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Fitzpatrick MJ, Krizan J, Hsiang JC, Shen N, Kerschensteiner D. A pupillary contrast response in mice and humans: Neural mechanisms and visual functions. Neuron 2024; 112:2404-2422.e9. [PMID: 38697114 PMCID: PMC11257825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
In the pupillary light response (PLR), increases in ambient light constrict the pupil to dampen increases in retinal illuminance. Here, we report that the pupillary reflex arc implements a second input-output transformation; it senses temporal contrast to enhance spatial contrast in the retinal image and increase visual acuity. The pupillary contrast response (PCoR) is driven by rod photoreceptors via type 6 bipolar cells and M1 ganglion cells. Temporal contrast is transformed into sustained pupil constriction by the M1's conversion of excitatory input into spike output. Computational modeling explains how the PCoR shapes retinal images. Pupil constriction improves acuity in gaze stabilization and predation in mice. Humans exhibit a PCoR with similar tuning properties to mice, which interacts with eye movements to optimize the statistics of the visual input for retinal encoding. Thus, we uncover a conserved component of active vision, its cell-type-specific pathway, computational mechanisms, and optical and behavioral significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Fitzpatrick
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jenna Krizan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jen-Chun Hsiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Daniel Kerschensteiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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2
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Lee JI, Werginz P, Kameneva T, Im M, Fried SI. Membrane depolarization mediates both the inhibition of neural activity and cell-type-differences in response to high-frequency stimulation. Commun Biol 2024; 7:734. [PMID: 38890481 PMCID: PMC11189419 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation using high frequency (>1 kHz) electric stimulation (HFS) enables preferential activation or inhibition of individual neural types, offering the possibility of more effective treatments across a broad spectrum of neurological diseases. To improve effectiveness, it is important to better understand the mechanisms governing activation and inhibition with HFS so that selectivity can be optimized. In this study, we measure the membrane potential (Vm) and spiking responses of ON and OFF α-sustained retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to a wide range of stimulus frequencies (100-2500 Hz) and amplitudes (10-100 µA). Our findings indicate that HFS induces shifts in Vm, with both the strength and polarity of the shifts dependent on the stimulus conditions. Spiking responses in each cell directly correlate with the shifts in Vm, where strong depolarization leads to spiking suppression. Comparisons between the two cell types reveal that ON cells are more depolarized by a given amplitude of HFS than OFF cells-this sensitivity difference enables the selective targeting. Computational modeling indicates that ion-channel dynamics largely account for the shifts in Vm, suggesting that a better understanding of the differences in ion-channel properties across cell types may improve the selectivity and ultimately, enhance HFS-based neurostimulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ik Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Paul Werginz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- School of Science, Computing, and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maesoon Im
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, South Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shelley I Fried
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston VA Healthcare System, Rehabilitation, Research and Development, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Vita DJ, Orsi FS, Stanko NG, Clark NA, Tiriac A. Development and organization of the retinal orientation selectivity map. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4829. [PMID: 38844438 PMCID: PMC11156980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Orientation or axial selectivity, the property of neurons in the visual system to respond preferentially to certain angles of visual stimuli, plays a pivotal role in our understanding of visual perception and information processing. This computation is performed as early as the retina, and although much work has established the cellular mechanisms of retinal orientation selectivity, how this computation is organized across the retina is unknown. Using a large dataset collected across the mouse retina, we demonstrate functional organization rules of retinal orientation selectivity. First, we identify three major functional classes of retinal cells that are orientation selective and match previous descriptions. Second, we show that one orientation is predominantly represented in the retina and that this predominant orientation changes as a function of retinal location. Third, we demonstrate that neural activity plays little role on the organization of retinal orientation selectivity. Lastly, we use in silico modeling followed by validation experiments to demonstrate that the overrepresented orientation aligns along concentric axes. These results demonstrate that, similar to direction selectivity, orientation selectivity is organized in a functional map as early as the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Vita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Fernanda S Orsi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Nathan G Stanko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Natalie A Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Alexandre Tiriac
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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4
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Skyberg RJ, Niell CM. Natural visual behavior and active sensing in the mouse. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102882. [PMID: 38704868 PMCID: PMC11254345 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102882] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In the natural world, animals use vision for a wide variety of behaviors not reflected in most laboratory paradigms. Although mice have low-acuity vision, they use their vision for many natural behaviors, including predator avoidance, prey capture, and navigation. They also perform active sensing, moving their head and eyes to achieve behavioral goals and acquire visual information. These aspects of natural vision result in visual inputs and corresponding behavioral outputs that are outside the range of conventional vision studies but are essential aspects of visual function. Here, we review recent studies in mice that have tapped into natural behavior and active sensing to reveal the computational logic of neural circuits for vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf J Skyberg
- Department of Biology and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403, USA. https://twitter.com/SkybergRolf
| | - Cristopher M Niell
- Department of Biology and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403, USA.
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5
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Baden T. The vertebrate retina: a window into the evolution of computation in the brain. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2024; 57:None. [PMID: 38899158 PMCID: PMC11183302 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Animal brains are probably the most complex computational machines on our planet, and like everything in biology, they are the product of evolution. Advances in developmental and palaeobiology have been expanding our general understanding of how nervous systems can change at a molecular and structural level. However, how these changes translate into altered function - that is, into 'computation' - remains comparatively sparsely explored. What, concretely, does it mean for neuronal computation when neurons change their morphology and connectivity, when new neurons appear or old ones disappear, or when transmitter systems are slowly modified over many generations? And how does evolution use these many possible knobs and dials to constantly tune computation to give rise to the amazing diversity in animal behaviours we see today? Addressing these major gaps of understanding benefits from choosing a suitable model system. Here, I present the vertebrate retina as one perhaps unusually promising candidate. The retina is ancient and displays highly conserved core organisational principles across the entire vertebrate lineage, alongside a myriad of adjustments across extant species that were shaped by the history of their visual ecology. Moreover, the computational logic of the retina is readily interrogated experimentally, and our existing understanding of retinal circuits in a handful of species can serve as an anchor when exploring the visual circuit adaptations across the entire vertebrate tree of life, from fish deep in the aphotic zone of the oceans to eagles soaring high up in the sky.
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6
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Ambrad Giovannetti E, Rancz E. Behind mouse eyes: The function and control of eye movements in mice. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105671. [PMID: 38604571 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105671] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The mouse visual system has become the most popular model to study the cellular and circuit mechanisms of sensory processing. However, the importance of eye movements only started to be appreciated recently. Eye movements provide a basis for predictive sensing and deliver insights into various brain functions and dysfunctions. A plethora of knowledge on the central control of eye movements and their role in perception and behaviour arose from work on primates. However, an overview of various eye movements in mice and a comparison to primates is missing. Here, we review the eye movement types described to date in mice and compare them to those observed in primates. We discuss the central neuronal mechanisms for their generation and control. Furthermore, we review the mounting literature on eye movements in mice during head-fixed and freely moving behaviours. Finally, we highlight gaps in our understanding and suggest future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ede Rancz
- INMED, INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
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7
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Contreras E, Liang C, Mahoney HL, Javier JL, Luce ML, Labastida Medina K, Bozza T, Schmidt TM. Flp-recombinase mouse line for genetic manipulation of ipRGCs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592761. [PMID: 38766000 PMCID: PMC11100754 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Light has myriad impacts on behavior, health, and physiology. These signals originate in the retina and are relayed to the brain by more than 40 types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Despite a growing appreciation for the diversity of RGCs, how these diverse channels of light information are ultimately integrated by the ~50 retinorecipient brain targets to drive these light-evoked effects is a major open question. This gap in understanding primarily stems from a lack of genetic tools that specifically label, manipulate, or ablate specific RGC types. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a new mouse line (Opn4FlpO), in which FlpO is expressed from the Opn4 locus, to manipulate the melanopsin-expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. We find that the Opn4FlpO line, when crossed to multiple reporters, drives expression that is confined to ipRGCs and primarily labels the M1-M3 subtypes. Labeled cells in this mouse line show the expected intrinsic, melanopsin-based light response and morphological features consistent with the M1-M3 subtypes. In alignment with the morphological and physiological findings, we see strong innervation of non-image forming brain targets by ipRGC axons, and weaker innervation of image forming targets in Opn4FlpO mice labeled using AAV-based and FlpO-reporter lines. Consistent with the FlpO insertion disrupting the endogenous Opn4 transcript, we find that Opn4FlpO/FlpO mice show deficits in the pupillary light reflex, demonstrating their utility for behavioral research in future experiments. Overall, the Opn4FlpO mouse line drives Flp-recombinase expression that is confined to ipRGCs and most effectively drives recombination in M1-M3 ipRGCs. This mouse line will be of broad use to those interested in manipulating ipRGCs through a Flp-based recombinase for intersectional studies or in combination with other, non-Opn4 Cre driver lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Contreras
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Northwestern University Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - C Liang
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - H L Mahoney
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - J L Javier
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - M L Luce
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | | | - T Bozza
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - T M Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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8
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Dyer B, Yu SO, Lane Brown R, Lang RA, D’Souza SP. A new Opn4cre recombinase mouse line to target intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589750. [PMID: 38659888 PMCID: PMC11042346 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a crucial role in several physiological light responses. In this study we generate a new Opn4cre knock-in allele (Opn4cre(DSO)), in which cre is placed immediately downstream of the Opn4 start codon. This approach aims to faithfully reproduce endogenous Opn4 expression and improve compatibility with widely used reporters. We evaluated the efficacy and sensitivity of Opn4cre(DSO) for labeling in retina and brain, and provide an in-depth comparison with the extensively utilized Opn4cre(Saha) line. Through this characterization, Opn4cre(DSO) demonstrated higher specificity in labeling ipRGCs, with minimal recombination escape. Leveraging a combination of electrophysiological, molecular, and morphological analyses, we confirmed its sensitivity in detecting all ipRGC types (M1-M6). Using this new tool, we describe the topographical distributions of ipRGC types across the retinal landscape, uncovering distinct ventronasal biases for M5 and M6 types, setting them apart from their M1-M4 counterparts. In the brain, we find vastly different labeling patterns between lines, with Opn4cre(DSO) only labeling ipRGC axonal projections to their targets. The combination of off-target effects of Opn4cre(Saha) across the retina and brain, coupled with diminished efficiencies of both Cre lines when coupled to less sensitive reporters, underscores the need for careful consideration in experimental design and validation with any Opn4cre driver. Overall, the Opn4cre(DSO) mouse line represents an improved tool for studying ipRGC function and distribution, offering a means to selectively target these cells to study light-regulated behaviors and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brannen Dyer
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
| | - Sue O. Yu
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - R. Lane Brown
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Richard A. Lang
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shane P. D’Souza
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
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9
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Vita DJ, Orsi FS, Stanko NG, Clark NA, Tiriac A. Development and Organization of the Retinal Orientation Selectivity Map. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.27.585774. [PMID: 38585937 PMCID: PMC10996665 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.585774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Orientation or axial selectivity, the property of neurons in the visual system to respond preferentially to certain angles of a visual stimuli, plays a pivotal role in our understanding of visual perception and information processing. This computation is performed as early as the retina, and although much work has established the cellular mechanisms of retinal orientation selectivity, how this computation is organized across the retina is unknown. Using a large dataset collected across the mouse retina, we demonstrate functional organization rules of retinal orientation selectivity. First, we identify three major functional classes of retinal cells that are orientation selective and match previous descriptions. Second, we show that one orientation is predominantly represented in the retina and that this predominant orientation changes as a function of retinal location. Third, we demonstrate that neural activity plays little role on the organization of retinal orientation selectivity. Lastly, we use in silico modeling followed by validation experiments to demonstrate that the overrepresented orientation aligns along concentric axes. These results demonstrate that, similar to direction selectivity, orientation selectivity is organized in a functional map as early as the retina. One Sentence Summary Development and organization of retinal orientation selectivity.
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10
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de Malmazet D, Kühn NK, Li C, Farrow K. Retinal origin of orientation but not direction selective maps in the superior colliculus. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1222-1233.e7. [PMID: 38417446 PMCID: PMC10980837 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurons in the mouse superior colliculus ("colliculus") are arranged in ordered spatial maps. While orientation-selective (OS) neurons form a concentric map aligned to the center of vision, direction-selective (DS) neurons are arranged in patches with changing preferences across the visual field. It remains unclear whether these maps are a consequence of feedforward input from the retina or local computations in the colliculus. To determine whether these maps originate in the retina, we mapped the local and global distribution of OS and DS retinal ganglion cell axon boutons using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging. We found that OS boutons formed patches that matched the distribution of OS neurons within the colliculus. DS boutons displayed fewer regional specializations, better reflecting the organization of DS neurons in the retina. Both eyes convey similar orientation but different DS inputs to the colliculus, as shown in recordings from retinal explants. These data demonstrate that orientation and direction maps within the colliculus are independent, where orientation maps are likely inherited from the retina, but direction maps require additional computations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel de Malmazet
- Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Leuven 3001, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Biology & Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven 3000, Belgium; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Norma K Kühn
- Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Leuven 3001, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Biology & Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven 3000, Belgium; VIB, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Chen Li
- Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Leuven 3001, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Biology & Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Karl Farrow
- Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Leuven 3001, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Biology & Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven 3000, Belgium; VIB, Leuven 3001, Belgium; imec, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
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11
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Vlasits AL, Syeda M, Wickman A, Guzman P, Schmidt TM. Atypical retinal function in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585283. [PMID: 38559003 PMCID: PMC10980068 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Altered function of peripheral sensory neurons is an emerging mechanism for symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Visual sensitivities are common in autism, but whether differences in the retina might underlie these sensitivities is not well-understood. We explored retinal function in the Fmr1 knockout model of Fragile X syndrome, focusing on a specific type of retinal neuron, the "sustained On alpha" retinal ganglion cell. We found that these cells exhibit changes in dendritic structure and dampened responses to light in the Fmr1 knockout. We show that decreased light sensitivity is due to increased inhibitory input and reduced E-I balance. The change in E-I balance supports maintenance of circuit excitability similar to what has been observed in cortex. These results show that loss of Fmr1 in the mouse retina affects sensory function of one retinal neuron type. Our findings suggest that the retina may be relevant for understanding visual function in Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Vlasits
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
- Lead contact
| | - Maria Syeda
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Annelise Wickman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Pedro Guzman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tiffany M Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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Kerschensteiner D, Feller MB. Mapping the Retina onto the Brain. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041512. [PMID: 38052498 PMCID: PMC10835620 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Vision begins in the retina, which extracts salient features from the environment and encodes them in the spike trains of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output neurons of the eye. RGC axons innervate diverse brain areas (>50 in mice) to support perception, guide behavior, and mediate influences of light on physiology and internal states. In recent years, complete lists of RGC types (∼45 in mice) have been compiled, detailed maps of their dendritic connections drawn, and their light responses surveyed at scale. We know less about the RGCs' axonal projection patterns, which map retinal information onto the brain. However, some organizing principles have emerged. Here, we review the strategies and mechanisms that govern developing RGC axons and organize their innervation of retinorecipient brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kerschensteiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Neuroscience
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Marla B Feller
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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13
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Swygart D, Yu WQ, Takeuchi S, Wong ROL, Schwartz GW. A presynaptic source drives differing levels of surround suppression in two mouse retinal ganglion cell types. Nat Commun 2024; 15:599. [PMID: 38238324 PMCID: PMC10796971 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44851-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In early sensory systems, cell-type diversity generally increases from the periphery into the brain, resulting in a greater heterogeneity of responses to the same stimuli. Surround suppression is a canonical visual computation that begins within the retina and is found at varying levels across retinal ganglion cell types. Our results show that heterogeneity in the level of surround suppression occurs subcellularly at bipolar cell synapses. Using single-cell electrophysiology and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, we show that two retinal ganglion cell types exhibit very different levels of surround suppression even though they receive input from the same bipolar cell types. This divergence of the bipolar cell signal occurs through synapse-specific regulation by amacrine cells at the scale of tens of microns. These findings indicate that each synapse of a single bipolar cell can carry a unique visual signal, expanding the number of possible functional channels at the earliest stages of visual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Swygart
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wan-Qing Yu
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shunsuke Takeuchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rachel O L Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gregory W Schwartz
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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14
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Chang L, Ran Y, Yang M, Auferkorte O, Butz E, Hüser L, Haverkamp S, Euler T, Schubert T. Spike desensitisation as a mechanism for high-contrast selectivity in retinal ganglion cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1337768. [PMID: 38269116 PMCID: PMC10806099 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1337768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate retina, several dozens of parallel channels relay information about the visual world to the brain. These channels are represented by the different types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), whose responses are rendered selective for distinct sets of visual features by various mechanisms. These mechanisms can be roughly grouped into synaptic interactions and cell-intrinsic mechanisms, with the latter including dendritic morphology as well as ion channel complement and distribution. Here, we investigate how strongly ion channel complement can shape RGC output by comparing two mouse RGC types, the well-described ON alpha cell and a little-studied ON cell that is EGFP-labelled in the Igfbp5 mouse line and displays an unusual selectivity for stimuli with high contrast. Using patch-clamp recordings and computational modelling, we show that a higher activation threshold and a pronounced slow inactivation of the voltage-gated Na+ channels contribute to the distinct contrast tuning and transient responses in ON Igfbp5 RGCs, respectively. In contrast, such a mechanism could not be observed in ON alpha cells. This study provides an example for the powerful role that the last stage of retinal processing can play in shaping RGC responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Chang
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanli Ran
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingpo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Elisabeth Butz
- Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laura Hüser
- Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silke Haverkamp
- Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Computational Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – Caesar, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Euler
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Timm Schubert
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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15
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Parker PRL, Martins DM, Leonard ESP, Casey NM, Sharp SL, Abe ETT, Smear MC, Yates JL, Mitchell JF, Niell CM. A dynamic sequence of visual processing initiated by gaze shifts. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:2192-2202. [PMID: 37996524 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01481-7] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Animals move their head and eyes as they explore the visual scene. Neural correlates of these movements have been found in rodent primary visual cortex (V1), but their sources and computational roles are unclear. We addressed this by combining head and eye movement measurements with neural recordings in freely moving mice. V1 neurons responded primarily to gaze shifts, where head movements are accompanied by saccadic eye movements, rather than to head movements where compensatory eye movements stabilize gaze. A variety of activity patterns followed gaze shifts and together these formed a temporal sequence that was absent in darkness. Gaze-shift responses resembled those evoked by sequentially flashed stimuli, suggesting a large component corresponds to onset of new visual input. Notably, neurons responded in a sequence that matches their spatial frequency bias, consistent with coarse-to-fine processing. Recordings in freely gazing marmosets revealed a similar sequence following saccades, also aligned to spatial frequency preference. Our results demonstrate that active vision in both mice and marmosets consists of a dynamic temporal sequence of neural activity associated with visual sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R L Parker
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Dylan M Martins
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Emmalyn S P Leonard
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Nathan M Casey
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Shelby L Sharp
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Elliott T T Abe
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Matthew C Smear
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Jacob L Yates
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jude F Mitchell
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Center for Visual Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Cristopher M Niell
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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16
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Chua NJ, Makarova AA, Gunn P, Villani S, Cohen B, Thasin M, Wu J, Shefter D, Pang S, Xu CS, Hess HF, Polilov AA, Chklovskii DB. A complete reconstruction of the early visual system of an adult insect. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4611-4623.e4. [PMID: 37774707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.09.021] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
For most model organisms in neuroscience, research into visual processing in the brain is difficult because of a lack of high-resolution maps that capture complex neuronal circuitry. The microinsect Megaphragma viggianii, because of its small size and non-trivial behavior, provides a unique opportunity for tractable whole-organism connectomics. We image its whole head using serial electron microscopy. We reconstruct its compound eye and analyze the optical properties of the ommatidia as well as the connectome of the first visual neuropil-the lamina. Compared with the fruit fly and the honeybee, Megaphragma visual system is highly simplified: it has 29 ommatidia per eye and 6 lamina neuron types. We report features that are both stereotypical among most ommatidia and specialized to some. By identifying the "barebones" circuits critical for flying insects, our results will facilitate constructing computational models of visual processing in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Chua
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Pat Gunn
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Sonia Villani
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Ben Cohen
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Myisha Thasin
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Jingpeng Wu
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Deena Shefter
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Song Pang
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - C Shan Xu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Harald F Hess
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Alexey A Polilov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri B Chklovskii
- Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA; Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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17
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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18
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Ghosh S, Maunsell JHR. Rodent attention: Probing the mouse mind with reverse correlation. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R916-R918. [PMID: 37699352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
A novel approach to studying attention in mice reveals processes similar to those in humans and lays out an efficient way to explore its neuronal correlates in a genetically tractable animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Ghosh
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - John H R Maunsell
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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19
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Lehnert J, Cha K, Halperin J, Yang K, Zheng DF, Khadra A, Cook EP, Krishnaswamy A. Visual attention to features and space in mice using reverse correlation. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3690-3701.e4. [PMID: 37611588 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Visual attention allows the brain to evoke behaviors based on the most important visual features. Mouse models offer immense potential to gain a circuit-level understanding of this phenomenon, yet how mice distribute attention across features and locations is not well understood. Here, we describe a new approach to address this limitation by training mice to detect weak vertical bars in a background of dynamic noise while spatial cues manipulate their attention. By adapting a reverse-correlation method from human studies, we linked behavioral decisions to stimulus features and locations. We show that mice deployed attention to a small rostral region of the visual field. Within this region, mice attended to multiple features (orientation, spatial frequency, contrast) that indicated the presence of weak vertical bars. This attentional tuning grew with training, multiplicatively scaled behavioral sensitivity, approached that of an ideal observer, and resembled the effects of attention in humans. Taken together, we demonstrate that mice can simultaneously attend to multiple features and locations of a visual stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Lehnert
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada
| | - Kuwook Cha
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jamie Halperin
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kerry Yang
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Daniel F Zheng
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Anmar Khadra
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada; Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Erik P Cook
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada; Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada.
| | - Arjun Krishnaswamy
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada.
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20
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Trapani F, Spampinato GLB, Yger P, Marre O. Differences in nonlinearities determine retinal cell types. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:706-718. [PMID: 37584082 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00243.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Classifying neurons in different types is still an open challenge. In the retina, recent works have taken advantage of the ability to record from a large number of cells to classify ganglion cells into different types based on functional information. Although the first attempts in this direction used the receptive field properties of each cell to classify them, more recent approaches have proposed to cluster ganglion cells directly based on their response to stimuli. These two approaches have not been compared directly. Here, we recorded the responses of a large number of ganglion cells and compared two methods for classifying them into functional groups, one based on the receptive field properties, and the other one using directly their responses to stimuli with various temporal frequencies. We show that the response-based approach allows separation of more types than the receptive field-based method, leading to a better classification. This better granularity is due to the fact that the response-based method takes into account not only the linear part of ganglion cell function but also some of the nonlinearities. A careful characterization of nonlinear processing is thus key to allowing functional classification of sensory neurons.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the retina, ganglion cells can be classified based on their response to visual stimuli. Although some methods are based on the modeling of receptive fields, others rely on responses to characteristic stimuli. We compared these two classes of methods and show that the latter provides a higher discrimination performance. We also show that this gain arises from the ability to account for the nonlinear behavior of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Trapani
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Pierre Yger
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Marre
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
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21
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Seifert M, Roberts PA, Kafetzis G, Osorio D, Baden T. Birds multiplex spectral and temporal visual information via retinal On- and Off-channels. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5308. [PMID: 37652912 PMCID: PMC10471707 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate vision, early retinal circuits divide incoming visual information into functionally opposite elementary signals: On and Off, transient and sustained, chromatic and achromatic. Together these signals can yield an efficient representation of the scene for transmission to the brain via the optic nerve. However, this long-standing interpretation of retinal function is based on mammals, and it is unclear whether this functional arrangement is common to all vertebrates. Here we show that male poultry chicks use a fundamentally different strategy to communicate information from the eye to the brain. Rather than using functionally opposite pairs of retinal output channels, chicks encode the polarity, timing, and spectral composition of visual stimuli in a highly correlated manner: fast achromatic information is encoded by Off-circuits, and slow chromatic information overwhelmingly by On-circuits. Moreover, most retinal output channels combine On- and Off-circuits to simultaneously encode, or multiplex, both achromatic and chromatic information. Our results from birds conform to evidence from fish, amphibians, and reptiles which retain the full ancestral complement of four spectral types of cone photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Seifert
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | - Paul A Roberts
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Daniel Osorio
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | - Tom Baden
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
- Institute of Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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22
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Keeley PW, Patel SS, Reese BE. Cell numbers, cell ratios, and developmental plasticity in the rod pathway of the mouse retina. J Anat 2023; 243:204-222. [PMID: 35292986 PMCID: PMC10335380 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise specification of cellular fate is thought to ensure the production of the correct number of neurons within a population. Programmed cell death may be an additional mechanism controlling cell number, believed to refine the proper ratio of pre- to post-synaptic neurons for a given species. Here, we consider the size of three different neuronal populations in the rod pathway of the mouse retina: rod photoreceptors, rod bipolar cells, and AII amacrine cells. Across a collection of 28 different strains of mice, large variation in the numbers of all three cell types is present. The variation in their numbers is not correlated, so that the ratio of rods to rod bipolar cells, as well as rod bipolar cells to AII amacrine cells, varies as well. Establishing connectivity between such variable pre- and post-synaptic populations relies upon plasticity that modulates process outgrowth and morphological differentiation, which we explore experimentally for both rod bipolar and AII amacrine cells in a mouse retina with elevated numbers of each cell type. While both rod bipolar dendritic and axonal arbors, along with AII lobular arbors, modulate their areal size in relation to local homotypic cell densities, the dendritic appendages of the AII amacrine cells do not. Rather, these processes exhibit a different form of plasticity, regulating the branching density of their overlapping arbors. Each form of plasticity should ensure uniformity in retinal coverage in the presence of the independent specification of afferent and target cell number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. Keeley
- Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shivam S. Patel
- Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Benjamin E. Reese
- Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
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23
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Manubens-Gil L, Zhou Z, Chen H, Ramanathan A, Liu X, Liu Y, Bria A, Gillette T, Ruan Z, Yang J, Radojević M, Zhao T, Cheng L, Qu L, Liu S, Bouchard KE, Gu L, Cai W, Ji S, Roysam B, Wang CW, Yu H, Sironi A, Iascone DM, Zhou J, Bas E, Conde-Sousa E, Aguiar P, Li X, Li Y, Nanda S, Wang Y, Muresan L, Fua P, Ye B, He HY, Staiger JF, Peter M, Cox DN, Simonneau M, Oberlaender M, Jefferis G, Ito K, Gonzalez-Bellido P, Kim J, Rubel E, Cline HT, Zeng H, Nern A, Chiang AS, Yao J, Roskams J, Livesey R, Stevens J, Liu T, Dang C, Guo Y, Zhong N, Tourassi G, Hill S, Hawrylycz M, Koch C, Meijering E, Ascoli GA, Peng H. BigNeuron: a resource to benchmark and predict performance of algorithms for automated tracing of neurons in light microscopy datasets. Nat Methods 2023; 20:824-835. [PMID: 37069271 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01848-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BigNeuron is an open community bench-testing platform with the goal of setting open standards for accurate and fast automatic neuron tracing. We gathered a diverse set of image volumes across several species that is representative of the data obtained in many neuroscience laboratories interested in neuron tracing. Here, we report generated gold standard manual annotations for a subset of the available imaging datasets and quantified tracing quality for 35 automatic tracing algorithms. The goal of generating such a hand-curated diverse dataset is to advance the development of tracing algorithms and enable generalizable benchmarking. Together with image quality features, we pooled the data in an interactive web application that enables users and developers to perform principal component analysis, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, correlation and clustering, visualization of imaging and tracing data, and benchmarking of automatic tracing algorithms in user-defined data subsets. The image quality metrics explain most of the variance in the data, followed by neuromorphological features related to neuron size. We observed that diverse algorithms can provide complementary information to obtain accurate results and developed a method to iteratively combine methods and generate consensus reconstructions. The consensus trees obtained provide estimates of the neuron structure ground truth that typically outperform single algorithms in noisy datasets. However, specific algorithms may outperform the consensus tree strategy in specific imaging conditions. Finally, to aid users in predicting the most accurate automatic tracing results without manual annotations for comparison, we used support vector machine regression to predict reconstruction quality given an image volume and a set of automatic tracings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Manubens-Gil
- Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA
| | | | - Arvind Ramanathan
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences Directorate, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | | | - Yufeng Liu
- Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Todd Gillette
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures and Plasticity, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Zongcai Ruan
- Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing International Collaboration Base on Brain Informatics and Wisdom Services, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ting Zhao
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Li Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lei Qu
- Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computation and Signal Processing, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | | | - Kristofer E Bouchard
- Scientific Data Division and Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Redwood Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lin Gu
- RIKEN AIP, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Weidong Cai
- School of Computer Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shuiwang Ji
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Badrinath Roysam
- Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ching-Wei Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hongchuan Yu
- National Centre for Computer Animation, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | | | - Daniel Maxim Iascone
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Computer Science, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | | | - Eduardo Conde-Sousa
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação E Inovação Em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Aguiar
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação E Inovação Em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Xiang Li
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yujie Li
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Cortical Architecture Imaging and Discovery Lab, Department of Computer Science and Bioimaging Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sumit Nanda
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures and Plasticity, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Leila Muresan
- Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pascal Fua
- Computer Vision Laboratory, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bing Ye
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hai-Yan He
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jochen F Staiger
- Institute for Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August- University Göttingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Peter
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel N Cox
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michel Simonneau
- 42 ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CentraleSupélec, LuMIn, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marcel Oberlaender
- Max Planck Group: In Silico Brain Sciences, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gregory Jefferis
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
- Division of Neurobiology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kei Ito
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Jinhyun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Edwin Rubel
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aljoscha Nern
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Ann-Shyn Chiang
- Brain Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | - Jane Roskams
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Zoology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rick Livesey
- Zayed Centre for Rare Disease Research, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Janine Stevens
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Tianming Liu
- Cortical Architecture Imaging and Discovery Lab, Department of Computer Science and Bioimaging Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chinh Dang
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yike Guo
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ning Zhong
- Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing International Collaboration Base on Brain Informatics and Wisdom Services, Beijing, China
- Department of Life Science and Informatics, Maebashi Institute of Technology, Maebashi, Japan
| | | | - Sean Hill
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Erik Meijering
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Giorgio A Ascoli
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures and Plasticity, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | - Hanchuan Peng
- Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Qiu Y, Klindt DA, Szatko KP, Gonschorek D, Hoefling L, Schubert T, Busse L, Bethge M, Euler T. Efficient coding of natural scenes improves neural system identification. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011037. [PMID: 37093861 PMCID: PMC10159360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural system identification aims at learning the response function of neurons to arbitrary stimuli using experimentally recorded data, but typically does not leverage normative principles such as efficient coding of natural environments. Visual systems, however, have evolved to efficiently process input from the natural environment. Here, we present a normative network regularization for system identification models by incorporating, as a regularizer, the efficient coding hypothesis, which states that neural response properties of sensory representations are strongly shaped by the need to preserve most of the stimulus information with limited resources. Using this approach, we explored if a system identification model can be improved by sharing its convolutional filters with those of an autoencoder which aims to efficiently encode natural stimuli. To this end, we built a hybrid model to predict the responses of retinal neurons to noise stimuli. This approach did not only yield a higher performance than the "stand-alone" system identification model, it also produced more biologically plausible filters, meaning that they more closely resembled neural representation in early visual systems. We found these results applied to retinal responses to different artificial stimuli and across model architectures. Moreover, our normatively regularized model performed particularly well in predicting responses of direction-of-motion sensitive retinal neurons. The benefit of natural scene statistics became marginal, however, for predicting the responses to natural movies. In summary, our results indicate that efficiently encoding environmental inputs can improve system identification models, at least for noise stimuli, and point to the benefit of probing the visual system with naturalistic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongrong Qiu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience (GTC), International Max Planck Research School, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - David A Klindt
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Klaudia P Szatko
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience (GTC), International Max Planck Research School, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dominic Gonschorek
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2381, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Larissa Hoefling
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Timm Schubert
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Laura Busse
- Division of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Matthias Bethge
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Euler
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), U Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
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25
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Berry MH, Moldavan M, Garrett T, Meadows M, Cravetchi O, White E, Leffler J, von Gersdorff H, Wright KM, Allen CN, Sivyer B. A melanopsin ganglion cell subtype forms a dorsal retinal mosaic projecting to the supraoptic nucleus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1492. [PMID: 36932080 PMCID: PMC10023714 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36955-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual input to the hypothalamus from intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) influences several functions including circadian entrainment, body temperature, and sleep. ipRGCs also project to nuclei such as the supraoptic nucleus (SON), which is involved in systemic fluid homeostasis, maternal behavior, social behaviors, and appetite. However, little is known about the SON-projecting ipRGCs or their relationship to well-characterized ipRGC subtypes. Using a GlyT2Cre mouse line, we show a subtype of ipRGCs restricted to the dorsal retina that selectively projects to the SON. These ipRGCs tile a dorsal region of the retina, forming a substrate for encoding ground luminance. Optogenetic activation of their axons demonstrates they release the neurotransmitter glutamate in multiple regions, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and SON. Our results challenge the idea that ipRGC dendrites overlap to optimize photon capture and suggests non-image forming vision operates to sample local regions of the visual field to influence diverse behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Berry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michael Moldavan
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tavita Garrett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marc Meadows
- Neuroscience Graduate program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Olga Cravetchi
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Elizabeth White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joseph Leffler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Henrique von Gersdorff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kevin M Wright
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Charles N Allen
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Benjamin Sivyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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26
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Sladek AL, Thoreson WB. Using optogenetics to dissect rod inputs to OFF ganglion cells in the mouse retina. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1146785. [PMID: 37426783 PMCID: PMC10327572 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1146785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Light responses of rod photoreceptor cells traverse the retina through three pathways. The primary pathway involves synapses from rods to ON-type rod bipolar cells with OFF signals reaching retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) via sign-inverting glycinergic synapses. Secondly, rod signals can enter cones through gap junctions. Finally, rods can synapse directly onto cone OFF bipolar cells. Methods To analyze these pathways, we obtained whole cell recordings from OFF-type α RGCs in mouse retinas while expressing channelrhodopsin-2 in rods and/or cones. Results Optogenetic stimulation of rods or cones evoked large fast currents in OFF RGCs. Blocking the primary rod pathway with L-AP4 and/or strychnine reduced rod-driven optogenetic currents in OFF RGCs by ~1/3. Blocking kainate receptors of OFF cone bipolar cells suppressed both rod- and cone-driven optogenetic currents in OFF RGCs. Inhibiting gap junctions between rods and cones with mecloflenamic acid or quinpirole reduced rod-driven responses in OFF RGCs. Eliminating the exocytotic Ca2+ sensor, synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), from cones abolished cone-driven optogenetic responses in RGCs. Rod-driven currents were not significantly reduced after isolating the secondary pathway by eliminating Syt1 and synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) to block synaptic release from rods. Eliminating Syt1 from both rods and cones abolished responses to optogenetic stimulation. In Cx36 KO retinas lacking rod-cone gap junctions, optogenetic activation of rods evoked small and slow responses in most OFF RGCs suggesting rod signals reached them through an indirect pathway. Two OFF cells showed faster responses consistent with more direct input from cone OFF bipolar cells. Discussion These data show that the secondary rod pathway supports robust inputs into OFF α RGCs and suggests the tertiary pathway recruits both direct and indirect inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia L. Sladek
- Truhlsen Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Wallace B. Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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27
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Cline HT, Lau M, Hiramoto M. Activity-dependent Organization of Topographic Neural Circuits. Neuroscience 2023; 508:3-18. [PMID: 36470479 PMCID: PMC9839526 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sensory information in the brain is organized into spatial representations, including retinotopic, somatotopic, and tonotopic maps, as well as ocular dominance columns. The spatial representation of sensory inputs is thought to be a fundamental organizational principle that is important for information processing. Topographic maps are plastic throughout an animal's life, reflecting changes in development and aging of brain circuitry, changes in the periphery and sensory input, and changes in circuitry, for instance in response to experience and learning. Here, we review mechanisms underlying the role of activity in the development, stability and plasticity of topographic maps, focusing on recent work suggesting that the spatial information in the visual field, and the resulting spatiotemporal patterns of activity, provide instructive cues that organize visual projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollis T Cline
- Department of Neuroscience and the Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Melissa Lau
- Department of Neuroscience and the Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Masaki Hiramoto
- Department of Neuroscience and the Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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28
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Hu S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Shi R, Tang P, Zhang D, Kuang X, Chen J, Qu J, Gao Y. The adenosine A 2A receptor antagonist KW6002 distinctly regulates retinal ganglion cell morphology during postnatal development and neonatal inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1082997. [PMID: 36588710 PMCID: PMC9800499 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1082997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) appear early in the retina during postnatal development, but the roles of the A2ARs in the morphogenesis of distinct types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during postnatal development and neonatal inflammatory response remain undetermined. As the RGCs are rather heterogeneous in morphology and functions in the retina, here we resorted to the Thy1-YFPH transgenic mice and three-dimensional (3D) neuron reconstruction to investigate how A2ARs regulate the morphogenesis of three morphologically distinct types of RGCs (namely Type I, II, III) during postnatal development and neonatal inflammation. We found that the A2AR antagonist KW6002 did not change the proportion of the three RGC types during retinal development, but exerted a bidirectional effect on dendritic complexity of Type I and III RGCs and cell type-specifically altered their morphologies with decreased dendrite density of Type I, decreased the dendritic field area of Type II and III, increased dendrite density of Type III RGCs. Moreover, under neonatal inflammation condition, KW6002 specifically increased the proportion of Type I RGCs with enhanced the dendrite surface area and volume and the proportion of Type II RGCs with enlarged the soma area and perimeter. Thus, A2ARs exert distinct control of RGC morphologies to cell type-specifically fine-tune the RGC dendrites during normal development but to mainly suppress RGC soma and dendrite volume under neonatal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shisi Hu
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Haikou, China
| | - Yaoyao Li
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanjie Zhang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruyi Shi
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ping Tang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Di Zhang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiuli Kuang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiangfan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jia Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ying Gao, ; Jia Qu,
| | - Ying Gao
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ying Gao, ; Jia Qu,
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29
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Gallego-Ortega A, Norte-Muñoz M, Di Pierdomenico J, Avilés-Trigueros M, de la Villa P, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M. Alpha retinal ganglion cells in pigmented mice retina: number and distribution. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:1054849. [PMID: 36530520 PMCID: PMC9751430 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.1054849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To identify and characterize numerically and topographically the population of alpha retinal ganglion cells (αRGCs) and their subtypes, the sustained-response ON-center αRGCs (ONs-αRGCs), which correspond to the type 4 intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (M4-ipRGCs), the transient-response ON-center αRGCs (ONt-αRGCs), the sustained-response OFF-center αRGCs (OFFs-αRGCs), and the transient-response OFF-center αRGCs (OFFt-αRGCs) in the adult pigmented mouse retina.Methods: The αRGC population and its subtypes were studied in flat-mounted retinas and radial sections immunodetected against non-phosphorylated high molecular weight neurofilament subunit (SMI-32) or osteopontin (OPN), two αRGCs pan-markers; Calbindin, expressed in ONs-αRGCs, and amacrines; T-box transcription factor T-brain 2 (Tbr2), a key transcriptional regulator for ipRGC development and maintenance, expressed in ipRGCs and GABA-displaced amacrine cells; OPN4, an anti-melanopsin antibody; or Brn3a and Brn3c, markers of RGCs. The total population of RGCs was counted automatically and αRGCs and its subtypes were counted manually, and color-coded neighborhood maps were used for their topographical representation.Results: The total mean number of αRGCs per retina is 2,252 ± 306 SMI32+αRGCs and 2,315 ± 175 OPN+αRGCs (n = 10), representing 5.08% and 5.22% of the total number of RGCs traced from the optic nerve, respectively. αRGCs are distributed throughout the retina, showing a higher density in the temporal hemiretina. ONs-αRGCs represent ≈36% [841 ± 110 cells (n = 10)] of all αRGCs and are located throughout the retina, with the highest density in the temporal region. ONt-αRGCs represent ≈34% [797 ± 146 cells (n = 10)] of all αRGCs and are mainly located in the central retinal region. OFF-αRGCs represent the remaining 32% of total αRGCs and are divided equally between OFFs-αRGCs and OFFt-αRGCs [363 ± 50 cells (n = 10) and 376 ± 36 cells (n = 10), respectively]. OFFs-αRGCs are mainly located in the supero-temporal peripheral region of the retina and OFFt-αRGCs in the mid-peripheral region of the retina, especially in the infero-temporal region.Conclusions: The combination of specific antibodies is a useful tool to identify and study αRGCs and their subtypes. αRGCs are distributed throughout the retina presenting higher density in the temporal area. The sustained ON and OFF response subtypes are mainly located in the periphery while the transient ON and OFF response subtypes are found in the central regions of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Norte-Muñoz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marcelino Avilés-Trigueros
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro de la Villa
- Department of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Visual Neurophysiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Valiente-Soriano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Vidal-Sanz Francisco Javier Valiente-Soriano
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Vidal-Sanz Francisco Javier Valiente-Soriano
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30
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McGrady NR, Holden JM, Ribeiro M, Boal AM, Risner ML, Calkins DJ. Axon hyperexcitability in the contralateral projection following unilateral optic nerve crush in mice. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac251. [PMID: 36267329 PMCID: PMC9576152 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac251] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies are characterized by degeneration of retinal ganglion cell axonal projections to the brain, including acute conditions like optic nerve trauma and progressive conditions such as glaucoma. Despite different aetiologies, retinal ganglion cell axon degeneration in traumatic optic neuropathy and glaucoma share common pathological signatures. We compared how early pathogenesis of optic nerve trauma and glaucoma influence axon function in the mouse optic projection. We assessed pathology by measuring anterograde axonal transport from retina to superior colliculus, current-evoked optic nerve compound action potential and retinal ganglion cell density 1 week following unilateral optic nerve crush or intraocular pressure elevation. Nerve crush reduced axon transport, compound axon potential and retinal ganglion cell density, which were unaffected by intraocular pressure elevation. Surprisingly, optic nerves contralateral to crush demonstrated 5-fold enhanced excitability in compound action potential compared with naïve nerves. Enhanced excitability in contralateral sham nerves is not due to increased accumulation of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6, or ectopic voltage-gated sodium channel 1.2 expression within nodes of Ranvier. Our results indicate hyperexcitability is driven by intrinsic responses of αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells. We found αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells in contralateral, sham and eyes demonstrated increased responses to depolarizing currents compared with those from naïve eyes, while light-driven responses remained intact. Dendritic arbours of αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells of the sham eye were like naïve, but soma area and non-phosphorylated neurofilament H increased. Current- and light-evoked responses of sham αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cells remained stable along with somato-dendritic morphologies. In retinas directly affected by crush, light responses of αON- and αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cells diminished compared with naïve cells along with decreased dendritic field area or branch points. Like light responses, αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cell current-evoked responses diminished, but surprisingly, αON-sustained retinal ganglion cell responses were similar to those from naïve retinas. Optic nerve crush reduced dendritic length and area in αON-sustained retinal ganglion cells in eyes ipsilateral to injury, while crush significantly reduced dendritic branching in αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cells. Interestingly, 1 week of intraocular pressure elevation only affected αOFF-sustained retinal ganglion cell physiology, depolarizing resting membrane potential in cells of affected eyes and blunting current-evoked responses in cells of saline-injected eyes. Collectively, our results suggest that neither saline nor sham surgery provide a true control, chronic versus acute optic neuropathies differentially affect retinal ganglion cells composing the ON and OFF pathways, and acute stress can have near-term effects on the contralateral projection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joseph M Holden
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Marcio Ribeiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrew M Boal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Correspondence to: David J. Calkins, PhD AA7103 MCN/VUIIS 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA E-mail:
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Fitzpatrick MJ, Kerschensteiner D. Homeostatic plasticity in the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 94:101131. [PMID: 36244950 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vision begins in the retina, whose intricate neural circuits extract salient features of the environment from the light entering our eyes. Neurodegenerative diseases of the retina (e.g., inherited retinal degenerations, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma) impair vision and cause blindness in a growing number of people worldwide. Increasing evidence indicates that homeostatic plasticity (i.e., the drive of a neural system to stabilize its function) can, in principle, preserve retinal function in the face of major perturbations, including neurodegeneration. Here, we review the circumstances and events that trigger homeostatic plasticity in the retina during development, sensory experience, and disease. We discuss the diverse mechanisms that cooperate to compensate and the set points and outcomes that homeostatic retinal plasticity stabilizes. Finally, we summarize the opportunities and challenges for unlocking the therapeutic potential of homeostatic plasticity. Homeostatic plasticity is fundamental to understanding retinal development and function and could be an important tool in the fight to preserve and restore vision.
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32
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Gao J, Provencio I, Liu X. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:992747. [PMID: 36212698 PMCID: PMC9537624 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.992747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases afflicting more than 70 million people worldwide. It is characterized by damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that ultimately leads to the death of the cells and vision loss. The diversity of RGC types has been appreciated for decades, and studies, including ours, have shown that RGCs degenerate and die in a type-specific manner in rodent models of glaucoma. The type-specific loss of RGCs results in differential damage to visual and non-visual functions. One type of RGC, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC), expressing the photopigment melanopsin, serves a broad array of non-visual responses to light. Since its discovery, six subtypes of ipRGC have been described, each contributing to various image-forming and non-image-forming functions such as circadian photoentrainment, the pupillary light reflex, the photic control of mood and sleep, and visual contrast sensitivity. We recently demonstrated a link between type-specific ipRGC survival and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension. This review focuses on the type-specific ipRGC degeneration and associated behavioral changes in animal models and glaucoma patients. A better understanding of how glaucomatous insult impacts the ipRGC-based circuits will have broad impacts on improving the treatment of glaucoma-associated non-visual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Gao
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ignacio Provencio
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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High-density electrode recordings reveal strong and specific connections between retinal ganglion cells and midbrain neurons. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5218. [PMID: 36064789 PMCID: PMC9445019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32775-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The superior colliculus is a midbrain structure that plays important roles in visually guided behaviors in mammals. Neurons in the superior colliculus receive inputs from retinal ganglion cells but how these inputs are integrated in vivo is unknown. Here, we discovered that high-density electrodes simultaneously capture the activity of retinal axons and their postsynaptic target neurons in the superior colliculus, in vivo. We show that retinal ganglion cell axons in the mouse provide a single cell precise representation of the retina as input to superior colliculus. This isomorphic mapping builds the scaffold for precise retinotopic wiring and functionally specific connection strength. Our methods are broadly applicable, which we demonstrate by recording retinal inputs in the optic tectum in zebra finches. We find common wiring rules in mice and zebra finches that provide a precise representation of the visual world encoded in retinal ganglion cells connections to neurons in retinorecipient areas. The superior colliculus receives visual information from retinal ganglion cells, but it remains unclear how this information is organized and integrated in vivo. Here the authors describe how high-density electrodes can simultaneously capture the activity of incoming axons and target neurons in the superior colliculus, and demonstrate isomorphic mapping and strong and specific connections in mice and zebrafinches.
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Jacobi A, Tran NM, Yan W, Benhar I, Tian F, Schaffer R, He Z, Sanes JR. Overlapping transcriptional programs promote survival and axonal regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cells. Neuron 2022; 110:2625-2645.e7. [PMID: 35767994 PMCID: PMC9391321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Injured neurons in the adult mammalian central nervous system often die and seldom regenerate axons. To uncover transcriptional pathways that could ameliorate these disappointing responses, we analyzed three interventions that increase survival and regeneration of mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following optic nerve crush (ONC) injury, albeit not to a clinically useful extent. We assessed gene expression in each of 46 RGC types by single-cell transcriptomics following ONC and treatment. We also compared RGCs that regenerated with those that survived but did not regenerate. Each intervention enhanced survival of most RGC types, but type-independent axon regeneration required manipulation of multiple pathways. Distinct computational methods converged on separate sets of genes selectively expressed by RGCs likely to be dying, surviving, or regenerating. Overexpression of genes associated with the regeneration program enhanced both survival and axon regeneration in vivo, indicating that mechanistic analysis can be used to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jacobi
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Nicholas M Tran
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Inbal Benhar
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Feng Tian
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rebecca Schaffer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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35
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Lian L, Zhai Y, Wan X, Chen L, Liu Z, Liu R, Li S, Zhou J, Chen Y, Hou L, Li H. Sensitivity of the Dorsal-Central Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Sodium Iodate-Induced Damage Is Associated With Overlying M-Cone Photoreceptors in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:29. [PMID: 36018572 PMCID: PMC9428360 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.9.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in retinal degenerative diseases, but the mechanism of RPE regional degeneration remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity of RPE to sodium iodate (SI) injury in the dorsal and ventral visual fields in mice and analyze whether overlaying cone photoreceptors regulate the sensitivity of RPE to SI-induced damage. Methods SI was used to induce RPE degeneration in mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunostaining, and TUNEL assay were used to evaluate retinal degeneration along the dorsal-ventral axis. Flat-mounted and sectional retinal immunostaining were used to analyze the distribution of cones along the dorsoventral axis in C57BL/6, albino, and 129 mice. Electroretinography was used to examine the retinal function. Results Dorsal-central RPE was more sensitive to SI-mediated injury along the dorsal-ventral axis in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with the ventral RPE, the dorsal-central RPE was dominantly covered by M cone photoreceptors in these mice. Interestingly, M cone photoreceptor degeneration was followed by dorsal RPE degeneration under a low dose of SI. Furthermore, the sensitivity of dorsal RPE to a low dose of SI was reduced in both albino and 129 mouse strains with dominant mixed cones instead of M cones in the dorsal visual field. Conclusions These findings suggest that dorsal-central RPE is more sensitive to SI injury and that SI-induced RPE degeneration could be controlled by modifying the dominant overlying cone population in the mouse dorsal retina, thereby highlighting a potential role of M cones in RPE regional degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Lian
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhai
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Wan
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Linxin Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zuimeng Liu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruona Liu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shijia Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ling Hou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huirong Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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36
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Goetz J, Jessen ZF, Jacobi A, Mani A, Cooler S, Greer D, Kadri S, Segal J, Shekhar K, Sanes JR, Schwartz GW. Unified classification of mouse retinal ganglion cells using function, morphology, and gene expression. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111040. [PMID: 35830791 PMCID: PMC9364428 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Classification and characterization of neuronal types are critical for understanding their function and dysfunction. Neuronal classification schemes typically rely on measurements of electrophysiological, morphological, and molecular features, but aligning such datasets has been challenging. Here, we present a unified classification of mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the sole retinal output neurons. We use visually evoked responses to classify 1,859 mouse RGCs into 42 types. We also obtain morphological or transcriptomic data from subsets and use these measurements to align the functional classification to publicly available morphological and transcriptomic datasets. We create an online database that allows users to browse or download the data and to classify RGCs from their light responses using a machine learning algorithm. This work provides a resource for studies of RGCs, their upstream circuits in the retina, and their projections in the brain, and establishes a framework for future efforts in neuronal classification and open data distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Goetz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary F Jessen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Jacobi
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Adam Mani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sam Cooler
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Devon Greer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sabah Kadri
- Department of Pathology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeremy Segal
- Department of Pathology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karthik Shekhar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory W Schwartz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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37
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Zhang KY, Johnson TV. Analyses of transplanted human retinal ganglion cell morphology and localization in murine organotypic retinal explant culture. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101328. [PMID: 35496811 PMCID: PMC9043871 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) transplantation has the potential to restore vision in optic neuropathy, but donor neuron survival and retinal integration remain challenging. Here, we present a protocol for ex vivo human RGC transplantation on flatmounted murine organotypic retinal explants, providing a robust platform for studying donor RGC survival, dendritic stratification, topographic distribution, donor-host interactions, and pro-engraftment strategies. The protocol includes microscopy-based analyses to evaluate donor cell engraftment and can be adapted to various donor cell types or culture systems. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al. (2021a, 2021b). Protocol for murine organotypic retinal explant culture with RGC transplantation Proteolytic digestion of the internal limiting membrane enhances engraftment Microscopy-based analyses quantify donor RGC survival and topology Three-dimensional microscopy reconstructions localize donor neurite engraftment
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38
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Wienbar S, Schwartz GW. Differences in spike generation instead of synaptic inputs determine the feature selectivity of two retinal cell types. Neuron 2022; 110:2110-2123.e4. [PMID: 35508174 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the spiking projection neurons of the eye that encode different features of the visual environment. The circuits providing synaptic input to different RGC types to drive feature selectivity have been studied extensively, but there has been less research aimed at understanding the intrinsic properties and how they impact feature selectivity. We introduce an RGC type in the mouse, the Bursty Suppressed-by-Contrast (bSbC) RGC, and compared it to the OFF sustained alpha (OFFsA). Differences in their contrast response functions arose from differences not in synaptic inputs but in their intrinsic properties. Spike generation was the key intrinsic property behind this functional difference; the bSbC RGC undergoes depolarization block while the OFFsA RGC maintains a high spike rate. Our results demonstrate that differences in intrinsic properties allow these two RGC types to detect and relay distinct features of an identical visual stimulus to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Wienbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Gregory William Schwartz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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39
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Neural mechanisms to exploit positional geometry for collision avoidance. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2357-2374.e6. [PMID: 35508172 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Visual motion provides rich geometrical cues about the three-dimensional configuration of the world. However, how brains decode the spatial information carried by motion signals remains poorly understood. Here, we study a collision-avoidance behavior in Drosophila as a simple model of motion-based spatial vision. With simulations and psychophysics, we demonstrate that walking Drosophila exhibit a pattern of slowing to avoid collisions by exploiting the geometry of positional changes of objects on near-collision courses. This behavior requires the visual neuron LPLC1, whose tuning mirrors the behavior and whose activity drives slowing. LPLC1 pools inputs from object and motion detectors, and spatially biased inhibition tunes it to the geometry of collisions. Connectomic analyses identified circuitry downstream of LPLC1 that faithfully inherits its response properties. Overall, our results reveal how a small neural circuit solves a specific spatial vision task by combining distinct visual features to exploit universal geometrical constraints of the visual world.
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40
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Sedigh-Sarvestani M, Fitzpatrick D. What and Where: Location-Dependent Feature Sensitivity as a Canonical Organizing Principle of the Visual System. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:834876. [PMID: 35498372 PMCID: PMC9039279 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.834876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, functional representations in early visual areas are conceived as retinotopic maps preserving ego-centric spatial location information while ensuring that other stimulus features are uniformly represented for all locations in space. Recent results challenge this framework of relatively independent encoding of location and features in the early visual system, emphasizing location-dependent feature sensitivities that reflect specialization of cortical circuits for different locations in visual space. Here we review the evidence for such location-specific encoding including: (1) systematic variation of functional properties within conventional retinotopic maps in the cortex; (2) novel periodic retinotopic transforms that dramatically illustrate the tight linkage of feature sensitivity, spatial location, and cortical circuitry; and (3) retinotopic biases in cortical areas, and groups of areas, that have been defined by their functional specializations. We propose that location-dependent feature sensitivity is a fundamental organizing principle of the visual system that achieves efficient representation of positional regularities in visual experience, and reflects the evolutionary selection of sensory and motor circuits to optimally represent behaviorally relevant information. Future studies are necessary to discover mechanisms underlying joint encoding of location and functional information, how this relates to behavior, emerges during development, and varies across species.
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41
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Raghuram V, Werginz P, Fried SI, Timko BP. Morphological Factors that Underlie Neural Sensitivity to Stimulation in the Retina. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 1. [PMID: 35399546 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal prostheses are a promising therapeutic intervention for patients afflicted by outer retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. While significant advances in the development of retinal implants have been made, the quality of vision elicited by these devices remains largely sub-optimal. The variability in the responses produced by retinal devices is most likely due to the differences between the natural cell type-specific signaling that occur in the healthy retina vs. the non-specific activation of multiple cell types arising from artificial stimulation. In order to replicate these natural signaling patterns, stimulation strategies must be capable of preferentially activating specific RGC types. To design more selective stimulation strategies, a better understanding of the morphological factors that underlie the sensitivity to prosthetic stimulation must be developed. This review will focus on the role that different anatomical components play in driving the direct activation of RGCs by extracellular stimulation. Briefly, it will (1) characterize the variability in morphological properties of α-RGCs, (2) detail the influence of morphology on the direct activation of RGCs by electric stimulation, and (3) describe some of the potential biophysical mechanisms that could explain differences in activation thresholds and electrically evoked responses between RGC types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineeth Raghuram
- Boston VA Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, USA.,Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA.,Dept. of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Paul Werginz
- Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, Vienna, Austria.,Dept. of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Shelley I Fried
- Boston VA Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, USA.,Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA.,Dept. of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Brian P Timko
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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42
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Abstract
Retinal circuits transform the pixel representation of photoreceptors into the feature representations of ganglion cells, whose axons transmit these representations to the brain. Functional, morphological, and transcriptomic surveys have identified more than 40 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types in mice. RGCs extract features of varying complexity; some simply signal local differences in brightness (i.e., luminance contrast), whereas others detect specific motion trajectories. To understand the retina, we need to know how retinal circuits give rise to the diverse RGC feature representations. A catalog of the RGC feature set, in turn, is fundamental to understanding visual processing in the brain. Anterograde tracing indicates that RGCs innervate more than 50 areas in the mouse brain. Current maps connecting RGC types to brain areas are rudimentary, as is our understanding of how retinal signals are transformed downstream to guide behavior. In this article, I review the feature selectivities of mouse RGCs, how they arise, and how they are utilized downstream. Not only is knowledge of the behavioral purpose of RGC signals critical for understanding the retinal contributions to vision; it can also guide us to the most relevant areas of visual feature space. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 8 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kerschensteiner
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Department of Neuroscience; Department of Biomedical Engineering; and Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA;
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Inhibition, but not excitation, recovers from partial cone loss with greater spatiotemporal integration, synapse density, and frequency. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110317. [PMID: 35108533 PMCID: PMC8865908 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits function in the face of changing inputs, either caused by normal variation in stimuli or by cell death. To maintain their ability to perform essential computations with partial inputs, neural circuits make modifications. Here, we study the retinal circuit’s responses to changes in light stimuli or in photoreceptor inputs by inducing partial cone death in the mature mouse retina. Can the retina withstand or recover from input loss? We find that the excitatory pathways exhibit functional loss commensurate with cone death and with some aspects predicted by partial light stimulation. However, inhibitory pathways recover functionally from lost input by increasing spatiotemporal integration in a way that is not recapitulated by partially stimulating the control retina. Anatomically, inhibitory synapses are upregulated on secondary bipolar cells and output ganglion cells. These findings demonstrate the greater capacity for inhibition, compared with excitation, to modify spatiotemporal processing with fewer cone inputs. Lee et al. find partial cone loss triggers inhibition, but not excitation, to increase spatiotemporal integration, recover contrast gain, and increase synaptic release onto retinal ganglion cells. Natural images filtered by cone-loss receptive fields perceptually match those of controls. Thus, inhibition compensates for fewer cones to potentially preserve perception.
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Henning M, Ramos-Traslosheros G, Gür B, Silies M. Populations of local direction-selective cells encode global motion patterns generated by self-motion. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi7112. [PMID: 35044821 PMCID: PMC8769539 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi7112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-motion generates visual patterns on the eye that are important for navigation. These optic flow patterns are encoded by the population of local direction–selective cells in the mouse retina, whereas in flies, local direction–selective T4/T5 cells are thought to be uniformly tuned. How complex global motion patterns can be computed downstream is unclear. We show that the population of T4/T5 cells in Drosophila encodes global motion patterns. Whereas the mouse retina encodes four types of optic flow, the fly visual system encodes six. This matches the larger number of degrees of freedom and the increased complexity of translational and rotational motion patterns during flight. The four uniformly tuned T4/T5 subtypes described previously represent a local subset of the population. Thus, a population code for global motion patterns appears to be a general coding principle of visual systems that matches local motion responses to modes of the animal’s movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Henning
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB) and International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neurosciences at the University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Giordano Ramos-Traslosheros
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB) and International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neurosciences at the University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Burak Gür
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB) and International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neurosciences at the University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Marion Silies
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Corresponding author.
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45
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Abstract
The mouse has dichromatic color vision based on two different types of opsins: short (S)- and middle (M)-wavelength-sensitive opsins with peak sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV; 360 nm) and green light (508 nm), respectively. In the mouse retina, cone photoreceptors that predominantly express the S-opsin are more sensitive to contrasts and denser towards the ventral retina, preferentially sampling the upper part of the visual field. In contrast, the expression of the M-opsin gradually increases towards the dorsal retina that encodes the lower visual field. Such a distinctive retinal organization is assumed to arise from a selective pressure in evolution to efficiently encode the natural scenes. However, natural image statistics of UV light remain largely unexplored. Here we developed a multi-spectral camera to acquire high-quality UV and green images of the same natural scenes, and examined the optimality of the mouse retina to the image statistics. We found that the local contrast and the spatial correlation were both higher in UV than in green for images above the horizon, but lower in UV than in green for those below the horizon. This suggests that the dorsoventral functional division of the mouse retina is not optimal for maximizing the bandwidth of information transmission. Factors besides the coding efficiency, such as visual behavioral requirements, will thus need to be considered to fully explain the characteristic organization of the mouse retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Abballe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hiroki Asari
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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46
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Differential susceptibility of retinal ganglion cell subtypes against neurodegenerative diseases. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:1807-1821. [PMID: 35038014 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05556-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are essential to propagate external visual information from the retina to the brain. Death of RGCs is speculated to be closely correlated with blinding retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). Emerging innovative technologies have helped refine and standardize the classification of RGCs; at present, they are classified into more than 40 subpopulations in mammals. These RGC subtypes are identified by a combination of anatomical morphologies, electrophysiological functions, and genetic profiles. Increasing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases do not collectively affect the RGCs. In fact, which RGC subtype exhibits the strongest or weakest susceptibility is hotly debated. Although a consensus has not yet been reached, it is certain that assorted RGCs display differential susceptibility against irreversible degeneration. Interestingly, a single RGC subtype can exhibit various vulnerabilities to optic nerve damage in diverse injury models. Thus, elucidating how susceptible RGC subtypes are to various injuries can protect vulnerable RGCs from damage and improve the possibility of preventing and treating visual impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize in detail the progress and status quo of research on the type-specific susceptibility of RGCs and point out current limitations and the possible directions for future research in this field.
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47
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Risner ML, Pasini S, McGrady NR, Calkins DJ. Bax Contributes to Retinal Ganglion Cell Dendritic Degeneration During Glaucoma. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1366-1380. [PMID: 34984584 PMCID: PMC8882107 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) family of proteins contributes to mitochondrial-based apoptosis in models of neurodegeneration, including glaucomatous optic neuropathy (glaucoma), which degrades the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axonal projection to the visual brain. Glaucoma is commonly associated with increased sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) and involves a proximal program that leads to RGC dendritic pruning and a distal program that underlies axonopathy in the optic projection. While genetic deletion of the Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax-/-) prolongs RGC body survival in models of glaucoma and optic nerve trauma, axonopathy persists, thus raising the question of whether dendrites and the RGC light response are protected. Here, we used an inducible model of glaucoma in Bax-/- mice to determine if Bax contributes to RGC dendritic degeneration. We performed whole-cell recordings and dye filling in RGCs signaling light onset (αON-Sustained) and offset (αOFF-Sustained). We recovered RGC dendritic morphologies by confocal microscopy and analyzed dendritic arbor complexity and size. Additionally, we assessed RGC axon function by measuring anterograde axon transport of cholera toxin subunit B to the superior colliculus and behavioral spatial frequency threshold (i.e., spatial acuity). We found 1 month of IOP elevation did not cause significant RGC death in either WT or Bax-/- retinas. However, IOP elevation reduced dendritic arbor complexity of WT αON-Sustained and αOFF-Sustained RGCs. In the absence of Bax, αON- and αOFF-Sustained RGC dendritic arbors remained intact following IOP elevation. In addition to dendrites, neuroprotection by Bax-/- generalized to αON-and αOFF-Sustained RGC light- and current-evoked responses. Both anterograde axon transport and spatial acuity declined during IOP elevation in WT and Bax-/- mice. Collectively, our results indicate Bax contributes to RGC dendritic degeneration and distinguishes the proximal and distal neurodegenerative programs involved during the progression of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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48
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Zahler SH, Taylor DE, Wong JY, Adams JM, Feinberg EH. Superior colliculus drives stimulus-evoked directionally biased saccades and attempted head movements in head-fixed mice. eLife 2021; 10:73081. [PMID: 34970968 PMCID: PMC8747496 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals investigate their environments by directing their gaze towards salient stimuli. In the prevailing view, mouse gaze shifts entail head rotations followed by brainstem-mediated eye movements, including saccades to reset the eyes. These 'recentering' saccades are attributed to head movement-related vestibular cues. However, microstimulating mouse superior colliculus (SC) elicits directed head and eye movements resembling SC-dependent sensory-guided gaze shifts in other species, suggesting that mouse gaze shifts may be more flexible than has been recognized. We investigated this possibility by tracking eye and attempted head movements in a head-fixed preparation that eliminates head movement-related sensory cues. We found tactile stimuli evoke directionally biased saccades coincident with attempted head rotations. Differences in saccade endpoints across stimuli are associated with distinct stimulus-dependent relationships between initial eye position and saccade direction and amplitude. Optogenetic perturbations revealed SC drives these gaze shifts. Thus, head-fixed mice make sensory-guided, SC-dependent gaze shifts involving coincident, directionally biased saccades and attempted head movements. Our findings uncover flexibility in mouse gaze shifts and provide a foundation for studying head-eye coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H Zahler
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - David E Taylor
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Joey Y Wong
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Julia M Adams
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Evan H Feinberg
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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Contreras E, Nobleman AP, Robinson PR, Schmidt TM. Melanopsin phototransduction: beyond canonical cascades. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:273562. [PMID: 34842918 PMCID: PMC8714064 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.226522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Melanopsin is a visual pigment that is expressed in a small subset of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). It is involved in regulating non-image forming visual behaviors, such as circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex, while also playing a role in many aspects of image-forming vision, such as contrast sensitivity. Melanopsin was initially discovered in the melanophores of the skin of the frog Xenopus, and subsequently found in a subset of ganglion cells in rat, mouse and primate retinas. ipRGCs were initially thought to be a single retinal ganglion cell population, and melanopsin was thought to activate a single, invertebrate-like Gq/transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)-based phototransduction cascade within these cells. However, in the 20 years since the discovery of melanopsin, our knowledge of this visual pigment and ipRGCs has expanded dramatically. Six ipRGC subtypes have now been identified in the mouse, each with unique morphological, physiological and functional properties. Multiple subtypes have also been identified in other species, suggesting that this cell type diversity is a general feature of the ipRGC system. This diversity has led to a renewed interest in melanopsin phototransduction that may not follow the canonical Gq/TRPC cascade in the mouse or in the plethora of other organisms that express the melanopsin photopigment. In this Review, we discuss recent findings and discoveries that have challenged the prevailing view of melanopsin phototransduction as a single pathway that influences solely non-image forming functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ely Contreras
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Alexis P. Nobleman
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Department of Biological Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA,Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR), National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Phyllis R. Robinson
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Department of Biological Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA,Authors for correspondence (; )
| | - Tiffany M. Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Authors for correspondence (; )
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50
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Tan H, Li X, Huang K, Luo M, Wang L. Morphological and distributional properties of SMI-32 immunoreactive ganglion cells in the rat retina. J Comp Neurol 2021; 530:1276-1287. [PMID: 34802150 PMCID: PMC9299900 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
SMI-32 is widely used to identify entire populations of alpha retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and several SMI-32+ RGC subsets have been studied thoroughly in rodents. However, due to the thick cover of SMI-32+ neurofilaments, the morphology of SMI-32+ RGCs in the central retinal region is obscured and rarely described. Moreover, SMI-32 labels more than one morphological RGC type and the full morphological characteristics and distribution of SMI-32+ RGCs have yet to be discovered. Here, using intracellular neurobiotin injections combined with SMI-32 antibody staining, we investigated morphological and distributional properties of the entire SMI-32+ RGCs population in the rat retina. We found that SMI-32+ RGCs were evenly distributed throughout the rat retina. We compared the morphological features of SMI-32+ ON and OFF cells in the central, middle, and peripheral retinal regions. We found that SMI-32+ RGCs in different regions have distinct characteristics, such as the soma area and the dendritic field area, and Sholl analysis of ON cells and OFF cells revealed significant differences between each region. We classified SMI-32+ RGCs into five clusters based on morphological features and found that a majority of SMI-32+ RGCs belong to alpha-like cells; however, a small proportion of SMI-32+ RGCs had small soma and small dendritic fields. Together, we present a full description of the morphology and distribution of SMI-32 immunoreactive RGCs in the rat retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Tan
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotao Li
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kang Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Moxuan Luo
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Neuropsychiatric Modulation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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