1
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Bhuiyan SA, Xu M, Yang L, Semizoglou E, Bhatia P, Pantaleo KI, Tochitsky I, Jain A, Erdogan B, Blair S, Cat V, Mwirigi JM, Sankaranarayanan I, Tavares-Ferreira D, Green U, McIlvried LA, Copits BA, Bertels Z, Del Rosario JS, Widman AJ, Slivicki RA, Yi J, Sharif-Naeini R, Woolf CJ, Lennerz JK, Whited JL, Price TJ, Robert W Gereau Iv, Renthal W. Harmonized cross-species cell atlases of trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj9173. [PMID: 38905344 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj9173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion (TG) are specialized to detect and transduce diverse environmental stimuli to the central nervous system. Single-cell RNA sequencing has provided insights into the diversity of sensory ganglia cell types in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans, but it remains difficult to compare cell types across studies and species. We thus constructed harmonized atlases of the DRG and TG that describe and facilitate comparison of 18 neuronal and 11 non-neuronal cell types across six species and 31 datasets. We then performed single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing of DRG from both human and the highly regenerative axolotl and found that the harmonized atlas also improves cell type annotation, particularly of sparse neuronal subtypes. We observed that the transcriptomes of sensory neuron subtypes are broadly similar across vertebrates, but the expression of functionally important neuropeptides and channels can vary notably. The resources presented here can guide future studies in comparative transcriptomics, simplify cell-type nomenclature differences across studies, and help prioritize targets for future analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamsuddin A Bhuiyan
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mengyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Lite Yang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Evangelia Semizoglou
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Parth Bhatia
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katerina I Pantaleo
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ivan Tochitsky
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Cir., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aakanksha Jain
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Cir., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Burcu Erdogan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Steven Blair
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Victor Cat
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Juliet M Mwirigi
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ursula Green
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachussetts General Hospital and Havard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lisa A McIlvried
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zachariah Bertels
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John S Del Rosario
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Allie J Widman
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Richard A Slivicki
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jiwon Yi
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Reza Sharif-Naeini
- Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Cir., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jochen K Lennerz
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachussetts General Hospital and Havard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Theodore J Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Robert W Gereau Iv
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - William Renthal
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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2
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Zhang L, Nagel M, Olson WP, Chesler AT, O'Connor DH. Trigeminal innervation and tactile responses in mouse tongue. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.17.553449. [PMID: 37645855 PMCID: PMC10462066 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.17.553449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian tongue is richly innervated with somatosensory, gustatory and motor fibers. These form the basis of many ethologically important functions such as eating, speaking and social grooming. Despite its high tactile acuity and sensitivity, the neural basis of tongue mechanosensation remains largely mysterious. Here we explored the organization of mechanosensory afferents in the tongue and found that each lingual papilla is innervated by Piezo2 + trigeminal neurons. Notably, each fungiform papilla contained highly specialized ring-like sensory neuron terminations that asymmetrically circumscribe the taste buds. Myelinated lingual afferents in the mouse lingual papillae did not form corpuscular sensory end organs but rather had only free nerve endings. In vivo single-unit recordings from the trigeminal ganglion revealed lingual low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) with conduction velocities in the Aδ range or above and distinct adaptation properties ranging from intermediately adapting (IA) to rapidly adapting (RA). IA units were sensitive to both static indentation and stroking, while RA units had a preference for tangential forces applied by stroking. Lingual LTMRs were not directly responsive to rapid cooling or chemicals that can induce astringent or numbing sensations. Sparse labeling of lingual afferents in the tongue revealed distinct terminal morphologies and innervation patterns in fungiform and filiform papillae. Together, our results indicate that fungiform papillae are mechanosensory structures, while suggesting a simple model that links the functional and anatomical properties of tactile sensory neurons in the tongue.
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3
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Espinosa F, Pop IV, Lai HC. Electrophysiological Properties of Proprioception-Related Neurons in the Intermediate Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0331-23.2024. [PMID: 38627062 PMCID: PMC11055654 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0331-23.2024] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprioception, the sense of limb and body position, is required to produce accurate and precise movements. Proprioceptive sensory neurons transmit muscle length and tension information to the spinal cord. The function of excitatory neurons in the intermediate spinal cord, which receive this proprioceptive information, remains poorly understood. Using genetic labeling strategies and patch-clamp techniques in acute spinal cord preparations in mice, we set out to uncover how two sets of spinal neurons, Clarke's column (CC) and Atoh1-lineage neurons, respond to electrical activity and how their inputs are organized. Both sets of neurons are located in close proximity in laminae V-VII of the thoracolumbar spinal cord and have been described to receive proprioceptive signals. We find that a majority of CC neurons have a tonic-firing type and express a distinctive hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih). Atoh1-lineage neurons, which cluster into two spatially distinct populations, are mostly a fading-firing type and display similar electrophysiological properties to each other, possibly due to their common developmental lineage. Finally, we find that CC neurons respond to stimulation of lumbar dorsal roots, consistent with prior knowledge that CC neurons receive hindlimb proprioceptive information. In contrast, using a combination of electrical stimulation, optogenetic stimulation, and transsynaptic rabies virus tracing, we find that Atoh1-lineage neurons receive heterogeneous, predominantly local thoracic inputs that include parvalbumin-lineage sensory afferents and local interneuron presynaptic inputs. Altogether, we find that CC and Atoh1-lineage neurons have distinct membrane properties and sensory input organization, representing different subcircuit modes of proprioceptive information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Iliodora V Pop
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Helen C Lai
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
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4
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Qi L, Iskols M, Shi D, Reddy P, Walker C, Lezgiyeva K, Voisin T, Pawlak M, Kuchroo VK, Chiu IM, Ginty DD, Sharma N. A mouse DRG genetic toolkit reveals morphological and physiological diversity of somatosensory neuron subtypes. Cell 2024; 187:1508-1526.e16. [PMID: 38442711 PMCID: PMC10947841 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.006] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) somatosensory neurons detect mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli acting on the body. Achieving a holistic view of how different DRG neuron subtypes relay neural signals from the periphery to the CNS has been challenging with existing tools. Here, we develop and curate a mouse genetic toolkit that allows for interrogating the properties and functions of distinct cutaneous targeting DRG neuron subtypes. These tools have enabled a broad morphological analysis, which revealed distinct cutaneous axon arborization areas and branching patterns of the transcriptionally distinct DRG neuron subtypes. Moreover, in vivo physiological analysis revealed that each subtype has a distinct threshold and range of responses to mechanical and/or thermal stimuli. These findings support a model in which morphologically and physiologically distinct cutaneous DRG sensory neuron subtypes tile mechanical and thermal stimulus space to collectively encode a wide range of natural stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael Iskols
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Shi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pranav Reddy
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christopher Walker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Karina Lezgiyeva
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tiphaine Voisin
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mathias Pawlak
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Mass General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Mass General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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5
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Lopez JA, Romero LO, Kaung WL, Maddox JW, Vásquez V, Lee A. Caldendrin Is a Repressor of PIEZO2 Channels and Touch Sensation in Mice. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1402232023. [PMID: 38262725 PMCID: PMC10919251 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1402-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The sense of touch is crucial for cognitive, emotional, and social development and relies on mechanically activated (MA) ion channels that transduce force into an electrical signal. Despite advances in the molecular characterization of these channels, the physiological factors that control their activity are poorly understood. Here, we used behavioral assays, electrophysiological recordings, and various mouse strains (males and females analyzed separately) to investigate the role of the calmodulin-like Ca2+ sensor, caldendrin, as a key regulator of MA channels and their roles in touch sensation. In mice lacking caldendrin (Cabp1 KO), heightened responses to tactile stimuli correlate with enlarged MA currents with lower mechanical thresholds in dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs). The expression pattern of caldendrin in the DRG parallels that of the major MA channel required for touch sensation, PIEZO2. In transfected cells, caldendrin interacts with and inhibits the activity of PIEZO2 in a manner that requires an alternatively spliced sequence in the N-terminal domain of caldendrin. Moreover, targeted genetic deletion of caldendrin in Piezo2-expressing DRGNs phenocopies the tactile hypersensitivity of complete Cabp1 KO mice. We conclude that caldendrin is an endogenous repressor of PIEZO2 channels and their contributions to touch sensation in DRGNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue A Lopez
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
| | - Luis O Romero
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, Tennessee
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, Memphis 38163, Tennessee
| | - Wai-Lin Kaung
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
| | - J Wesley Maddox
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, Tennessee
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
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6
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Desiderio S, Schwaller F, Tartour K, Padmanabhan K, Lewin GR, Carroll P, Marmigere F. Touch receptor end-organ innervation and function require sensory neuron expression of the transcription factor Meis2. eLife 2024; 12:RP89287. [PMID: 38386003 PMCID: PMC10942617 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89287] [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: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Touch sensation is primarily encoded by mechanoreceptors, called low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), with their cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia. Because of their great diversity in terms of molecular signature, terminal endings morphology, and electrophysiological properties, mirroring the complexity of tactile experience, LTMRs are a model of choice to study the molecular cues differentially controlling neuronal diversification. While the transcriptional codes that define different LTMR subtypes have been extensively studied, the molecular players that participate in their late maturation and in particular in the striking diversity of their end-organ morphological specialization are largely unknown. Here we identified the TALE homeodomain transcription factor Meis2 as a key regulator of LTMRs target-field innervation in mice. Meis2 is specifically expressed in cutaneous LTMRs, and its expression depends on target-derived signals. While LTMRs lacking Meis2 survived and are normally specified, their end-organ innervations, electrophysiological properties, and transcriptome are differentially and markedly affected, resulting in impaired sensory-evoked behavioral responses. These data establish Meis2 as a major transcriptional regulator controlling the orderly formation of sensory neurons innervating peripheral end organs required for light touch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Desiderio
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM U 1298MontpellierFrance
| | - Frederick Schwaller
- Department of Neuroscience, Max‐Delbrück Centre for Molecular MedicineBerlin‐BuchGermany
| | | | | | - Gary R Lewin
- Department of Neuroscience, Max‐Delbrück Centre for Molecular MedicineBerlin‐BuchGermany
| | - Patrick Carroll
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM U 1298MontpellierFrance
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7
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Veshchitskii A, Merkulyeva N. Calcium-binding protein parvalbumin in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105634. [PMID: 37967669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105634] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Parvalbumin is one of the calcium-binding proteins. In the spinal cord, it is mainly expressed in inhibitory neurons; in the dorsal root ganglia, it is expressed in proprioceptive neurons. In contrast to in the brain, weak systematization of parvalbumin-expressing neurons occurs in the spinal cord. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of parvalbumin-expressing neuronal populations throughout the spinal cord and the dorsal root ganglia of mammals, regarding their mapping, co-expression with some functional markers. The data reviewed are mostly concerning rodentia species because they are predominantly presented in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Veshchitskii
- Neuromorphology Lab, Pavlov Institute of Physiology Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Merkulyeva
- Neuromorphology Lab, Pavlov Institute of Physiology Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
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8
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de Nooij JC, Zampieri N. The making of a proprioceptor: a tale of two identities. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:1083-1094. [PMID: 37858440 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.09.008] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Proprioception, the sense of body position in space, has a critical role in the control of posture and movement. Aside from skin and joint receptors, the main sources of proprioceptive information in tetrapods are mechanoreceptive end organs in skeletal muscle: muscle spindles (MSs) and Golgi tendon organs (GTOs). The sensory neurons that innervate these receptors are divided into subtypes that detect discrete aspects of sensory information from muscles with different biomechanical functions. Despite the importance of proprioceptive neurons in motor control, the developmental mechanisms that control the acquisition of their distinct functional properties and positional identity are not yet clear. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the development of mouse proprioceptor subtypes and challenges in defining them at the molecular and functional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joriene C de Nooij
- Department of Neurology, Division of Translational Neurobiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 650 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia University Motor Neuron Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Niccolò Zampieri
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
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9
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Laflamme OD, Markin SN, Deska-Gauthier D, Banks R, Zhang Y, Danner SM, Akay T. Distinct roles of spinal commissural interneurons in transmission of contralateral sensory information. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3452-3464.e4. [PMID: 37531957 PMCID: PMC10528931 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.014] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Crossed reflexes are mediated by commissural pathways transmitting sensory information to the contralateral side of the body, but the underlying network is not fully understood. Commissural pathways coordinating the activities of spinal locomotor circuits during locomotion have been characterized in mice, but their relationship to crossed reflexes is unknown. We show the involvement of two genetically distinct groups of commissural interneurons (CINs) described in mice, V0 and V3 CINs, in the crossed reflex pathways. Our data suggest that the exclusively excitatory V3 CINs are directly involved in the excitatory crossed reflexes and show that they are essential for the inhibitory crossed reflexes. In contrast, the V0 CINs, a population that includes excitatory and inhibitory CINs, are not directly involved in excitatory or inhibitory crossed reflexes but downregulate the inhibitory crossed reflexes. Our data provide insights into the spinal circuitry underlying crossed reflexes in mice, describing the roles of V0 and V3 CINs in crossed reflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier D Laflamme
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3T 0A6, Canada
| | - Sergey N Markin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Dylan Deska-Gauthier
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3T 0A6, Canada
| | - Rachel Banks
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3T 0A6, Canada
| | - Ying Zhang
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3T 0A6, Canada
| | - Simon M Danner
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Turgay Akay
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3T 0A6, Canada.
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10
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Bhuiyan SA, Xu M, Yang L, Semizoglou E, Bhatia P, Pantaleo KI, Tochitsky I, Jain A, Erdogan B, Blair S, Cat V, Mwirigi JM, Sankaranarayanan I, Tavares-Ferreira D, Green U, McIlvried LA, Copits BA, Bertels Z, Del Rosario JS, Widman AJ, Slivicki RA, Yi J, Woolf CJ, Lennerz JK, Whited JL, Price TJ, Gereau RW, Renthal W. Harmonized cross-species cell atlases of trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.04.547740. [PMID: 37461736 PMCID: PMC10350076 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.04.547740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion (TG) are specialized to detect and transduce diverse environmental stimuli including touch, temperature, and pain to the central nervous system. Recent advances in single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) have provided new insights into the diversity of sensory ganglia cell types in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, but it remains difficult to compare transcriptomically defined cell types across studies and species. Here, we built cross-species harmonized atlases of DRG and TG cell types that describe 18 neuronal and 11 non-neuronal cell types across 6 species and 19 studies. We then demonstrate the utility of this harmonized reference atlas by using it to annotate newly profiled DRG nuclei/cells from both human and the highly regenerative axolotl. We observe that the transcriptomic profiles of sensory neuron subtypes are broadly similar across vertebrates, but the expression of functionally important neuropeptides and channels can vary notably. The new resources and data presented here can guide future studies in comparative transcriptomics, simplify cell type nomenclature differences across studies, and help prioritize targets for future pain therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamsuddin A Bhuiyan
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mengyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Lite Yang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Evangelia Semizoglou
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Parth Bhatia
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katerina I Pantaleo
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ivan Tochitsky
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Cir. Boston, MA 02115
| | - Aakanksha Jain
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Cir. Boston, MA 02115
| | - Burcu Erdogan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138
| | - Steven Blair
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138
| | - Victor Cat
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138
| | - Juliet M Mwirigi
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080
| | - Ursula Green
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachussetts General Hospital and Havard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Lisa A McIlvried
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Zachariah Bertels
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - John S Del Rosario
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Allie J Widman
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Richard A Slivicki
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Jiwon Yi
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Cir. Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jochen K Lennerz
- Department of Pathology, Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Massachussetts General Hospital and Havard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138
| | - Theodore J Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Program in Neurosciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - William Renthal
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Espinosa-Juárez JV, Chiquete E, Estañol B, Aceves JDJ. Optogenetic and Chemogenic Control of Pain Signaling: Molecular Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10220. [PMID: 37373365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a complex experience that involves physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects. This review focuses specifically on the physiological processes underlying pain perception, with a particular emphasis on the various types of sensory neurons involved in transmitting pain signals to the central nervous system. Recent advances in techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics have allowed researchers to selectively activate or inactivate specific neuronal circuits, offering a promising avenue for developing more effective pain management strategies. The article delves into the molecular targets of different types of sensory fibers such as channels, for example, TRPV1 in C-peptidergic fiber, TRPA1 in C-non-peptidergic receptors expressed differentially as MOR and DOR, and transcription factors, and their colocalization with the vesicular transporter of glutamate, which enable researchers to identify specific subtypes of neurons within the pain pathway and allows for selective transfection and expression of opsins to modulate their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue Vidal Espinosa-Juárez
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas Sede Ocozocoautla, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Ocozocoautla de Espinosa 29140, Mexico
| | - Erwin Chiquete
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Bruno Estañol
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - José de Jesús Aceves
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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12
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Matarazzo JV, Ajay EA, Payne SC, Trang EP, Thompson AC, Marroquin JB, Wise AK, Fallon JB, Richardson RT. Combined optogenetic and electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve for selective control of sensory fibers. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1190662. [PMID: 37360169 PMCID: PMC10285517 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1190662] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Electrical stimulation offers a drug-free alternative for the treatment of many neurological conditions, such as chronic pain. However, it is not easy to selectively activate afferent or efferent fibers of mixed nerves, nor their functional subtypes. Optogenetics overcomes these issues by controlling activity selectively in genetically modified fibers, however the reliability of responses to light are poor compared to electrical stimulation and the high intensities of light required present considerable translational challenges. In this study we employed a combined protocol of optical and electrical stimulation to the sciatic nerve in an optogenetic mouse model to allow for better selectivity, efficiency, and safety to overcome fundamental limitations of electrical-only and optical-only stimulation. Methods The sciatic nerve was surgically exposed in anesthetized mice (n = 12) expressing the ChR2-H134R opsin via the parvalbumin promoter. A custom-made peripheral nerve cuff electrode and a 452 nm laser-coupled optical fiber were used to elicit neural activity utilizing optical-only, electrical-only, or combined stimulation. Activation thresholds for the individual and combined responses were measured. Results Optically evoked responses had a conduction velocity of 34.3 m/s, consistent with ChR2-H134R expression in proprioceptive and low-threshold mechanoreceptor (Aα/Aβ) fibers which was also confirmed via immunohistochemical methods. Combined stimulation, utilizing a 1 ms near-threshold light pulse followed by an electrical pulse 0.5 ms later, approximately halved the electrical threshold for activation (p = 0.006, n = 5) and resulted in a 5.5 dB increase in the Aα/Aβ hybrid response amplitude compared to the electrical-only response at equivalent electrical levels (p = 0.003, n = 6). As a result, there was a 3.25 dB increase in the therapeutic stimulation window between the Aα/Aβ fiber and myogenic thresholds (p = 0.008, n = 4). Discussion The results demonstrate that light can be used to prime the optogenetically modified neural population to reside near threshold, thereby selectively reducing the electrical threshold for neural activation in these fibers. This reduces the amount of light needed for activation for increased safety and reduces potential off-target effects by only stimulating the fibers of interest. Since Aα/Aβ fibers are potential targets for neuromodulation in chronic pain conditions, these findings could be used to develop effective strategies to selectively manipulate pain transmission pathways in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elise A. Ajay
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie C. Payne
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Ella P. Trang
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex C. Thompson
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Andrew K. Wise
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - James B. Fallon
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachael T. Richardson
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
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13
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Qi L, Iskols M, Shi D, Reddy P, Walker C, Lezgiyeva K, Voisin T, Pawlak M, Kuchroo VK, Chiu I, Ginty DD, Sharma N. A DRG genetic toolkit reveals molecular, morphological, and functional diversity of somatosensory neuron subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.22.537932. [PMID: 37131664 PMCID: PMC10153270 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.22.537932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical and thermal stimuli acting on the skin are detected by morphologically and physiologically distinct sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Achieving a holistic view of how this diverse neuronal population relays sensory information from the skin to the central nervous system (CNS) has been challenging with existing tools. Here, we used transcriptomic datasets of the mouse DRG to guide development and curation of a genetic toolkit to interrogate transcriptionally defined DRG neuron subtypes. Morphological analysis revealed unique cutaneous axon arborization areas and branching patterns of each subtype. Physiological analysis showed that subtypes exhibit distinct thresholds and ranges of responses to mechanical and/or thermal stimuli. The somatosensory neuron toolbox thus enables comprehensive phenotyping of most principal sensory neuron subtypes. Moreover, our findings support a population coding scheme in which the activation thresholds of morphologically and physiologically distinct cutaneous DRG neuron subtypes tile multiple dimensions of stimulus space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Michael Iskols
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - David Shi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Pranav Reddy
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Christopher Walker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Karina Lezgiyeva
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Tiphaine Voisin
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Mathias Pawlak
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vijay K. Kuchroo
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isaac Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - David D. Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
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14
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Alonso I, Scheer I, Palacio-Manzano M, Frézel-Jacob N, Philippides A, Prsa M. Peripersonal encoding of forelimb proprioception in the mouse somatosensory cortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1866. [PMID: 37045825 PMCID: PMC10097678 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37575-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Conscious perception of limb movements depends on proprioceptive neural responses in the somatosensory cortex. In contrast to tactile sensations, proprioceptive cortical coding is barely studied in the mammalian brain and practically non-existent in rodent research. To understand the cortical representation of this important sensory modality we developed a passive forelimb displacement paradigm in behaving mice and also trained them to perceptually discriminate where their limb is moved in space. We delineated the rodent proprioceptive cortex with wide-field calcium imaging and optogenetic silencing experiments during behavior. Our results reveal that proprioception is represented in both sensory and motor cortical areas. In addition, behavioral measurements and responses of layer 2/3 neurons imaged with two-photon microscopy reveal that passive limb movements are both perceived and encoded in the mouse cortex as a spatial direction vector that interfaces the limb with the body's peripersonal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alonso
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Irina Scheer
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Palacio-Manzano
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Noémie Frézel-Jacob
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Philippides
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario Prsa
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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15
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Kozar-Gillan N, Velichkova A, Kanatouris G, Eshed-Eisenbach Y, Steel G, Jaegle M, Aunin E, Peles E, Torsney C, Meijer DN. LGI3/2-ADAM23 interactions cluster Kv1 channels in myelinated axons to regulate refractory period. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202211031. [PMID: 36828548 PMCID: PMC9997507 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202211031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Along myelinated axons, Shaker-type potassium channels (Kv1) accumulate at high density in the juxtaparanodal region, directly adjacent to the paranodal axon-glia junctions that flank the nodes of Ranvier. However, the mechanisms that control the clustering of Kv1 channels, as well as their function at this site, are still poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that axonal ADAM23 is essential for both the accumulation and stability of juxtaparanodal Kv1 complexes. The function of ADAM23 is critically dependent on its interaction with its extracellular ligands LGI2 and LGI3. Furthermore, we demonstrate that juxtaparanodal Kv1 complexes affect the refractory period, thus enabling high-frequency burst firing of action potentials. Our findings not only reveal a previously unknown molecular pathway that regulates Kv1 channel clustering, but they also demonstrate that the juxtaparanodal Kv1 channels that are concealed below the myelin sheath, play a significant role in modifying axonal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kozar-Gillan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK
| | | | - George Kanatouris
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK
| | - Yael Eshed-Eisenbach
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gavin Steel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK
| | | | - Eerik Aunin
- Biomedical Sciences, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elior Peles
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Carole Torsney
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK
| | - Dies N. Meijer
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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16
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Arbat-Plana A, Bolívar S, Navarro X, Udina E, Alvarez FJ. Massive Loss of Proprioceptive Ia Synapses in Rat Spinal Motoneurons after Nerve Crush Injuries in the Postnatal Period. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0436-22.2023. [PMID: 36759186 PMCID: PMC9948128 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0436-22.2023] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) induce the retraction from the ventral horn of the synaptic collaterals of Ia afferents injured in the nerve, effectively removing Ia synapses from α-motoneurons. The loss of Ia input impairs functional recovery and could explain, in part, better recovery after PNIs with better Ia synaptic preservation. Synaptic losses correlate with injury severity, speed, and efficiency of muscle reinnervation and requires ventral microglia activation. It is unknown whether this plasticity is age dependent. In neonates, axotomized motoneurons and sensory neurons undergo apoptosis, but after postnatal day 10 most survive. The goal of this study was to analyze vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1)-labeled Ia synapses (which also include II afferents) after nerve crush in 10 day old rats, a PNI causing little Ia/II synapse loss in adult rats. We confirmed fast and efficient reinnervation of leg muscles; however, a massive number of VGluT1/Ia/II synapses were permanently lost. This synapse loss was similar to that after more severe nerve injuries involving full transection in adults. In adults, disappearance of ventrally directed Ia/II collaterals targeting α-motoneurons was associated with a prolonged microglia reaction and a CCR2 mechanism that included infiltration of CCR2 blood immune cells. By contrast, microgliosis after P10 injuries was fast, resolved in about a week, and there was no evidence of peripheral immune cell infiltration. We conclude that VGluT1/Ia/II synapse loss in young animals differs in mechanism, perhaps associated with higher microglia synaptic pruning activity at this age and results in larger losses after milder nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Arbat-Plana
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Sara Bolívar
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Esther Udina
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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17
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Ladle DR, Hippenmeyer S. Loss of ETV1/ER81 in motor neurons leads to reduced monosynaptic inputs from proprioceptive sensory neurons. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:501-512. [PMID: 36695533 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00172.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic inputs determine the pattern of activation of postsynaptic neurons in a neural circuit. Molecular and genetic pathways that regulate the selective formation of subsets of presynaptic inputs are largely unknown, despite significant understanding of the general process of synaptogenesis. In this study, we have begun to identify such factors using the spinal monosynaptic stretch reflex circuit as a model system. In this neuronal circuit, Ia proprioceptive afferents establish monosynaptic connections with spinal motor neurons that project to the same muscle (termed homonymous connections) or muscles with related or synergistic function. However, monosynaptic connections are not formed with motor neurons innervating muscles with antagonistic functions. The ETS transcription factor ER81 (also known as ETV1) is expressed by all proprioceptive afferents, but only a small set of motor neuron pools in the lumbar spinal cord of the mouse. Here we use conditional mouse genetic techniques to eliminate Er81 expression selectively from motor neurons. We find that ablation of Er81 in motor neurons reduces synaptic inputs from proprioceptive afferents conveying information from homonymous and synergistic muscles, with no change observed in the connectivity pattern from antagonistic proprioceptive afferents. In summary, these findings suggest a role for ER81 in defined motor neuron pools to control the assembly of specific presynaptic inputs and thereby influence the profile of activation of these motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Ladle
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Simon Hippenmeyer
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
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18
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Badiola-Mateos M, Osaki T, Kamm RD, Samitier J. In vitro modelling of human proprioceptive sensory neurons in the neuromuscular system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21318. [PMID: 36494423 PMCID: PMC9734133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23565-3] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive sensory neurons (pSN) are an essential and undervalued part of the neuromuscular circuit. A protocol to differentiate healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) human neural stem cells (hNSC) into pSN, and their comparison with the motor neuron (MN) differentiation process from the same hNSC sources, facilitated the development of in vitro co-culture platforms. The obtained pSN spheroids cultured interact with human skeletal myocytes showing the formation of annulospiral wrapping-like structures between TrkC + neurons and a multinucleated muscle fibre, presenting synaptic bouton-like structures in the contact point. The comparative analysis of the genetic profile performed in healthy and sporadic ALS hNSC differentiated to pSN suggested that basal levels of ETV1, critical for motor feedback from pSN, were much lower for ALS samples and that the differences between healthy and ALS samples, suggest the involvement of pSN in ALS pathology development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Badiola-Mateos
- grid.424736.00000 0004 0536 2369Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)—Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.263145.70000 0004 1762 600XPresent Address: The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tatsuya Osaki
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XPresent Address: Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-8505 Japan
| | - Roger Dale Kamm
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Josep Samitier
- grid.424736.00000 0004 0536 2369Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)—Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.512890.7Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Dietrich S, Company C, Song K, Lowenstein ED, Riedel L, Birchmeier C, Gargiulo G, Zampieri N. Molecular identity of proprioceptor subtypes innervating different muscle groups in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6867. [PMID: 36369193 PMCID: PMC9652284 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise execution of coordinated movements depends on proprioception, the sense of body position in space. However, the molecular underpinnings of proprioceptive neuron subtype identities are not fully understood. Here we used a single-cell transcriptomic approach to define mouse proprioceptor subtypes according to the identity of the muscle they innervate. We identified and validated molecular signatures associated with proprioceptors innervating back (Tox, Epha3), abdominal (C1ql2), and hindlimb (Gabrg1, Efna5) muscles. We also found that proprioceptor muscle identity precedes acquisition of receptor character and comprise programs controlling wiring specificity. These findings indicate that muscle-type identity is a fundamental aspect of proprioceptor subtype differentiation that is acquired during early development and includes molecular programs involved in the control of muscle target specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Dietrich
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Development and Function of Neural Circuits, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Company
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kun Song
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Brain Research Center and Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Elijah David Lowenstein
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany ,grid.418832.40000 0001 0610 524XNeurowissenschaftliches Forschungzentrum, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité; Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Levin Riedel
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Development and Function of Neural Circuits, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany ,grid.418832.40000 0001 0610 524XNeurowissenschaftliches Forschungzentrum, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité; Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gaetano Gargiulo
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Niccolò Zampieri
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Laboratory of Development and Function of Neural Circuits, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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20
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Rubio MA, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Gaja-Capdevila N, Vilches JJ, Navarro X. Characterization of somatosensory neuron involvement in the SOD1 G93A mouse model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7600. [PMID: 35534694 PMCID: PMC9085861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
SOD1G93A mice show loss of cutaneous small fibers, as in ALS patients. Our objective is to characterize the involvement of different somatosensory neuron populations and its temporal progression in the SOD1G93A mice. We aim to further define peripheral sensory involvement, analyzing at the same time points the neuronal bodies located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the distal part of their axons in the skin, in order to shed light in the mechanisms of sensory involvement in ALS. We performed immunohistochemical analysis of peptidergic (CGRP), non-peptidergic (IB4) fibers in epidermis, as well as sympathetic sudomotor fibers (VIP) in the footpads of SOD1G93A mice and wild type littermates at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. We also immunolabeled and quantified neuronal bodies of IB4, CGRP and parvalbumin (PV) positive sensory neurons in lumbar DRG. We detected a reduction of intraepidermal nerve fiber density in the SOD1G93A mice of both peptidergic and non-peptidergic axons, compared with the WT, being the non-peptidergic the fewest. Sweat gland innervation was similarly affected in the SOD1G93A mouse at 12 weeks. Nonetheless, the number of DRG neurons from different sensory populations remained unchanged during all stages. Cutaneous sensory axons are affected in the SOD1G93A mouse, with non-peptidergic being slightly more vulnerable than peptidergic axons. Loss or lack of growth of the distal portion of sensory axons with preservation of the corresponding neuronal bodies suggest a distal axonopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Rubio
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Nuria Gaja-Capdevila
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jorge J Vilches
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain. .,Unitat de Fisiologia Medica, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
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21
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Rabies anterograde monosynaptic tracing allows identification of postsynaptic circuits receiving distinct somatosensory input. Neuroscience 2022; 491:75-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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22
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Dasen JS. Establishing the Molecular and Functional Diversity of Spinal Motoneurons. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 28:3-44. [PMID: 36066819 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spinal motoneurons are a remarkably diverse class of neurons responsible for facilitating a broad range of motor behaviors and autonomic functions. Studies of motoneuron differentiation have provided fundamental insights into the developmental mechanisms of neuronal diversification, and have illuminated principles of neural fate specification that operate throughout the central nervous system. Because of their relative anatomical simplicity and accessibility, motoneurons have provided a tractable model system to address multiple facets of neural development, including early patterning, neuronal migration, axon guidance, and synaptic specificity. Beyond their roles in providing direct communication between central circuits and muscle, recent studies have revealed that motoneuron subtype-specific programs also play important roles in determining the central connectivity and function of motor circuits. Cross-species comparative analyses have provided novel insights into how evolutionary changes in subtype specification programs may have contributed to adaptive changes in locomotor behaviors. This chapter focusses on the gene regulatory networks governing spinal motoneuron specification, and how studies of spinal motoneurons have informed our understanding of the basic mechanisms of neuronal specification and spinal circuit assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Dasen
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Walters MC, Ladle DR. Calcium Homeostasis in Parvalbumin DRG Neurons is Altered After Sciatic Nerve Crush and Sciatic Nerve Transection Injuries. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:1948-1958. [PMID: 34758279 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00707.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reflex abnormalities mediated by proprioceptive sensory neurons after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can limit functional improvement, leaving patients with disability that affects their quality of life. We examined post-injury calcium transients in a subpopulation of DRG neurons consisting primarily of proprioceptors to determine whether alterations in calcium homeostasis are present in proprioceptors, as has been documented in other DRG neurons after PNI. Using transgenic mice, we restricted expression of the calcium indicator GCaMP6s to DRG neurons containing parvalbumin (PV). Mice of both sexes were randomly assigned to sham, sciatic nerve crush, or sciatic nerve transection and resuture conditions. Calcium transients were recorded from ex-vivo preparations of animals at one of three post-surgery time points: 1-3 days, 7-11 days, and after 60 days of recovery. Results demonstrated that the post-PNI calcium transients of PV DRG neurons are significantly different than sham. Abnormalities were not present during the acute response to injury (1-3 days), but transients were significantly different than sham at the recovery stage where axon regeneration is thought to be underway (7-11 days). During late-stage recovery (60 days post-injury), disturbances in the decay time course of calcium transients in transection animals persisted, whereas parameters of transients from crush animals returned to normal. These findings identify a deficit in calcium homeostasis in proprioceptive neurons, which may contribute to the failure to fully recover proprioceptive reflexes after PNI. Significant differences in the calcium transients of crush versus transection animals after reinnervation illustrate calcium homeostasis alterations are distinctive to injury type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C Walters
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - David R Ladle
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
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24
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Conner JM, Bohannon A, Igarashi M, Taniguchi J, Baltar N, Azim E. Modulation of tactile feedback for the execution of dexterous movement. Science 2021; 374:316-323. [PMID: 34648327 DOI: 10.1126/science.abh1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Conner
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Bohannon
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Masakazu Igarashi
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James Taniguchi
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Baltar
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eiman Azim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
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25
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Abstract
In animals, proper locomotion is crucial to find mates and foods and avoid predators or dangers. Multiple sensory systems detect external and internal cues and integrate them to modulate motor outputs. Proprioception is the internal sense of body position, and proprioceptive control of locomotion is essential to generate and maintain precise patterns of movement or gaits. This proprioceptive feedback system is conserved in many animal species and is mediated by stretch-sensitive receptors called proprioceptors. Recent studies have identified multiple proprioceptive neurons and proprioceptors and their roles in the locomotion of various model organisms. In this review we describe molecular and neuronal mechanisms underlying proprioceptive feedback systems in C. elegans, Drosophila, and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong Min Moon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Jimin Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Yurim Seong
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Byung-Chang Suh
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - KyeongJin Kang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- KBRI (Korea Brain Research Institute), Daegu 41068, Korea
| | - Han Kyoung Choe
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- KBRI (Korea Brain Research Institute), Daegu 41068, Korea
| | - Kyuhyung Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- KBRI (Korea Brain Research Institute), Daegu 41068, Korea
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26
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Minor Allele Frequencies and Molecular Pathways Differences for SNPs Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Subjects Participating in the UKBB and 1000 Genomes Project. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153394. [PMID: 34362180 PMCID: PMC8348602 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease with a late onset and is characterized by the progressive loss of muscular and respiratory functions. Although recent studies have partially elucidated ALS's mechanisms, many questions remain such as what the most important molecular pathways involved in ALS are and why there is such a large difference in ALS onset among different populations. In this study, we addressed this issue with a bioinformatics approach, using the United Kingdom Biobank (UKBB) and the European 1000 Genomes Project (1KG) in order to analyze the most ALS-representative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that differ for minor allele frequency (MAF) between the United Kingdom population and some European populations including Finnish in Finland, Iberian population in Spain, and Tuscans in Italy. We found 84 SNPs associated with 46 genes that are involved in different pathways including: "Ca2+ activated K+ channels", "cGMP effects", "Nitric oxide stimulates guanylate cyclase", "Proton/oligopeptide cotransporters", and "Signaling by MAPK mutants". In addition, we revealed that 83% of the 84 SNPs can alter transcription factor-motives binding sites of 224 genes implicated in "Regulation of beta-cell development", "Transcription-al regulation by RUNX3", "Transcriptional regulation of pluripotent stem cells", and "FOXO-mediated transcription of cell death genes". In conclusion, the genes and pathways analyzed could explain the cause of the difference of ALS onset.
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27
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Spinal Inhibitory Interneurons: Gatekeepers of Sensorimotor Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052667. [PMID: 33800863 PMCID: PMC7961554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to sense and move within an environment are complex functions necessary for the survival of nearly all species. The spinal cord is both the initial entry site for peripheral information and the final output site for motor response, placing spinal circuits as paramount in mediating sensory responses and coordinating movement. This is partly accomplished through the activation of complex spinal microcircuits that gate afferent signals to filter extraneous stimuli from various sensory modalities and determine which signals are transmitted to higher order structures in the CNS and to spinal motor pathways. A mechanistic understanding of how inhibitory interneurons are organized and employed within the spinal cord will provide potential access points for therapeutics targeting inhibitory deficits underlying various pathologies including sensory and movement disorders. Recent studies using transgenic manipulations, neurochemical profiling, and single-cell transcriptomics have identified distinct populations of inhibitory interneurons which express an array of genetic and/or neurochemical markers that constitute functional microcircuits. In this review, we provide an overview of identified neural components that make up inhibitory microcircuits within the dorsal and ventral spinal cord and highlight the importance of inhibitory control of sensorimotor pathways at the spinal level.
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28
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Molecular correlates of muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ afferents. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1451. [PMID: 33649316 PMCID: PMC7977083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21880-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive feedback mainly derives from groups Ia and II muscle spindle (MS) afferents and group Ib Golgi tendon organ (GTO) afferents, but the molecular correlates of these three afferent subtypes remain unknown. We performed single cell RNA sequencing of genetically identified adult proprioceptors and uncovered five molecularly distinct neuronal clusters. Validation of cluster-specific transcripts in dorsal root ganglia and skeletal muscle demonstrates that two of these clusters correspond to group Ia MS afferents and group Ib GTO afferent proprioceptors, respectively, and suggest that the remaining clusters could represent group II MS afferents. Lineage analysis between proprioceptor transcriptomes at different developmental stages provides evidence that proprioceptor subtype identities emerge late in development. Together, our data provide comprehensive molecular signatures for groups Ia and II MS afferents and group Ib GTO afferents, enabling genetic interrogation of the role of individual proprioceptor subtypes in regulating motor output. Coordinated movement critically depends on sensory feedback from muscle spindles (MSs) and Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) but the afferents supplying this proprioceptive feedback have remained genetically inseparable. Here the authors use single cell transcriptome analysis to reveal the molecular basis of MS (groups Ia and II) and GTO (group Ib) afferent identities in the mouse.
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29
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Distinct subtypes of proprioceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons regulate adaptive proprioception in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1026. [PMID: 33589589 PMCID: PMC7884389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive neurons (PNs) are essential for the proper execution of all our movements by providing muscle sensory feedback to the central motor network. Here, using deep single cell RNAseq of adult PNs coupled with virus and genetic tracings, we molecularly identify three main types of PNs (Ia, Ib and II) and find that they segregate into eight distinct subgroups. Our data unveil a highly sophisticated organization of PNs into discrete sensory input channels with distinct spatial distribution, innervation patterns and molecular profiles. Altogether, these features contribute to finely regulate proprioception during complex motor behavior. Moreover, while Ib- and II-PN subtypes are specified around birth, Ia-PN subtypes diversify later in life along with increased motor activity. We also show Ia-PNs plasticity following exercise training, suggesting Ia-PNs are important players in adaptive proprioceptive function in adult mice. Molecular diversity of proprioceptive neuron types (Ia, Ib and II PNs) is unclear. Here, the authors characterized the functional organization and development of eight subtypes of PNs in mice. Importantly, Ia subtypes are plastic, suggesting a role in adaptive proprioception during motor behavior.
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30
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Akay T, Murray AJ. Relative Contribution of Proprioceptive and Vestibular Sensory Systems to Locomotion: Opportunities for Discovery in the Age of Molecular Science. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1467. [PMID: 33540567 PMCID: PMC7867206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is a fundamental animal behavior required for survival and has been the subject of neuroscience research for centuries. In terrestrial mammals, the rhythmic and coordinated leg movements during locomotion are controlled by a combination of interconnected neurons in the spinal cord, referred as to the central pattern generator, and sensory feedback from the segmental somatosensory system and supraspinal centers such as the vestibular system. How segmental somatosensory and the vestibular systems work in parallel to enable terrestrial mammals to locomote in a natural environment is still relatively obscure. In this review, we first briefly describe what is known about how the two sensory systems control locomotion and use this information to formulate a hypothesis that the weight of the role of segmental feedback is less important at slower speeds but increases at higher speeds, whereas the weight of the role of vestibular system has the opposite relation. The new avenues presented by the latest developments in molecular sciences using the mouse as the model system allow the direct testing of the hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turgay Akay
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Life Science Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, London W1T 4JG, UK
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31
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Zampieri N, de Nooij JC. Regulating muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ proprioceptor phenotypes. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 19:204-210. [PMID: 33381667 PMCID: PMC7769215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Proprioception is an essential part of motor control. The main sensory subclasses that underlie this feedback control system - muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ afferents - have been extensively characterized at a morphological and physiological level. More recent studies are beginning to reveal the molecular foundation for distinct proprioceptor subtypes, offering new insights into their developmental ontogeny and phenotypic diversity. This review intends to highlight some of these new findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Zampieri
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joriene C. de Nooij
- Dept. of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032.,Columbia University Motor Neuron Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032.,Corresponding author:
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32
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Kröger S, Watkins B. Muscle spindle function in healthy and diseased muscle. Skelet Muscle 2021; 11:3. [PMID: 33407830 PMCID: PMC7788844 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost every muscle contains muscle spindles. These delicate sensory receptors inform the central nervous system (CNS) about changes in the length of individual muscles and the speed of stretching. With this information, the CNS computes the position and movement of our extremities in space, which is a requirement for motor control, for maintaining posture and for a stable gait. Many neuromuscular diseases affect muscle spindle function contributing, among others, to an unstable gait, frequent falls and ataxic behavior in the affected patients. Nevertheless, muscle spindles are usually ignored during examination and analysis of muscle function and when designing therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases. This review summarizes the development and function of muscle spindles and the changes observed under pathological conditions, in particular in the various forms of muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Kröger
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Bridgette Watkins
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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33
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Islam MN, Maeda N, Miyasato E, Jahan MR, Tarif AMM, Ishino T, Nozaki K, Masumoto KH, Yanai A, Shinoda K. Expression of huntingtin-associated protein 1 in adult mouse dorsal root ganglia and its neurochemical characterization in reference to sensory neuron subpopulations. IBRO Rep 2020; 9:258-269. [PMID: 33089002 PMCID: PMC7560692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is the first to examine HAP1-expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). HAP1 is highly co-expressed with the markers of nociceptive/proprioceptive neurons. HAP1 is completely lacking in the touch-sensitive DRG neurons. HAP1 may play an important role in modulating nociceptive/proprioceptive functions. It will be of great interest to clarify the pathophysiological role of HAP1 in DRG.
Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) is a polyglutamine (polyQ) length-dependent interactor with causal agents in several neurodegenerative diseases and has been regarded as a protective factor against neurodegeneration. In normal rodent brain and spinal cord, HAP1 is abundantly expressed in the areas that are spared from neurodegeneration while those areas with little HAP1 are frequent targets of neurodegeneration. We have recently showed that HAP1 is highly expressed in the spinal dorsal horn and may participate in modification/protection of certain sensory functions. Neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) transmits sensory stimuli from periphery to spinal cord/brain stem. Nevertheless, to date HAP1 expression in DRG remains unreported. In this study, the expression of HAP1 in cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral DRG in adult male mice and its relationships with different chemical markers for sensory neurons were examined using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. HAP1-immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of DRG neurons, and the percentage of HAP1-immunoreactive (ir) DRG neurons was ranged between 28–31 %. HAP1-immunoreactivity was comparatively more in the small cells (47–58 %) and medium cells (40–44 %) than that in the large cells (9–11 %). Double-immunostaining for HAP1 and markers for nociceptive or mechanoreceptive neurons showed that about 70–80 % of CGRP-, SP-, CB-, NOS-, TRPV1-, CR- and PV-ir neurons expressed HAP1. In contrast, HAP1 was completely lacking in TH-ir neurons. Our current study is the first to clarify that HAP1 is highly expressed in nociceptive/proprioceptive neurons but absent in light-touch-sensitive TH neurons, suggesting the potential importance of HAP1 in pain transduction and proprioception.
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Key Words
- CB, calbindin
- CGRP, calcitonin gene-related peptide
- CR, calretinin
- DAB, diaminobenzidine
- DRG, dorsal root ganglia
- HAP1, Huntingtin-associated protein 1
- Huntingtin-associated protein 1
- Iba1, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1
- Immunohistochemistry
- LTMRs, low-threshold mechanoreceptors
- MRGPR, Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor
- NDS, normal donkey serum
- NOS, nitric oxide synthetase
- NeuN, neuronal nuclei
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroprotection
- PB, phosphate buffer
- PV, parvalbumin
- Peripheral nervous system
- SBMA, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
- SP, substance P
- STB, stigmoid body
- Sensory neurons
- TBST, Tris-buffered saline with 0.1 % Tween
- TH, tyrosine hydroxylase
- TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1
- VGLUT, vesicular glutamate transporter
- htt, huntingtin
- polyQ, polyglutamine
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nabiul Islam
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Naoki Maeda
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Emi Miyasato
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mir Rubayet Jahan
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Md Mamun Tarif
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Taiga Ishino
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Kanako Nozaki
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Masumoto
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Akie Yanai
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan.,Department of Basic Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Koh Shinoda
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
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34
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Mazzara PG, Muggeo S, Luoni M, Massimino L, Zaghi M, Valverde PTT, Brusco S, Marzi MJ, Palma C, Colasante G, Iannielli A, Paulis M, Cordiglieri C, Giannelli SG, Podini P, Gellera C, Taroni F, Nicassio F, Rasponi M, Broccoli V. Frataxin gene editing rescues Friedreich's ataxia pathology in dorsal root ganglia organoid-derived sensory neurons. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4178. [PMID: 32826895 PMCID: PMC7442818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17954-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative and cardiac disorder which occurs when transcription of the FXN gene is silenced due to an excessive expansion of GAA repeats into its first intron. Herein, we generate dorsal root ganglia organoids (DRG organoids) by in vitro differentiation of human iPSCs. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing show that DRG organoids present a transcriptional signature similar to native DRGs and display the main peripheral sensory neuronal and glial cell subtypes. Furthermore, when co-cultured with human intrafusal muscle fibers, DRG organoid sensory neurons contact their peripheral targets and reconstitute the muscle spindle proprioceptive receptors. FRDA DRG organoids model some molecular and cellular deficits of the disease that are rescued when the entire FXN intron 1 is removed, and not with the excision of the expanded GAA tract. These results strongly suggest that removal of the repressed chromatin flanking the GAA tract might contribute to rescue FXN total expression and fully revert the pathological hallmarks of FRDA DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Giuseppe Mazzara
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 92037, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Muggeo
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Luoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Massimino
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Zaghi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Simone Brusco
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Jacopo Marzi
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Palma
- Department of Electronics, Information & Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Cordiglieri
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi" - INGM, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Gea Giannelli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Podini
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Taroni
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicassio
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information & Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy.
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35
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Shin MM, Catela C, Dasen J. Intrinsic control of neuronal diversity and synaptic specificity in a proprioceptive circuit. eLife 2020; 9:56374. [PMID: 32808924 PMCID: PMC7467731 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Relay of muscle-derived sensory information to the CNS is essential for the execution of motor behavior, but how proprioceptive sensory neurons (pSNs) establish functionally appropriate connections is poorly understood. A prevailing model of sensory-motor circuit assembly is that peripheral, target-derived, cues instruct pSN identities and patterns of intraspinal connectivity. To date no known intrinsic determinants of muscle-specific pSN fates have been described in vertebrates. We show that expression of Hox transcription factors defines pSN subtypes, and these profiles are established independently of limb muscle. The Hoxc8 gene is expressed by pSNs and motor neurons (MNs) targeting distal forelimb muscles, and sensory-specific depletion of Hoxc8 in mice disrupts sensory-motor synaptic matching, without affecting pSN survival or muscle targeting. These results indicate that the diversity and central specificity of pSNs and MNs are regulated by a common set of determinants, thus linking early rostrocaudal patterning to the assembly of limb control circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie M Shin
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Catarina Catela
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Jeremy Dasen
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
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36
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Baek M, Menon V, Jessell TM, Hantman AW, Dasen JS. Molecular Logic of Spinocerebellar Tract Neuron Diversity and Connectivity. Cell Rep 2020; 27:2620-2635.e4. [PMID: 31141687 PMCID: PMC6555431 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordinated motor behaviors depend on feedback communication between peripheral sensory systems and central circuits in the brain and spinal cord. Relay of muscle- and tendon-derived sensory information to the CNS is facilitated by functionally and anatomically diverse groups of spinocerebellar tract neurons (SCTNs), but the molecular logic by which SCTN diversity and connectivity is achieved is poorly understood. We used single-cell RNA sequencing and genetic manipulations to define the mechanisms governing the molecular profile and organization of SCTN subtypes. We found that SCTNs relaying proprioceptive sensory information from limb and axial muscles are generated through segmentally restricted actions of specific Hox genes. Loss of Hox function disrupts SCTN-subtype-specific transcriptional programs, leading to defects in the connections between proprioceptive sensory neurons, SCTNs, and the cerebellum. These results indicate that Hox-dependent genetic programs play essential roles in the assembly of neural circuits necessary for communication between the brain and spinal cord. Baek et al. show that Hox-transcription factor-dependent programs govern the specification and connectivity of spinal interneurons that relay muscle-derived sensory information to the cerebellum. These findings shed light on the development of neural circuits required for proprioception—the perception of body position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myungin Baek
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Vilas Menon
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas M Jessell
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Adam W Hantman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| | - Jeremy S Dasen
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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37
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Madden JF, Davis OC, Boyle KA, Iredale JA, Browne TJ, Callister RJ, Smith DW, Jobling P, Hughes DI, Graham BA. Functional and Molecular Analysis of Proprioceptive Sensory Neuron Excitability in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:36. [PMID: 32477061 PMCID: PMC7232575 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons located in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are crucial for transmitting peripheral sensations such as proprioception, touch, temperature, and nociception to the spinal cord before propagating these signals to higher brain structures. To date, difficulty in identifying modality-specific DRG neurons has limited our ability to study specific populations in detail. As the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV) is a neurochemical marker for proprioceptive DRG cells we used a transgenic mouse line expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in PV positive DRGs, to study the functional and molecular properties of putative proprioceptive neurons. Immunolabeled DRGs showed a 100% overlap between GFP positive (GFP+) and PV positive cells, confirming the PVeGFP mouse accurately labeled PV neurons. Targeted patch-clamp recording from isolated GFP+ and GFP negative (GFP−) neurons showed the passive membrane properties of the two groups were similar, however, their active properties differed markedly. All GFP+ neurons fired a single spike in response to sustained current injection and their action potentials (APs) had faster rise times, lower thresholds and shorter half widths. A hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) was observed in all GFP+ neurons but was infrequently noted in the GFP− population (100% vs. 11%). For GFP+ neurons, Ih activation rates varied markedly, suggesting differences in the underlying hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) subunit expression responsible for the current kinetics. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed the HCN subunits 2, 1, and 4 mRNA (in that order) was more abundant in GFP+ neurons, while HCN 3 was more highly expressed in GFP− neurons. Likewise, immunolabeling confirmed HCN 1, 2, and 4 protein expression in GFP+ neurons. In summary, certain functional properties of GFP+ and GFP− cells differ markedly, providing evidence for modality-specific signaling between the two groups. However, the GFP+ DRG population demonstrates considerable internal heterogeneity when hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN channel) properties and subunit expression are considered. We propose this heterogeneity reflects the existence of different peripheral receptors such as tendon organs, muscle spindles or mechanoreceptors in the putative proprioceptive neuron population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Madden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivia C Davis
- Institute of Neuroscience Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran A Boyle
- Institute of Neuroscience Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline A Iredale
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tyler J Browne
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert J Callister
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Douglas W Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David I Hughes
- Institute of Neuroscience Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Brett A Graham
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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38
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Sharma N, Flaherty K, Lezgiyeva K, Wagner DE, Klein AM, Ginty DD. The emergence of transcriptional identity in somatosensory neurons. Nature 2020; 577:392-398. [PMID: 31915380 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1900-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
More than twelve morphologically and physiologically distinct subtypes of primary somatosensory neuron report salient features of our internal and external environments1-4. It is unclear how specialized gene expression programs emerge during development to endow these subtypes with their unique properties. To assess the developmental progression of transcriptional maturation of each subtype of principal somatosensory neuron, we generated a transcriptomic atlas of cells traversing the primary somatosensory neuron lineage in mice. Here we show that somatosensory neurogenesis gives rise to neurons in a transcriptionally unspecialized state, characterized by co-expression of transcription factors that become restricted to select subtypes as development proceeds. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses of sensory neurons from mutant mice lacking transcription factors suggest that these broad-to-restricted transcription factors coordinate subtype-specific gene expression programs in subtypes in which their expression is maintained. We also show that neuronal targets are involved in this process; disruption of the prototypic target-derived neurotrophic factor NGF leads to aberrant subtype-restricted patterns of transcription factor expression. Our findings support a model in which cues that emanate from intermediate and final target fields promote neuronal diversification in part by transitioning cells from a transcriptionally unspecialized state to transcriptionally distinct subtypes by modulating the selection of subtype-restricted transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kali Flaherty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karina Lezgiyeva
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E Wagner
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allon M Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Koll R, Martorell Ribera J, Brunner RM, Rebl A, Goldammer T. Gene Profiling in the Adipose Fin of Salmonid Fishes Supports its Function as a Flow Sensor. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:genes11010021. [PMID: 31878086 PMCID: PMC7016824 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In stock enhancement and sea-ranching procedures, the adipose fin of hundreds of millions of salmonids is removed for marking purposes annually. However, recent studies proved the significance of the adipose fin as a flow sensor and attraction feature. In the present study, we profiled the specific expression of 20 neuron- and glial cell-marker genes in the adipose fin and seven other tissues (including dorsal and pectoral fin, brain, skin, muscle, head kidney, and liver) of the salmonid species rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and maraena whitefish Coregonus maraena. Moreover, we measured the transcript abundance of genes coding for 15 mechanoreceptive channel proteins from a variety of mechanoreceptors known in vertebrates. The overall expression patterns indicate the presence of the entire repertoire of neurons, glial cells and receptor proteins on the RNA level. This quantification suggests that the adipose fin contains considerable amounts of small nerve fibers with unmyelinated or slightly myelinated axons and most likely mechanoreceptive potential. The findings are consistent for both rainbow trout and maraena whitefish and support a previous hypothesis about the innervation and potential flow sensory function of the adipose fin. Moreover, our data suggest that the resection of the adipose fin has a stronger impact on the welfare of salmonid fish than previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Koll
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (R.K.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Joan Martorell Ribera
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (R.K.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Ronald M. Brunner
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (R.K.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (R.K.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Tom Goldammer
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (R.K.); (J.M.R.); (R.M.B.); (A.R.)
- Professorship for Molecular Biology and Fish Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-38208-68-708
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40
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Intermittent Failure of Spike Propagation in Primary Afferent Neurons during Tactile Stimulation. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9927-9939. [PMID: 31672792 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0975-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary afferent neurons convey somatosensory information to the CNS. Low-threshold mechanoreceptors are classified as slow-adapting (SA) or rapid-adapting (RA) based on whether or not they spike repetitively during sustained tactile stimulation; the former are subclassified as Type 1 or 2 based on the regularity of their spiking. Recording in vivo from DRGs of mice, we observed irregular- and regular-spiking units consistent with SA1 and SA2 low-threshold mechanoreceptors, but some units, which we labeled "semiregular," did not fit cleanly into the existing classification scheme. Analysis of their spiking revealed integer-multiple patterning in which spike trains comprised a fundamental interspike interval and multiples thereof. Integer-multiple-patterned spiking was reproduced by randomly removing spikes from an otherwise regular spike train, suggesting that semiregular units represent SA2 units in which some spikes are "missing." We hypothesized that missing spikes arose from intermittent failure of spikes to initiate or to propagate. Intermittent failure of spike initiation was ruled out by several observations: integer-multiple-patterned spiking was not induced by intradermal lidocaine, was independent of stimulus modality (mechanical vs optogenetic), and could not be reproduced in a conductance-based model neuron given constant input. On the other hand, integer-multiple-patterned spiking was induced by application of lidocaine to the DRG, thus pinpointing intermittent failure of spike propagation as the basis for integer-multiple-patterned spiking. Indeed, half of all SA2 units exhibited some missing spikes, mostly at low rate (<5%), which suggests that axons are efficient in using the lowest safety factor capable of producing near-perfect propagation reliability.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The impedance mismatch at axon branch points can impede spike propagation. Reliability of spike propagation across branch points remains an open question and is especially important for primary afferents whose spikes must cross a T-junction to reach the CNS. Past research on propagation reliability has relied almost entirely on simulations and in vitro experiments. Here, recording in vivo, we linked a distinctive pattern of spiking to the intermittent failure of spike propagation at the T-junction. The rarity of failures argues that safety factor is high under physiological conditions, yet the occurrence of such failures argues that safety factor is just high enough to ensure near-perfect reliability, consistent with a good balance between propagation reliability and energy efficiency.
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41
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Wang Y, Wu H, Zelenin P, Fontanet P, Wanderoy S, Petitpré C, Comai G, Bellardita C, Xue-Franzén Y, Huettl RE, Huber AB, Tajbakhsh S, Kiehn O, Ernfors P, Deliagina TG, Lallemend F, Hadjab S. Muscle-selective RUNX3 dependence of sensorimotor circuit development. Development 2019; 146:dev.181750. [PMID: 31575648 PMCID: PMC6826036 DOI: 10.1242/dev.181750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The control of all our motor outputs requires constant monitoring by proprioceptive sensory neurons (PSNs) that convey continuous muscle sensory inputs to the spinal motor network. Yet the molecular programs that control the establishment of this sensorimotor circuit remain largely unknown. The transcription factor RUNX3 is essential for the early steps of PSNs differentiation, making it difficult to study its role during later aspects of PSNs specification. Here, we conditionally inactivate Runx3 in PSNs after peripheral innervation and identify that RUNX3 is necessary for maintenance of cell identity of only a subgroup of PSNs, without discernable cell death. RUNX3 also controls the sensorimotor connection between PSNs and motor neurons at limb level, with muscle-by-muscle variable sensitivities to the loss of Runx3 that correlate with levels of RUNX3 in PSNs. Finally, we find that muscles and neurotrophin 3 signaling are necessary for maintenance of RUNX3 expression in PSNs. Hence, a transcriptional regulator that is crucial for specifying a generic PSN type identity after neurogenesis is later regulated by target muscle-derived signals to contribute to the specialized aspects of the sensorimotor connection selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiao Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Haohao Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Pavel Zelenin
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Paula Fontanet
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Simone Wanderoy
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Charles Petitpré
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Glenda Comai
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3738, Paris 75015, France
| | - Carmelo Bellardita
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | | | - Rosa-Eva Huettl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Developmental Genetics, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Andrea B Huber
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Developmental Genetics, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Shahragim Tajbakhsh
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3738, Paris 75015, France
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | | | - François Lallemend
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden .,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Saida Hadjab
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
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42
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Wang Y, Wu H, Fontanet P, Codeluppi S, Akkuratova N, Petitpré C, Xue-Franzén Y, Niederreither K, Sharma A, Da Silva F, Comai G, Agirman G, Palumberi D, Linnarsson S, Adameyko I, Moqrich A, Schedl A, La Manno G, Hadjab S, Lallemend F. A cell fitness selection model for neuronal survival during development. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4137. [PMID: 31515492 PMCID: PMC6742664 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental cell death plays an important role in the construction of functional neural circuits. In vertebrates, the canonical view proposes a selection of the surviving neurons through stochastic competition for target-derived neurotrophic signals, implying an equal potential for neurons to compete. Here we show an alternative cell fitness selection of neurons that is defined by a specific neuronal heterogeneity code. Proprioceptive sensory neurons that will undergo cell death and those that will survive exhibit different molecular signatures that are regulated by retinoic acid and transcription factors, and are independent of the target and neurotrophins. These molecular features are genetically encoded, representing two distinct subgroups of neurons with contrasted functional maturation states and survival outcome. Thus, in this model, a heterogeneous code of intrinsic cell fitness in neighboring neurons provides differential competitive advantage resulting in the selection of cells with higher capacity to survive and functionally integrate into neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiao Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Haohao Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paula Fontanet
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simone Codeluppi
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalia Akkuratova
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden
| | - Charles Petitpré
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Karen Niederreither
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Anil Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabio Da Silva
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Glenda Comai
- Stem Cells & Development - Institut Pasteur - CNRS UMR3738, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Gulistan Agirman
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Domenico Palumberi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aziz Moqrich
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM), UMR 7288, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Gioele La Manno
- Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Saida Hadjab
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - François Lallemend
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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43
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Calcium Imaging of Parvalbumin Neurons in the Dorsal Root Ganglia. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0349-18.2019. [PMID: 31311802 PMCID: PMC6709205 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0349-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the calcium dynamics of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using transgenic mice to target expression of the genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI), GCaMP6s, to a subset of neurons containing parvalbumin (PV), a calcium-binding protein present in proprioceptors and low-threshold mechanoreceptors. This study provides the first analysis of GECI calcium transient parameters from large-diameter DRG neurons. Our approach generated calcium transients of consistent shape and time-course, with quantifiable characteristics. Four parameters of calcium transients were determined to vary independently from each other and thus are likely influenced by different calcium-regulating mechanisms: peak amplitude, rise time (RT), decay time, and recovery time. Pooled analysis of 188 neurons demonstrated unimodal distributions, providing evidence that PV+ DRG neurons regulate calcium similarly as a population despite their differences in size, electrical properties, and functional sensitivities. Calcium transients increased in size with elevated extracellular calcium, longer trains of action potentials, and higher stimulation frequencies. RT and decay time increased with the addition of the selective sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases (SERCA) blocker, thapsigargin (TG), while peak amplitude and recovery time remained the same. When elevating bath pH to 8.8 to block plasma-membrane calcium ATPases (PMCA), all measured parameters significantly increased. These results illustrate that GECI calcium transients provide sufficient resolution to detect changes in electrical activity and intracellular calcium concentration, as well as discern information about the activity of specific subclasses of calcium regulatory mechanisms.
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Balaskas N, Abbott LF, Jessell TM, Ng D. Positional Strategies for Connection Specificity and Synaptic Organization in Spinal Sensory-Motor Circuits. Neuron 2019; 102:1143-1156.e4. [PMID: 31076274 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Proprioceptive sensory axons in the spinal cord form selective connections with motor neuron partners, but the strategies that confer such selectivity remain uncertain. We show that muscle-specific sensory axons project to motor neurons along topographically organized angular trajectories and that motor pools exhibit diverse dendritic arbors. On the basis of spatial constraints on axo-dendritic interactions, we propose positional strategies that can account for sensory-motor connectivity and synaptic organization. These strategies rely on two patterning principles. First, the degree of axo-dendritic overlap reduces the number of potential post-synaptic partners. Second, a close correlation between the small angle of axo-dendritic approach and the formation of synaptic clusters imposes specificity of connections when sensory axons intersect multiple motor pools with overlapping dendritic arbors. Our study identifies positional strategies with prominent roles in the organization of spinal sensory-motor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Balaskas
- The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind, Brain, and Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - L F Abbott
- The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind, Brain, and Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas M Jessell
- Departments of Neuroscience, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David Ng
- The Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind, Brain, and Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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A Role for Sensory end Organ-Derived Signals in Regulating Muscle Spindle Proprioceptor Phenotype. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4252-4267. [PMID: 30926747 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2671-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive feedback from Group Ia/II muscle spindle afferents and Group Ib Golgi tendon afferents is critical for the normal execution of most motor tasks, yet how these distinct proprioceptor subtypes emerge during development remains poorly understood. Using molecular genetic approaches in mice of either sex, we identified 24 transcripts that have not previously been associated with a proprioceptor identity. Combinatorial expression analyses of these markers reveal at least three molecularly distinct proprioceptor subtypes. In addition, we find that 12 of these transcripts are expressed well after proprioceptors innervate their respective sensory receptors, and expression of three of these markers, including the heart development molecule Heg1, is significantly reduced in mice that lack muscle spindles. These data reveal Heg1 as a putative marker for proprioceptive muscle spindle afferents. Moreover, they suggest that the phenotypic specialization of functionally distinct proprioceptor subtypes depends, in part, on extrinsic sensory receptor organ-derived signals.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sensory feedback from muscle spindle (MS) and Golgi tendon organ (GTO) sensory end organs is critical for normal motor control, but how distinct MS and GTO afferent sensory neurons emerge during development remains poorly understood. Using (bulk) transcriptome analysis of genetically identified proprioceptors, this work reveals molecular markers for distinct proprioceptor subsets, including some that appear selectively expressed in MS afferents. Detailed analysis of the expression of these transcripts provides evidence that MS/GTO afferent subtype phenotypes may, at least in part, emerge through extrinsic, sensory end organ-derived signals.
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46
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Characterization of sensory neuronal subtypes innervating mouse tongue. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207069. [PMID: 30408082 PMCID: PMC6224080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tongue is uniquely exposed to water-soluble environmental chemicals that may lead to injury or tumorigenesis. However, comparatively little research has focused on the molecular and functional organization of trigeminal ganglia (TG) afferent neurons innervating the tongue. The current study identified and characterized lingual sensory neurons based on a neuronal subtype classification previously characterized in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We employed immunohistochemistry on transgenic reporter mouse lines as well as single-cell PCR of known markers of neuronal subtypes to characterize neuronal subtypes innervating the tongue. Markers expressed in retrogradely labeled TG neurons were evaluated for the proportion of neurons expressing each marker, intensity of expression, and overlapping genes. We found that tongue-innervating sensory neurons primarily expressed CGRP, TRPV1, TrkC, 5HT3A and Parvalbumin. These markers correspond to peptidergic and a subgroup of non-peptidergic C-nociceptors, peptidergic A nociceptors, proprioceptors and myelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Interestingly, as reported previously, we also found several differences between TG and DRG neurons indicating the need for single-cell sequencing of neuronal types based on tissue type within all TG as well as DRG neurons.
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Vaughan SK, Sutherland NM, Zhang S, Hatzipetros T, Vieira F, Valdez G. The ALS-inducing factors, TDP43 A315T and SOD1 G93A, directly affect and sensitize sensory neurons to stress. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16582. [PMID: 30410094 PMCID: PMC6224462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increased recognition that sensory neurons located in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it remains unknown whether ALS-inducing factors, other than mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A), directly affect sensory neurons. Here, we examined the effect of mutant TAR DNA-binding protein 1 (TDP43A315T) on sensory neurons in culture and in vivo. In parallel, we reevaluated sensory neurons expressing SOD1G93A. We found that cultured sensory neurons harboring either TDP43A315T or SOD1G93A grow neurites at a slower rate and elaborate fewer neuritic branches compared to control neurons. The presence of either ALS-causing mutant gene also sensitizes sensory neurons to vincristine, a microtubule inhibitor that causes axonal degeneration. Interestingly, these experiments revealed that cultured sensory neurons harboring TDP43A315T elaborate shorter and less complex neurites, and are more sensitive to vincristine compared to controls and to SOD1G93A expressing sensory neurons. Additionally, levels of two molecules involved in stress responses, ATF3 and PERK are significantly different between sensory neurons harboring TDP43A315T to those with SOD1G93A in vitro and in vivo. These findings demonstrate that sensory neurons are directly affected by two ALS-inducing factors, suggesting important roles for this neuronal subpopulation in ALS-related pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney K Vaughan
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Sihui Zhang
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Gregorio Valdez
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.
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48
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Snyder LM, Chiang MC, Loeza-Alcocer E, Omori Y, Hachisuka J, Sheahan TD, Gale JR, Adelman PC, Sypek EI, Fulton SA, Friedman RL, Wright MC, Duque MG, Lee YS, Hu Z, Huang H, Cai X, Meerschaert KA, Nagarajan V, Hirai T, Scherrer G, Kaplan DH, Porreca F, Davis BM, Gold MS, Koerber HR, Ross SE. Kappa Opioid Receptor Distribution and Function in Primary Afferents. Neuron 2018; 99:1274-1288.e6. [PMID: 30236284 PMCID: PMC6300132 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Primary afferents are known to be inhibited by kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling. However, the specific types of somatosensory neurons that express KOR remain unclear. Here, using a newly developed KOR-cre knockin allele, viral tracing, single-cell RT-PCR, and ex vivo recordings, we show that KOR is expressed in several populations of primary afferents: a subset of peptidergic sensory neurons, as well as low-threshold mechanoreceptors that form lanceolate or circumferential endings around hair follicles. We find that KOR acts centrally to inhibit excitatory neurotransmission from KOR-cre afferents in laminae I and III, and this effect is likely due to KOR-mediated inhibition of Ca2+ influx, which we observed in sensory neurons from both mouse and human. In the periphery, KOR signaling inhibits neurogenic inflammation and nociceptor sensitization by inflammatory mediators. Finally, peripherally restricted KOR agonists selectively reduce pain and itch behaviors, as well as mechanical hypersensitivity associated with a surgical incision. These experiments provide a rationale for the use of peripherally restricted KOR agonists for therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Snyder
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael C Chiang
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emanuel Loeza-Alcocer
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yu Omori
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Junichi Hachisuka
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tayler D Sheahan
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jenna R Gale
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Peter C Adelman
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Sypek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stephanie A Fulton
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Robert L Friedman
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Margaret C Wright
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Melissa Giraldo Duque
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Zeyu Hu
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Huizhen Huang
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoyun Cai
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kimberly A Meerschaert
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vidhya Nagarajan
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Toshiro Hirai
- Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gregory Scherrer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; New York Stem Cell Foundation-Robertson Investigator, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Daniel H Kaplan
- Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Brian M Davis
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael S Gold
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - H Richard Koerber
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Sarah E Ross
- Department of Neurobiology and the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Jayaraj ND, Bhattacharyya BJ, Belmadani AA, Ren D, Rathwell CA, Hackelberg S, Hopkins BE, Gupta HR, Miller RJ, Menichella DM. Reducing CXCR4-mediated nociceptor hyperexcitability reverses painful diabetic neuropathy. J Clin Invest 2018. [PMID: 29533926 DOI: 10.1172/jci92117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is an intractable complication of diabetes that affects 25% of patients. PDN is characterized by neuropathic pain and small-fiber degeneration, accompanied by dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptor hyperexcitability and loss of their axons within the skin. The molecular mechanisms underlying DRG nociceptor hyperexcitability and small-fiber degeneration in PDN are unknown. We hypothesize that chemokine CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling is central to this mechanism, as we have shown that CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling is necessary for the development of mechanical allodynia, a pain hypersensitivity behavior common in PDN. Focusing on DRG neurons expressing the sodium channel Nav1.8, we applied transgenic, electrophysiological, imaging, and chemogenetic techniques to test this hypothesis. In the high-fat diet mouse model of PDN, we were able to prevent and reverse mechanical allodynia and small-fiber degeneration by limiting CXCR4 signaling or neuronal excitability. This study reveals that excitatory CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling in Nav1.8-positive DRG neurons plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of mechanical allodynia and small-fiber degeneration in a mouse model of PDN. Hence, we propose that targeting CXCR4-mediated DRG nociceptor hyperexcitability is a promising therapeutic approach for disease-modifying treatments for this currently intractable and widespread affliction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abdelhak A Belmadani
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dongjun Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig A Rathwell
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Brittany E Hopkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Herschel R Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard J Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniela M Menichella
- Department of Neurology and.,Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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50
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Imai F, Yoshida Y. Molecular mechanisms underlying monosynaptic sensory-motor circuit development in the spinal cord. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:581-587. [PMID: 29226492 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor behaviors are precisely controlled by the integration of sensory and motor systems in the central nervous system (CNS). Proprioceptive sensory neurons, key components of the sensory system, are located in the dorsal root ganglia and project axons both centrally to the spinal cord and peripherally to muscles and tendons, communicating peripheral information about the body to the CNS. Changes in muscle length detected by muscle spindles, and tension variations in tendons conveyed by Golgi tendon organs, are communicated to the CNS through group Ia /II, and Ib proprioceptive sensory afferents, respectively. Group Ib proprioceptive sensory neurons connect with motor neurons indirectly through spinal interneurons, whereas group Ia/II axons form both direct (monosynaptic) and indirect connections with motor neurons. Although monosynaptic sensory-motor circuits between spindle proprioceptive sensory neurons and motor neurons have been extensively studied since 1950s, the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation and upkeep have only recently begun to be understood. We will discuss our current understanding of the molecular foundation of monosynaptic circuit development and maintenance involving proprioceptive sensory neurons and motor neurons in the mammalian spinal cord. Developmental Dynamics 247:581-587, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiyasu Imai
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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