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Fang YT, Kuo HC, Chen CY, Chou SJ, Lu CW, Hung CM. Brain Gene Regulatory Networks Coordinate Nest Construction in Birds. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae125. [PMID: 38916488 PMCID: PMC11223658 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae125] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nest building is a vital behavior exhibited during breeding in birds, and is possibly induced by environmental and social cues. Although such behavioral plasticity has been hypothesized to be controlled by adult neuronal plasticity, empirical evidence, especially at the neurogenomic level, remains limited. Here, we aim to uncover the gene regulatory networks that govern avian nest construction and examine whether they are associated with circuit rewiring. We designed an experiment to dissect this complex behavior into components in response to pair bonding and nest material acquisition by manipulating the presence of mates and nest materials in 30 pairs of zebra finches. Whole-transcriptome analysis of 300 samples from five brain regions linked to avian nesting behaviors revealed nesting-associated gene expression enriched with neural rewiring functions, including neurogenesis and neuron projection. The enriched expression was observed in the motor/sensorimotor and social behavior networks of female finches, and in the dopaminergic reward system of males. Female birds exhibited predominant neurotranscriptomic changes to initiate the nesting stage, while males showed major changes after entering this stage, underscoring sex-specific roles in nesting behavior. Notably, major neurotranscriptomic changes occurred during pair bonding, with minor changes during nest material acquisition, emphasizing social interactions in nest construction. We also revealed gene expression associated with reproductive behaviors and tactile sensing for nesting behavior. This study presents novel neurogenomic evidence supporting the hypothesis of adult neural plasticity underlying avian nest-construction behavior. By uncovering the genetic toolkits involved, we offer novel insights into the evolution of animals' innate ability to construct nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Fang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chih Kuo
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Ju Chou
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lu
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Hung
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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2
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Nevue AA, Sairavi A, Huang SJ, Nakai H, Mello CV. Genomic loss of GPR108 disrupts AAV transduction in birds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.589954. [PMID: 38798475 PMCID: PMC11118497 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.589954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor 108 (GPR108) gene encodes a protein factor identified as critical for adeno-associated virus (AAV) entry into mammalian cells, but whether it is universally involved in AAV transduction is unknown. Remarkably, we have discovered that GPR108 is absent in the genomes of birds and in most other sauropsids, providing a likely explanation for the overall lower AAV transduction efficacy of common AAV serotypes in birds compared to mammals. Importantly, transgenic expression of human GPR108 and manipulation of related glycan binding sites in the viral capsid significantly boost AAV transduction in zebra finch cells. These findings contribute to a more in depth understanding of the mechanisms and evolution of AAV transduction, with potential implications for the design of efficient tools for gene manipulation in experimental animal models, and a range of gene therapy applications in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Nevue
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Anusha Sairavi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Samuel J Huang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Nakai
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
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3
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Böck D, Revers IM, Bomhof ASJ, Hillen AEJ, Boeijink C, Kissling L, Egli S, Moreno-Mateos MA, van der Knaap MS, van Til NP, Schwank G. In vivo base editing of a pathogenic Eif2b5 variant improves vanishing white matter phenotypes in mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1328-1343. [PMID: 38454603 PMCID: PMC11081866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.009] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a fatal leukodystrophy caused by recessive mutations in subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B. Currently, there are no effective therapies for VWM. Here, we assessed the potential of adenine base editing to correct human pathogenic VWM variants in mouse models. Using adeno-associated viral vectors, we delivered intein-split adenine base editors into the cerebral ventricles of newborn VWM mice, resulting in 45.9% ± 5.9% correction of the Eif2b5R191H variant in the cortex. Treatment slightly increased mature astrocyte populations and partially recovered the integrated stress response (ISR) in female VWM animals. This led to notable improvements in bodyweight and grip strength in females; however, locomotor disabilities were not rescued. Further molecular analyses suggest that more precise editing (i.e., lower rates of bystander editing) as well as more efficient delivery of the base editors to deep brain regions and oligodendrocytes would have been required for a broader phenotypic rescue. Our study emphasizes the potential, but also identifies limitations, of current in vivo base-editing approaches for the treatment of VWM or other leukodystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Böck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilma M Revers
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anastasia S J Bomhof
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne E J Hillen
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claire Boeijink
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lucas Kissling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Egli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miguel A Moreno-Mateos
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Pablo de Olavide University/CSIC/Junta de Andalucía, 41013 Seville, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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4
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Minetti A. Unlocking the potential of adeno-associated virus in neuroscience: a brief review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:563. [PMID: 38647711 PMCID: PMC11035420 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09521-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal tool in neuroscience research, owing to its remarkable versatility and efficiency in delivering genetic material to diverse cell types within the nervous system. This mini review aims to underscore the advanced applications of AAV vectors in neuroscience and their profound potential to revolutionize our understanding of brain function and therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. By providing a concise overview of the latest developments and strategies employing AAV vectors, this review illuminates the transformative role of AAV technology in unraveling the complexities of neural circuits and paving the way for innovative treatments. Through elucidating the multifaceted capabilities of AAV-mediated gene delivery, this review underscores its pivotal role as a cornerstone in contemporary neuroscience research, promising remarkable insights into the intricacies of brain biology and offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antea Minetti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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5
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Steinemer A, Simon A, Güntürkün O, Rook N. Parallel executive pallio-motor loops in the pigeon brain. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25611. [PMID: 38625816 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
A core component of the avian pallial cognitive network is the multimodal nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) that is considered to be analogous to the mammalian prefrontal cortex (PFC). The NCL plays a key role in a multitude of executive tasks such as working memory, decision-making during navigation, and extinction learning in complex learning environments. Like the PFC, the NCL is positioned at the transition from ascending sensory to descending motor systems. For the latter, it sends descending premotor projections to the intermediate arcopallium (AI) and the medial striatum (MSt). To gain detailed insight into the organization of these projections, we conducted several retrograde and anterograde tracing experiments. First, we tested whether NCL neurons projecting to AI (NCLarco neurons) and MSt (NCLMSt neurons) are constituted by a single neuronal population with bifurcating neurons, or whether they form two distinct populations. Here, we found two distinct projection patterns to both target areas that were associated with different morphologies. Second, we revealed a weak topographic projection toward the medial and lateral striatum and a strong topographic projection toward AI with clearly distinguishable sensory termination fields. Third, we investigated the relationship between the descending NCL pathways to the arcopallium with those from the hyperpallium apicale, which harbors a second major descending pathway of the avian pallium. We embed our findings within a system of parallel pallio-motor loops that carry information from separate sensory modalities to different subpallial systems. Our results also provide insights into the evolution of the avian motor system from which, possibly, the song system has emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Steinemer
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Annika Simon
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Noemi Rook
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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6
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Kersten Y, Moll FW, Erdle S, Nieder A. Input and Output Connections of the Crow Nidopallium Caudolaterale. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0098-24.2024. [PMID: 38684368 PMCID: PMC11064124 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0098-24.2024] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The avian telencephalic structure nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) functions as an analog to the mammalian prefrontal cortex. In crows, corvid songbirds, it plays a crucial role in higher cognitive and executive functions. These functions rely on the NCL's extensive telencephalic connections. However, systematic investigations into the brain-wide connectivity of the NCL in crows or other songbirds are lacking. Here, we studied its input and output connections by injecting retrograde and anterograde tracers into the carrion crow NCL. Our results, mapped onto a published carrion crow brain atlas, confirm NCL multisensory connections and extend prior pigeon findings by identifying a novel input from the hippocampal formation. Furthermore, we analyze crow NCL efferent projections to the arcopallium and report newly identified arcopallial neurons projecting bilaterally to the NCL. These findings help to clarify the role of the NCL as central executive hub in the corvid songbird brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Kersten
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Felix W Moll
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Saskia Erdle
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Andreas Nieder
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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7
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Weber Y, Böck D, Ivașcu A, Mathis N, Rothgangl T, Ioannidi EI, Blaudt AC, Tidecks L, Vadovics M, Muramatsu H, Reichmuth A, Marquart KF, Kissling L, Pardi N, Jinek M, Schwank G. Enhancing prime editor activity by directed protein evolution in yeast. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2092. [PMID: 38453904 PMCID: PMC10920827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46107-z] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editing is a highly versatile genome editing technology that enables the introduction of base substitutions, insertions, and deletions. However, compared to traditional Cas9 nucleases prime editors (PEs) are less active. In this study we use OrthoRep, a yeast-based platform for directed protein evolution, to enhance the editing efficiency of PEs. After several rounds of evolution with increased selection pressure, we identify multiple mutations that have a positive effect on PE activity in yeast cells and in biochemical assays. Combining the two most effective mutations - the A259D amino acid substitution in nCas9 and the K445T substitution in M-MLV RT - results in the variant PE_Y18. Delivery of PE_Y18, encoded on DNA, mRNA or as a ribonucleoprotein complex into mammalian cell lines increases editing rates up to 3.5-fold compared to PEmax. In addition, PE_Y18 supports higher prime editing rates when delivered in vivo into the liver or brain. Our study demonstrates proof-of-concept for the application of OrthoRep to optimize genome editing tools in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanik Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Desirée Böck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Ivașcu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Mathis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Rothgangl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora I Ioannidi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex C Blaudt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Tidecks
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Máté Vadovics
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andreas Reichmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim F Marquart
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Kissling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Beetz MJ. A perspective on neuroethology: what the past teaches us about the future of neuroethology. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:325-346. [PMID: 38411712 PMCID: PMC10995053 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-024-01695-5] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
For 100 years, the Journal of Comparative Physiology-A has significantly supported research in the field of neuroethology. The celebration of the journal's centennial is a great time point to appreciate the recent progress in neuroethology and to discuss possible avenues of the field. Animal behavior is the main source of inspiration for neuroethologists. This is illustrated by the huge diversity of investigated behaviors and species. To explain behavior at a mechanistic level, neuroethologists combine neuroscientific approaches with sophisticated behavioral analysis. The rapid technological progress in neuroscience makes neuroethology a highly dynamic and exciting field of research. To summarize the recent scientific progress in neuroethology, I went through all abstracts of the last six International Congresses for Neuroethology (ICNs 2010-2022) and categorized them based on the sensory modalities, experimental model species, and research topics. This highlights the diversity of neuroethology and gives us a perspective on the field's scientific future. At the end, I highlight three research topics that may, among others, influence the future of neuroethology. I hope that sharing my roots may inspire other scientists to follow neuroethological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jerome Beetz
- Zoology II, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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9
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Schmidheini L, Mathis N, Marquart KF, Rothgangl T, Kissling L, Böck D, Chanez C, Wang JP, Jinek M, Schwank G. Continuous directed evolution of a compact CjCas9 variant with broad PAM compatibility. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:333-343. [PMID: 37735239 PMCID: PMC7616171 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering is a powerful technology for correcting genetic diseases. However, the targeting range of Cas9 proteins is limited by their requirement for a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), and in vivo delivery is challenging due to their large size. Here, we use phage-assisted continuous directed evolution to broaden the PAM compatibility of Campylobacter jejuni Cas9 (CjCas9), the smallest Cas9 ortholog characterized to date. The identified variant, termed evoCjCas9, primarily recognizes N4AH and N5HA PAM sequences, which occur tenfold more frequently in the genome than the canonical N3VRYAC PAM site. Moreover, evoCjCas9 exhibits higher nuclease activity than wild-type CjCas9 on canonical PAMs, with editing rates comparable to commonly used PAM-relaxed SpCas9 variants. Combined with deaminases or reverse transcriptases, evoCjCas9 enables robust base and prime editing, with the small size of evoCjCas9 base editors allowing for tissue-specific installation of A-to-G or C-to-T transition mutations from single adeno-associated virus vector systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schmidheini
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Mathis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim Fabiano Marquart
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Rothgangl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Kissling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Desirée Böck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christelle Chanez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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10
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Nimpf S, Kaplan HS, Nordmann GC, Cushion T, Keays DA. Long-term, high-resolution in vivo calcium imaging in pigeons. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100711. [PMID: 38382523 PMCID: PMC10921020 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In vivo 2-photon calcium imaging has led to fundamental advances in our understanding of sensory circuits in mammalian species. In contrast, few studies have exploited this methodology in birds, with investigators primarily relying on histological and electrophysiological techniques. Here, we report the development of in vivo 2-photon calcium imaging in awake pigeons. We show that the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s, delivered by the adeno-associated virus rAAV2/7, allows high-quality, stable, and long-term imaging of neuronal populations at single-cell and single-dendrite resolution in the pigeon forebrain. We demonstrate the utility of our setup by investigating the processing of colors in the visual Wulst, the avian homolog of the visual cortex. We report that neurons in the Wulst are color selective and display diverse response profiles to light of different wavelengths. This technology provides a powerful tool to decipher the operating principles that underlie sensory encoding in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Nimpf
- Division of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Munich, Germany.
| | - Harris S Kaplan
- Harvard University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Gregory C Nordmann
- Division of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Cushion
- University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - David A Keays
- Division of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Munich, Germany; University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna 1030, Austria.
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11
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Moll FW, Kranz D, Corredera Asensio A, Elmaleh M, Ackert-Smith LA, Long MA. Thalamus drives vocal onsets in the zebra finch courtship song. Nature 2023; 616:132-136. [PMID: 36949189 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
While motor cortical circuits contain information related to specific movement parameters1, long-range inputs also have a critical role in action execution2,3. Thalamic projections can shape premotor activity2-6 and have been suggested7 to mediate the selection of short, stereotyped actions comprising more complex behaviours8. However, the mechanisms by which thalamus interacts with motor cortical circuits to execute such movement sequences remain unknown. Here we find that thalamic drive engages a specific subpopulation of premotor neurons within the zebra finch song nucleus HVC (proper name) and that these inputs are critical for the progression between vocal motor elements (that is, 'syllables'). In vivo two-photon imaging of thalamic axons in HVC showed robust song-related activity, and online perturbations of thalamic function caused song to be truncated at syllable boundaries. We used thalamic stimulation to identify a sparse set of thalamically driven neurons within HVC, representing ~15% of the premotor neurons within that network. Unexpectedly, this population of putative thalamorecipient neurons is robustly active immediately preceding syllable onset, leading to the possibility that thalamic input can initiate individual song components through selectively targeting these 'starter cells'. Our findings highlight the motor thalamus as a director of cortical dynamics in the context of an ethologically relevant behavioural sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix W Moll
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Devorah Kranz
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ariadna Corredera Asensio
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margot Elmaleh
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lyn A Ackert-Smith
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael A Long
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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12
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Zoabi S, Andreyanov M, Heinrich R, Ron S, Carmi I, Gutfreund Y, Berlin S. A custom-made AAV1 variant (AAV1-T593K) enables efficient transduction of Japanese quail neurons in vitro and in vivo. Commun Biol 2023; 6:337. [PMID: 36977781 PMCID: PMC10050006 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of rodents in neuroscience has prompted the development of optimized viral variants for transduction of brain cells, in vivo. However, many of the viruses developed are less efficient in other model organisms, with birds being among the most resistant to transduction by current viral tools. Resultantly, the use of genetically-encoded tools and methods in avian species is markedly lower than in rodents; likely holding the field back. We sought to bridge this gap by developing custom viruses towards the transduction of brain cells of the Japanese quail. We first develop a protocol for culturing primary neurons and glia from quail embryos, followed by characterization of cultures via immunostaining, single cell mRNA sequencing, patch clamp electrophysiology and calcium imaging. We then leveraged the cultures for the rapid screening of various viruses, only to find that all yielded poor to no infection of cells in vitro. However, few infected neurons were obtained by AAV1 and AAV2. Scrutiny of the sequence of the AAV receptor found in quails led us to rationally design a custom-made AAV variant (AAV1-T593K; AAV1*) that exhibits improved transduction efficiencies in vitro and in vivo (14- and five-fold, respectively). Together, we present unique culturing method, transcriptomic profiles of quail's brain cells and a custom-tailored AAV1 for transduction of quail neurons in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaden Zoabi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael Andreyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ronit Heinrich
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shaked Ron
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ido Carmi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yoram Gutfreund
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai Berlin
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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13
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Progresses of animal robots: A historical review and perspectiveness. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11499. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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14
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Hou Z, Ding Q, Li Y, Zhao Z, Yan F, Li Y, Wang X, Xu J, Chen W, Wu G, Ruan X, Zhao L. Intestinal epithelial β Klotho is a critical protective factor in alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and liver injury. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104181. [PMID: 35908416 PMCID: PMC9352463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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15
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Böck D, Rothgangl T, Villiger L, Schmidheini L, Matsushita M, Mathis N, Ioannidi E, Rimann N, Grisch-Chan HM, Kreutzer S, Kontarakis Z, Kopf M, Thöny B, Schwank G. In vivo prime editing of a metabolic liver disease in mice. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabl9238. [PMID: 35294257 PMCID: PMC7614134 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl9238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Prime editing is a highly versatile CRISPR-based genome editing technology that works without DNA double-strand break formation. Despite rapid technological advances, in vivo application for the treatment of genetic diseases remains challenging. Here, we developed a size-reduced SpCas9 prime editor (PE) lacking the RNaseH domain (PE2ΔRnH) and an intein-split construct (PE2 p.1153) for adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery into the liver. Editing efficiencies reached 15% at the Dnmt1 locus and were further elevated to 58% by delivering unsplit PE2ΔRnH via human adenoviral vector 5 (AdV). To provide proof of concept for correcting a genetic liver disease, we used the AdV approach for repairing the disease-causing Pahenu2 mutation in a mouse model of phenylketonuria (PKU) via prime editing. Average correction efficiencies of 11.1% (up to 17.4%) in neonates led to therapeutic reduction of blood phenylalanine, without inducing detectable off-target mutations or prolonged liver inflammation. Although the current in vivo prime editing approach for PKU has limitations for clinical application due to the requirement of high vector doses (7 × 1014 vg/kg) and the induction of immune responses to the vector and the PE, further development of the technology may lead to curative therapies for PKU and other genetic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Böck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Rothgangl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Villiger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland,Correspondence to: Lukas Villiger () and Gerald Schwank ()
| | - Lukas Schmidheini
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland,Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mai Matsushita
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Mathis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Ioannidi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Rimann
- Division of Metabolism and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hiu Man Grisch-Chan
- Division of Metabolism and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Kreutzer
- Genome Engineering and Measurement Laboratory (GEML), ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland,Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zacharias Kontarakis
- Genome Engineering and Measurement Laboratory (GEML), ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland,Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Kopf
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland,Correspondence to: Lukas Villiger () and Gerald Schwank ()
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16
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Yook JS, Kim J, Kim J. Convergence Circuit Mapping: Genetic Approaches From Structure to Function. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:688673. [PMID: 34234652 PMCID: PMC8255632 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.688673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex neural circuits that underpin brain function and behavior has been a long-standing goal of neuroscience. Yet this is no small feat considering the interconnectedness of neurons and other cell types, both within and across brain regions. In this review, we describe recent advances in mouse molecular genetic engineering that can be used to integrate information on brain activity and structure at regional, cellular, and subcellular levels. The convergence of structural inputs can be mapped throughout the brain in a cell type-specific manner by antero- and retrograde viral systems expressing various fluorescent proteins and genetic switches. Furthermore, neural activity can be manipulated using opto- and chemo-genetic tools to interrogate the functional significance of this input convergence. Monitoring neuronal activity is obtained with precise spatiotemporal resolution using genetically encoded sensors for calcium changes and specific neurotransmitters. Combining these genetically engineered mapping tools is a compelling approach for unraveling the structural and functional brain architecture of complex behaviors and malfunctioned states of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang Soo Yook
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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17
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Wood AN. New roles for dopamine in motor skill acquisition: lessons from primates, rodents, and songbirds. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:2361-2374. [PMID: 33978497 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00648.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor learning is a core aspect of human life and appears to be ubiquitous throughout the animal kingdom. Dopamine, a neuromodulator with a multifaceted role in synaptic plasticity, may be a key signaling molecule for motor skill learning. Though typically studied in the context of reward-based associative learning, dopamine appears to be necessary for some types of motor learning. Mesencephalic dopamine structures are highly conserved among vertebrates, as are some of their primary targets within the basal ganglia, a subcortical circuit important for motor learning and motor control. With a focus on the benefits of cross-species comparisons, this review examines how "model-free" and "model-based" computational frameworks for understanding dopamine's role in associative learning may be applied to motor learning. The hypotheses that dopamine could drive motor learning either by functioning as a reward prediction error, through passive facilitating of normal basal ganglia activity, or through other mechanisms are examined in light of new studies using humans, rodents, and songbirds. Additionally, new paradigms that could enhance our understanding of dopamine's role in motor learning by bridging the gap between the theoretical literature on motor learning in humans and other species are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Wood
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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