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Bastos-Gonçalves R, Coimbra B, Rodrigues AJ. The mesopontine tegmentum in reward and aversion: From cellular heterogeneity to behaviour. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105702. [PMID: 38718986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The mesopontine tegmentum, comprising the pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPN) and the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT), is intricately connected to various regions of the basal ganglia, motor systems, and limbic systems. The PPN and LDT can regulate the activity of different brain regions of these target systems, and in this way are in a privileged position to modulate motivated behaviours. Despite recent findings, the PPN and LDT have been largely overlooked in discussions about the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion. This review aims to provide a timely and comprehensive resource on past and current research, highlighting the PPN and LDT's connectivity and influence on basal ganglia and limbic, and motor systems. Seminal studies, including lesion, pharmacological, and optogenetic/chemogenetic approaches, demonstrate their critical roles in modulating reward/aversive behaviours. The review emphasizes the need for further investigation into the associated cellular mechanisms, in order to clarify their role in behaviour and contribution for different neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Bastos-Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Coimbra
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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2
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Ryczko D. The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region: Multiple Cell Types, Multiple Behavioral Roles, and Multiple Implications for Disease. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:347-366. [PMID: 36575956 PMCID: PMC11107129 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221139136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) controls locomotion in vertebrates. In humans with Parkinson disease, locomotor deficits are increasingly associated with decreased activity in the MLR. This brainstem region, commonly considered to include the cuneiform and pedunculopontine nuclei, has been explored as a target for deep brain stimulation to improve locomotor function, but the results are variable, from modest to promising. However, the MLR is a heterogeneous structure, and identification of the best cell type to target is only beginning. Here, I review the studies that uncovered the role of genetically defined MLR cell types, and I highlight the cells whose activation improves locomotor function in animal models of Parkinson disease. The promising cell types to activate comprise some glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform and caudal pedunculopontine nuclei, as well as some cholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus. Activation of MLR GABAergic neurons should be avoided, since they stop locomotion or evoke bouts flanked with numerous stops. MLR is also considered a potential target in spinal cord injury, supranuclear palsy, primary progressive freezing of gait, or stroke. Better targeting of the MLR cell types should be achieved through optimized deep brain stimulation protocols, pharmacotherapy, or the development of optogenetics for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Ryczko
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Neurosciences Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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3
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Juárez Tello A, van der Zouwen CI, Dejas L, Duque-Yate J, Boutin J, Medina-Ortiz K, Suresh JS, Swiegers J, Sarret P, Ryczko D. Dopamine-sensitive neurons in the mesencephalic locomotor region control locomotion initiation, stop, and turns. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114187. [PMID: 38722743 PMCID: PMC11157412 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The locomotor role of dopaminergic neurons is traditionally attributed to their ascending projections to the basal ganglia, which project to the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). In addition, descending dopaminergic projections to the MLR are present from basal vertebrates to mammals. However, the neurons targeted in the MLR and their behavioral role are unknown in mammals. Here, we identify genetically defined MLR cells that express D1 or D2 receptors and control different motor behaviors in mice. In the cuneiform nucleus, D1-expressing neurons promote locomotion, while D2-expressing neurons stop locomotion. In the pedunculopontine nucleus, D1-expressing neurons promote locomotion, while D2-expressing neurons evoke ipsilateral turns. Using RNAscope, we show that MLR dopamine-sensitive neurons comprise a combination of glutamatergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic neurons, suggesting that different neurotransmitter-based cell types work together to control distinct behavioral modules. Altogether, our study uncovers behaviorally relevant cell types in the mammalian MLR based on the expression of dopaminergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Juárez Tello
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Cornelis Immanuel van der Zouwen
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Léonie Dejas
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Juan Duque-Yate
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Joël Boutin
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine Medina-Ortiz
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jacinthlyn Sylvia Suresh
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jordan Swiegers
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Neurosciences Sherbrooke, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Dimitri Ryczko
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Neurosciences Sherbrooke, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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4
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Herber CS, Pratt KJ, Shea JM, Villeda SA, Giocomo LM. Spatial Coding Dysfunction and Network Instability in the Aging Medial Entorhinal Cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.588890. [PMID: 38659809 PMCID: PMC11042240 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.588890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Across species, spatial memory declines with age, possibly reflecting altered hippocampal and medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) function. However, the integrity of cellular and network-level spatial coding in aged MEC is unknown. Here, we leveraged in vivo electrophysiology to assess MEC function in young, middle-aged, and aged mice navigating virtual environments. In aged grid cells, we observed impaired stabilization of context-specific spatial firing, correlated with spatial memory deficits. Additionally, aged grid networks shifted firing patterns often but with poor alignment to context changes. Aged spatial firing was also unstable in an unchanging environment. In these same mice, we identified 458 genes differentially expressed with age in MEC, 61 of which had expression correlated with spatial firing stability. These genes were enriched among interneurons and related to synaptic transmission. Together, these findings identify coordinated transcriptomic, cellular, and network changes in MEC implicated in impaired spatial memory in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte S. Herber
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Karishma J.B. Pratt
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0452, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Jeremy M. Shea
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0452, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Saul A. Villeda
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0452, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Bakar Aging Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Lisa M. Giocomo
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Lead contact
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Reinshagen A. Grid cells: the missing link in understanding Parkinson's disease? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1276714. [PMID: 38389787 PMCID: PMC10881698 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1276714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease (PD) are complex and not fully understood, and the box-and-arrow model among other current models present significant challenges. This paper explores the potential role of the allocentric brain and especially its grid cells in several PD motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, kinesia paradoxa, freezing of gait, the bottleneck phenomenon, and their dependency on cueing. It is argued that central hubs, like the locus coeruleus and the pedunculopontine nucleus, often narrowly interpreted in the context of PD, play an equally important role in governing the allocentric brain as the basal ganglia. Consequently, the motor and secondary motor (e.g., spatially related) symptoms of PD linked with dopamine depletion may be more closely tied to erroneous computation by grid cells than to the basal ganglia alone. Because grid cells and their associated central hubs introduce both spatial and temporal information to the brain influencing velocity perception they may cause bradykinesia or hyperkinesia as well. In summary, PD motor symptoms may primarily be an allocentric disturbance resulting from virtual faulty computation by grid cells revealed by dopamine depletion in PD.
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Morgenstern NA, Esposito MS. The Basal Ganglia and Mesencephalic Locomotor Region Connectivity Matrix. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1454-1472. [PMID: 37559244 PMCID: PMC11097982 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230809112840] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although classically considered a relay station for basal ganglia (BG) output, the anatomy, connectivity, and function of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) were redefined during the last two decades. In striking opposition to what was initially thought, MLR and BG are actually reciprocally and intimately interconnected. New viral-based, optogenetic, and mapping technologies revealed that cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons coexist in this structure, which, in addition to extending descending projections, send long-range ascending fibers to the BG. These MLR projections to the BG convey motor and non-motor information to specific synaptic targets throughout different nuclei. Moreover, MLR efferent fibers originate from precise neuronal subpopulations located in particular MLR subregions, defining independent anatomo-functional subcircuits involved in particular aspects of animal behavior such as fast locomotion, explorative locomotion, posture, forelimb- related movements, speed, reinforcement, among others. In this review, we revised the literature produced during the last decade linking MLR and BG. We conclude that the classic framework considering the MLR as a homogeneous output structure passively receiving input from the BG needs to be revisited. We propose instead that the multiple subcircuits embedded in this region should be taken as independent entities that convey relevant and specific ascending information to the BG and, thus, actively participate in the execution and tuning of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás A. Morgenstern
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Instituto De Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria S. Esposito
- Department of Medical Physics, Centro Atomico Bariloche, CNEA, CONICET, Av. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
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Wang J, Wang X, Li H, Shi L, Song N, Xie J. Updates on brain regions and neuronal circuits of movement disorders in Parkinson's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102097. [PMID: 38511877 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a global burden that affects more often in the elderly. The basal ganglia (BG) is believed to account for movement disorders in PD. More recently, new findings in the original regions in BG involved in motor control, as well as the new circuits or new nucleuses previously not specifically considered were explored. In the present review, we provide up-to-date information related to movement disorders and modulations in PD, especially from the perspectives of brain regions and neuronal circuits. Meanwhile, there are updates in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other factors for the motor improvement in PD. Comprehensive understandings of brain regions and neuronal circuits involved in motor control could benefit the development of novel therapeutical strategies in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Limin Shi
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Song
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Xu W, Wang J, Li XN, Liang J, Song L, Wu Y, Liu Z, Sun B, Li WG. Neuronal and synaptic adaptations underlying the benefits of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:55. [PMID: 38037124 PMCID: PMC10688037 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00390-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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established and effective treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), yet its underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Optogenetics, primarily conducted in animal models, provides a unique approach that allows cell type- and projection-specific modulation that mirrors the frequency-dependent stimulus effects of DBS. Opto-DBS research in animal models plays a pivotal role in unraveling the neuronal and synaptic adaptations that contribute to the efficacy of DBS in PD treatment. DBS-induced neuronal responses rely on a complex interplay between the distributions of presynaptic inputs, frequency-dependent synaptic depression, and the intrinsic excitability of postsynaptic neurons. This orchestration leads to conversion of firing patterns, enabling both antidromic and orthodromic modulation of neural circuits. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for decoding position- and programming-dependent effects of DBS. Furthermore, patterned stimulation is emerging as a promising strategy yielding long-lasting therapeutic benefits. Research on the neuronal and synaptic adaptations to DBS may pave the way for the development of more enduring and precise modulation patterns. Advanced technologies, such as adaptive DBS or directional electrodes, can also be integrated for circuit-specific neuromodulation. These insights hold the potential to greatly improve the effectiveness of DBS and advance PD treatment to new levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xin-Ni Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingxue Liang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lu Song
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Bomin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Byun S, Lee HJ, Kim JS, Choi E, Lee S, Kim TH, Kim JH, Han JW, Kim KW. Exploring shared neural substrates underlying cognition and gait variability in adults without dementia. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:206. [PMID: 38012628 PMCID: PMC10680297 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01354-y] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High gait variability is associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments and is predictive of cognitive impairment and dementia. The objective of this study was to identify cortical or subcortical structures of the brain shared by gait variability measured using a body-worn tri-axial accelerometer (TAA) and cognitive function. METHODS This study is a part of a larger population-based cohort study on cognitive aging and dementia. The study included 207 participants without dementia, with a mean age of 72.6, and 45.4% of them are females. We conducted standardized diagnostic interview including a detailed medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and laboratory tests for cognitive impairment. We obtained gait variability during walking using a body-worn TAA along and measured cortical thickness and subcortical volume from brain magnetic resonance (MR) images. We cross-sectionally investigated the cortical and subcortical neural structures associated with gait variability and the shared neural substrates of gait variability and cognitive function. RESULTS Higher gait variability was associated with the lower cognitive function and thinner cortical gray matter but not smaller subcortical structures. Among the clusters exhibiting correlations with gait variability, one that included the inferior temporal, entorhinal, parahippocampal, fusiform, and lingual regions in the left hemisphere was also associated with global cognitive and verbal memory function. Mediation analysis results revealed that the cluster's cortical thickness played a mediating role in the association between gait variability and cognitive function. CONCLUSION Gait variability and cognitive function may share neural substrates, specifically in regions related to memory and visuospatial navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonjeong Byun
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Uijeongbu St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang Jun Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumiro 173 Beongil, Bundanggu, Seongnamsi, Gyeonggido, 463-707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Sung Kim
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Euna Choi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Lee
- Laboratory for Imaging Science and Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hui Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyoung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumiro 173 Beongil, Bundanggu, Seongnamsi, Gyeonggido, 463-707, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Woong Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumiro 173 Beongil, Bundanggu, Seongnamsi, Gyeonggido, 463-707, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Carbo-Tano M, Lapoix M, Jia X, Thouvenin O, Pascucci M, Auclair F, Quan FB, Albadri S, Aguda V, Farouj Y, Hillman EMC, Portugues R, Del Bene F, Thiele TR, Dubuc R, Wyart C. The mesencephalic locomotor region recruits V2a reticulospinal neurons to drive forward locomotion in larval zebrafish. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1775-1790. [PMID: 37667039 PMCID: PMC10545542 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is a brain stem area whose stimulation triggers graded forward locomotion. How MLR neurons recruit downstream vsx2+ (V2a) reticulospinal neurons (RSNs) is poorly understood. Here, to overcome this challenge, we uncovered the locus of MLR in transparent larval zebrafish and show that the MLR locus is distinct from the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus. MLR stimulations reliably elicit forward locomotion of controlled duration and frequency. MLR neurons recruit V2a RSNs via projections onto somata in pontine and retropontine areas, and onto dendrites in the medulla. High-speed volumetric imaging of neuronal activity reveals that strongly MLR-coupled RSNs are active for steering or forward swimming, whereas weakly MLR-coupled medullary RSNs encode the duration and frequency of the forward component. Our study demonstrates how MLR neurons recruit specific V2a RSNs to control the kinematics of forward locomotion and suggests conservation of the motor functions of V2a RSNs across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Carbo-Tano
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Lapoix
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Xinyu Jia
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Thouvenin
- Institut Langevin, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris, Paris Sciences et Lettres, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Marco Pascucci
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, NeuroSpin, Baobab, Centre d'études de Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- The American University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - François Auclair
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Feng B Quan
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Shahad Albadri
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Vernie Aguda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Younes Farouj
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elizabeth M C Hillman
- Laboratory for Functional Optical Imaging, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruben Portugues
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Filippo Del Bene
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Tod R Thiele
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Réjean Dubuc
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
- Groupe de Recherche en Activité Physique Adaptée, Department of Exercise Science, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Claire Wyart
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
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11
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Goñi-Erro H, Selvan R, Caggiano V, Leiras R, Kiehn O. Pedunculopontine Chx10 + neurons control global motor arrest in mice. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1516-1528. [PMID: 37501003 PMCID: PMC10471498 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01396-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Arrest of ongoing movements is an integral part of executing motor programs. Behavioral arrest may happen upon termination of a variety of goal-directed movements or as a global motor arrest either in the context of fear or in response to salient environmental cues. The neuronal circuits that bridge with the executive motor circuits to implement a global motor arrest are poorly understood. We report the discovery that the activation of glutamatergic Chx10-derived neurons in the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in mice arrests all ongoing movements while simultaneously causing apnea and bradycardia. This global motor arrest has a pause-and-play pattern with an instantaneous interruption of movement followed by a short-latency continuation from where it was paused. Mice naturally perform arrest bouts with the same combination of motor and autonomic features. The Chx10-PPN-evoked arrest is different to ventrolateral periaqueductal gray-induced freezing. Our study defines a motor command that induces a global motor arrest, which may be recruited in response to salient environmental cues to allow for a preparatory or arousal state, and identifies a locomotor-opposing role for rostrally biased glutamatergic neurons in the PPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizea Goñi-Erro
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raghavendra Selvan
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vittorio Caggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Meta AI Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Leiras
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Keshavarzi S, Velez-Fort M, Margrie TW. Cortical Integration of Vestibular and Visual Cues for Navigation, Visual Processing, and Perception. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:301-320. [PMID: 37428601 PMCID: PMC7616138 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-120722-100503] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing evidence of its involvement in several key functions of the cerebral cortex, the vestibular sense rarely enters our consciousness. Indeed, the extent to which these internal signals are incorporated within cortical sensory representation and how they might be relied upon for sensory-driven decision-making, during, for example, spatial navigation, is yet to be understood. Recent novel experimental approaches in rodents have probed both the physiological and behavioral significance of vestibular signals and indicate that their widespread integration with vision improves both the cortical representation and perceptual accuracy of self-motion and orientation. Here, we summarize these recent findings with a focus on cortical circuits involved in visual perception and spatial navigation and highlight the major remaining knowledge gaps. We suggest that vestibulo-visual integration reflects a process of constant updating regarding the status of self-motion, and access to such information by the cortex is used for sensory perception and predictions that may be implemented for rapid, navigation-related decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepiedeh Keshavarzi
- The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University College London, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Mateo Velez-Fort
- The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University College London, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Troy W Margrie
- The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University College London, London, United Kingdom;
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13
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Lacroix-Ouellette P, Dubuc R. Brainstem neural mechanisms controlling locomotion with special reference to basal vertebrates. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:910207. [PMID: 37063386 PMCID: PMC10098025 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.910207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 60 years, the basic neural circuitry responsible for the supraspinal control of locomotion has progressively been uncovered. Initially, significant progress was made in identifying the different supraspinal structures controlling locomotion in mammals as well as some of the underlying mechanisms. It became clear, however, that the complexity of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) prevented researchers from characterizing the detailed cellular mechanisms involved and that animal models with a simpler nervous system were needed. Basal vertebrate species such as lampreys, xenopus embryos, and zebrafish became models of choice. More recently, optogenetic approaches have considerably revived interest in mammalian models. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is an important brainstem region known to control locomotion in all vertebrate species examined to date. It controls locomotion through intermediary cells in the hindbrain, the reticulospinal neurons (RSNs). The MLR comprises populations of cholinergic and glutamatergic neurons and their specific contribution to the control of locomotion is not fully resolved yet. Moreover, the downward projections from the MLR to RSNs is still not fully understood. Reporting on discoveries made in different animal models, this review article focuses on the MLR, its projections to RSNs, and the contribution of these neural elements to the control of locomotion. Excellent and detailed reviews on the brainstem control of locomotion have been recently published with emphasis on mammalian species. The present review article focuses on findings made in basal vertebrates such as the lamprey, to help direct new research in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Réjean Dubuc
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Group for Adapted Physical Activity, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Réjean Dubuc,
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14
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Roussel M, Lafrance-Zoubga D, Josset N, Lemieux M, Bretzner F. Functional contribution of mesencephalic locomotor region nuclei to locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100946. [PMID: 36812893 PMCID: PMC9975330 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a disruption of information between the brain and the spinal circuit. Electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) can promote locomotor recovery in acute and chronic SCI rodent models. Although clinical trials are currently under way, there is still debate about the organization of this supraspinal center and which anatomic correlate of the MLR should be targeted to promote recovery. Combining kinematics, electromyographic recordings, anatomic analysis, and mouse genetics, our study reveals that glutamatergic neurons of the cuneiform nucleus contribute to locomotor recovery by enhancing motor efficacy in hindlimb muscles, and by increasing locomotor rhythm and speed on a treadmill, over ground, and during swimming in chronic SCI mice. In contrast, glutamatergic neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus slow down locomotion. Therefore, our study identifies the cuneiform nucleus and its glutamatergic neurons as a therapeutical target to improve locomotor recovery in patients living with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Roussel
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - David Lafrance-Zoubga
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Nicolas Josset
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Maxime Lemieux
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Frederic Bretzner
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada.
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15
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Brainstem circuits encoding start, speed, and duration of swimming in adult zebrafish. Neuron 2023; 111:372-386.e4. [PMID: 36413988 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The flexibility of locomotor movements requires an accurate control of their start, duration, and speed. How brainstem circuits encode and convey these locomotor parameters remains unclear. Here, we have combined in vivo calcium imaging, electrophysiology, anatomy, and behavior in adult zebrafish to address these questions. We reveal that the detailed parameters of locomotor movements are encoded by two molecularly, topographically, and functionally segregated glutamatergic neuron subpopulations within the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The start, duration, and changes of locomotion speed are encoded by vGlut2+ neurons, whereas vGlut1+ neurons encode sudden changes to high speed/high amplitude movements. Ablation of vGlut2+ neurons compromised slow-explorative swimming, whereas vGlut1+ neuron ablation impaired fast swimming. Our results provide mechanistic insights into how separate brainstem subpopulations implement flexible locomotor commands. These two brainstem command subpopulations are suitably organized to integrate environmental cues and hence generate flexible swimming movements to match the animal's behavioral needs.
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16
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Nishimaru H, Matsumoto J, Setogawa T, Nishijo H. Neuronal structures controlling locomotor behavior during active and inactive motor states. Neurosci Res 2022; 189:83-93. [PMID: 36549389 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.12.011] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Animal behaviors can be divided into two states according to their motor activity: the active motor state, which involves significant body movements, and the inactive motor state, which refers to when the animal is stationary. The timing and duration of these states are determined by the activity of the neuronal circuits involved in motor control. Among these motor circuits, those that generate locomotion are some of the most studied neuronal networks and are widely distributed from the spinal cord to the cerebral cortex. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries, mainly in rodents using state-of-the-art experimental approaches, of the neuronal mechanisms underlying the initiation and termination of locomotion in the brainstem, basal ganglia, and prefrontal cortex. These findings is discussed with reference to studies on the neuronal mechanism of motor control during sleep and the modulation of cortical states in these structures. Accumulating evidence has unraveled the complex yet highly structured network that controls the transition between motor states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishimaru
- System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Graduate school of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Research Center for Idling Brain Science (RCIBS), University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
| | - Jumpei Matsumoto
- System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Graduate school of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Research Center for Idling Brain Science (RCIBS), University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Setogawa
- System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Graduate school of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Research Center for Idling Brain Science (RCIBS), University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hisao Nishijo
- System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Graduate school of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Research Center for Idling Brain Science (RCIBS), University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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17
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Le Ray D, Bertrand SS, Dubuc R. Cholinergic Modulation of Locomotor Circuits in Vertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810738. [PMID: 36142651 PMCID: PMC9501616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is a basic motor act essential for survival. Amongst other things, it allows animals to move in their environment to seek food, escape predators, or seek mates for reproduction. The neural mechanisms involved in the control of locomotion have been examined in many vertebrate species and a clearer picture is progressively emerging. The basic muscle synergies responsible for propulsion are generated by neural networks located in the spinal cord. In turn, descending supraspinal inputs are responsible for starting, maintaining, and stopping locomotion as well as for steering and controlling speed. Several neurotransmitter systems play a crucial role in modulating the neural activity during locomotion. For instance, cholinergic inputs act both at the spinal and supraspinal levels and the underlying mechanisms are the focus of the present review. Much information gained on supraspinal cholinergic modulation of locomotion was obtained from the lamprey model. Nicotinic cholinergic inputs increase the level of excitation of brainstem descending command neurons, the reticulospinal neurons (RSNs), whereas muscarinic inputs activate a select group of hindbrain neurons that project to the RSNs to boost their level of excitation. Muscarinic inputs also reduce the transmission of sensory inputs in the brainstem, a phenomenon that could help in sustaining goal directed locomotion. In the spinal cord, intrinsic cholinergic inputs strongly modulate the activity of interneurons and motoneurons to control the locomotor output. Altogether, the present review underlines the importance of the cholinergic inputs in the modulation of locomotor activity in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Le Ray
- Institut des Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine (INCIA), UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux-CNRS, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Sandrine S. Bertrand
- Institut des Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine (INCIA), UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux-CNRS, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Réjean Dubuc
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences and Research Group in Adapted Physical Activity, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
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18
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Kopsick JD, Hartzell K, Lazaro H, Nambiar P, Hasselmo ME, Dannenberg H. Temporal dynamics of cholinergic activity in the septo-hippocampal system. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:957441. [PMID: 36092276 PMCID: PMC9452968 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.957441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic projection neurons in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca are the major source of cholinergic modulation of hippocampal circuit functions that support neural coding of location and running speed. Changes in cholinergic modulation are known to correlate with changes in brain states, cognitive functions, and behavior. However, whether cholinergic modulation can change fast enough to serve as a potential speed signal in hippocampal and parahippocampal cortices and whether the temporal dynamics in such a signal depend on the presence of visual cues remain unknown. In this study, we use a fiber-photometric approach to quantify the temporal dynamics of cholinergic activity in freely moving mice as a function of the animal's movement speed and visual cues. We show that the population activity of cholinergic neurons in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca changes fast enough to be aligned well with changes in the animal's running speed and is strongly and linearly correlated to the logarithm of the animal's running speed. Intriguingly, the cholinergic modulation remains strongly and linearly correlated to the speed of the animal's neck movements during periods of stationary activity. Furthermore, we show that cholinergic modulation is unaltered during darkness. Lastly, we identify rearing, a stereotypic behavior where the mouse stands on its hindlimbs to scan the environment from an elevated perspective, is associated with higher cholinergic activity than expected from neck movements on the horizontal plane alone. Taken together, these data show that temporal dynamics in the cholinergic modulation of hippocampal circuits are fast enough to provide a potential running speed signal in real-time. Moreover, the data show that cholinergic modulation is primarily a function of the logarithm of the animal's movement speed, both during locomotion and during stationary activity, with no significant interaction with visual inputs. These data advance our understanding of temporal dynamics in cholinergic modulation of hippocampal circuits and their functions in the context of neural coding of location and running speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Kopsick
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program for Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Kyle Hartzell
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Hallie Lazaro
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pranav Nambiar
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael E. Hasselmo
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Holger Dannenberg
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program for Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
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19
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Fujiwara T, Brotas M, Chiappe ME. Walking strides direct rapid and flexible recruitment of visual circuits for course control in Drosophila. Neuron 2022; 110:2124-2138.e8. [PMID: 35525243 PMCID: PMC9275417 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Flexible mapping between activity in sensory systems and movement parameters is a hallmark of motor control. This flexibility depends on the continuous comparison of short-term postural dynamics and the longer-term goals of an animal, thereby necessitating neural mechanisms that can operate across multiple timescales. To understand how such body-brain interactions emerge across timescales to control movement, we performed whole-cell patch recordings from visual neurons involved in course control in Drosophila. We show that the activity of leg mechanosensory cells, propagating via specific ascending neurons, is critical for stride-by-stride steering adjustments driven by the visual circuit, and, at longer timescales, it provides information about the moving body's state to flexibly recruit the visual circuit for course control. Thus, our findings demonstrate the presence of an elegant stride-based mechanism operating at multiple timescales for context-dependent course control. We propose that this mechanism functions as a general basis for the adaptive control of locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terufumi Fujiwara
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
| | - Margarida Brotas
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
| | - M Eugenia Chiappe
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal.
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20
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Noga BR, Whelan PJ. The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region: Beyond Locomotor Control. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:884785. [PMID: 35615623 PMCID: PMC9124768 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.884785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) was discovered several decades ago in the cat. It was functionally defined based on the ability of low threshold electrical stimuli within a region comprising the cuneiform and pedunculopontine nucleus to evoke locomotion. Since then, similar regions have been found in diverse vertebrate species, including the lamprey, skate, rodent, pig, monkey, and human. The MLR, while often viewed under the lens of locomotion, is involved in diverse processes involving the autonomic nervous system, respiratory system, and the state-dependent activation of motor systems. This review will discuss the pedunculopontine nucleus and cuneiform nucleus that comprises the MLR and examine their respective connectomes from both an anatomical and functional angle. From a functional perspective, the MLR primes the cardiovascular and respiratory systems before the locomotor activity occurs. Inputs from a variety of higher structures, and direct outputs to the monoaminergic nuclei, allow the MLR to be able to respond appropriately to state-dependent locomotion. These state-dependent effects are roughly divided into escape and exploratory behavior, and the MLR also can reinforce the selection of these locomotor behaviors through projections to adjacent structures such as the periaqueductal gray or to limbic and cortical regions. Findings from the rat, mouse, pig, and cat will be discussed to highlight similarities and differences among diverse species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Brian R. Noga Patrick J. Whelan
| | - Patrick J. Whelan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Brian R. Noga Patrick J. Whelan
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21
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Targeting the Cuneiform Nucleus in Parkinson's Disease: Option to Improve Locomotor Activity. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:976-978. [PMID: 35524913 PMCID: PMC9352819 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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22
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Networking brainstem and basal ganglia circuits for movement. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:342-360. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00581-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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23
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Spalla D, Treves A, Boccara CN. Angular and linear speed cells in the parahippocampal circuits. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1907. [PMID: 35393433 PMCID: PMC8991198 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential role of the hippocampal region is to integrate information to compute and update representations. How this transpires is highly debated. Many theories hinge on the integration of self-motion signals and the existence of continuous attractor networks (CAN). CAN models hypothesise that neurons coding for navigational correlates – such as position and direction – receive inputs from cells conjunctively coding for position, direction, and self-motion. As yet, very little data exist on such conjunctive coding in the hippocampal region. Here, we report neurons coding for angular and linear velocity, uniformly distributed across the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), the presubiculum and the parasubiculum, except for MEC layer II. Self-motion neurons often conjunctively encoded position and/or direction, yet lacked a structured organisation. These results offer insights as to how linear/angular speed – derivative in time of position/direction – may allow the updating of spatial representations, possibly uncovering a generalised algorithm to update any representation. It remains unclear how the hippocampal region integrates position and self-motion information to update spatial representations. Here, the authors report grid and head direction cells as well as cells encoding self-motion parameters such as angular head velocity and speed, and find conjunctive representations of these different parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charlotte N Boccara
- University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, IMB, Sognsvannsveien 9 Domus Medica, 0372, Oslo, Norway.
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24
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Tukker JJ, Beed P, Brecht M, Kempter R, Moser EI, Schmitz D. Microcircuits for spatial coding in the medial entorhinal cortex. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:653-688. [PMID: 34254836 PMCID: PMC8759973 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampal formation is critically involved in learning and memory and contains a large proportion of neurons encoding aspects of the organism's spatial surroundings. In the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), this includes grid cells with their distinctive hexagonal firing fields as well as a host of other functionally defined cell types including head direction cells, speed cells, border cells, and object-vector cells. Such spatial coding emerges from the processing of external inputs by local microcircuits. However, it remains unclear exactly how local microcircuits and their dynamics within the MEC contribute to spatial discharge patterns. In this review we focus on recent investigations of intrinsic MEC connectivity, which have started to describe and quantify both excitatory and inhibitory wiring in the superficial layers of the MEC. Although the picture is far from complete, it appears that these layers contain robust recurrent connectivity that could sustain the attractor dynamics posited to underlie grid pattern formation. These findings pave the way to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Tukker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Prateep Beed
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humbold-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Kempter
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edvard I Moser
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humbold-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Masini D, Kiehn O. Targeted activation of midbrain neurons restores locomotor function in mouse models of parkinsonism. Nat Commun 2022; 13:504. [PMID: 35082287 PMCID: PMC8791953 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a locomotor command area containing glutamatergic neurons that control locomotor initiation and maintenance. These motor actions are deficient in Parkinson’s disease (PD), where dopaminergic neurodegeneration alters basal ganglia activity. Being downstream of the basal ganglia, the PPN may be a suitable target for ameliorating parkinsonian motor symptoms. Here, we use in vivo cell-type specific PPN activation to restore motor function in two mouse models of parkinsonism made by acute pharmacological blockage of dopamine transmission. With a combination of chemo- and opto-genetics, we show that excitation of caudal glutamatergic PPN neurons can normalize the otherwise severe locomotor deficit in PD, whereas targeting the local GABAergic population only leads to recovery of slow locomotion. The motor rescue driven by glutamatergic PPN activation is independent of activity in nearby locomotor promoting glutamatergic Cuneiform neurons. Our observations point to caudal glutamatergic PPN neurons as a potential target for neuromodulatory restoration of locomotor function in PD. Here, the authors use cell-type specific stimulation of brainstem neurons within the caudal pedunculopontine nucleus to show that activation of excitatory neurons can normalize severe locomotor deficit in mouse models of parkinsonism. The study defines a potential target for neuromodulatory restoration of locomotor function in Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Masini
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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26
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Abstract
Locomotion is a universal motor behavior that is expressed as the output of many integrated brain functions. Locomotion is organized at several levels of the nervous system, with brainstem circuits acting as the gate between brain areas regulating innate, emotional, or motivational locomotion and executive spinal circuits. Here we review recent advances on brainstem circuits involved in controlling locomotion. We describe how delineated command circuits govern the start, speed, stop, and steering of locomotion. We also discuss how these pathways interface between executive circuits in the spinal cord and diverse brain areas important for context-specific selection of locomotion. A recurrent theme is the need to establish a functional connectome to and from brainstem command circuits. Finally, we point to unresolved issues concerning the integrated function of locomotor control. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 45 is July 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Leiras
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jared M. Cregg
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Farrell JS, Lovett-Barron M, Klein PM, Sparks FT, Gschwind T, Ortiz AL, Ahanonu B, Bradbury S, Terada S, Oijala M, Hwaun E, Dudok B, Szabo G, Schnitzer MJ, Deisseroth K, Losonczy A, Soltesz I. Supramammillary regulation of locomotion and hippocampal activity. Science 2021; 374:1492-1496. [PMID: 34914519 PMCID: PMC9154354 DOI: 10.1126/science.abh4272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Locomotor speed is a basic input used to calculate one’s position, but where this signal comes from is unclear. We identified neurons in the supramammillary nucleus (SuM) of the rodent hypothalamus that were highly correlated with future locomotor speed and reliably drove locomotion when activated. Robust locomotion control was specifically identified in Tac1 (substance P)–expressing (SuMTac1+) neurons, the activation of which selectively controlled the activity of speed-modulated hippocampal neurons. By contrast, Tac1-deficient (SuMTac1−) cells weakly regulated locomotion but potently controlled the spike timing of hippocampal neurons and were sufficient to entrain local network oscillations. These findings emphasize that the SuM not only regulates basic locomotor activity but also selectively shapes hippocampal neural activity in a manner that may support spatial navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Lovett-Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Peter M. Klein
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fraser T. Sparks
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Tilo Gschwind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna L. Ortiz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Biafra Ahanonu
- Departments of Biology and Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susanna Bradbury
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Satoshi Terada
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Mikko Oijala
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ernie Hwaun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Barna Dudok
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gergely Szabo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark J. Schnitzer
- Departments of Biology and Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Attila Losonczy
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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28
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Pernía-Andrade AJ, Wenger N, Esposito MS, Tovote P. Circuits for State-Dependent Modulation of Locomotion. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:745689. [PMID: 34858153 PMCID: PMC8631332 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.745689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-wide neural circuits enable bi- and quadrupeds to express adaptive locomotor behaviors in a context- and state-dependent manner, e.g., in response to threats or rewards. These behaviors include dynamic transitions between initiation, maintenance and termination of locomotion. Advances within the last decade have revealed an intricate coordination of these individual locomotion phases by complex interaction of multiple brain circuits. This review provides an overview of the neural basis of state-dependent modulation of locomotion initiation, maintenance and termination, with a focus on insights from circuit-centered studies in rodents. The reviewed evidence indicates that a brain-wide network involving excitatory circuit elements connecting cortex, midbrain and medullary areas appears to be the common substrate for the initiation of locomotion across different higher-order states. Specific network elements within motor cortex and the mesencephalic locomotor region drive the initial postural adjustment and the initiation of locomotion. Microcircuits of the basal ganglia, by implementing action-selection computations, trigger goal-directed locomotion. The initiation of locomotion is regulated by neuromodulatory circuits residing in the basal forebrain, the hypothalamus, and medullary regions such as locus coeruleus. The maintenance of locomotion requires the interaction of an even larger neuronal network involving motor, sensory and associative cortical elements, as well as defined circuits within the superior colliculus, the cerebellum, the periaqueductal gray, the mesencephalic locomotor region and the medullary reticular formation. Finally, locomotor arrest as an important component of defensive emotional states, such as acute anxiety, is mediated via a network of survival circuits involving hypothalamus, amygdala, periaqueductal gray and medullary premotor centers. By moving beyond the organizational principle of functional brain regions, this review promotes a circuit-centered perspective of locomotor regulation by higher-order states, and emphasizes the importance of individual network elements such as cell types and projection pathways. The realization that dysfunction within smaller, identifiable circuit elements can affect the larger network function supports more mechanistic and targeted therapeutic intervention in the treatment of motor network disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolaus Wenger
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria S Esposito
- Medical Physics Department, Centro Atomico Bariloche, Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Philip Tovote
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Center for Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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29
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Optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus controls locomotion in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110934118. [PMID: 34670837 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110934118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), the loss of midbrain dopaminergic cells results in severe locomotor deficits, such as gait freezing and akinesia. Growing evidence indicates that these deficits can be attributed to the decreased activity in the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), a brainstem region controlling locomotion. Clinicians are exploring the deep brain stimulation of the MLR as a treatment option to improve locomotor function. The results are variable, from modest to promising. However, within the MLR, clinicians have targeted the pedunculopontine nucleus exclusively, while leaving the cuneiform nucleus unexplored. To our knowledge, the effects of cuneiform nucleus stimulation have never been determined in parkinsonian conditions in any animal model. Here, we addressed this issue in a mouse model of PD, based on the bilateral striatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, which damaged the nigrostriatal pathway and decreased locomotor activity. We show that selective optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus in mice expressing channelrhodopsin in a Cre-dependent manner in Vglut2-positive neurons (Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP mice) increased the number of locomotor initiations, increased the time spent in locomotion, and controlled locomotor speed. Using deep learning-based movement analysis, we found that the limb kinematics of optogenetic-evoked locomotion in pathological conditions were largely similar to those recorded in intact animals. Our work identifies the glutamatergic neurons of the cuneiform nucleus as a potentially clinically relevant target to improve locomotor activity in parkinsonian conditions. Our study should open avenues to develop the targeted stimulation of these neurons using deep brain stimulation, pharmacotherapy, or optogenetics.
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30
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Rueckemann JW, Sosa M, Giocomo LM, Buffalo EA. The grid code for ordered experience. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:637-649. [PMID: 34453151 PMCID: PMC9371942 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00499-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Entorhinal cortical grid cells fire in a periodic pattern that tiles space, which is suggestive of a spatial coordinate system. However, irregularities in the grid pattern as well as responses of grid cells in contexts other than spatial navigation have presented a challenge to existing models of entorhinal function. In this Perspective, we propose that hippocampal input provides a key informative drive to the grid network in both spatial and non-spatial circumstances, particularly around salient events. We build on previous models in which neural activity propagates through the entorhinal-hippocampal network in time. This temporal contiguity in network activity points to temporal order as a necessary characteristic of representations generated by the hippocampal formation. We advocate that interactions in the entorhinal-hippocampal loop build a topological representation that is rooted in the temporal order of experience. In this way, the structure of grid cell firing supports a learned topology rather than a rigid coordinate frame that is bound to measurements of the physical world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon W Rueckemann
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marielena Sosa
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lisa M Giocomo
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Buffalo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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31
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Ferreira-Pinto MJ, Kanodia H, Falasconi A, Sigrist M, Esposito MS, Arber S. Functional diversity for body actions in the mesencephalic locomotor region. Cell 2021; 184:4564-4578.e18. [PMID: 34302739 PMCID: PMC8382160 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is a key midbrain center with roles in locomotion. Despite extensive studies and clinical trials aimed at therapy-resistant Parkinson's disease (PD), debate on its function remains. Here, we reveal the existence of functionally diverse neuronal populations with distinct roles in control of body movements. We identify two spatially intermingled glutamatergic populations separable by axonal projections, mouse genetics, neuronal activity profiles, and motor functions. Most spinally projecting MLR neurons encoded the full-body behavior rearing. Loss- and gain-of-function optogenetic perturbation experiments establish a function for these neurons in controlling body extension. In contrast, Rbp4-transgene-positive MLR neurons project in an ascending direction to basal ganglia, preferentially encode the forelimb behaviors handling and grooming, and exhibit a role in modulating movement. Thus, the MLR contains glutamatergic neuronal subpopulations stratified by projection target exhibiting roles in action control not restricted to locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel J Ferreira-Pinto
- Biozentrum, Department of Cell Biology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Harsh Kanodia
- Biozentrum, Department of Cell Biology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Falasconi
- Biozentrum, Department of Cell Biology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Sigrist
- Biozentrum, Department of Cell Biology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria S Esposito
- Biozentrum, Department of Cell Biology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Arber
- Biozentrum, Department of Cell Biology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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32
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Dillingham CM, Milczarek MM, Perry JC, Vann SD. Time to put the mammillothalamic pathway into context. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 121:60-74. [PMID: 33309908 PMCID: PMC8137464 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The medial diencephalon, in particular the mammillary bodies and anterior thalamic nuclei, has long been linked to memory and amnesia. The mammillary bodies provide a dense input into the anterior thalamic nuclei, via the mammillothalamic tract. In both animal models, and in patients, lesions of the mammillary bodies, mammillothalamic tract and anterior thalamic nuclei all produce severe impairments in temporal and contextual memory, yet it is uncertain why these regions are critical. Mounting evidence from electrophysiological and neural imaging studies suggests that mammillothalamic projections exercise considerable distal influence over thalamo-cortical and hippocampo-cortical interactions. Here, we outline how damage to the mammillary body-anterior thalamic axis, in both patients and animal models, disrupts behavioural performance on tasks that relate to contextual ("where") and temporal ("when") processing. Focusing on the medial mammillary nuclei as a possible 'theta-generator' (through their interconnections with the ventral tegmental nucleus of Gudden) we discuss how the mammillary body-anterior thalamic pathway may contribute to the mechanisms via which the hippocampus and neocortex encode representations of experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Dillingham
- School of Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Michal M Milczarek
- School of Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - James C Perry
- School of Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Seralynne D Vann
- School of Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
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