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Martinetti LE, Autio DM, Crandall SR. Motor Control of Distinct Layer 6 Corticothalamic Feedback Circuits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590613. [PMID: 38712153 PMCID: PMC11071411 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) neurons provide massive input to the thalamus, and these feedback connections enable the cortex to influence its own sensory input by modulating thalamic excitability. However, the functional role(s) feedback serves during sensory processing is unclear. One hypothesis is that CT feedback is under the control of extra-sensory signals originating from higher-order cortical areas, yet we know nothing about the mechanisms of such control. It is also unclear whether such regulation is specific to CT neurons with distinct thalamic connectivity. Using mice (either sex) combined with in vitro electrophysiology techniques, optogenetics, and retrograde labeling, we describe studies of vibrissal primary motor cortex (vM1) influences on different CT neurons in the vibrissal primary somatosensory cortex (vS1) with distinct intrathalamic axonal projections. We found that vM1 inputs are highly selective, evoking stronger postsynaptic responses in Dual ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPm) and posterior medial nucleus (POm) projecting CT neurons located in lower L6a than VPm-only projecting CT cells in upper L6a. A targeted analysis of the specific cells and synapses involved revealed that the greater responsiveness of Dual CT neurons was due to their distinctive intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic mechanisms. These data demonstrate that vS1 has at least two discrete L6 CT subcircuits distinguished by their thalamic projection patterns, intrinsic physiology, and functional connectivity with vM1. Our results also provide insights into how a distinct CT subcircuit may serve specialized roles specific to contextual modulation of tactile-related sensory signals in the somatosensory thalamus during active vibrissa movements. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) feedback circuits are ubiquitous across mammalian species and modalities, and their activities have a strong influence on thalamic excitability and information throughput to the neocortex. Despite clear evidence of CT effects on the thalamus, we know relatively little about how CT cells themselves are regulated. Our results show that input from the primary motor cortex strongly excites a subclass of CT neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex that innervate both core and higher-order somatosensory nuclei rather than those exclusively targeting core somatosensory thalamus. The cortico-cortico-thalamic pathway formed by these connections establishes a circuit-level substrate for supporting CT influence operating under the guidance of ongoing motor activities.
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2
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Crombie D, Spacek MA, Leibold C, Busse L. Spiking activity in the visual thalamus is coupled to pupil dynamics across temporal scales. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002614. [PMID: 38743775 PMCID: PMC11093384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002614] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The processing of sensory information, even at early stages, is influenced by the internal state of the animal. Internal states, such as arousal, are often characterized by relating neural activity to a single "level" of arousal, defined by a behavioral indicator such as pupil size. In this study, we expand the understanding of arousal-related modulations in sensory systems by uncovering multiple timescales of pupil dynamics and their relationship to neural activity. Specifically, we observed a robust coupling between spiking activity in the mouse dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus and pupil dynamics across timescales spanning a few seconds to several minutes. Throughout all these timescales, 2 distinct spiking modes-individual tonic spikes and tightly clustered bursts of spikes-preferred opposite phases of pupil dynamics. This multi-scale coupling reveals modulations distinct from those captured by pupil size per se, locomotion, and eye movements. Furthermore, coupling persisted even during viewing of a naturalistic movie, where it contributed to differences in the encoding of visual information. We conclude that dLGN spiking activity is under the simultaneous influence of multiple arousal-related processes associated with pupil dynamics occurring over a broad range of timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Crombie
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin A. Spacek
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Leibold
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Fakultät für Biologie & Bernstein Center Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Laura Busse
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Munich, Germany
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3
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Dimwamwa ED, Pala A, Chundru V, Wright NC, Stanley GB. Dynamic corticothalamic modulation of the somatosensory thalamocortical circuit during wakefulness. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3529. [PMID: 38664415 PMCID: PMC11045850 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47863-8] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The feedback projections from cortical layer 6 (L6CT) to the sensory thalamus have long been implicated in playing a primary role in gating sensory signaling but remain poorly understood. To causally elucidate the full range of effects of these projections, we targeted silicon probe recordings to the whisker thalamocortical circuit of awake mice selectively expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 in L6CT neurons. Through optogenetic manipulation of L6CT neurons, multi-site electrophysiological recordings, and modeling of L6CT circuitry, we establish L6CT neurons as dynamic modulators of ongoing spiking in the ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (VPm), either suppressing or enhancing VPm spiking depending on L6CT neurons' firing rate and synchrony. Differential effects across the cortical excitatory and inhibitory sub-populations point to an overall influence of L6CT feedback on cortical excitability that could have profound implications for regulating sensory signaling across a range of ethologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaida D Dimwamwa
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aurélie Pala
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vivek Chundru
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Wright
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Garrett B Stanley
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Dimwamwa E, Pala A, Chundru V, Wright NC, Stanley GB. Dynamic corticothalamic modulation of the somatosensory thalamocortical circuit during wakefulness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.18.549491. [PMID: 37503253 PMCID: PMC10370106 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.18.549491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The feedback projections from cortical layer 6 (L6CT) to sensory thalamus have long been implicated in playing a primary role in gating sensory signaling but remain poorly understood. To causally elucidate the full range of effects of these projections, we targeted silicon probe recordings to the whisker thalamocortical circuit of awake mice selectively expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 in L6CT neurons. Through optogenetic manipulation of L6CT neurons, multi-site electrophysiological recordings, and modeling of L6CT circuitry, we establish L6CT neurons as dynamic modulators of ongoing spiking in the ventro-posterior-medial nucleus of thalamus (VPm), either suppressing or enhancing VPm spiking depending on L6CT neurons' firing rate and synchrony. Differential effects across the cortical excitatory and inhibitory sub-populations point to an overall influence of L6CT feedback on cortical excitability that could have profound implications for regulating sensory signaling across a range of ethologically relevant conditions.
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5
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Jeong H, Namboodiri VMK, Jung MW, Andermann ML. Sensory cortical ensembles exhibit differential coupling to ripples in distinct hippocampal subregions. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5185-5198.e4. [PMID: 37995696 PMCID: PMC10842729 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.073] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cortical neurons activated during recent experiences often reactivate with dorsal hippocampal CA1 ripples during subsequent rest. Less is known about cortical interactions with intermediate hippocampal CA1, whose connectivity, functions, and ripple events differ from dorsal CA1. We identified three clusters of putative excitatory neurons in mouse visual cortex that are preferentially excited together with either dorsal or intermediate CA1 ripples or suppressed before both ripples. Neurons in each cluster were evenly distributed across primary and higher visual cortices and co-active even in the absence of ripples. These ensembles exhibited similar visual responses but different coupling to thalamus and pupil-indexed arousal. We observed a consistent activity sequence preceding and predicting ripples: (1) suppression of ripple-suppressed cortical neurons, (2) thalamic silence, and (3) activation of intermediate CA1-ripple-activated cortical neurons. We propose that coordinated dynamics of these ensembles relay visual experiences to distinct hippocampal subregions for incorporation into different cognitive maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijeong Jeong
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 1651 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Vijay Mohan K Namboodiri
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 1651 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, 1651 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, 1651 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Min Whan Jung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mark L Andermann
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Li M, Eltabbal M, Tran HD, Kuhn B. Scn2a insufficiency alters spontaneous neuronal Ca 2+ activity in somatosensory cortex during wakefulness. iScience 2023; 26:108138. [PMID: 37876801 PMCID: PMC10590963 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108138] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SCN2A protein-truncating variants (PTV) can result in neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, but they are less likely to cause epilepsy in comparison to missense variants. While in vitro studies showed PTV reduce action potential firing, consequences at in vivo network level remain elusive. Here, we generated a mouse model of Scn2a insufficiency using antisense oligonucleotides (Scn2a ASO mice), which recapitulated key clinical feature of SCN2A PTV disorders. Simultaneous two-photon Ca2+ imaging and electrocorticography (ECoG) in awake mice showed that spontaneous Ca2+ transients in somatosensory cortical neurons, as well as their pairwise co-activities were generally decreased in Scn2a ASO mice during spontaneous awake state and induced seizure state. The reduction of neuronal activities and paired co-activity are mechanisms associated with motor, social and cognitive deficits observed in our mouse model of severe Scn2a insufficiency, indicating these are likely mechanisms driving SCN2A PTV pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Li
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Mohamed Eltabbal
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hoang-Dai Tran
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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Jeong H, Namboodiri VMK, Jung MW, Andermann ML. Sensory cortical ensembles exhibit differential coupling to ripples in distinct hippocampal subregions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533028. [PMID: 36993665 PMCID: PMC10055189 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cortical neurons activated during recent experiences often reactivate with dorsal hippocampal CA1 sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) during subsequent rest. Less is known about cortical interactions with intermediate hippocampal CA1, whose connectivity, functions, and SWRs differ from those of dorsal CA1. We identified three clusters of visual cortical excitatory neurons that are excited together with either dorsal or intermediate CA1 SWRs, or suppressed before both SWRs. Neurons in each cluster were distributed across primary and higher visual cortices and co-active even in the absence of SWRs. These ensembles exhibited similar visual responses but different coupling to thalamus and pupil-indexed arousal. We observed a consistent activity sequence: (i) suppression of SWR-suppressed cortical neurons, (ii) thalamic silence, and (iii) activation of the cortical ensemble preceding and predicting intermediate CA1 SWRs. We propose that the coordinated dynamics of these ensembles relay visual experiences to distinct hippocampal subregions for incorporation into different cognitive maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijeong Jeong
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Vijay Mohan K Namboodiri
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco 94158, CA, USA
| | - Min Whan Jung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Mark L. Andermann
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Lead contact
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8
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Brondi M, Lodovichi C. Cranial Window for Acute and Chronic Optical Access to Record Neuronal Network Dynamics in the Olfactory Bulb. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2710:131-148. [PMID: 37688730 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3425-7_11] [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] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Cranial window implant is the preparation of choice for acute and chronic optical access to a given brain area. The cranial window provides a stable preparation, which can last for months. This window allows to follow the activity of distinct population of neurons expressing genetically encoded fluorescent reporters of activity in awake, behaving, head-fixed animals. The optical access can also be exploited for acute imaging, in anesthetized animals. Here we provide a detailed protocol for acute and chronic cranial window implantations in the olfactory bulb. We also provide the procedure to perform injections of adeno-associated viruses expressing genetically encoded fluorescent sensors in the same area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Brondi
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata, Padova, Italy
- IN-CNR, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Lodovichi
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata, Padova, Italy
- IN-CNR, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Padova, Italy
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9
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Whyland KL, Hernandez Y, Slusarczyk AS, Guido W, Bickford ME. The parabigeminal nucleus is a source of "retinogeniculate replacement terminals" in mice that lack retinofugal input. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:3179-3192. [PMID: 36066425 PMCID: PMC9588688 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25401] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of mice that lack retinal input, a population of large terminals supplants the synaptic arrangements normally made by the missing retinogeniculate terminals. To identify potential sources of these "retinogeniculate replacement terminals," we used mutant mice (math5-/- ) which lack retinofugal projections due to the failure of retinal ganglion cells to develop. In this line, we labeled LGN terminals that originate from the primary visual cortex (V1) or the parabigeminal nucleus (PBG), and compared their ultrastructure to retinogeniculate, V1 or PBG terminals in the dLGN of C57Blk6 (WT) mice (schematically depicted above graph). Corticogeniculate terminals labeled in WT and math5-/- mice were similar in size and both groups were significantly smaller than WT retinogeniculate terminals. In contrast, the PBG projection in math5-/- mice was extensive and there was considerable overlap in the sizes of retinogeniculate terminals in WT mice and PBG terminals in math5-/- mice (summarized in histogram). The data indicate that V1 is not a source of "retinogeniculate replacement terminals" and suggests that large PBG terminals expand their innervation territory to replace retinogeniculate terminals in their absence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle L. Whyland
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Yanio Hernandez
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Arkadiusz S. Slusarczyk
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Martha E. Bickford
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
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Synaptotagmin 2 is ectopically overexpressed in excitatory presynapses of a widely used CaMKΙΙα-Cre mouse line. iScience 2022; 25:104692. [PMID: 35856033 PMCID: PMC9287804 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104692] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The CaMKΙΙα-Cre mouse lines, possibly the most used Cre lines in neuroscience, have resulted in over 800 articles to date. Here, we demonstrate that the second most widely used CaMKΙΙα-Cre line, Tg(Camk2a-cre)2Gsc (or CamiCre), shows ectopic overexpression of synaptotagmin 2, the most efficient Ca2+ sensor for fast synchronous neurotransmitter release, in excitatory presynapses of Cre+ brains. Moreover, the upregulation of immediate-early genes and genes incorporated in bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenes, such as L-proline transporter Slc6a7, was found in Cre+ hippocampus. The copy number and integration site of the transgene are suggested to have caused the aberrant gene expression in Cre+ brains. Most importantly, CamiCre+ mice showed functional phenotypes, such as hyperactivity and enhanced associative learning, suggesting that neural activities are affected. These unexpected results suggest difficulties in interpreting results from studies using the CamiCre line and raise a warning of potential pitfalls in using Cre driver lines in general. CamiCre+ mice show the ectopic overexpression of SYT2 in excitatory presynapses CamiCre+ mice show the ectopic overexpression of SLC6A7 in hippocampal mossy fibers CamiCre+ mice show hyperactivity and enhanced associative learning Multiple copies of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenes are integrated into the Syt2 locus
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11
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TOB is an effector of the hippocampus-mediated acute stress response. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:302. [PMID: 35906220 PMCID: PMC9338090 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress affects behavior and involves critical dynamic changes at multiple levels ranging from molecular pathways to neural circuits and behavior. Abnormalities at any of these levels lead to decreased stress resilience and pathological behavior. However, temporal modulation of molecular pathways underlying stress response remains poorly understood. Transducer of ErbB2.1, known as TOB, is involved in different physiological functions, including cellular stress and immediate response to stimulation. In this study, we investigated the role of TOB in psychological stress machinery at molecular, neural circuit, and behavioral levels. Interestingly, TOB protein levels increased after mice were exposed to acute stress. At the neural circuit level, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) suggested that intra-hippocampal and hippocampal-prefrontal connectivity were dysregulated in Tob knockout (Tob-KO) mice. Electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal slices showed increased postsynaptic AMPAR-mediated neurotransmission, accompanied by decreased GABA neurotransmission and subsequently altered Excitatory/Inhibitory balance after Tob deletion. At the behavioral level, Tob-KO mice show abnormal, hippocampus-dependent, contextual fear conditioning and extinction, and depression-like behaviors. On the other hand, increased anxiety observed in Tob-KO mice is hippocampus-independent. At the molecular level, we observed changes in factors involved in stress response like decreased stress-induced LCN2 expression and ERK phosphorylation, as well as increased MKP-1 expression. This study introduces TOB as an important modulator in the hippocampal stress signaling machinery. In summary, we reveal a molecular pathway and neural circuit mechanism by which Tob deletion contributes to expression of pathological stress-related behavior.
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In utero electroporation and cranial window implantation for in vivo wide-field two-photon calcium imaging using G-CaMP9a transgenic mice. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101421. [PMID: 35693213 PMCID: PMC9185017 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101421] [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
We present a protocol to prepare mouse cranial window implantation for in vivo two-photon wide-field calcium imaging. This protocol uses G-CaMP9a transgenic mice, which express a genetically encoded calcium indicator with high signal-to-noise ratio. We describe in utero electroporation, followed by headplate fixation and cranial window implantation. This protocol can be used for measuring neural activity and is suitable for long-term imaging in large populations. Moreover, this protocol does not require preparation of Flp-expressing transgenic mice. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sakamoto et al. (2022). Preparation of G-CaMP9a knock-in mice for in vivo calcium imaging In utero electroporation to introduce Flp recombinase in G-CaMP9a mice Implantation of cranial window for in vivo two-photon calcium imaging
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
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Spacek MA, Crombie D, Bauer Y, Born G, Liu X, Katzner S, Busse L. Robust effects of corticothalamic feedback and behavioral state on movie responses in mouse dLGN. eLife 2022; 11:70469. [PMID: 35315775 PMCID: PMC9020820 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70469] [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: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus receive a substantial proportion of modulatory inputs from corticothalamic (CT) feedback and brain stem nuclei. Hypothesizing that these modulatory influences might be differentially engaged depending on the visual stimulus and behavioral state, we performed in vivo extracellular recordings from mouse dLGN while optogenetically suppressing CT feedback and monitoring behavioral state by locomotion and pupil dilation. For naturalistic movie clips, we found CT feedback to consistently increase dLGN response gain and promote tonic firing. In contrast, for gratings, CT feedback effects on firing rates were mixed. For both stimulus types, the neural signatures of CT feedback closely resembled those of behavioral state, yet effects of behavioral state on responses to movies persisted even when CT feedback was suppressed. We conclude that CT feedback modulates visual information on its way to cortex in a stimulus-dependent manner, but largely independently of behavioral state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Spacek
- Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Davide Crombie
- Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yannik Bauer
- Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gregory Born
- Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Laura Busse
- Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Adeyelu T, Gandhi T, Lee CC. Crossed Connections From Insular Cortex to the Contralateral Thalamus. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:710925. [PMID: 34949990 PMCID: PMC8688809 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.710925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory information in all modalities, except olfaction, is processed at the level of the thalamus before subsequent transmission to the cerebral cortex. This incoming sensory stream is refined and modulated in the thalamus by numerous descending corticothalamic projections originating in layer 6 that ultimately alter the sensitivity and selectivity for sensory features. In general, these sensory thalamo-cortico-thalamic loops are considered strictly unilateral, i.e., no contralateral crosstalk between cortex and thalamus. However, in contrast to this canonical view, we characterize here a prominent contralateral corticothalamic projection originating in the insular cortex, utilizing both retrograde tracing and cre-lox mediated viral anterograde tracing strategies with the Ntsr1-Cre transgenic mouse line. From our studies, we find that the insular contralateral corticothalamic projection originates from a separate population of layer 6 neurons than the ipsilateral corticothalamic projection. Furthermore, the contralateral projection targets a topographically distinct subregion of the thalamus than the ipsilateral projection. These findings suggest a unique bilateral mechanism for the top-down refinement of ascending sensory information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles C. Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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15
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Cecchetto C, Vassanelli S, Kuhn B. Simultaneous Two-Photon Voltage or Calcium Imaging and Multi-Channel Local Field Potential Recordings in Barrel Cortex of Awake and Anesthetized Mice. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:741279. [PMID: 34867155 PMCID: PMC8632658 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.741279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal population activity, both spontaneous and sensory-evoked, generates propagating waves in cortex. However, high spatiotemporal-resolution mapping of these waves is difficult as calcium imaging, the work horse of current imaging, does not reveal subthreshold activity. Here, we present a platform combining voltage or calcium two-photon imaging with multi-channel local field potential (LFP) recordings in different layers of the barrel cortex from anesthetized and awake head-restrained mice. A chronic cranial window with access port allows injecting a viral vector expressing GCaMP6f or the voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) ANNINE-6plus, as well as entering the brain with a multi-channel neural probe. We present both average spontaneous activity and average evoked signals in response to multi-whisker air-puff stimulations. Time domain analysis shows the dependence of the evoked responses on the cortical layer and on the state of the animal, here separated into anesthetized, awake but resting, and running. The simultaneous data acquisition allows to compare the average membrane depolarization measured with ANNINE-6plus with the amplitude and shape of the LFP recordings. The calcium imaging data connects these data sets to the large existing database of this important second messenger. Interestingly, in the calcium imaging data, we found a few cells which showed a decrease in calcium concentration in response to vibrissa stimulation in awake mice. This system offers a multimodal technique to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of neuronal signals through a 3D architecture in vivo. It will provide novel insights on sensory coding, closing the gap between electrical and optical recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cecchetto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Stefano Vassanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
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16
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Kirchgessner MA, Franklin AD, Callaway EM. Distinct "driving" versus "modulatory" influences of different visual corticothalamic pathways. Curr Biol 2021; 31:5121-5137.e7. [PMID: 34614389 PMCID: PMC8665059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Higher-order (HO) thalamic nuclei interact extensively and reciprocally with the cerebral cortex. These corticothalamic (CT) interactions are thought to be important for sensation and perception, attention, and many other important brain functions. CT projections to HO thalamic nuclei, such as the visual pulvinar, originate from two different excitatory populations in cortical layers 5 and 6, whereas first-order nuclei (such as the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus; dLGN) only receive layer 6 CT input. It has been proposed that these layer 5 and layer 6 CT pathways have different functional influences on the HO thalamus, but this has never been directly tested. By optogenetically inactivating different CT populations in the primary visual cortex (V1) and recording single-unit activity from V1, dLGN, and pulvinar of awake mice, we demonstrate that layer 5, but not layer 6, CT projections drive visual responses in the pulvinar, even while both pathways provide retinotopic, baseline excitation to their thalamic targets. Inactivating the superior colliculus also suppressed visual responses in the same subregion of the pulvinar, demonstrating that cortical layer 5 and subcortical inputs both contribute to HO visual thalamic activity-even at the level of putative single neurons. Altogether, these results indicate a functional division of "driver" and "modulator" CT pathways from V1 to the visual thalamus in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Kirchgessner
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratories, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexis D Franklin
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratories, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Edward M Callaway
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratories, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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17
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Whilden CM, Chevée M, An SY, Brown SP. The synaptic inputs and thalamic projections of two classes of layer 6 corticothalamic neurons in primary somatosensory cortex of the mouse. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3751-3771. [PMID: 33908623 PMCID: PMC8551307 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although corticothalamic neurons (CThNs) represent the largest source of synaptic input to thalamic neurons, their role in regulating thalamocortical interactions remains incompletely understood. CThNs in sensory cortex have historically been divided into two types, those with cell bodies in Layer 6 (L6) that project back to primary sensory thalamic nuclei and those with cell bodies in Layer 5 (L5) that project to higher-order thalamic nuclei and subcortical structures. Recently, diversity among L6 CThNs has increasingly been appreciated. In the rodent somatosensory cortex, two major classes of L6 CThNs have been identified: one projecting to the ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPM-only L6 CThNs) and one projecting to both VPM and the posterior medial nucleus (VPM/POm L6 CThNs). Using rabies-based tracing methods in mice, we asked whether these L6 CThN populations integrate similar synaptic inputs. We found that both types of L6 CThNs received local input from somatosensory cortex and thalamic input from VPM and POm. However, VPM/POm L6 CThNs received significantly more input from a number of additional cortical areas, higher order thalamic nuclei, and subcortical structures. We also found that the two types of L6 CThNs target different functional regions within the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). Together, our results indicate that these two types of L6 CThNs represent distinct information streams in the somatosensory cortex and suggest that VPM-only L6 CThNs regulate, via their more restricted circuits, sensory responses related to a cortical column while VPM/POm L6 CThNs, which are integrated into more widespread POm-related circuits, relay contextual information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Michelle Whilden
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maxime Chevée
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Seong Yeol An
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Solange Pezon Brown
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Intrinsic optical signal imaging and targeted injections through a chronic cranial window of a head-fixed mouse. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100779. [PMID: 34505087 PMCID: PMC8413905 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic optical signal imaging (ISI) is a hemodynamic response-based technique to map the functional architecture of the cortex. ISI is often used as an auxiliary method to localize cortical areas for targeted electrophysiology, pharmacology, or imaging experiments. Here, we provide a protocol for ISI through a cranial window with an access port to identify the area of the primary visual cortex (V1) in a head-fixed mouse, followed by targeted viral vector injection, which enables subsequent two-photon imaging of V1 layer 6 corticothalamic neurons. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to our paper Augustinaite and Kuhn (2020b). Intrinsic optical signal imaging through a chronic cranial window of a head-fixed mouse Mapping of primary visual cortex and other sensory cortical areas Injection through the access port of a chronic cranial window of a head-fixed mouse Instructions for V1 layer 6 labeling long after chronic cranial window surgery
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19
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Saldeitis K, Jeschke M, Budinger E, Ohl FW, Happel MFK. Laser-Induced Apoptosis of Corticothalamic Neurons in Layer VI of Auditory Cortex Impact on Cortical Frequency Processing. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:659280. [PMID: 34322001 PMCID: PMC8311662 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.659280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticofugal projections outnumber subcortical input projections by far. However, the specific role for signal processing of corticofugal feedback is still less well understood in comparisonto the feedforward projection. Here, we lesioned corticothalamic (CT) neurons in layers V and/or VI of the auditory cortex of Mongolian gerbils by laser-induced photolysis to investigate their contribution to cortical activation patterns. We have used laminar current-source density (CSD) recordings of tone-evoked responses and could show that, particularly, lesion of CT neurons in layer VI affected cortical frequency processing. Specifically, we found a decreased gain of best-frequency input in thalamocortical (TC)-recipient input layers that correlated with the relative lesion of layer VI neurons, but not layer V neurons. Using cortical silencing with the GABA a -agonist muscimol and layer-specific intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), we found that direct activation of infragranular layers recruited a local recurrent cortico-thalamo-cortical loop of synaptic input. This recurrent feedback was also only interrupted when lesioning layer VI neurons, but not cells in layer V. Our study thereby shows distinct roles of these two types of CT neurons suggesting a particular impact of CT feedback from layer VI to affect the local feedforward frequency processing in auditory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Saldeitis
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Group, Cognitive Hearing in Primates Lab, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Jeschke
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Group, Cognitive Hearing in Primates Lab, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eike Budinger
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank W Ohl
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Biology (IBIO), University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Max F K Happel
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.,Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Clayton KK, Williamson RS, Hancock KE, Tasaka GI, Mizrahi A, Hackett T, Polley DB. Auditory Corticothalamic Neurons Are Recruited by Motor Preparatory Inputs. Curr Biol 2021; 31:310-321.e5. [PMID: 33157020 PMCID: PMC7855066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Corticothalamic (CT) neurons comprise the largest component of the descending sensory corticofugal pathway, but their contributions to brain function and behavior remain an unsolved mystery. To address the hypothesis that layer 6 (L6) CTs may be activated by extra-sensory inputs prior to anticipated sounds, we performed optogenetically targeted single-unit recordings and two-photon imaging of Ntsr1-Cre+ L6 CT neurons in the primary auditory cortex (A1) while mice were engaged in an active listening task. We found that L6 CTs and other L6 units began spiking hundreds of milliseconds prior to orofacial movements linked to sound presentation and reward, but not to other movements such as locomotion, which were not linked to an explicit behavioral task. Rabies tracing of monosynaptic inputs to A1 L6 CT neurons revealed a narrow strip of cholinergic and non-cholinergic projection neurons in the external globus pallidus, suggesting a potential source of motor-related input. These findings identify new pathways and local circuits for motor modulation of sound processing and suggest a new role for CT neurons in active sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron K. Clayton
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Ross S. Williamson
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Dept. Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 US
| | - Kenneth E. Hancock
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Dept. Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 US
| | - Gen-ichi Tasaka
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Dept. Neurobiology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem ISR
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Dept. Neurobiology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem ISR
| | - Troy Hackett
- Dept. Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN, 37203 USA
| | - Daniel B Polley
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Dept. Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 US
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21
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Abstract
Chronic cranial window surgery is a critical procedure for in vivo imaging in neuroscience. Here, we describe our surgical protocol with several subtle improvements that increase the success rate significantly. The window allows high-quality imaging in head-fixed behaving mice within the first week after the surgical procedure and remains clear for months. We used this procedure to prepare mice for intrinsic signal imaging and two-photon imaging of layer 6 neurons in visual cortex. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Augustinaite and Kuhn (2020). Long-term, high-quality chronic cranial window for imaging applications Instructions for craniotomy and mounting of a cranial window with headplate Instructions for tracer, dye, and/or virus injection during the surgery Specific instructions for surgeries over primary visual cortex (V1) in mice
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