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Chater TE, Eggl MF, Goda Y, Tchumatchenko T. Competitive processes shape multi-synapse plasticity along dendritic segments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7572. [PMID: 39217140 PMCID: PMC11365941 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons receive thousands of inputs onto their dendritic arbour, where individual synapses undergo activity-dependent plasticity. Long-lasting changes in postsynaptic strengths correlate with changes in spine head volume. The magnitude and direction of such structural plasticity - potentiation (sLTP) and depression (sLTD) - depend upon the number and spatial distribution of stimulated synapses. However, how neurons allocate resources to implement synaptic strength changes across space and time amongst neighbouring synapses remains unclear. Here we combined experimental and modelling approaches to explore the elementary processes underlying multi-spine plasticity. We used glutamate uncaging to induce sLTP at varying number of synapses sharing the same dendritic branch, and we built a model incorporating a dual role Ca2+-dependent component that induces spine growth or shrinkage. Our results suggest that competition among spines for molecular resources is a key driver of multi-spine plasticity and that spatial distance between simultaneously stimulated spines impacts the resulting spine dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Chater
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maximilian F Eggl
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience, CSIC-UMH, Alicante, Spain
| | - Yukiko Goda
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan.
- Synapse Biology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Tatjana Tchumatchenko
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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2
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Zhou H, Bi GQ, Liu G. Intracellular magnesium optimizes transmission efficiency and plasticity of hippocampal synapses by reconfiguring their connectivity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3406. [PMID: 38649706 PMCID: PMC11035601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47571-3] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Synapses at dendritic branches exhibit specific properties for information processing. However, how the synapses are orchestrated to dynamically modify their properties, thus optimizing information processing, remains elusive. Here, we observed at hippocampal dendritic branches diverse configurations of synaptic connectivity, two extremes of which are characterized by low transmission efficiency, high plasticity and coding capacity, or inversely. The former favors information encoding, pertinent to learning, while the latter prefers information storage, relevant to memory. Presynaptic intracellular Mg2+ crucially mediates the dynamic transition continuously between the two extreme configurations. Consequently, varying intracellular Mg2+ levels endow individual branches with diverse synaptic computations, thus modulating their ability to process information. Notably, elevating brain Mg2+ levels in aging animals restores synaptic configuration resembling that of young animals, coincident with improved learning and memory. These findings establish intracellular Mg2+ as a crucial factor reconfiguring synaptic connectivity at dendrites, thus optimizing their branch-specific properties in information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhou
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Guo-Qiang Bi
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Guosong Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- NeuroCentria Inc., Walnut Creek, CA, 94596, USA.
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3
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Kourosh-Arami M, Komaki A, Gholami M, Marashi SH, Hejazi S. Heterosynaptic plasticity-induced modulation of synapses. J Physiol Sci 2023; 73:33. [PMID: 38057729 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-023-00893-1] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Plasticity is a common feature of synapses that is stated in different ways and occurs through several mechanisms. The regular action of the brain needs to be balanced in several neuronal and synaptic features, one of which is synaptic plasticity. The different homeostatic processes, including the balance between excitation/inhibition or homeostasis of synaptic weights at the single-neuron level, may obtain this. Homosynaptic Hebbian-type plasticity causes associative alterations of synapses. Both homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity characterize the corresponding aspects of adjustable synapses, and both are essential for the regular action of neural systems and their plastic synapses.In this review, we will compare homo- and heterosynaptic plasticity and the main factors affecting the direction of plastic changes. This review paper will also discuss the diverse functions of the different kinds of heterosynaptic plasticity and their properties. We argue that a complementary system of heterosynaptic plasticity demonstrates an essential cellular constituent for homeostatic modulation of synaptic weights and neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Kourosh-Arami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Gholami
- Department of Physiology, Medical College, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Sara Hejazi
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Systems, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA
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4
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Argunsah AÖ, Israely I. Homosynaptic plasticity induction causes heterosynaptic changes at the unstimulated neighbors in an induction pattern and location-specific manner. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1253446. [PMID: 37829671 PMCID: PMC10564986 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1253446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are highly dynamic structures whose structural and functional fluctuations depend on multiple factors. Changes in synaptic strength are not limited to synapses directly involved in specific activity patterns. Unstimulated clusters of neighboring spines in and around the site of stimulation can also undergo alterations in strength. Usually, when plasticity is induced at single dendritic spines with glutamate uncaging, neighboring spines do not show any significant structural fluctuations. Here, using two-photon imaging and glutamate uncaging at single dendritic spines of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, we show that structural modifications at unstimulated neighboring spines occur and are a function of the temporal pattern of the plasticity-inducing stimulus. Further, the relative location of the unstimulated neighbors within the local dendritic segment correlates with the extent of heterosynaptic plasticity that is observed. These findings indicate that naturalistic patterns of activity at single spines can shape plasticity at nearby clusters of synapses, and may play a role in priming local inputs for further modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Özgür Argunsah
- Laboratory of Neuronal Circuit Assembly, Brain Research Institute (HiFo), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Inbal Israely
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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5
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Moldwin T, Kalmenson M, Segev I. Asymmetric Voltage Attenuation in Dendrites Can Enable Hierarchical Heterosynaptic Plasticity. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0014-23.2023. [PMID: 37414554 PMCID: PMC10354808 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0014-23.2023] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term synaptic plasticity is mediated via cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]). Using a synaptic model that implements calcium-based long-term plasticity via two sources of Ca2+ - NMDA receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) - we show in dendritic cable simulations that the interplay between these two calcium sources can result in a diverse array of heterosynaptic effects. When spatially clustered synaptic input produces a local NMDA spike, the resulting dendritic depolarization can activate VGCCs at nonactivated spines, resulting in heterosynaptic plasticity. NMDA spike activation at a given dendritic location will tend to depolarize dendritic regions that are located distally to the input site more than dendritic sites that are proximal to it. This asymmetry can produce a hierarchical effect in branching dendrites, where an NMDA spike at a proximal branch can induce heterosynaptic plasticity primarily at branches that are distal to it. We also explored how simultaneously activated synaptic clusters located at different dendritic locations synergistically affect the plasticity at the active synapses, as well as the heterosynaptic plasticity of an inactive synapse "sandwiched" between them. We conclude that the inherent electrical asymmetry of dendritic trees enables sophisticated schemes for spatially targeted supervision of heterosynaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Menachem Kalmenson
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Idan Segev
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904 Jerusalem, Israel
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6
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Wagle S, Kraynyukova N, Hafner AS, Tchumatchenko T. Computational insights into mRNA and protein dynamics underlying synaptic plasticity rules. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103846. [PMID: 36963534 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103846] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in experimental techniques provide an unprecedented peek into the intricate molecular dynamics inside synapses and dendrites. The experimental insights into the molecular turnover revealed that such processes as diffusion, active transport, spine uptake, and local protein synthesis could dynamically modulate the copy numbers of plasticity-related molecules in synapses. Subsequently, theoretical models were designed to understand the interaction of these processes better and to explain how local synaptic plasticity cues can up or down-regulate the molecular copy numbers across synapses. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in experimental techniques and computational models to highlight how these complementary approaches can provide insight into molecular cross-talk across synapses, ultimately allowing us to develop biologically-inspired neural network models to understand brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhit Wagle
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 3, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nataliya Kraynyukova
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne-Sophie Hafner
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tatjana Tchumatchenko
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 3, 55128 Mainz, Germany; Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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7
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Dehghani-Habibabadi M, Pawelzik K. Synaptic self-organization of spatio-temporal pattern selectivity. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010876. [PMID: 36780564 PMCID: PMC9977062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiking model neurons can be set up to respond selectively to specific spatio-temporal spike patterns by optimization of their input weights. It is unknown, however, if existing synaptic plasticity mechanisms can achieve this temporal mode of neuronal coding and computation. Here it is shown that changes of synaptic efficacies which tend to balance excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs can make neurons sensitive to particular input spike patterns. Simulations demonstrate that a combination of Hebbian mechanisms, hetero-synaptic plasticity and synaptic scaling is sufficient for self-organizing sensitivity for spatio-temporal spike patterns that repeat in the input. In networks inclusion of hetero-synaptic plasticity that depends on the pre-synaptic neurons leads to specialization and faithful representation of pattern sequences by a group of target neurons. Pattern detection is robust against a range of distortions and noise. The proposed combination of Hebbian mechanisms, hetero-synaptic plasticity and synaptic scaling is found to protect the memories for specific patterns from being overwritten by ongoing learning during extended periods when the patterns are not present. This suggests a novel explanation for the long term robustness of memory traces despite ongoing activity with substantial synaptic plasticity. Taken together, our results promote the plausibility of precise temporal coding in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klaus Pawelzik
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Gambino G, Bhik-Ghanie R, Giglia G, Puig MV, Ramirez-Villegas J, Zaldivar D. Editorial: Neuromodulatory ascending systems: Their influence at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:1028154. [DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.1028154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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9
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Gambino G, Gallo D, Covelo A, Ferraro G, Sardo P, Giglia G. TRPV1 channels in nitric oxide-mediated signalling: insight on excitatory transmission in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 191:128-136. [PMID: 36029909 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a fascinating signalling molecule implicated in a plethora of biological functions, especially at the synaptic level. Exploring neurotransmission in the hippocampus could be instrumental in the individuation of putative targets for nitric-oxide mediated neuromodulation, especially in terms of the potential repercussions on fundamental processes i.e. synaptic plasticity and excitability-related phenomena. Among these targets, endovanilloid signalling constitutes an object of study since Transient Receptors Vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels possess a NO-sensitive gate modulating its activation. Also, NO has been referred to as a mediator for numerous endocannabinoid effects. Notwithstanding, the linkage between TRPV1 and NO systems in neuromodulation still remains elusive. To this end, we aim at investigating the involvement of TRPV1 in nitric oxide-mediated influence on hippocampal processes. Electrophysiological whole-cell recordings in CA1 pyramidal neurons were applied to evaluate excitatory neurotransmission in rat brain slices. Indeed, miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were analysed upon pharmacological manipulation of TRPV1 and NO signalling pathways. In detail, only the administration of the specific TRPV1 exogenous agonist - capsaicin - reduced the frequency and amplitude of mEPSC similarly to the inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), 7-nitroindazole (7NI). In contrast, capsazepine, TRPV1 antagonist, does not influence excitatory transmission. The combined TRPV1 activation and nNOS blockade confirm the presence of a putative common mechanism. When we administered the endovanilloid-endocannabinoid ligand, i.e. anandamide, we unveiled a potentiation of neurotransmission that was selectively reverted by 7NI. Our data suggest that nitric oxide influences TRPV1 hippocampal signalling since these channels are not constitutively active, but can be "on-demand" activated to modulate excitation in CA1 pyramidal neurons, and that this effect is linked to nitric oxide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Gambino
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, Italy.
| | - Daniele Gallo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Ana Covelo
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giuseppe Ferraro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Sardo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giglia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, Italy
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10
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Chapman CA, Nuwer JL, Jacob TC. The Yin and Yang of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Synaptic Plasticity: Opposites in Balance by Crosstalking Mechanisms. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:911020. [PMID: 35663370 PMCID: PMC9160301 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.911020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is a critical process that regulates neuronal activity by allowing neurons to adjust their synaptic strength in response to changes in activity. Despite the high proximity of excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic postsynaptic zones and their functional integration within dendritic regions, concurrent plasticity has historically been underassessed. Growing evidence for pathological disruptions in the excitation and inhibition (E/I) balance in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders indicates the need for an improved, more "holistic" understanding of synaptic interplay. There continues to be a long-standing focus on the persistent strengthening of excitation (excitatory long-term potentiation; eLTP) and its role in learning and memory, although the importance of inhibitory long-term potentiation (iLTP) and depression (iLTD) has become increasingly apparent. Emerging evidence further points to a dynamic dialogue between excitatory and inhibitory synapses, but much remains to be understood regarding the mechanisms and extent of this exchange. In this mini-review, we explore the role calcium signaling and synaptic crosstalk play in regulating postsynaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability. We examine current knowledge on GABAergic and glutamatergic synapse responses to perturbances in activity, with a focus on postsynaptic plasticity induced by short-term pharmacological treatments which act to either enhance or reduce neuronal excitability via ionotropic receptor regulation in neuronal culture. To delve deeper into potential mechanisms of synaptic crosstalk, we discuss the influence of synaptic activity on key regulatory proteins, including kinases, phosphatases, and synaptic structural/scaffolding proteins. Finally, we briefly suggest avenues for future research to better understand the crosstalk between glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tija C. Jacob
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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11
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Fujii H, Bito H. Deciphering Ca2+-controlled biochemical computation governing neural circuit dynamics via multiplex imaging. Neurosci Res 2022; 179:79-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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12
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Jenks KR, Tsimring K, Ip JPK, Zepeda JC, Sur M. Heterosynaptic Plasticity and the Experience-Dependent Refinement of Developing Neuronal Circuits. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:803401. [PMID: 34949992 PMCID: PMC8689143 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.803401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons remodel the structure and strength of their synapses during critical periods of development in order to optimize both perception and cognition. Many of these developmental synaptic changes are thought to occur through synapse-specific homosynaptic forms of experience-dependent plasticity. However, homosynaptic plasticity can also induce or contribute to the plasticity of neighboring synapses through heterosynaptic interactions. Decades of research in vitro have uncovered many of the molecular mechanisms of heterosynaptic plasticity that mediate local compensation for homosynaptic plasticity, facilitation of further bouts of plasticity in nearby synapses, and cooperative induction of plasticity by neighboring synapses acting in concert. These discoveries greatly benefited from new tools and technologies that permitted single synapse imaging and manipulation of structure, function, and protein dynamics in living neurons. With the recent advent and application of similar tools for in vivo research, it is now feasible to explore how heterosynaptic plasticity contribute to critical periods and the development of neuronal circuits. In this review, we will first define the forms heterosynaptic plasticity can take and describe our current understanding of their molecular mechanisms. Then, we will outline how heterosynaptic plasticity may lead to meaningful refinement of neuronal responses and observations that suggest such mechanisms are indeed at work in vivo. Finally, we will use a well-studied model of cortical plasticity—ocular dominance plasticity during a critical period of visual cortex development—to highlight the molecular overlap between heterosynaptic and developmental forms of plasticity, and suggest potential avenues of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Jenks
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Katya Tsimring
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jacque Pak Kan Ip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jose C Zepeda
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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13
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Ho S, Lajaunie R, Lerat M, Le M, Crépel V, Loulier K, Livet J, Kessler JP, Marcaggi P. A stable proportion of Purkinje cell inputs from parallel fibers are silent during cerebellar maturation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024890118. [PMID: 34740966 PMCID: PMC8609448 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024890118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar Purkinje neurons integrate information transmitted at excitatory synapses formed by granule cells. Although these synapses are considered essential sites for learning, most of them appear not to transmit any detectable electrical information and have been defined as silent. It has been proposed that silent synapses are required to maximize information storage capacity and ensure its reliability, and hence to optimize cerebellar operation. Such optimization is expected to occur once the cerebellar circuitry is in place, during its maturation and the natural and steady improvement of animal agility. We therefore investigated whether the proportion of silent synapses varies over this period, from the third to the sixth postnatal week in mice. Selective expression of a calcium indicator in granule cells enabled quantitative mapping of presynaptic activity, while postsynaptic responses were recorded by patch clamp in acute slices. Through this approach and the assessment of two anatomical features (the distance that separates adjacent planar Purkinje dendritic trees and the synapse density), we determined the average excitatory postsynaptic potential per synapse. Its value was four to eight times smaller than responses from paired recorded detectable connections, consistent with over 70% of synapses being silent. These figures remained remarkably stable across maturation stages. According to the proposed role for silent synapses, our results suggest that information storage capacity and reliability are optimized early during cerebellar maturation. Alternatively, silent synapses may have roles other than adjusting the information storage capacity and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ho
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INMED, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Rebecca Lajaunie
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Marion Lerat
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris F-75012, France
| | - Mickaël Le
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris F-75012, France
| | - Valérie Crépel
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INMED, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Karine Loulier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris F-75012, France
| | - Jean Livet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris F-75012, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Kessler
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, Marseille 13288, France
| | - Païkan Marcaggi
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INMED, Marseille 13009, France;
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Unité de Neurobiologie des Canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse, UMR 1072, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13015, France
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