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Sela M, Church JR, Schapiro I, Schneidman-Duhovny D. RhoMax: Computational Prediction of Rhodopsin Absorption Maxima Using Geometric Deep Learning. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4630-4639. [PMID: 38829021 PMCID: PMC11200256 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00467] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microbial rhodopsins (MRs) are a diverse and abundant family of photoactive membrane proteins that serve as model systems for biophysical techniques. Optogenetics utilizes genetic engineering to insert specialized proteins into specific neurons or brain regions, allowing for manipulation of their activity through light and enabling the mapping and control of specific brain areas in living organisms. The obstacle of optogenetics lies in the fact that light has a limited ability to penetrate biological tissues, particularly blue light in the visible spectrum. Despite this challenge, most optogenetic systems rely on blue light due to the scarcity of red-shifted opsins. Finding additional red-shifted rhodopsins would represent a major breakthrough in overcoming the challenge of limited light penetration in optogenetics. However, determining the wavelength absorption maxima for rhodopsins based on their protein sequence is a significant hurdle. Current experimental methods are time-consuming, while computational methods lack accuracy. The paper introduces a new computational approach called RhoMax that utilizes structure-based geometric deep learning to predict the absorption wavelength of rhodopsins solely based on their sequences. The method takes advantage of AlphaFold2 for accurate modeling of rhodopsin structures. Once trained on a balanced train set, RhoMax rapidly and precisely predicted the maximum absorption wavelength of more than half of the sequences in our test set with an accuracy of 0.03 eV. By leveraging computational methods for absorption maxima determination, we can drastically reduce the time needed for designing new red-shifted microbial rhodopsins, thereby facilitating advances in the field of optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meitar Sela
- The
Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Jonathan R. Church
- Fritz
Haber Center for Molecular Dynamics Research, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Igor Schapiro
- Fritz
Haber Center for Molecular Dynamics Research, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Dina Schneidman-Duhovny
- The
Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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2
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Qi C, Qian C, Steijvers E, Colvin RA, Lee D. Single dopaminergic neuron DAN-c1 in Drosophila larval brain mediates aversive olfactory learning through D2-like receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575767. [PMID: 38293177 PMCID: PMC10827047 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The intricate relationship between the dopaminergic system and olfactory associative learning in Drosophila has been an intense scientific inquiry. Leveraging the formidable genetic tools, we conducted a screening of 57 dopaminergic drivers, leading to the discovery of DAN-c1 driver, uniquely targeting the single dopaminergic neuron (DAN) in each brain hemisphere. While the involvement of excitatory D1-like receptors is well-established, the role of D2-like receptors (D2Rs) remains underexplored. Our investigation reveals the expression of D2Rs in both DANs and the mushroom body (MB) of third instar larval brains. Silencing D2Rs in DAN-c1 via microRNA disrupts aversive learning, further supported by optogenetic activation of DAN-c1 during training, affirming the inhibitory role of D2R autoreceptor. Intriguingly, D2R knockdown in the MB impairs both appetitive and aversive learning. These findings elucidate the distinct contributions of D2Rs in diverse brain structures, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing associative learning in Drosophila larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | | | | | - Robert A. Colvin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Daewoo Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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3
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Fiala A, Kaun KR. What do the mushroom bodies do for the insect brain? Twenty-five years of progress. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053827. [PMID: 38862175 PMCID: PMC11199942 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053827.123] [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: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In 1998, a special edition of Learning & Memory was published with a discrete focus of synthesizing the state of the field to provide an overview of the function of the insect mushroom body. While molecular neuroscience and optical imaging of larger brain areas were advancing, understanding the basic functioning of neuronal circuits, particularly in the context of the mushroom body, was rudimentary. In the past 25 years, technological innovations have allowed researchers to map and understand the in vivo function of the neuronal circuits of the mushroom body system, making it an ideal model for investigating the circuit basis of sensory encoding, memory formation, and behavioral decisions. Collaborative efforts within the community have played a crucial role, leading to an interactive connectome of the mushroom body and accessible genetic tools for studying mushroom body circuit function. Looking ahead, continued technological innovation and collaborative efforts are likely to further advance our understanding of the mushroom body and its role in behavior and cognition, providing insights that generalize to other brain structures and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Fiala
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology of Behaviour, University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Karla R Kaun
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02806, USA
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Selcho M. Octopamine in the mushroom body circuitry for learning and memory. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053839. [PMID: 38862169 PMCID: PMC11199948 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053839.123] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Octopamine, the functional analog of noradrenaline, modulates many different behaviors and physiological processes in invertebrates. In the central nervous system, a few octopaminergic neurons project throughout the brain and innervate almost all neuropils. The center of memory formation in insects, the mushroom bodies, receive octopaminergic innervations in all insects investigated so far. Different octopamine receptors, either increasing or decreasing cAMP or calcium levels in the cell, are localized in Kenyon cells, further supporting the release of octopamine in the mushroom bodies. In addition, different mushroom body (MB) output neurons, projection neurons, and dopaminergic PAM cells are targets of octopaminergic neurons, enabling the modulation of learning circuits at different neural sites. For some years, the theory persisted that octopamine mediates rewarding stimuli, whereas dopamine (DA) represents aversive stimuli. This simple picture has been challenged by the finding that DA is required for both appetitive and aversive learning. Furthermore, octopamine is also involved in aversive learning and a rather complex interaction between these biogenic amines seems to modulate learning and memory. This review summarizes the role of octopamine in MB function, focusing on the anatomical principles and the role of the biogenic amine in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Selcho
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Sen E, El-Keredy A, Jacob N, Mancini N, Asnaz G, Widmann A, Gerber B, Thoener J. Cognitive limits of larval Drosophila: testing for conditioned inhibition, sensory preconditioning, and second-order conditioning. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053726. [PMID: 38862170 PMCID: PMC11199949 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053726.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Drosophila larvae are an established model system for studying the mechanisms of innate and simple forms of learned behavior. They have about 10 times fewer neurons than adult flies, and it was the low total number of their neurons that allowed for an electron microscopic reconstruction of their brain at synaptic resolution. Regarding the mushroom body, a central brain structure for many forms of associative learning in insects, it turned out that more than half of the classes of synaptic connection had previously escaped attention. Understanding the function of these circuit motifs, subsequently confirmed in adult flies, is an important current research topic. In this context, we test larval Drosophila for their cognitive abilities in three tasks that are characteristically more complex than those previously studied. Our data provide evidence for (i) conditioned inhibition, as has previously been reported for adult flies and honeybees. Unlike what is described for adult flies and honeybees, however, our data do not provide evidence for (ii) sensory preconditioning or (iii) second-order conditioning in Drosophila larvae. We discuss the methodological features of our experiments as well as four specific aspects of the organization of the larval brain that may explain why these two forms of learning are observed in adult flies and honeybees, but not in larval Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edanur Sen
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Amira El-Keredy
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, 31111 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Nina Jacob
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nino Mancini
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gülüm Asnaz
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology of Behavior, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Widmann
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology of Behavior, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Institute of Biology, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Thoener
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
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6
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Yu J, Chen H, He J, Zeng X, Lei H, Liu J. Dual roles of dopaminergic pathways in olfactory learning and memory in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105825. [PMID: 38582589 PMCID: PMC10998931 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a key regulator of associative learning and memory in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and it is widely believed that DA plays a key role in aversive conditioning in invertebrates. However, the idea that DA is involved only in aversive conditioning has been challenged in recent studies on the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), ants and crabs, suggesting diverse functions of DA modulation on associative plasticity. Here, we present the results of DA modulation in aversive olfactory conditioning with DEET punishment and appetitive olfactory conditioning with sucrose reward in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Injection of DA receptor antagonist fluphenazine or chlorpromazine into these flies led to impaired aversive learning, but had no effect on the appetitive learning. DA receptor antagonists impaired both aversive and appetitive long-term memory retention. Interestingly, the impairment on appetitive memory was rescued not only by DA but also by octopamine (OA). Blocking the OA receptors also impaired the appetitive memory retention, but this impairment could only be rescued by OA, not by DA. Thus, we conclude that in B. dorsalis, OA and DA pathways mediate independently the appetitive and aversive learning, respectively. These two pathways, however, are organized in series in mediating appetitive memory retrieval with DA pathway being at upstream. Thus, OA and DA play dual roles in associative learning and memory retrieval, but their pathways are organized differently in these two cognitive processes - parallel organization for learning acquisition and serial organization for memory retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Yu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Huiling Chen
- College of Art and Design, Hunan Applied Technology University, Changde, Hunan 415100, China
| | - Jiayi He
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xinnian Zeng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hong Lei
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
| | - Jiali Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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7
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Jürgensen AM, Sakagiannis P, Schleyer M, Gerber B, Nawrot MP. Prediction error drives associative learning and conditioned behavior in a spiking model of Drosophila larva. iScience 2024; 27:108640. [PMID: 38292165 PMCID: PMC10824792 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Predicting reinforcement from sensory cues is beneficial for goal-directed behavior. In insect brains, underlying associations between cues and reinforcement, encoded by dopaminergic neurons, are formed in the mushroom body. We propose a spiking model of the Drosophila larva mushroom body. It includes a feedback motif conveying learned reinforcement expectation to dopaminergic neurons, which can compute prediction error as the difference between expected and present reinforcement. We demonstrate that this can serve as a driving force in learning. When combined with synaptic homeostasis, our model accounts for theoretically derived features of acquisition and loss of associations that depend on the intensity of the reinforcement and its temporal proximity to the cue. From modeling olfactory learning over the time course of behavioral experiments and simulating the locomotion of individual larvae toward or away from odor sources in a virtual environment, we conclude that learning driven by prediction errors can explain larval behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Jürgensen
- Computational Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Sakagiannis
- Computational Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Schleyer
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-08080, Japan
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Brain and Behavioral Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Paul Nawrot
- Computational Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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8
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Piatkevich KD, Boyden ES. Optogenetic control of neural activity: The biophysics of microbial rhodopsins in neuroscience. Q Rev Biophys 2023; 57:e1. [PMID: 37831008 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583523000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics, the use of microbial rhodopsins to make the electrical activity of targeted neurons controllable by light, has swept through neuroscience, enabling thousands of scientists to study how specific neuron types contribute to behaviors and pathologies, and how they might serve as novel therapeutic targets. By activating a set of neurons, one can probe what functions they can initiate or sustain, and by silencing a set of neurons, one can probe the functions they are necessary for. We here review the biophysics of these molecules, asking why they became so useful in neuroscience for the study of brain circuitry. We review the history of the field, including early thinking, early experiments, applications of optogenetics, pre-optogenetics targeted neural control tools, and the history of discovering and characterizing microbial rhodopsins. We then review the biophysical attributes of rhodopsins that make them so useful to neuroscience - their classes and structure, their photocycles, their photocurrent magnitudes and kinetics, their action spectra, and their ion selectivity. Our hope is to convey to the reader how specific biophysical properties of these molecules made them especially useful to neuroscientists for a difficult problem - the control of high-speed electrical activity, with great precision and ease, in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiryl D Piatkevich
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Edward S Boyden
- McGovern Institute and Koch Institute, Departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Media Arts and Sciences, and Biological Engineering, K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics and Center for Neurobiological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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9
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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10
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Davidson AM, Kaushik S, Hige T. Dopamine-Dependent Plasticity Is Heterogeneously Expressed by Presynaptic Calcium Activity across Individual Boutons of the Drosophila Mushroom Body. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0275-23.2023. [PMID: 37848287 PMCID: PMC10616905 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0275-23.2023] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila mushroom body (MB) is an important model system for studying the synaptic mechanisms of associative learning. In this system, coincidence of odor-evoked calcium influx and dopaminergic input in the presynaptic terminals of Kenyon cells (KCs), the principal neurons of the MB, triggers long-term depression (LTD), which plays a critical role in olfactory learning. However, it is controversial whether such synaptic plasticity is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in odor-evoked calcium activity in the KC presynaptic terminals. Here, we address this question by inducing LTD by pairing odor presentation with optogenetic activation of dopaminergic neurons (DANs). This allows us to rigorously compare the changes at the presynaptic and postsynaptic sites in the same conditions. By imaging presynaptic acetylcholine release in the condition where LTD is reliably observed in the postsynaptic calcium signals, we show that neurotransmitter release from KCs is depressed selectively in the MB compartments innervated by activated DANs, demonstrating the presynaptic nature of LTD. However, total odor-evoked calcium activity of the KC axon bundles does not show concurrent depression. We further conduct calcium imaging in individual presynaptic boutons and uncover the highly heterogeneous nature of calcium plasticity. Namely, only a subset of boutons, which are strongly activated by associated odors, undergo calcium activity depression, while weakly responding boutons show potentiation. Thus, our results suggest an unexpected nonlinear relationship between presynaptic calcium influx and the results of plasticity, challenging the simple view of cooperative actions of presynaptic calcium and dopaminergic input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Davidson
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Shivam Kaushik
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Toshihide Hige
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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11
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Davis RL. Learning and memory using Drosophila melanogaster: a focus on advances made in the fifth decade of research. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad085. [PMID: 37212449 PMCID: PMC10411608 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad085] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, researchers using Drosophila melanogaster have made extraordinary progress in uncovering the mysteries underlying learning and memory. This progress has been propelled by the amazing toolkit available that affords combined behavioral, molecular, electrophysiological, and systems neuroscience approaches. The arduous reconstruction of electron microscopic images resulted in a first-generation connectome of the adult and larval brain, revealing complex structural interconnections between memory-related neurons. This serves as substrate for future investigations on these connections and for building complete circuits from sensory cue detection to changes in motor behavior. Mushroom body output neurons (MBOn) were discovered, which individually forward information from discrete and non-overlapping compartments of the axons of mushroom body neurons (MBn). These neurons mirror the previously discovered tiling of mushroom body axons by inputs from dopamine neurons and have led to a model that ascribes the valence of the learning event, either appetitive or aversive, to the activity of different populations of dopamine neurons and the balance of MBOn activity in promoting avoidance or approach behavior. Studies of the calyx, which houses the MBn dendrites, have revealed a beautiful microglomeruluar organization and structural changes of synapses that occur with long-term memory (LTM) formation. Larval learning has advanced, positioning it to possibly lead in producing new conceptual insights due to its markedly simpler structure over the adult brain. Advances were made in how cAMP response element-binding protein interacts with protein kinases and other transcription factors to promote the formation of LTM. New insights were made on Orb2, a prion-like protein that forms oligomers to enhance synaptic protein synthesis required for LTM formation. Finally, Drosophila research has pioneered our understanding of the mechanisms that mediate permanent and transient active forgetting, an important function of the brain along with acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. This was catalyzed partly by the identification of memory suppressor genes-genes whose normal function is to limit memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald L Davis
- Department of Neuroscience, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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12
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Konrad KR, Gao S, Zurbriggen MD, Nagel G. Optogenetic Methods in Plant Biology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 74:313-339. [PMID: 37216203 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-071122-094840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a technique employing natural or genetically engineered photoreceptors in transgene organisms to manipulate biological activities with light. Light can be turned on or off, and adjusting its intensity and duration allows optogenetic fine-tuning of cellular processes in a noninvasive and spatiotemporally resolved manner. Since the introduction of Channelrhodopsin-2 and phytochrome-based switches nearly 20 years ago, optogenetic tools have been applied in a variety of model organisms with enormous success, but rarely in plants. For a long time, the dependence of plant growth on light and the absence of retinal, the rhodopsin chromophore, prevented the establishment of plant optogenetics until recent progress overcame these difficulties. We summarize the recent results of work in the field to control plant growth and cellular motion via green light-gated ion channels and present successful applications to light-control gene expression with single or combined photoswitches in plants. Furthermore, we highlight the technical requirements and options for future plant optogenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai R Konrad
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Shiqiang Gao
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ,
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Georg Nagel
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ,
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13
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Dong S, Gu G, Lin T, Wang Z, Li J, Tan K, Nieh JC. An inhibitory signal associated with danger reduces honeybee dopamine levels. Curr Biol 2023; 33:2081-2087.e4. [PMID: 37059097 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.072] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Positive and negative experiences can alter animal brain dopamine levels.1 When first arriving at a rewarding food source or beginning to waggle dance and recruit nestmates to food, honeybees have increased brain dopamine levels, indicating a desire for food.2 We provide the first evidence that an inhibitory signal, the stop signal, which counters waggle dancing and is triggered by negative events at the food source, can decrease head dopamine levels and dancing, independent of the dancer having any negative experiences. The hedonic value of food can therefore be depressed simply by the receipt of an inhibitory signal. Increasing the brain dopamine levels reduced the aversive effects of an attack, increasing the time that bees spent subsequently feeding and waggle dancing and decreasing their stop signaling and time spent in the hive. Because honeybees regulate food recruitment and its inhibition at the colony level, these results highlight the complex integration of colony information with a basic and highly conserved neural mechanism in mammals and insects.2 VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Gaoying Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tao Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Ken Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China.
| | - James C Nieh
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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14
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Zeng J, Li X, Zhang R, Lv M, Wang Y, Tan K, Xia X, Wan J, Jing M, Zhang X, Li Y, Yang Y, Wang L, Chu J, Li Y, Li Y. Local 5-HT signaling bi-directionally regulates the coincidence time window for associative learning. Neuron 2023; 111:1118-1135.e5. [PMID: 36706757 PMCID: PMC11152601 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The coincidence between conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) is essential for associative learning; however, the mechanism regulating the duration of this temporal window remains unclear. Here, we found that serotonin (5-HT) bi-directionally regulates the coincidence time window of olfactory learning in Drosophila and affects synaptic plasticity of Kenyon cells (KCs) in the mushroom body (MB). Utilizing GPCR-activation-based (GRAB) neurotransmitter sensors, we found that KC-released acetylcholine (ACh) activates a serotonergic dorsal paired medial (DPM) neuron, which in turn provides inhibitory feedback to KCs. Physiological stimuli induce spatially heterogeneous 5-HT signals, which proportionally gate the intrinsic coincidence time windows of different MB compartments. Artificially reducing or increasing the DPM neuron-released 5-HT shortens or prolongs the coincidence window, respectively. In a sequential trace conditioning paradigm, this serotonergic neuromodulation helps to bridge the CS-US temporal gap. Altogether, we report a model circuitry for perceiving the temporal coincidence and determining the causal relationship between environmental events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China.
| | - Xuelin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Renzimo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Yuanpei College, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mingyue Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yipan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ke Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiju Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-THU-NIBS Joint Graduate Program, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinxia Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Miao Jing
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiuning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology & Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging & CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology & Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging & CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Yuanpei College, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-THU-NIBS Joint Graduate Program, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
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15
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Thane M, Paisios E, Stöter T, Krüger AR, Gläß S, Dahse AK, Scholz N, Gerber B, Lehmann DJ, Schleyer M. High-resolution analysis of individual Drosophila melanogaster larvae uncovers individual variability in locomotion and its neurogenetic modulation. Open Biol 2023; 13:220308. [PMID: 37072034 PMCID: PMC10113034 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronally orchestrated muscular movement and locomotion are defining faculties of multicellular animals. Due to its simple brain and genetic accessibility, the larva of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster allows one to study these processes at tractable levels of complexity. However, although the faculty of locomotion clearly pertains to the individual, most studies of locomotion in larvae use measurements aggregated across animals, or animals tested one by one, an extravagance for larger-scale analyses. This prevents grasping the inter- and intra-individual variability in locomotion and its neurogenetic determinants. Here, we present the IMBA (individual maggot behaviour analyser) for analysing the behaviour of individual larvae within groups, reliably resolving individual identity across collisions. We use the IMBA to systematically describe the inter- and intra-individual variability in locomotion of wild-type animals, and how the variability is reduced by associative learning. We then report a novel locomotion phenotype of an adhesion GPCR mutant. We further investigated the modulation of locomotion across repeated activations of dopamine neurons in individual animals, and the transient backward locomotion induced by brief optogenetic activation of the brain-descending 'mooncrawler' neurons. In summary, the IMBA is an easy-to-use toolbox allowing an unprecedentedly rich view of the behaviour and its variability of individual larvae, with utility in multiple biomedical research contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Thane
- Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Simulation and Graphics, Otto von Guerike University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Paisios
- Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Stöter
- Combinatorial NeuroImaging Core Facility, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Rosa Krüger
- Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Gläß
- Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne-Kristin Dahse
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Scholz
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk J. Lehmann
- Department of Simulation and Graphics, Otto von Guerike University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department for Information Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science, Ostfalia University of Applied Science, Brunswick-Wolfenbuettel, Germany
| | - Michael Schleyer
- Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
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16
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Marquand K, Roselli C, Cervantes-Sandoval I, Boto T. Sleep benefits different stages of memory in Drosophila. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1087025. [PMID: 36744027 PMCID: PMC9892949 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1087025] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the physiological mechanisms that modulate memory acquisition and consolidation remains among the most ambitious questions in neuroscience. Massive efforts have been dedicated to deciphering how experience affects behavior, and how different physiological and sensory phenomena modulate memory. Our ability to encode, consolidate and retrieve memories depends on internal drives, and sleep stands out among the physiological processes that affect memory: one of the most relatable benefits of sleep is the aiding of memory that occurs in order to both prepare the brain to learn new information, and after a learning task, to consolidate those new memories. Drosophila lends itself to the study of the interactions between memory and sleep. The fruit fly provides incomparable genetic resources, a mapped connectome, and an existing framework of knowledge on the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of memory and sleep, making the fruit fly a remarkable model to decipher the sophisticated regulation of learning and memory by the quantity and quality of sleep. Research in Drosophila has stablished not only that sleep facilitates learning in wild-type and memory-impaired animals, but that sleep deprivation interferes with the acquisition of new memories. In addition, it is well-accepted that sleep is paramount in memory consolidation processes. Finally, studies in Drosophila have shown that that learning itself can promote sleep drive. Nevertheless, the molecular and network mechanisms underlying this intertwined relationship are still evasive. Recent remarkable work has shed light on the neural substrates that mediate sleep-dependent memory consolidation. In a similar way, the mechanistic insights of the neural switch control between sleep-dependent and sleep-independent consolidation strategies were recently described. This review will discuss the regulation of memory by sleep in Drosophila, focusing on the most recent advances in the field and pointing out questions awaiting to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Marquand
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Camilla Roselli
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics and School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Isaac Cervantes-Sandoval
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Rosikon KD, Bone MC, Lawal HO. Regulation and modulation of biogenic amine neurotransmission in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Physiol 2023; 14:970405. [PMID: 36875033 PMCID: PMC9978017 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.970405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are crucial for the relay of signals between neurons and their target. Monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and histamine are found in both invertebrates and mammals and are known to control key physiological aspects in health and disease. Others, such as octopamine (OA) and tyramine (TA), are abundant in invertebrates. TA is expressed in both Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster and plays important roles in the regulation of essential life functions in each organism. OA and TA are thought to act as the mammalian homologs of epinephrine and norepinephrine respectively, and when triggered, they act in response to the various stressors in the fight-or-flight response. 5-HT regulates a wide range of behaviors in C. elegans including egg-laying, male mating, locomotion, and pharyngeal pumping. 5-HT acts predominantly through its receptors, of which various classes have been described in both flies and worms. The adult brain of Drosophila is composed of approximately 80 serotonergic neurons, which are involved in modulation of circadian rhythm, feeding, aggression, and long-term memory formation. DA is a major monoamine neurotransmitter that mediates a variety of critical organismal functions and is essential for synaptic transmission in invertebrates as it is in mammals, in which it is also a precursor for the synthesis of adrenaline and noradrenaline. In C. elegans and Drosophila as in mammals, DA receptors play critical roles and are generally grouped into two classes, D1-like and D2-like based on their predicted coupling to downstream G proteins. Drosophila uses histamine as a neurotransmitter in photoreceptors as well as a small number of neurons in the CNS. C. elegans does not use histamine as a neurotransmitter. Here, we review the comprehensive set of known amine neurotransmitters found in invertebrates, and discuss their biological and modulatory functions using the vast literature on both Drosophila and C. elegans. We also suggest the potential interactions between aminergic neurotransmitters systems in the modulation of neurophysiological activity and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna D Rosikon
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
| | - Megan C Bone
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
| | - Hakeem O Lawal
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
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18
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Yu JX, Xiang Q, Qu JB, Hui YM, Lin T, Zeng XN, Liu JL. Octopaminergic neurons function in appetitive but not aversive olfactory learning and memory in Bactrocera dorsalis. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1747-1760. [PMID: 35189034 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The biogenic amine octopamine (OA, invertebrate counterpart of noradrenaline) plays critical roles in the regulation of olfactory behavior. Historically, OA has been thought to mediate appetitive but not aversive learning in honeybees, fruit flies (Drosophila), and crickets. However, this viewpoint has recently been challenged because OA activity through a β-adrenergic-like receptor drives both appetitive and aversive learning. Here, we explored the roles of OA neurons in olfactory learning and memory retrieval in Bactrocera dorsalis. We trained flies to associate an orange odor with a sucrose reward or to associate methyl eugenol, a male lure, with N,N-diethyl-3-methyl benzoyl amide (DEET) punishment. We then treated flies with OA receptor antagonists before appetitive or aversive conditioning and a memory retention test. Injection of OA receptor antagonist mianserin or epinastine into the abdomen of flies led to impaired of appetitive learning and memory retention with a sucrose reward, while aversive learning and memory retention with DEET punishment remained intact. Our results suggest that the OA signaling participates in appetitive but not aversive learning and memory retrieval in B. dorsalis through OA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xin Yu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Bao Qu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Min Hui
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, Department of Biological Science, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin-Nian Zeng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Li Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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19
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Villar ME, Pavão-Delgado M, Amigo M, Jacob PF, Merabet N, Pinot A, Perry SA, Waddell S, Perisse E. Differential coding of absolute and relative aversive value in the Drosophila brain. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4576-4592.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Krishnamurthy K, Hermundstad AM, Mora T, Walczak AM, Balasubramanian V. Disorder and the Neural Representation of Complex Odors. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:917786. [PMID: 36003684 PMCID: PMC9393645 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.917786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals smelling in the real world use a small number of receptors to sense a vast number of natural molecular mixtures, and proceed to learn arbitrary associations between odors and valences. Here, we propose how the architecture of olfactory circuits leverages disorder, diffuse sensing and redundancy in representation to meet these immense complementary challenges. First, the diffuse and disordered binding of receptors to many molecules compresses a vast but sparsely-structured odor space into a small receptor space, yielding an odor code that preserves similarity in a precise sense. Introducing any order/structure in the sensing degrades similarity preservation. Next, lateral interactions further reduce the correlation present in the low-dimensional receptor code. Finally, expansive disordered projections from the periphery to the central brain reconfigure the densely packed information into a high-dimensional representation, which contains multiple redundant subsets from which downstream neurons can learn flexible associations and valences. Moreover, introducing any order in the expansive projections degrades the ability to recall the learned associations in the presence of noise. We test our theory empirically using data from Drosophila. Our theory suggests that the neural processing of sparse but high-dimensional olfactory information differs from the other senses in its fundamental use of disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamesh Krishnamurthy
- Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics and Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Ann M. Hermundstad
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Thierry Mora
- Laboratoire de Physique Statistique, UMR8550, CNRS, UPMC and École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra M. Walczak
- Laboratoire de Physique Théorique, UMR8549m CNRS, UPMC and École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Vijay Balasubramanian
- David Rittenhouse and Richards Laboratories, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Vijay Balasubramanian
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21
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Sebesta C, Torres Hinojosa D, Wang B, Asfouri J, Li Z, Duret G, Jiang K, Xiao Z, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Colvin VL, Goetz SM, Peterchev AV, Dierick HA, Bao G, Robinson JT. Subsecond multichannel magnetic control of select neural circuits in freely moving flies. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:951-958. [PMID: 35761060 PMCID: PMC10965118 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Precisely timed activation of genetically targeted cells is a powerful tool for the study of neural circuits and control of cell-based therapies. Magnetic control of cell activity, or 'magnetogenetics', using magnetic nanoparticle heating of temperature-sensitive ion channels enables remote, non-invasive activation of neurons for deep-tissue applications and freely behaving animal studies. However, the in vivo response time of thermal magnetogenetics is currently tens of seconds, which prevents precise temporal modulation of neural activity. Moreover, magnetogenetics has yet to achieve in vivo multiplexed stimulation of different groups of neurons. Here we produce subsecond behavioural responses in Drosophila melanogaster by combining magnetic nanoparticles with a rate-sensitive thermoreceptor (TRPA1-A). Furthermore, by tuning magnetic nanoparticles to respond to different magnetic field strengths and frequencies, we achieve subsecond, multichannel stimulation. These results bring magnetogenetics closer to the temporal resolution and multiplexed stimulation possible with optogenetics while maintaining the minimal invasiveness and deep-tissue stimulation possible only by magnetic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Sebesta
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Boshuo Wang
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Asfouri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongxi Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Guillaume Duret
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaiyi Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhen Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingbo Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicki L Colvin
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stefan M Goetz
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Institute of Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Engineering, School of Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angel V Peterchev
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Herman A Dierick
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob T Robinson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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22
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Validation of an Optogenetic Approach to the Study of Olfactory Behavior in the T-Maze of Drosophila melanogaster Adults. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13080662. [PMID: 35893017 PMCID: PMC9330658 DOI: 10.3390/insects13080662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) has been used as a model organism to study the olfactory system of insects thanks to the wide range of genetic tools available in this species. Among these tools, optogenetics allows the immediate alteration of the functioning of certain cells with light by the targeted expression of light receptor proteins in these cells. Thus, by successively expressing these receptors in different elements of the behavioral circuit, it is possible to evaluate their effect on the final behavior of the organism. However, the use of optogenetics to dissect the receptor elements of adult olfactory behavior presents a challenge because most odorants elicit gradual attraction or avoidance depending on their concentration, complicating the representative substitution of odor by light. In this work, we explore a dual excitation model in which the subject responds to various odorant concentrations while the olfactory receptor neurons are activated by light. The dose–response curve in these flies remains odorant concentration dependent, but with reduced sensitivity compared to olfactory stimulation alone. The existence of an effect associated with each of the two stimuli, odor and light, allows us to explore the quantitative contribution of the receptor elements to olfactory behavior also by optogenetics. Abstract Optogenetics enables the alteration of neural activity using genetically targeted expression of light activated proteins for studying behavioral circuits in several species including Drosophila. The main idea behind this approach is to replace the native behavioral stimulus by the light-induced electrical activation of different points of the circuit. Therefore, its effects on subsequent steps of the circuit or on the final behavior can be analyzed. However, the use of optogenetics to dissect the receptor elements of the adult olfactory behavior presents a challenge due to one additional factor: Most odorants elicit attraction or avoidance depending on their concentration; this complicates the representative replacement of odor activation of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) by light. Here, we explore a dual excitation model where the subject is responding to odors while the OSNs are optogenetically activated. Thereby, we can assess if and how the olfactory behavior is modified. We measure the effects of light excitation on the response to several odorant concentrations. The dose-response curve of these flies still depends on odor concentration but with reduced sensitivity compared to olfactory stimulation alone. These results are consistent with behavioral tests performed with a background odor and suggest an additive effect of light and odor excitation on OSNs.
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23
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Emiliani V, Entcheva E, Hedrich R, Hegemann P, Konrad KR, Lüscher C, Mahn M, Pan ZH, Sims RR, Vierock J, Yizhar O. Optogenetics for light control of biological systems. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:55. [PMID: 37933248 PMCID: PMC10627578 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques have been developed to allow control over the activity of selected cells within a highly heterogeneous tissue, using a combination of genetic engineering and light. Optogenetics employs natural and engineered photoreceptors, mostly of microbial origin, to be genetically introduced into the cells of interest. As a result, cells that are naturally light-insensitive can be made photosensitive and addressable by illumination and precisely controllable in time and space. The selectivity of expression and subcellular targeting in the host is enabled by applying control elements such as promoters, enhancers and specific targeting sequences to the employed photoreceptor-encoding DNA. This powerful approach allows precise characterization and manipulation of cellular functions and has motivated the development of advanced optical methods for patterned photostimulation. Optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience during the past 15 years and is primed to have a similar impact in other fields, including cardiology, cell biology and plant sciences. In this Primer, we describe the principles of optogenetics, review the most commonly used optogenetic tools, illumination approaches and scientific applications and discuss the possibilities and limitations associated with optogenetic manipulations across a wide variety of optical techniques, cells, circuits and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Emiliani
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rainer Hedrich
- Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai R. Konrad
- Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Mahn
- Department of Neurobiology, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zhuo-Hua Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ruth R. Sims
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Johannes Vierock
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ofer Yizhar
- Departments of Brain Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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24
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Adel M, Chen N, Zhang Y, Reed ML, Quasney C, Griffith LC. Pairing-Dependent Plasticity in a Dissected Fly Brain Is Input-Specific and Requires Synaptic CaMKII Enrichment and Nighttime Sleep. J Neurosci 2022; 42:4297-4310. [PMID: 35474278 PMCID: PMC9145224 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0144-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, in vivo functional imaging studies revealed that associative memory formation is coupled to a cascade of neural plasticity events in distinct compartments of the mushroom body (MB). In-depth investigation of the circuit dynamics, however, will require an ex vivo model that faithfully mirrors these events to allow direct manipulations of circuit elements that are inaccessible in the intact fly. The current ex vivo models have been able to reproduce the fundamental plasticity of aversive short-term memory, a potentiation of the MB intrinsic neuron (Kenyon cells [KCs]) responses after artificial learning ex vivo However, this potentiation showed different localization and encoding properties from those reported in vivo and failed to generate the previously reported suppression plasticity in the MB output neurons (MBONs). Here, we develop an ex vivo model using the female Drosophila brain that recapitulates behaviorally evoked plasticity in the KCs and MBONs. We demonstrate that this plasticity accurately localizes to the MB α'3 compartment and is encoded by a coincidence between KC activation and dopaminergic input. The formed plasticity is input-specific, requiring pairing of the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus pathways; hence, we name it pairing-dependent plasticity. Pairing-dependent plasticity formation requires an intact CaMKII gene and is blocked by previous-night sleep deprivation but is rescued by rebound sleep. In conclusion, we show that our ex vivo preparation recapitulates behavioral and imaging results from intact animals and can provide new insights into mechanisms of memory formation at the level of molecules, circuits, and brain state.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mammalian ex vivo LTP model enabled in-depth investigation of the hippocampal memory circuit. We develop a parallel model to study the Drosophila mushroom body (MB) memory circuit. Pairing activation of the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus pathways in dissected brains induces a potentiation pairing-dependent plasticity (PDP) in the axons of α'β' Kenyon cells and a suppression PDP in the dendrites of their postsynaptic MB output neurons, localized in the MB α'3 compartment. This PDP is input-specific and requires the 3' untranslated region of CaMKII Interestingly, ex vivo PDP carries information about the animal's experience before dissection; brains from sleep-deprived animals fail to form PDP, whereas those from animals who recovered 2 h of their lost sleep form PDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Adel
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
| | - Nannan Chen
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
| | - Martha L Reed
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
| | - Christina Quasney
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
| | - Leslie C Griffith
- Department of Biology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110
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25
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Haynes EM, Ulland TK, Eliceiri KW. A Model of Discovery: The Role of Imaging Established and Emerging Non-mammalian Models in Neuroscience. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:867010. [PMID: 35493325 PMCID: PMC9046975 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.867010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents have been the dominant animal models in neurobiology and neurological disease research over the past 60 years. The prevalent use of rats and mice in neuroscience research has been driven by several key attributes including their organ physiology being more similar to humans, the availability of a broad variety of behavioral tests and genetic tools, and widely accessible reagents. However, despite the many advances in understanding neurobiology that have been achieved using rodent models, there remain key limitations in the questions that can be addressed in these and other mammalian models. In particular, in vivo imaging in mammals at the cell-resolution level remains technically difficult and demands large investments in time and cost. The simpler nervous systems of many non-mammalian models allow for precise mapping of circuits and even the whole brain with impressive subcellular resolution. The types of non-mammalian neuroscience models available spans vertebrates and non-vertebrates, so that an appropriate model for most cell biological questions in neurodegenerative disease likely exists. A push to diversify the models used in neuroscience research could help address current gaps in knowledge, complement existing rodent-based bodies of work, and bring new insight into our understanding of human disease. Moreover, there are inherent aspects of many non-mammalian models such as lifespan and tissue transparency that can make them specifically advantageous for neuroscience studies. Crispr/Cas9 gene editing and decreased cost of genome sequencing combined with advances in optical microscopy enhances the utility of new animal models to address specific questions. This review seeks to synthesize current knowledge of established and emerging non-mammalian model organisms with advances in cellular-resolution in vivo imaging techniques to suggest new approaches to understand neurodegeneration and neurobiological processes. We will summarize current tools and in vivo imaging approaches at the single cell scale that could help lead to increased consideration of non-mammalian models in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Haynes
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Tyler K. Ulland
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kevin W. Eliceiri
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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26
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Honda T. Optogenetic and thermogenetic manipulation of defined neural circuits and behaviors in Drosophila. Learn Mem 2022; 29:100-109. [PMID: 35332066 PMCID: PMC8973390 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053556.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neural network dynamics underlying flexible animal behaviors remain elusive. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is considered an excellent model in behavioral neuroscience because of its simple neuroanatomical architecture and the availability of various genetic methods. Moreover, Drosophila larvae's transparent body allows investigators to use optical methods on freely moving animals, broadening research directions. Activating or inhibiting well-defined events in excitable cells with a fine temporal resolution using optogenetics and thermogenetics led to the association of functions of defined neural populations with specific behavioral outputs such as the induction of associative memory. Furthermore, combining optogenetics and thermogenetics with state-of-the-art approaches, including connectome mapping and machine learning-based behavioral quantification, might provide a complete view of the experience- and time-dependent variations of behavioral responses. These methodologies allow further understanding of the functional connections between neural circuits and behaviors such as chemosensory, motivational, courtship, and feeding behaviors and sleep, learning, and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takato Honda
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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27
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Gkanias E, McCurdy LY, Nitabach MN, Webb B. An incentive circuit for memory dynamics in the mushroom body of Drosophila melanogaster. eLife 2022; 11:e75611. [PMID: 35363138 PMCID: PMC8975552 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects adapt their response to stimuli, such as odours, according to their pairing with positive or negative reinforcements, such as sugar or shock. Recent electrophysiological and imaging findings in Drosophila melanogaster allow detailed examination of the neural mechanisms supporting the acquisition, forgetting, and assimilation of memories. We propose that this data can be explained by the combination of a dopaminergic plasticity rule that supports a variety of synaptic strength change phenomena, and a circuit structure (derived from neuroanatomy) between dopaminergic and output neurons that creates different roles for specific neurons. Computational modelling shows that this circuit allows for rapid memory acquisition, transfer from short term to long term, and exploration/exploitation trade-off. The model can reproduce the observed changes in the activity of each of the identified neurons in conditioning paradigms and can be used for flexible behavioural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evripidis Gkanias
- Institute of Perception Action and Behaviour, School of Informatics, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Li Yan McCurdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Michael N Nitabach
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Barbara Webb
- Institute of Perception Action and Behaviour, School of Informatics, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
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28
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Stahl A, Noyes NC, Boto T, Botero V, Broyles CN, Jing M, Zeng J, King LB, Li Y, Davis RL, Tomchik SM. Associative learning drives longitudinally graded presynaptic plasticity of neurotransmitter release along axonal compartments. eLife 2022; 11:e76712. [PMID: 35285796 PMCID: PMC8956283 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Anatomical and physiological compartmentalization of neurons is a mechanism to increase the computational capacity of a circuit, and a major question is what role axonal compartmentalization plays. Axonal compartmentalization may enable localized, presynaptic plasticity to alter neuronal output in a flexible, experience-dependent manner. Here, we show that olfactory learning generates compartmentalized, bidirectional plasticity of acetylcholine release that varies across the longitudinal compartments of Drosophila mushroom body (MB) axons. The directionality of the learning-induced plasticity depends on the valence of the learning event (aversive vs. appetitive), varies linearly across proximal to distal compartments following appetitive conditioning, and correlates with learning-induced changes in downstream mushroom body output neurons (MBONs) that modulate behavioral action selection. Potentiation of acetylcholine release was dependent on the CaV2.1 calcium channel subunit cacophony. In addition, contrast between the positive conditioned stimulus and other odors required the inositol triphosphate receptor, which maintained responsivity to odors upon repeated presentations, preventing adaptation. Downstream from the MB, a set of MBONs that receive their input from the γ3 MB compartment were required for normal appetitive learning, suggesting that they represent a key node through which reward learning influences decision-making. These data demonstrate that learning drives valence-correlated, compartmentalized, bidirectional potentiation, and depression of synaptic neurotransmitter release, which rely on distinct mechanisms and are distributed across axonal compartments in a learning circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Stahl
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Nathaniel C Noyes
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Tamara Boto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Connor N Broyles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Miao Jing
- Chinese Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhi Zeng
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life SciencesBeijingChina
- PKU IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Lanikea B King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Yulong Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life SciencesBeijingChina
- PKU IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Ronald L Davis
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
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29
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Devineni AV, Scaplen KM. Neural Circuits Underlying Behavioral Flexibility: Insights From Drosophila. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:821680. [PMID: 35069145 PMCID: PMC8770416 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.821680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral flexibility is critical to survival. Animals must adapt their behavioral responses based on changes in the environmental context, internal state, or experience. Studies in Drosophila melanogaster have provided insight into the neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavioral flexibility. Here we discuss how Drosophila behavior is modulated by internal and behavioral state, environmental context, and learning. We describe general principles of neural circuit organization and modulation that underlie behavioral flexibility, principles that are likely to extend to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita V. Devineni
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kristin M. Scaplen
- Department of Psychology, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, United States
- Center for Health and Behavioral Studies, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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30
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Croteau-Chonka EC, Clayton MS, Venkatasubramanian L, Harris SN, Jones BMW, Narayan L, Winding M, Masson JB, Zlatic M, Klein KT. High-throughput automated methods for classical and operant conditioning of Drosophila larvae. eLife 2022; 11:70015. [PMID: 36305588 PMCID: PMC9678368 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning which stimuli (classical conditioning) or which actions (operant conditioning) predict rewards or punishments can improve chances of survival. However, the circuit mechanisms that underlie distinct types of associative learning are still not fully understood. Automated, high-throughput paradigms for studying different types of associative learning, combined with manipulation of specific neurons in freely behaving animals, can help advance this field. The Drosophila melanogaster larva is a tractable model system for studying the circuit basis of behaviour, but many forms of associative learning have not yet been demonstrated in this animal. Here, we developed a high-throughput (i.e. multi-larva) training system that combines real-time behaviour detection of freely moving larvae with targeted opto- and thermogenetic stimulation of tracked animals. Both stimuli are controlled in either open- or closed-loop, and delivered with high temporal and spatial precision. Using this tracker, we show for the first time that Drosophila larvae can perform classical conditioning with no overlap between sensory stimuli (i.e. trace conditioning). We also demonstrate that larvae are capable of operant conditioning by inducing a bend direction preference through optogenetic activation of reward-encoding serotonergic neurons. Our results extend the known associative learning capacities of Drosophila larvae. Our automated training rig will facilitate the study of many different forms of associative learning and the identification of the neural circuits that underpin them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise C Croteau-Chonka
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Lakshmi Narayan
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Michael Winding
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Jean-Baptiste Masson
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States,Decision and Bayesian Computation, Neuroscience Department & Computational Biology Department, Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Marta Zlatic
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States,MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Kristina T Klein
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
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31
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Eschbach C, Fushiki A, Winding M, Afonso B, Andrade IV, Cocanougher BT, Eichler K, Gepner R, Si G, Valdes-Aleman J, Fetter RD, Gershow M, Jefferis GS, Samuel AD, Truman JW, Cardona A, Zlatic M. Circuits for integrating learned and innate valences in the insect brain. eLife 2021; 10:62567. [PMID: 34755599 PMCID: PMC8616581 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal behavior is shaped both by evolution and by individual experience. Parallel brain pathways encode innate and learned valences of cues, but the way in which they are integrated during action-selection is not well understood. We used electron microscopy to comprehensively map with synaptic resolution all neurons downstream of all mushroom body (MB) output neurons (encoding learned valences) and characterized their patterns of interaction with lateral horn (LH) neurons (encoding innate valences) in Drosophila larva. The connectome revealed multiple convergence neuron types that receive convergent MB and LH inputs. A subset of these receives excitatory input from positive-valence MB and LH pathways and inhibitory input from negative-valence MB pathways. We confirmed functional connectivity from LH and MB pathways and behavioral roles of two of these neurons. These neurons encode integrated odor value and bidirectionally regulate turning. Based on this, we speculate that learning could potentially skew the balance of excitation and inhibition onto these neurons and thereby modulate turning. Together, our study provides insights into the circuits that integrate learned and innate valences to modify behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Eschbach
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Akira Fushiki
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Department of Neuroscience & Neurology, & Zuckerman Mind Brain Institute, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Michael Winding
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Afonso
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid V Andrade
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Benjamin T Cocanougher
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Eichler
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ruben Gepner
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, United States
| | - Guangwei Si
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Javier Valdes-Aleman
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | | | - Marc Gershow
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, United States.,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, United States.,Neuroscience Institute, New York University, New York, United States
| | - Gregory Sxe Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aravinthan Dt Samuel
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - James W Truman
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Albert Cardona
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Zlatic
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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32
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Koopman M, Janssen L, Nollen EAA. An economical and highly adaptable optogenetics system for individual and population-level manipulation of Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Biol 2021; 19:170. [PMID: 34429103 PMCID: PMC8386059 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optogenetics allows the experimental manipulation of excitable cells by a light stimulus without the need for technically challenging and invasive procedures. The high degree of spatial, temporal, and intensity control that can be achieved with a light stimulus, combined with cell type-specific expression of light-sensitive ion channels, enables highly specific and precise stimulation of excitable cells. Optogenetic tools have therefore revolutionized the study of neuronal circuits in a number of models, including Caenorhabditis elegans. Despite the existence of several optogenetic systems that allow spatial and temporal photoactivation of light-sensitive actuators in C. elegans, their high costs and low flexibility have limited wide access to optogenetics. Here, we developed an inexpensive, easy-to-build, modular, and adjustable optogenetics device for use on different microscopes and worm trackers, which we called the OptoArm. Results The OptoArm allows for single- and multiple-worm illumination and is adaptable in terms of light intensity, lighting profiles, and light color. We demonstrate OptoArm’s power in a population-based multi-parameter study on the contributions of motor circuit cells to age-related motility decline. We found that individual components of the neuromuscular system display different rates of age-dependent deterioration. The functional decline of cholinergic neurons mirrors motor decline, while GABAergic neurons and muscle cells are relatively age-resilient, suggesting that rate-limiting cells exist and determine neuronal circuit ageing. Conclusion We have assembled an economical, reliable, and highly adaptable optogenetics system which can be deployed to address diverse biological questions. We provide a detailed description of the construction as well as technical and biological validation of our set-up. Importantly, use of the OptoArm is not limited to C. elegans and may benefit studies in multiple model organisms, making optogenetics more accessible to the broader research community. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01085-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - L Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Jiang L, Litwin-Kumar A. Models of heterogeneous dopamine signaling in an insect learning and memory center. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009205. [PMID: 34375329 PMCID: PMC8354444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila mushroom body exhibits dopamine dependent synaptic plasticity that underlies the acquisition of associative memories. Recordings of dopamine neurons in this system have identified signals related to external reinforcement such as reward and punishment. However, other factors including locomotion, novelty, reward expectation, and internal state have also recently been shown to modulate dopamine neurons. This heterogeneity is at odds with typical modeling approaches in which these neurons are assumed to encode a global, scalar error signal. How is dopamine dependent plasticity coordinated in the presence of such heterogeneity? We develop a modeling approach that infers a pattern of dopamine activity sufficient to solve defined behavioral tasks, given architectural constraints informed by knowledge of mushroom body circuitry. Model dopamine neurons exhibit diverse tuning to task parameters while nonetheless producing coherent learned behaviors. Notably, reward prediction error emerges as a mode of population activity distributed across these neurons. Our results provide a mechanistic framework that accounts for the heterogeneity of dopamine activity during learning and behavior. Dopamine neurons across the animal kingdom are involved in the formation of associative memories. While numerous studies have recorded activity in these neurons related to external and predicted rewards, the diversity of these neurons’ activity and their tuning to non-reward-related quantities such as novelty, movement, and internal state have proved challenging to account for in traditional modeling approaches. Using a well-characterized model system for learning and memory, the mushroom body of Drosophila fruit flies, Jiang and Litwin-Kumar provide an account of the diversity of signals across dopamine neurons. They show that models optimized to solve tasks like those encountered by flies exhibit heterogeneous activity across dopamine neurons, but nonetheless this activity is sufficient for the system to solve the tasks. The models will be useful to generate testable hypotheses about dopamine neuron activity across different experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnie Jiang
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Ashok Litwin-Kumar
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Keshmiri Neghab H, Soheilifar MH, Grusch M, Ortega MM, Esmaeeli Djavid G, Saboury AA, Goliaei B. The state of the art of biomedical applications of optogenetics. Lasers Surg Med 2021; 54:202-216. [PMID: 34363230 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23463] [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] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Optogenetics has opened new insights into biomedical research with the ability to manipulate and control cellular activity using light in combination with genetically engineered photosensitive proteins. By stimulating with light, this method provides high spatiotemporal and high specificity resolution, which is in contrast to conventional pharmacological or electrical stimulation. Optogenetics was initially introduced to control neural activities but was gradually extended to other biomedical fields. STUDY DESIGN In this paper, firstly, we summarize the current optogenetic tools stimulated by different light sources, including lasers, light-emitting diodes, and laser diodes. Second, we outline the variety of biomedical applications of optogenetics not only for neuronal circuits but also for various kinds of cells and tissues from cardiomyocytes to ganglion cells. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of this technique for treating neurological disorders, cardiac arrhythmia, visual impairment, hearing loss, and urinary bladder diseases as well as clarify the mechanisms underlying cancer progression and control of stem cell differentiation. CONCLUSION We sought to summarize the various types of promising applications of optogenetics to treat a broad spectrum of disorders. It is conceivable to expect that optogenetics profits a growing number of patients suffering from a range of different diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Keshmiri Neghab
- Department of Photo Healing and Regeneration, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Michael Grusch
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manoela Marques Ortega
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gholamreza Esmaeeli Djavid
- Department of Photo Healing and Regeneration, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Goliaei
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Thoener J, König C, Weiglein A, Toshima N, Mancini N, Amin F, Schleyer M. Associative learning in larval and adult Drosophila is impaired by the dopamine-synthesis inhibitor 3-Iodo-L-tyrosine. Biol Open 2021; 10:269081. [PMID: 34106227 PMCID: PMC8214425 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058198] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Across the animal kingdom, dopamine plays a crucial role in conferring reinforcement signals that teach animals about the causal structure of the world. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, dopaminergic reinforcement has largely been studied using genetics, whereas pharmacological approaches have received less attention. Here, we apply the dopamine-synthesis inhibitor 3-Iodo-L-tyrosine (3IY), which causes acute systemic inhibition of dopamine signaling, and investigate its effects on Pavlovian conditioning. We find that 3IY feeding impairs sugar-reward learning in larvae while leaving task-relevant behavioral faculties intact, and that additional feeding of a precursor of dopamine (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, L-DOPA), rescues this impairment. Concerning a different developmental stage and for the aversive valence domain. Moreover, we demonstrate that punishment learning by activating the dopaminergic neuron PPL1-γ1pedc in adult flies is also impaired by 3IY feeding, and can likewise be rescued by L-DOPA. Our findings exemplify the advantages of using a pharmacological approach in combination with the genetic techniques available in D. melanogaster to manipulate neuronal and behavioral function. Summary: We surveyed the effects of a dopamine-synthesis inhibitor on associative learning in larval and adult Drosophila. This approach can supplement genetic tools in investigating the conserved reinforcing function of dopamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Thoener
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian König
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aliće Weiglein
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Naoko Toshima
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nino Mancini
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fatima Amin
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schleyer
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
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Adel M, Griffith LC. The Role of Dopamine in Associative Learning in Drosophila: An Updated Unified Model. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:831-852. [PMID: 33779893 PMCID: PMC8192648 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning to associate a positive or negative experience with an unrelated cue after the presentation of a reward or a punishment defines associative learning. The ability to form associative memories has been reported in animal species as complex as humans and as simple as insects and sea slugs. Associative memory has even been reported in tardigrades [1], species that diverged from other animal phyla 500 million years ago. Understanding the mechanisms of memory formation is a fundamental goal of neuroscience research. In this article, we work on resolving the current contradictions between different Drosophila associative memory circuit models and propose an updated version of the circuit model that predicts known memory behaviors that current models do not. Finally, we propose a model for how dopamine may function as a reward prediction error signal in Drosophila, a dopamine function that is well-established in mammals but not in insects [2, 3].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Adel
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02454-9110, USA.
| | - Leslie C Griffith
- Department of Biology, Volen National Center for Complex Systems and National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02454-9110, USA
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Key B, Zalucki O, Brown DJ. Neural Design Principles for Subjective Experience: Implications for Insects. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:658037. [PMID: 34025371 PMCID: PMC8131515 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.658037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
How subjective experience is realized in nervous systems remains one of the great challenges in the natural sciences. An answer to this question should resolve debate about which animals are capable of subjective experience. We contend that subjective experience of sensory stimuli is dependent on the brain's awareness of its internal neural processing of these stimuli. This premise is supported by empirical evidence demonstrating that disruption to either processing streams or awareness states perturb subjective experience. Given that the brain must predict the nature of sensory stimuli, we reason that conscious awareness is itself dependent on predictions generated by hierarchically organized forward models of the organism's internal sensory processing. The operation of these forward models requires a specialized neural architecture and hence any nervous system lacking this architecture is unable to subjectively experience sensory stimuli. This approach removes difficulties associated with extrapolations from behavioral and brain homologies typically employed in addressing whether an animal can feel. Using nociception as a model sensation, we show here that the Drosophila brain lacks the required internal neural connectivity to implement the computations required of hierarchical forward models. Consequently, we conclude that Drosophila, and those insects with similar neuroanatomy, do not subjectively experience noxious stimuli and therefore cannot feel pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Key
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Oressia Zalucki
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Deborah J. Brown
- School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Bian A, Jiang X, Berh D, Risse B. Resolving Colliding Larvae by Fitting ASM to Random Walker-Based Pre-Segmentations. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 18:1184-1194. [PMID: 31425121 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2019.2935718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is an important model organism for research in neuro- and behavioral biology. Automated studies of their locomotion are crucial to link sensory input and neural processing to motor output which has led to numerous vision-based tracking systems. However, most of these approaches share the inability to segment the contours of colliding animals causing identity losses, appearing and disappearing animals, and the absence of posture and motion related measurements during the time of the collision. We present a novel collision resolution algorithm enabling an accurate contour segmentation of multiple touching Drosophila larvae. Our algorithm utilizes an adapted active shape model (ASM) to learn a low dimensional posture space which is fitted to random-walker generated pre-segmentations. We evaluate our collision resolution algorithm using three publicly available datasets and compare it with the current state-of-the-art methods. In addition, we introduce a refined dataset enabling a segmentation evaluation on the level of pixel accuracy. The results demonstrate that our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches in both accuracy and computational time. We will incorporate this algorithm into our widely used tracking program to improve the statistical strength of the behavioral quantification and allow marker-free studies of interacting Drosophila larvae.
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Weiglein A, Thoener J, Feldbruegge I, Warzog L, Mancini N, Schleyer M, Gerber B. Aversive teaching signals from individual dopamine neurons in larval Drosophila show qualitative differences in their temporal "fingerprint". J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:1553-1570. [PMID: 32965036 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine serves many functions, and dopamine neurons are correspondingly diverse. We use a combination of optogenetics, behavioral experiments, and high-resolution video-tracking to probe for the functional capacities of two single, identified dopamine neurons in larval Drosophila. The DAN-f1 and the DAN-d1 neuron were recently found to carry aversive teaching signals during Pavlovian olfactory learning. We enquire into a fundamental feature of these teaching signals, namely their temporal "fingerprint". That is, receiving punishment feels bad, whereas being relieved from it feels good, and animals and humans alike learn with opposite valence about the occurrence and the termination of punishment (the same principle applies in the appetitive domain, with opposite sign). We find that DAN-f1 but not DAN-d1 can mediate such timing-dependent valence reversal: presenting an odor before DAN-f1 activation leads to learned avoidance of the odor (punishment memory), whereas presenting the odor upon termination of DAN-f1 activation leads to learned approach (relief memory). In contrast, DAN-d1 confers punishment memory only. These effects are further characterized in terms of the impact of the duration of optogenetic activation, the temporal stability of the memories thus established, and the specific microbehavioral patterns of locomotion through which they are expressed. Together with recent findings in the appetitive domain and from adult Drosophila, our results suggest that heterogeneity in the temporal fingerprint of teaching signals might be a more general principle of reinforcement processing through dopamine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliće Weiglein
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Thoener
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Irina Feldbruegge
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Louisa Warzog
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nino Mancini
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schleyer
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Department of Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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40
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Raman DV, O'Leary T. Frozen algorithms: how the brain's wiring facilitates learning. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 67:207-214. [PMID: 33508698 PMCID: PMC8202511 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Synapses and neural connectivity are plastic and shaped by experience. But to what extent does connectivity itself influence the ability of a neural circuit to learn? Insights from optimization theory and AI shed light on how learning can be implemented in neural circuits. Though abstract in their nature, learning algorithms provide a principled set of hypotheses on the necessary ingredients for learning in neural circuits. These include the kinds of signals and circuit motifs that enable learning from experience, as well as an appreciation of the constraints that make learning challenging in a biological setting. Remarkably, some simple connectivity patterns can boost the efficiency of relatively crude learning rules, showing how the brain can use anatomy to compensate for the biological constraints of known synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Modern connectomics provides rich data for exploring this principle, and may reveal how brain connectivity is constrained by the requirement to learn efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruva V Raman
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy O'Leary
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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41
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Kobler O, Weiglein A, Hartung K, Chen YC, Gerber B, Thomas U. A quick and versatile protocol for the 3D visualization of transgene expression across the whole body of larval Drosophila. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:306-319. [PMID: 33688796 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1892096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Larval Drosophila are used as a genetically accessible study case in many areas of biological research. Here we report a fast, robust and user-friendly procedure for the whole-body multi-fluorescence imaging of Drosophila larvae; the protocol has been optimized specifically for larvae by systematically tackling the pitfalls associated with clearing this small but cuticularized organism. Tests on various fluorescent proteins reveal that the recently introduced monomeric infrared fluorescent protein (mIFP) is particularly suitable for our approach. This approach comprises an effective, low-cost clearing protocol with minimal handling time and reduced toxicity in the reagents employed. It combines a success rate high enough to allow for small-scale screening approaches and a resolution sufficient for cellular-level analyses with light sheet and confocal microscopy. Given that publications and database documentations typically specify expression patterns of transgenic driver lines only within a given organ system of interest, the present procedure should be versatile enough to extend such documentation systematically to the whole body. As examples, the expression patterns of transgenic driver lines covering the majority of neurons, or subsets of chemosensory, central brain or motor neurons, are documented in the context of whole larval body volumes (using nsyb-Gal4, IR76b-Gal4, APL-Gal4 and mushroom body Kenyon cells, or OK371-Gal4, respectively). Notably, the presented protocol allows for triple-color fluorescence imaging with near-infrared, red and yellow fluorescent proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kobler
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Combinatorial NeuroImaging Core Facility (CNI), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aliće Weiglein
- Department of Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Hartung
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Department of Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Department of Genetics of Learning and Memory, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Thomas
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
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Emmons-Bell M, Hariharan IK. Membrane potential regulates Hedgehog signalling in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51861. [PMID: 33629503 PMCID: PMC8024891 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While the membrane potential of cells has been shown to be patterned in some tissues, specific roles for membrane potential in regulating signalling pathways that function during development are still being established. In the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, Hedgehog (Hh) from posterior cells activates a signalling pathway in anterior cells near the boundary which is necessary for boundary maintenance. Here, we show that membrane potential is patterned in the wing disc. Anterior cells near the boundary, where Hh signalling is most active, are more depolarized than posterior cells across the boundary. Elevated expression of the ENaC channel Ripped Pocket (Rpk), observed in these anterior cells, requires Hh. Antagonizing Rpk reduces depolarization and Hh signal transduction. Using genetic and optogenetic manipulations, in both the wing disc and the salivary gland, we show that membrane depolarization promotes membrane localization of Smoothened and augments Hh signalling, independently of Patched. Thus, membrane depolarization and Hh‐dependent signalling mutually reinforce each other in cells immediately anterior to the compartment boundary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Emmons-Bell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Iswar K Hariharan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Zhou Y, Ding M, Gao S, Yu-Strzelczyk J, Krischke M, Duan X, Leide J, Riederer M, Mueller MJ, Hedrich R, Konrad KR, Nagel G. Optogenetic control of plant growth by a microbial rhodopsin. NATURE PLANTS 2021; 7:144-151. [PMID: 33594268 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-021-00853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While rhodopsin-based optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience1,2, poor expression of opsins and the absence of the essential cofactor all-trans-retinal has complicated the application of rhodopsins in plants. Here, we demonstrate retinal production in plants and improved rhodopsin targeting for green light manipulation of plant cells using the Guillardia theta light-gated anion channelrhodopsin GtACR13. Green light induces a massive increase in anion permeability and pronounced membrane potential changes when GtACR1 is expressed, enabling non-invasive manipulation of plant growth and leaf development. Using light-driven anion loss, we could mimic drought conditions and bring about leaf wilting despite sufficient water supply. Expressed in pollen tubes, global GtACR1 activation triggers membrane potential depolarizations due to large anion currents. While global illumination was associated with a reversible growth arrest, local GtACR1 activation at the flanks of the apical dome steers growth direction away from the side with increased anion conductance. These results suggest a crucial role of anion permeability for the guidance of pollen tube tip growth. This plant optogenetic approach could be expanded to create an entire pallet of rhodopsin-based tools4, greatly facilitating dissection of plant ion-signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Physiological Institute, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Meiqi Ding
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Shiqiang Gao
- Physiological Institute, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Jing Yu-Strzelczyk
- Physiological Institute, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Krischke
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Duan
- Physiological Institute, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jana Leide
- Department of Botany II - Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Riederer
- Department of Botany II - Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Mueller
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Hedrich
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kai R Konrad
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Georg Nagel
- Physiological Institute, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Wong JYH, Wan BA, Bland T, Montagnese M, McLachlan AD, O'Kane CJ, Zhang SW, Masuda-Nakagawa LM. Octopaminergic neurons have multiple targets in Drosophila larval mushroom body calyx and can modulate behavioral odor discrimination. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:53-71. [PMID: 33452115 PMCID: PMC7812863 DOI: 10.1101/lm.052159.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Discrimination of sensory signals is essential for an organism to form and retrieve memories of relevance in a given behavioral context. Sensory representations are modified dynamically by changes in behavioral state, facilitating context-dependent selection of behavior, through signals carried by noradrenergic input in mammals, or octopamine (OA) in insects. To understand the circuit mechanisms of this signaling, we characterized the function of two OA neurons, sVUM1 neurons, that originate in the subesophageal zone (SEZ) and target the input region of the memory center, the mushroom body (MB) calyx, in larval Drosophila. We found that sVUM1 neurons target multiple neurons, including olfactory projection neurons (PNs), the inhibitory neuron APL, and a pair of extrinsic output neurons, but relatively few mushroom body intrinsic neurons, Kenyon cells. PN terminals carried the OA receptor Oamb, a Drosophila α1-adrenergic receptor ortholog. Using an odor discrimination learning paradigm, we showed that optogenetic activation of OA neurons compromised discrimination of similar odors but not learning ability. Our results suggest that sVUM1 neurons modify odor representations via multiple extrinsic inputs at the sensory input area to the MB olfactory learning circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Hilary Wong
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Angela Wan
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Bland
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Montagnese
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Alex D McLachlan
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Cahir J O'Kane
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Shuo Wei Zhang
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
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45
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Serotonin receptor 5-HT7 in Drosophila mushroom body neurons mediates larval appetitive olfactory learning. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21267. [PMID: 33277559 PMCID: PMC7718245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine are critical neuromodulators known to regulate a range of behaviors in invertebrates and mammals, such as learning and memory. Effects of both serotonin and dopamine are mediated largely through their downstream G-protein coupled receptors through cAMP-PKA signaling. While the role of dopamine in olfactory learning in Drosophila is well described, the function of serotonin and its downstream receptors on Drosophila olfactory learning remain largely unexplored. In this study we show that the output of serotonergic neurons, possibly through points of synaptic contacts on the mushroom body (MB), is essential for training during olfactory associative learning in Drosophila larvae. Additionally, we demonstrate that the regulation of olfactory associative learning by serotonin is mediated by its downstream receptor (d5-HT7) in a cAMP-dependent manner. We show that d5-HT7 expression specifically in the MB, an anatomical structure essential for olfactory learning in Drosophila, is critical for olfactory associative learning. Importantly our work shows that spatio-temporal restriction of d5-HT7 expression to the MB is sufficient to rescue olfactory learning deficits in a d5-HT7 null larvae. In summary, our results establish a critical, and previously unknown, role of d5-HT7 in olfactory learning.
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46
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Kong H, Yuan L, Dong C, Zheng M, Jing W, Tian Z, Hou Q, Cheng Y, Zhang L, Jiang X, Luo L. Immunological regulation by a β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor gene in crowded larvae of the oriental Armyworm, Mythmina separata. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 113:103802. [PMID: 32712170 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports demonstrate that octopamine plays an important immunological role in crowded larvae of the Oriental Armyworm, Mythmina separata. We identified an octopamine receptor, the β-adrenergic-like gene (designated MsOctβ2R), with a 1191 bp open reading frame that encodes 396 amino acids and contains seven conserved hydrophobic transmembrane domains. Multiple sequence alignments and a phylogenetic analysis indicated that MsOctβ2R was orthologous to Octβ2R that is present in other lepidopterans. MsOctβ2R was expressed throughout all developmental stages with higher relative expression during the fourth instar and adult stages. MsOctβ2R was highly expressed in the ventral nerve cord and the fat body relative to other examined tissues. Elevated MsOctβ2R expression was observed in larvae that were under higher-density conditions (7 and 10 larvae per jar). Silencing MsOctβ2R expression via dsRNA injections in larvae from higher-density conditions significantly decreased phenoloxidase (PO) and lysozyme activity, total haemocyte counts, and survival rates against Beauveria bassiana infections (54.06%, 9.91%, 36.22%, and 23.53%, respectively) when compared with control larvae. These results suggest that high-density conditions might alter prophylactic immunity in larvae by regulating the MsOctβ2R gene in M. separara and provide new insights into density-dependent prophylaxis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Kong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China.
| | - Lin Yuan
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Chuanlei Dong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Minyuan Zheng
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Wanghui Jing
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Zhen Tian
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Qiuli Hou
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Yunxia Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xingfu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Lizhi Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, China
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Sun F, Zhou J, Dai B, Qian T, Zeng J, Li X, Zhuo Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Qian C, Tan K, Feng J, Dong H, Lin D, Cui G, Li Y. Next-generation GRAB sensors for monitoring dopaminergic activity in vivo. Nat Methods 2020; 17:1156-1166. [PMID: 33087905 PMCID: PMC7648260 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-00981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) plays a critical role in the brain, and the ability to directly measure dopaminergic activity is essential for understanding its physiological functions. We therefore developed red fluorescent G-protein-coupled receptor-activation-based DA (GRABDA) sensors and optimized versions of green fluorescent GRABDA sensors. In response to extracellular DA, both the red and green GRABDA sensors exhibit a large increase in fluorescence, with subcellular resolution, subsecond kinetics and nanomolar-to-submicromolar affinity. Moreover, the GRABDA sensors resolve evoked DA release in mouse brain slices, detect evoked compartmental DA release from a single neuron in live flies and report optogenetically elicited nigrostriatal DA release as well as mesoaccumbens dopaminergic activity during sexual behavior in freely behaving mice. Coexpressing red GRABDA with either green GRABDA or the calcium indicator GCaMP6s allows tracking of dopaminergic signaling and neuronal activity in distinct circuits in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangmiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jingheng Zhou
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Bing Dai
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tongrui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhou Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yipan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jiesi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Guohong Cui
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
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48
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Controlling the behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster via smartphone optogenetics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17614. [PMID: 33077824 PMCID: PMC7572528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates such as Drosophila melanogaster have proven to be a valuable model organism for studies of the nervous system. In order to control neuronal activity, optogenetics has evolved as a powerful technique enabling non-invasive stimulation using light. This requires light sources that can deliver patterns of light with high temporal and spatial precision. Currently employed light sources for stimulation of small invertebrates, however, are either limited in spatial resolution or require sophisticated and bulky equipment. In this work, we used smartphone displays for optogenetic control of Drosophila melanogaster. We developed an open-source smartphone app that allows time-dependent display of light patterns and used this to activate and inhibit different neuronal populations in both larvae and adult flies. Characteristic behavioural responses were observed depending on the displayed colour and brightness and in agreement with the activation spectra and light sensitivity of the used channelrhodopsins. By displaying patterns of light, we constrained larval movement and were able to guide larvae on the display. Our method serves as a low-cost high-resolution testbench for optogenetic experiments using small invertebrate species and is particularly appealing to application in neuroscience teaching labs.
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Lu X, Shen Y, Campbell RE. Engineering Photosensory Modules of Non-Opsin-Based Optogenetic Actuators. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6522. [PMID: 32906617 PMCID: PMC7555876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic (photo-responsive) actuators engineered from photoreceptors are widely used in various applications to study cell biology and tissue physiology. In the toolkit of optogenetic actuators, the key building blocks are genetically encodable light-sensitive proteins. Currently, most optogenetic photosensory modules are engineered from naturally-occurring photoreceptor proteins from bacteria, fungi, and plants. There is a growing demand for novel photosensory domains with improved optical properties and light-induced responses to satisfy the needs of a wider variety of studies in biological sciences. In this review, we focus on progress towards engineering of non-opsin-based photosensory domains, and their representative applications in cell biology and physiology. We summarize current knowledge of engineering of light-sensitive proteins including light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domain (LOV), cryptochrome (CRY2), phytochrome (PhyB and BphP), and fluorescent protein (FP)-based photosensitive domains (Dronpa and PhoCl).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocen Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Robert E. Campbell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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50
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Michels B, Franke K, Weiglein A, Sultani H, Gerber B, Wessjohann LA. Rewarding compounds identified from the medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/16/jeb223982. [PMID: 32848044 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.223982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Preparations of Rhodiola rosea root are widely used in traditional medicine. They can increase life span in worms and flies, and have various effects related to nervous system function in different animal species and humans. However, which of the compounds in R. rosea is mediating any one of these effects has remained unknown in most cases. Here, an analysis of the volatile and non-volatile low-molecular-weight constituents of R. rosea root samples was accompanied by an investigation of their behavioral impact on Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Rhodiola rosea root samples have an attractive smell and taste to the larvae, and exert a rewarding effect. This rewarding effect was also observed for R. rosea root extracts, and did not require activity of dopamine neurons that mediate known rewards such as sugar. Based on the chemical profiles of R. rosea root extracts and resultant fractions, a bioactivity-correlation analysis (AcorA) was performed to identify candidate rewarding compounds. This suggested positive correlations for - among related compounds - ferulic acid eicosyl ester (FAE-20) and β-sitosterol glucoside. A validation using these as pure compounds confirmed that the correlations were causal. Their rewarding effects can be observed even at low micromolar concentrations and thus at remarkably lower doses than for any known taste reward in the larva. We discuss whether similar rewarding effects, should they be observed in humans, would indicate a habit-forming or addictive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Michels
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Franke
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Aliće Weiglein
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Haider Sultani
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany .,Otto von Guericke University, Institute of Biology, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ludger A Wessjohann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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