regulated the traits of liver CSCs; similarly, sorted EPHB2High HCC cells were endowed with enhanced CSC properties when compared with their EPHB2-Low counterparts. Mechanistically, EPHB2 regulated cancer stemness and drug resistance by driving the SRC/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade, and EPHB2 expression was regulated by TCF1 via promoter activation, forming a positive Wnt/β-catenin feedback loop. Intravenous administration of rAAV-8-shEPHB2 suppressed HCC tumor growth and significantly sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib in an NRAS/AKT-driven HCC immunocompetent mouse model. Targeting a positive feedback loop involving the EPHB2/β-catenin axis may be a possible therapeutic strategy to combat acquired drug resistance in HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies a EPHB2/β-catenin/TCF1 positive feedback loop that augments cancer stemness and sorafenib resistance in HCC, revealing a targetable axis to combat acquired drug resistance in HCC. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/12/3229/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Wing Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Carmen Oi Ning Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Eunice Y Lau
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Katherine Po Sin Chung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Etienne H Mok
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Martina Mang Leng Lei
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Vincent W Keng
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Irene Oi Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Terence K Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China. .,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
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16
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Chen C, Ma Q, Deng P, Lin M, Gao P, He M, Lu Y, Pi H, He Z, Zhou C, Zhang Y, Yu Z, Zhang L. 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Impairs Neurite Outgrowth Through Inhibiting EPHA5 Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:657623. [PMID: 33912567 PMCID: PMC8075058 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657623] [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: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing intensity of environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has increased public concern about its health effects. Of particular concern are the influences of RF-EMF exposure on the development of the brain. The mechanisms of how RF-EMF acts on the developing brain are not fully understood. Here, based on high-throughput RNA sequencing techniques, we revealed that transcripts related to neurite development were significantly influenced by 1800 MHz RF-EMF exposure during neuronal differentiation. Exposure to RF-EMF remarkably decreased the total length of neurite and the number of branch points in neural stem cells-derived neurons and retinoic acid-induced Neuro-2A cells. The expression of Eph receptors 5 (EPHA5), which is required for neurite outgrowth, was inhibited remarkably after RF-EMF exposure. Enhancing EPHA5 signaling rescued the inhibitory effects of RF-EMF on neurite outgrowth. Besides, we identified that cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and RhoA were critical downstream factors of EPHA5 signaling in mediating the inhibitory effects of RF-EMF on neurite outgrowth. Together, our finding revealed that RF-EMF exposure impaired neurite outgrowth through EPHA5 signaling. This finding explored the effects and key mechanisms of how RF-EMF exposure impaired neurite outgrowth and also provided a new clue to understanding the influences of RF-EMF on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhai Chen
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinglong Ma
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Mindi He
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Yonghui Lu
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Huifeng Pi
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhixin He
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation Protection, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
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17
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Laricchiuta D, Sciamanna G, Gimenez J, Termine A, Fabrizio C, Caioli S, Balsamo F, Panuccio A, De Bardi M, Saba L, Passarello N, Cutuli D, Mattioni A, Zona C, Orlando V, Petrosini L. Optogenetic Stimulation of Prelimbic Pyramidal Neurons Maintains Fear Memories and Modulates Amygdala Pyramidal Neuron Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020810. [PMID: 33467450 PMCID: PMC7830910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear extinction requires coordinated neural activity within the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Any behavior has a transcriptomic signature that is modified by environmental experiences, and specific genes are involved in functional plasticity and synaptic wiring during fear extinction. Here, we investigated the effects of optogenetic manipulations of prelimbic (PrL) pyramidal neurons and amygdala gene expression to analyze the specific transcriptional pathways associated to adaptive and maladaptive fear extinction. To this aim, transgenic mice were (or not) fear-conditioned and during the extinction phase they received optogenetic (or sham) stimulations over photo-activable PrL pyramidal neurons. At the end of behavioral testing, electrophysiological (neural cellular excitability and Excitatory Post-Synaptic Currents) and morphological (spinogenesis) correlates were evaluated in the PrL pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, transcriptomic cell-specific RNA-analyses (differential gene expression profiling and functional enrichment analyses) were performed in amygdala pyramidal neurons. Our results show that the optogenetic activation of PrL pyramidal neurons in fear-conditioned mice induces fear extinction deficits, reflected in an increase of cellular excitability, excitatory neurotransmission, and spinogenesis of PrL pyramidal neurons, and associated to strong modifications of the transcriptome of amygdala pyramidal neurons. Understanding the electrophysiological, morphological, and transcriptomic architecture of fear extinction may facilitate the comprehension of fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Laricchiuta
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Sciamanna
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Juliette Gimenez
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Andrea Termine
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Fabrizio
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Caioli
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
| | - Francesca Balsamo
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Anna Panuccio
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
- Department of Psychology, University “Sapienza” of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Bardi
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Luana Saba
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Noemi Passarello
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Debora Cutuli
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
- Department of Psychology, University “Sapienza” of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Mattioni
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
| | - Cristina Zona
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valerio Orlando
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
- Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (J.G.); (A.T.); (C.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.D.B.); (L.S.); (N.P.); (D.C.); (A.M.); (V.O.); (L.P.)
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18
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Wu XR, Zhang Y, Liu XD, Han WB, Xu NJ, Sun S. EphB2 mediates social isolation-induced memory forgetting. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:389. [PMID: 33168800 PMCID: PMC7653962 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Social isolation in adolescence leads to lasting deficits, including emotional and cognitive dysregulation. It remains unclear, however, how social isolation affects certain processes of memory and what molecular mechanisms are involved. In this study, we found that social isolation during the post-weaning period resulted in forgetting of the long-term fear memory, which was attributable to the downregulation of synaptic function in the hippocampal CA1 region mediated by EphB2, a receptor tyrosine kinase which involves in the glutamate receptor multiprotein complex. Viral-mediated EphB2 knockdown in CA1 mimicked the memory defects in group-housed mice, whereas restoration of EphB2 by either viral overexpression or resocialization reversed the memory decline in isolated mice. Taken together, our finding indicates that social isolation gives rise to memory forgetting by disrupting EphB2-mediated synaptic plasticity, which may provide a potential target for preventing memory loss caused by social isolation or loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Rong Wu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Dong Liu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025 Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Wu-Bo Han
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Nan-Jie Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Suya Sun
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Li M, Oh TJ, Fan H, Diao J, Zhang K. Syntaxin Clustering and Optogenetic Control for Synaptic Membrane Fusion. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4773-4782. [PMID: 32682743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Membrane fusion during synaptic transmission mediates the trafficking of chemical signals and neuronal communication. The fast kinetics of membrane fusion on the order of millisecond is precisely regulated by the assembly of SNAREs and accessory proteins. It is believed that the formation of the SNARE complex is a key step during membrane fusion. Little is known, however, about the molecular machinery that mediates the formation of a large pre-fusion complex, including multiple SNAREs and accessory proteins. Syntaxin, a transmembrane protein on the plasma membrane, has been observed to undergo oligomerization to form clusters. Whether this clustering plays a critical role in membrane fusion is poorly understood in live cells. Optogenetics is an emerging biotechnology armed with the capacity to precisely modulate protein-protein interaction in time and space. Here, we propose an experimental scheme that combines optogenetics with single-vesicle membrane fusion, aiming to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which the syntaxin cluster regulates membrane fusion. We envision that newly developed optogenetic tools could facilitate the mechanistic understanding of synaptic transmission in live cells and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoling Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Teak-Jung Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Huaxun Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jiajie Diao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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20
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Nguyen AQ, Koeppen J, Woodruff S, Mina K, Figueroa Z, Ethell IM. Astrocytic Ephrin-B1 Controls Synapse Formation in the Hippocampus During Learning and Memory. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:10. [PMID: 32256333 PMCID: PMC7092624 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a fundamental role in synapse formation, pruning, and plasticity, which are associated with learning and memory. However, the role of astrocytes in learning and memory is still largely unknown. Our previous study showed that astrocyte-specific ephrin-B1 knock-out (KO) enhanced but ephrin-B1 overexpression (OE) in hippocampal astrocytes impaired contextual memory recall following fear conditioning. The goal of this study was to understand the mechanism by which astrocytic ephrin-B1 influences learning; specifically, learning-induced remodeling of synapses and dendritic spines in CA1 hippocampus using fear-conditioning paradigm. While we found a higher dendritic spine density and clustering on c-Fos-positive (+) neurons activated during contextual memory recall in both wild-type (WT) and KO mice, overall spine density and mEPSC amplitude were increased in CA1 neurons of KO compared to WT. In contrast, ephrin-B1 OE in hippocampal astrocytes impaired dendritic spine formation and clustering, specifically on c-Fos(+) neurons, coinciding with an overall decrease in vGlut1/PSD95 co-localization. Although astrocytic ephrin-B1 influenced learning-induced spine formation, the changes in astrocytic ephrin-B1 levels did not affect spine enlargement as no genotype differences in spine volume were observed between trained WT, KO, and OE groups. Our results suggest that a reduced formation of new spines rather than spine maturation in activated CA1 hippocampal neurons is most likely responsible for impaired contextual learning in OE mice due to abundantly high ephrin-B1 levels in astrocytes. The ability of astrocytic ephrin-B1 to negatively influence new spine formation during learning can potentially regulate new synapse formation at specific dendritic domains and underlie memory encoding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Q. Nguyen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jordan Koeppen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States
- Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Simone Woodruff
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Karen Mina
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Zoe Figueroa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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21
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Alapin JM, Dines M, Lamprecht R. EphB2 receptor forward signaling is needed for normal long-term memory formation in aged mice. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 86:11-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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22
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Talebian A, Henkemeyer M. EphB2 receptor cell-autonomous forward signaling mediates auditory memory recall and learning-driven spinogenesis. Commun Biol 2019; 2:372. [PMID: 31633063 PMCID: PMC6789002 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While ephrin-B ligands and EphB receptors are expressed to high levels in the learning centers of the brain, it remains largely unknown how their trans-synaptic interactions contribute to memory. We find that EphB2 forward signaling is needed for contextual and sound-evoked memory recall and that constitutive over-activation of the receptor's intracellular tyrosine kinase domain results in enhanced memory. Loss of EphB2 expression does not affect the number of neurons activated following encoding, although a reduction of neurons activated after the sound-cued retrieval test was detected in the auditory cortex and hippocampal CA1. Further, spine density and maturation was reduced in the auditory cortex of mutants especially in the neurons that were dual-activated during both encoding and retrieval. Our data demonstrates that trans-synaptic ephrin-B-EphB2 interactions and forward signaling facilitate neural activation and structural plasticity in learning-associated neurons involved in the generation of memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Talebian
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Mark Henkemeyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
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23
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Activity of Insula to Basolateral Amygdala Projecting Neurons is Necessary and Sufficient for Taste Valence Representation. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9369-9382. [PMID: 31597726 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0752-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is an associative learning paradigm, wherein consumption of an appetitive tastant (e.g., saccharin) is paired to the administration of a malaise-inducing agent, such as intraperitoneal injection of LiCl. Aversive taste learning and retrieval require neuronal activity within the anterior insula (aIC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Here, we labeled neurons of the aIC projecting to the BLA in adult male mice using a retro-AAV construct and assessed their necessity in aversive and appetitive taste learning. By restricting the expression of chemogenetic receptors in aIC-to-BLA neurons, we demonstrate that activity within the aIC-to-BLA projection is necessary for both aversive taste memory acquisition and retrieval, but not for its maintenance, nor its extinction. Moreover, inhibition of the projection did not affect incidental taste learning per se, but effectively suppressed aversive taste memory retrieval when applied either during or before the encoding of the unconditioned stimulus for CTA (i.e., malaise). Remarkably, activation of the projection after novel taste consumption, without experiencing any internal discomfort, was sufficient to form an artificial aversive taste memory, resulting in strong aversive behavior upon retrieval. Our results indicate that aIC-to-BLA projecting neurons are an essential component in the ability of the brain to associate taste sensory stimuli with body states of negative valence and guide the expression of valence-specific behavior upon taste memory retrieval.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the present study we subjected mice to the conditioned taste aversion paradigm, where animals learn to associate novel taste with malaise (i.e., assign it negative valence). We show that activation of neurons in the anterior insular cortex (aIC) that project into the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in response to conditioned taste aversion is necessary to form a memory for a taste of negative valence. Moreover, artificial activation of this pathway (without any feeling of pain) after the sampling of a taste can also lead to such associative memory. Thus, activation of aIC-to-BLA projecting neurons is necessary and sufficient to form and retrieve aversive taste memory.
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24
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Lamprecht R. Regulation of signaling proteins in the brain by light. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 180:101638. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Jeknić S, Kudo T, Covert MW. Techniques for Studying Decoding of Single Cell Dynamics. Front Immunol 2019; 10:755. [PMID: 31031756 PMCID: PMC6470274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells must be able to interpret signals they encounter and reliably generate an appropriate response. It has long been known that the dynamics of transcription factor and kinase activation can play a crucial role in selecting an individual cell's response. The study of cellular dynamics has expanded dramatically in the last few years, with dynamics being discovered in novel pathways, new insights being revealed about the importance of dynamics, and technological improvements increasing the throughput and capabilities of single cell measurements. In this review, we highlight the important developments in this field, with a focus on the methods used to make new discoveries. We also include a discussion on improvements in methods for engineering and measuring single cell dynamics and responses. Finally, we will briefly highlight some of the many challenges and avenues of research that are still open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevan Jeknić
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Allen Discovery Center for Systems Modeling of Infection, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Takamasa Kudo
- Allen Discovery Center for Systems Modeling of Infection, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Markus W Covert
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Allen Discovery Center for Systems Modeling of Infection, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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