1
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Tian W, Zhou J, Bartlett A, Zeng Q, Liu H, Castanon RG, Kenworthy M, Altshul J, Valadon C, Aldridge A, Nery JR, Chen H, Xu J, Johnson ND, Lucero J, Osteen JK, Emerson N, Rink J, Lee J, Li Y, Siletti K, Liem M, Claffey N, O’Connor C, Yanny AM, Nyhus J, Dee N, Casper T, Shapovalova N, Hirschstein D, Ding SL, Hodge R, Levi BP, Keene CD, Linnarsson S, Lein E, Ren B, Behrens MM, Ecker JR. Single-cell DNA methylation and 3D genome architecture in the human brain. Science 2023; 382:eadf5357. [PMID: 37824674 PMCID: PMC10572106 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf5357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Delineating the gene-regulatory programs underlying complex cell types is fundamental for understanding brain function in health and disease. Here, we comprehensively examined human brain cell epigenomes by probing DNA methylation and chromatin conformation at single-cell resolution in 517 thousand cells (399 thousand neurons and 118 thousand non-neurons) from 46 regions of three adult male brains. We identified 188 cell types and characterized their molecular signatures. Integrative analyses revealed concordant changes in DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, chromatin organization, and gene expression across cell types, cortical areas, and basal ganglia structures. We further developed single-cell methylation barcodes that reliably predict brain cell types using the methylation status of select genomic sites. This multimodal epigenomic brain cell atlas provides new insights into the complexity of cell-type-specific gene regulation in adult human brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tian
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jingtian Zhou
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Anna Bartlett
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Qiurui Zeng
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hanqing Liu
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rosa G. Castanon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mia Kenworthy
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jordan Altshul
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cynthia Valadon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrew Aldridge
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Joseph R. Nery
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Huaming Chen
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jiaying Xu
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nicholas D. Johnson
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jacinta Lucero
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Julia K. Osteen
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nora Emerson
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jon Rink
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kimberly Siletti
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet; 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michelle Liem
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Naomi Claffey
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Caz O’Connor
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Julie Nyhus
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nick Dee
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tamara Casper
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | - Song-Lin Ding
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rebecca Hodge
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Boaz P. Levi
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet; 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ed Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bing Ren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Center for Epigenomics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - M. Margarita Behrens
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Joseph R. Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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2
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Krienen FM, Levandowski KM, Zaniewski H, del Rosario RC, Schroeder ME, Goldman M, Wienisch M, Lutservitz A, Beja-Glasser VF, Chen C, Zhang Q, Chan KY, Li KX, Sharma J, McCormack D, Shin TW, Harrahill A, Nyase E, Mudhar G, Mauermann A, Wysoker A, Nemesh J, Kashin S, Vergara J, Chelini G, Dimidschstein J, Berretta S, Deverman BE, Boyden E, McCarroll SA, Feng G. A marmoset brain cell census reveals regional specialization of cellular identities. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadk3986. [PMID: 37824615 PMCID: PMC10569717 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian brain is composed of many brain structures, each with its own ontogenetic and developmental history. We used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to sample over 2.4 million brain cells across 18 locations in the common marmoset, a New World monkey primed for genetic engineering, and examined gene expression patterns of cell types within and across brain structures. The adult transcriptomic identity of most neuronal types is shaped more by developmental origin than by neurotransmitter signaling repertoire. Quantitative mapping of GABAergic types with single-molecule FISH (smFISH) reveals that interneurons in the striatum and neocortex follow distinct spatial principles, and that lateral prefrontal and other higher-order cortical association areas are distinguished by high proportions of VIP+ neurons. We use cell type-specific enhancers to drive AAV-GFP and reconstruct the morphologies of molecularly resolved interneuron types in neocortex and striatum. Our analyses highlight how lineage, local context, and functional class contribute to the transcriptional identity and biodistribution of primate brain cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenna M. Krienen
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kirsten M. Levandowski
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Heather Zaniewski
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ricardo C.H. del Rosario
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Margaret E. Schroeder
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Martin Wienisch
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alyssa Lutservitz
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Victoria F. Beja-Glasser
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Cindy Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Qiangge Zhang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ken Y. Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Katelyn X. Li
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jitendra Sharma
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dana McCormack
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tay Won Shin
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Andrew Harrahill
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eric Nyase
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gagandeep Mudhar
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Abigail Mauermann
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alec Wysoker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - James Nemesh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Seva Kashin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Josselyn Vergara
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura n.1, Rovereto (TN) 38068, Italy
| | - Jordane Dimidschstein
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Basic Neuroscience Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ed Boyden
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Steven A. McCarroll
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Guoping Feng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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3
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Stern DB, Wilke A, Root CM. Anatomical Connectivity of the Intercalated Cells of the Amygdala. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0238-23.2023. [PMID: 37775310 PMCID: PMC10576262 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0238-23.2023] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The intercalated cells of the amygdala (ITCs) are a fundamental processing structure in the amygdala that remain relatively understudied. They are phylogenetically conserved from insectivores through primates, inhibitory, and project to several of the main processing and output stations of the amygdala and basal forebrain. Through these connections, the ITCs are best known for their role in conditioned fear, where they are required for fear extinction learning and recall. Prior work on ITC connectivity is limited, and thus holistic characterization of their afferent and efferent connectivity in a genetically defined manner is incomplete. The ITCs express the FoxP2 transcription factor, affording genetic access to these neurons for viral input-output mapping. To fully characterize the anatomic connectivity of the ITCs, we used cre-dependent viral strategies in FoxP2-cre mice to reveal the projections of the main (mITC), caudal (cITC), and lateral (lITC) clusters along with their presynaptic sources of innervation. Broadly, the results confirm many known pathways, reveal previously unknown ones, and demonstrate important novel insights about each nucleus's unique connectivity profile and relative distributions. We show that the ITCs receive information from a wide range of cortical, subcortical, basal, amygdalar, hippocampal, and thalamic structures, and project broadly to areas of the basal forebrain, hypothalamus, and entire extent of the amygdala. The results provide a comprehensive map of their connectivity and suggest that the ITCs could potentially influence a broad range of behaviors by integrating information from a wide array of sources throughout the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Stern
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Anna Wilke
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Cory M Root
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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4
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Neuro-immunohistochemical and molecular expression variations during hibernation and activity phases between Rana mascareniensis and Rana ridibunda. J Therm Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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5
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Molecular and cellular evolution of the amygdala across species analyzed by single-nucleus transcriptome profiling. Cell Discov 2023; 9:19. [PMID: 36788214 PMCID: PMC9929086 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The amygdala, or an amygdala-like structure, is found in the brains of all vertebrates and plays a critical role in survival and reproduction. However, the cellular architecture of the amygdala and how it has evolved remain elusive. Here, we generated single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data for more than 200,000 cells in the amygdala of humans, macaques, mice, and chickens. Abundant neuronal cell types from different amygdala subnuclei were identified in all datasets. Cross-species analysis revealed that inhibitory neurons and inhibitory neuron-enriched subnuclei of the amygdala were well-conserved in cellular composition and marker gene expression, whereas excitatory neuron-enriched subnuclei were relatively divergent. Furthermore, LAMP5+ interneurons were much more abundant in primates, while DRD2+ inhibitory neurons and LAMP5+SATB2+ excitatory neurons were dominant in the human central amygdalar nucleus (CEA) and basolateral amygdalar complex (BLA), respectively. We also identified CEA-like neurons and their species-specific distribution patterns in chickens. This study highlights the extreme cell-type diversity in the amygdala and reveals the conservation and divergence of cell types and gene expression patterns across species that may contribute to species-specific adaptations.
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Asede D, Doddapaneni D, Bolton MM. Amygdala Intercalated Cells: Gate Keepers and Conveyors of Internal State to the Circuits of Emotion. J Neurosci 2022; 42:9098-9109. [PMID: 36639901 PMCID: PMC9761677 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1176-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Generating adaptive behavioral responses to emotionally salient stimuli requires evaluation of complex associations between multiple sensations, the surrounding context, and current internal state. Neural circuits within the amygdala parse this emotional information, undergo synaptic plasticity to reflect learned associations, and evoke appropriate responses through their projections to the brain regions orchestrating these behaviors. Information flow within the amygdala is regulated by the intercalated cells (ITCs), which are densely packed clusters of GABAergic neurons that encircle the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and provide contextually relevant feedforward inhibition of amygdala nuclei, including the central and BLA. Emerging studies have begun to delineate the unique contribution of each ITC cluster and establish ITCs as key loci of plasticity in emotional learning. In this review, we summarize the known connectivity and function of individual ITC clusters and explore how different neuromodulators conveying internal state act via ITC gates to shape emotionally motivated behavior. We propose that the behavioral state-dependent function of ITCs, their unique genetic profile, and rich expression of neuromodulator receptors make them potential therapeutic targets for disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum, and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Asede
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Divyesh Doddapaneni
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - M McLean Bolton
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida 33458
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7
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Dilly GA, Kittleman CW, Kerr TM, Messing RO, Mayfield RD. Cell-type specific changes in PKC-delta neurons of the central amygdala during alcohol withdrawal. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:289. [PMID: 35859068 PMCID: PMC9300707 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) contains a diverse population of cells, including multiple subtypes of GABAergic neurons, along with glia and epithelial cells. Specific CeA cell types have been shown to affect alcohol consumption in animal models of dependence and may be involved in negative affect during alcohol withdrawal. We used single-nuclei RNA sequencing to determine cell-type specificity of differential gene expression in the CeA induced by alcohol withdrawal. Cells within the CeA were classified using unbiased clustering analyses and identified based on the expression of known marker genes. Differential gene expression analysis was performed on each identified CeA cell-type. It revealed differential gene expression in astrocytes and GABAergic neurons associated with alcohol withdrawal. GABAergic neurons were further subclassified into 13 clusters of cells. Analyzing transcriptomic responses in these subclusters revealed that alcohol exposure induced multiple differentially expressed genes in one subtype of CeA GABAergic neurons, the protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) expressing neurons. These results suggest that PKCδ neurons in the CeA may be uniquely sensitive to the effects of alcohol exposure and identify a novel population of cells in CeA associated with alcohol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey A. Dilly
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Cory W. Kittleman
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Tony M. Kerr
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Robert O. Messing
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA ,grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
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8
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Aerts T, Seuntjens E. Novel Perspectives on the Development of the Amygdala in Rodents. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:786679. [PMID: 34955766 PMCID: PMC8696165 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.786679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala is a hyperspecialized brain region composed of strongly inter- and intraconnected nuclei involved in emotional learning and behavior. The cellular heterogeneity of the amygdalar nuclei has complicated straightforward conclusions on their developmental origin, and even resulted in contradictory data. Recently, the concentric ring theory of the pallium and the radial histogenetic model of the pallial amygdala have cleared up several uncertainties that plagued previous models of amygdalar development. Here, we provide an extensive overview on the developmental origin of the nuclei of the amygdaloid complex. Starting from older gene expression data, transplantation and lineage tracing studies, we systematically summarize and reinterpret previous findings in light of the novel perspectives on amygdalar development. In addition, migratory routes that these cells take on their way to the amygdala are explored, and known transcription factors and guidance cues that seemingly drive these cells toward the amygdala are emphasized. We propose some future directions for research on amygdalar development and highlight that a better understanding of its development could prove critical for the treatment of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Aerts
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Asede D, Okoh J, Ali S, Doddapaneni D, Bolton MM. Deletion of ErbB4 Disrupts Synaptic Transmission and Long-Term Potentiation of Thalamic Input to Amygdalar Medial Paracapsular Intercalated Cells. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:697110. [PMID: 34393751 PMCID: PMC8355744 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.697110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of candidate risk genes and alteration in the expression of proteins involved in regulating inhibitory neuron function in various psychiatric disorders, support the notion that GABAergic neuron dysfunction plays an important role in disease etiology. Genetic variations in neuregulin and its receptor kinase ErbB4, expressed exclusively by GABAergic neurons in the CNS, have been linked with schizophrenia. In the amygdala, ErbB4 is highly expressed in GABAergic intercalated cell clusters (ITCs), which play a critical role in amygdala-dependent behaviors. It is however unknown whether ErbB4 deletion from ITCs affects their synaptic properties and function in amygdala circuitry. Here, we examined the impact of ErbB4 deletion on inhibitory and excitatory circuits recruiting medial paracapsular ITCs (mpITCs) using electrophysiological techniques. Ablation of ErbB4 in mpITCs suppressed NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission at thalamo-mpITC synapses and enhanced thalamic driven GABAergic transmission onto mpITCs. Furthermore, long-term potentiation (LTP) at thalamo-mpITC synapses was compromised in ErbB4 mutant mice, indicating that ErbB4 activity is critical for LTP at these synapses. Together, our findings suggest that ErbB4 deletion from mpITCs disrupts excitation-inhibition balance and learning mechanisms in amygdala circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Asede
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - James Okoh
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Sabah Ali
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Divyesh Doddapaneni
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - M McLean Bolton
- Disorders of Neural Circuit Function, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, United States
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10
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Seewald A, Schönherr S, Hörtnagl H, Ehrlich I, Schmuckermair C, Ferraguti F. Fear Memory Retrieval Is Associated With a Reduction in AMPA Receptor Density at Thalamic to Amygdala Intercalated Cell Synapses. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:634558. [PMID: 34295235 PMCID: PMC8290482 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.634558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala plays a crucial role in attaching emotional significance to environmental cues. Its intercalated cell masses (ITC) are tight clusters of GABAergic neurons, which are distributed around the basolateral amygdala complex. Distinct ITC clusters are involved in the acquisition and extinction of conditioned fear responses. Previously, we have shown that fear memory retrieval reduces the AMPA/NMDA ratio at thalamic afferents to ITC neurons within the dorsal medio-paracapsular cluster. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the fear-mediated reduction in the AMPA/NMDA ratio at these synapses and, in particular, whether specific changes in the synaptic density of AMPA receptors underlie the observed change. To this aim, we used a detergent-digested freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling technique (FRIL) approach that enables to visualize the spatial distribution of intrasynaptic AMPA receptors at high resolution. AMPA receptors were detected using an antibody raised against an epitope common to all AMPA subunits. To visualize thalamic inputs, we virally transduced the posterior thalamic complex with Channelrhodopsin 2-YFP, which is anterogradely transported along axons. Using face-matched replica, we confirmed that the postsynaptic elements were ITC neurons due to their prominent expression of μ-opioid receptors. With this approach, we show that, following auditory fear conditioning in mice, the formation and retrieval of fear memory is linked to a significant reduction in the density of AMPA receptors, particularly at spine synapses formed by inputs of the posterior intralaminar thalamic and medial geniculate nuclei onto identified ITC neurons. Our study is one of the few that has directly linked the regulation of AMPA receptor trafficking to memory processes in identified neuronal networks, by showing that fear-memory induced reduction in AMPA/NMDA ratio at thalamic-ITC synapses is associated with a reduced postsynaptic AMPA receptor density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Seewald
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sabine Schönherr
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heide Hörtnagl
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ingrid Ehrlich
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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11
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Ortiz-Juza MM, Alghorazi RA, Rodriguez-Romaguera J. Cell-type diversity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to regulate motivated behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113401. [PMID: 34090941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) gained popularity as a unique brain region involved in regulating motivated behaviors related to neuropsychiatric disorders. The BNST, a component of the extended amygdala, consists of a variety of subnuclei and neuronal ensembles. Multiple studies have highlighted the BNST as playing a fundamental role in integrating information by interfacing with other brain regions to regulate distinct aspects of motivated behaviors associated with stress, anxiety, depression, and decision-making. However, due to the high molecular heterogeneity found within BNST neurons, the precise mechanisms by which this region regulates distinct motivational states remains largely unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing data have revealed that the BNST consists of multiple genetically identifiable cell-type clusters. Contemporary tools can therefore be leveraged to target and study such cell-types and elucidate their precise functional role. In this review, we discuss the different subsets of neurons found in the BNST, their anatomical distribution, and what is currently known about BNST cell-types in regulating motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Ortiz-Juza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rizk A Alghorazi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jose Rodriguez-Romaguera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Stress Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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12
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Kuerbitz J, Madhavan M, Ehrman LA, Kohli V, Waclaw RR, Campbell K. Temporally Distinct Roles for the Zinc Finger Transcription Factor Sp8 in the Generation and Migration of Dorsal Lateral Ganglionic Eminence (dLGE)-Derived Neuronal Subtypes in the Mouse. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:1744-1762. [PMID: 33230547 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progenitors in the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence (dLGE) are known to give rise to olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons and intercalated cells (ITCs) of the amygdala. The dLGE enriched transcription factor Sp8 is required for the normal generation of ITCs as well as OB interneurons, particularly the calretinin (CR)-expressing subtype. In this study, we used a genetic gain-of-function approach in mice to examine the roles Sp8 plays in controlling the development of dLGE-derived neuronal subtypes. Misexpression of Sp8 throughout the ventral telencephalic subventricular zone (SVZ) from early embryonic stages, led to an increased generation of ITCs which was dependent on Tshz1 gene dosage. Additionally, Sp8 misexpression impaired rostral migration of OB interneurons with clusters of CR interneurons seen in the SVZ along with decreased differentiation of calbindin OB interneurons. Sp8 misexpression throughout the ventral telencephalon also reduced ventral LGE neuronal subtypes including striatal projection neurons. Delaying Sp8 misexpression until E14-15 rescued the striatal and amygdala phenotypes but only partially rescued OB interneuron reductions, consistent with an early window of striatal and amygdala neurogenesis and ongoing OB interneuron generation at this late stage. Our results demonstrate critical roles for the timing and neuronal cell-type specificity of Sp8 expression in mouse LGE neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kuerbitz
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - M Madhavan
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - L A Ehrman
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - V Kohli
- Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - R R Waclaw
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - K Campbell
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Divisions of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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13
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Co M, Anderson AG, Konopka G. FOXP transcription factors in vertebrate brain development, function, and disorders. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e375. [PMID: 31999079 PMCID: PMC8286808 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
FOXP transcription factors are an evolutionarily ancient protein subfamily coordinating the development of several organ systems in the vertebrate body. Association of their genes with neurodevelopmental disorders has sparked particular interest in their expression patterns and functions in the brain. Here, FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXP4 are expressed in distinct cell type-specific spatiotemporal patterns in multiple regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum. These varied sites and timepoints of expression have complicated efforts to link FOXP1 and FOXP2 mutations to their respective developmental disorders, the former affecting global neural functions and the latter specifically affecting speech and language. However, the use of animal models, particularly those with brain region- and cell type-specific manipulations, has greatly advanced our understanding of how FOXP expression patterns could underlie disorder-related phenotypes. While many questions remain regarding FOXP expression and function in the brain, studies to date have illuminated the roles of these transcription factors in vertebrate brain development and have greatly informed our understanding of human development and disorders. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Co
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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14
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Beyeler A, Dabrowska J. Neuronal diversity of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. HANDBOOK OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 26:63-100. [PMID: 32792868 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-815134-1.00003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beyeler
- Neurocentre Magendie, French National Institutes of Health (INSERM) unit 1215, Neurocampus of Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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15
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Acute and long-lasting effects of oxytocin in cortico-limbic circuits: consequences for fear recall and extinction. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:339-354. [PMID: 30302511 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The extinction of conditioned fear responses entrains the formation of safe new memories to decrease those behavioral responses. The knowledge in neuronal mechanisms of extinction is fundamental in the treatment of anxiety and fear disorders. Interestingly, the use of pharmacological compounds that reduce anxiety and fear has been shown as a potent co-adjuvant in extinction therapy. However, the efficiency and mechanisms by which pharmacological compounds promote extinction of fear memories remains still largely unknown and would benefit from a validation based on functional neuronal circuits, and the neurotransmitters that modulate them. From this perspective, oxytocin receptor signaling, which has been shown in cortical and limbic areas to modulate numerous functions (Eliava et al. Neuron 89(6):1291-1304, 2016), among them fear and anxiety circuits, and to enhance the salience of social stimuli (Stoop Neuron 76(1):142-59, 2012), may offer an interesting perspective. Experiments in animals and humans suggest that oxytocin could be a promising pharmacological agent at adjusting memory consolidation to boost fear extinction. Additionally, it is possible that long-term changes in endogenous oxytocin signaling can also play a role in reducing expression of fear at different brain targets. In this review, we summarize the effects reported for oxytocin in cortico-limbic circuits and on fear behavior that are of relevance for the modulation and potential extinction of fear memories.
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16
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Murphy E, Benítez-Burraco A. Toward the Language Oscillogenome. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1999. [PMID: 30405489 PMCID: PMC6206218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Language has been argued to arise, both ontogenetically and phylogenetically, from specific patterns of brain wiring. We argue that it can further be shown that core features of language processing emerge from particular phasal and cross-frequency coupling properties of neural oscillations; what has been referred to as the language ‘oscillome.’ It is expected that basic aspects of the language oscillome result from genetic guidance, what we will here call the language ‘oscillogenome,’ for which we will put forward a list of candidate genes. We have considered genes for altered brain rhythmicity in conditions involving language deficits: autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, specific language impairment and dyslexia. These selected genes map on to aspects of brain function, particularly on to neurotransmitter function. We stress that caution should be adopted in the construction of any oscillogenome, given the range of potential roles particular localized frequency bands have in cognition. Our aim is to propose a set of genome-to-language linking hypotheses that, given testing, would grant explanatory power to brain rhythms with respect to language processing and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish Language, Linguistics and Literary Theory, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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17
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Loss of Intercalated Cells (ITCs) in the Mouse Amygdala of Tshz1 Mutants Correlates with Fear, Depression, and Social Interaction Phenotypes. J Neurosci 2017; 38:1160-1177. [PMID: 29255003 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1412-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intercalated cells (ITCs) of the amygdala have been shown to be critical regulatory components of amygdalar circuits, which control appropriate fear responses. Despite this, the molecular processes guiding ITC development remain poorly understood. Here we establish the zinc finger transcription factor Tshz1 as a marker of ITCs during their migration from the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence through maturity. Using germline and conditional knock-out (cKO) mouse models, we show that Tshz1 is required for the proper migration and differentiation of ITCs. In the absence of Tshz1, migrating ITC precursors fail to settle in their stereotypical locations encapsulating the lateral amygdala and BLA. Furthermore, they display reductions in the ITC marker Foxp2 and ectopic persistence of the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence marker Sp8. Tshz1 mutant ITCs show increased cell death at postnatal time points, leading to a dramatic reduction by 3 weeks of age. In line with this, Foxp2-null mutants also show a loss of ITCs at postnatal time points, suggesting that Foxp2 may function downstream of Tshz1 in the maintenance of ITCs. Behavioral analysis of male Tshz1 cKOs revealed defects in fear extinction as well as an increase in floating during the forced swim test, indicative of a depression-like phenotype. Moreover, Tshz1 cKOs display significantly impaired social interaction (i.e., increased passivity) regardless of partner genetics. Together, these results suggest that Tshz1 plays a critical role in the development of ITCs and that fear, depression-like and social behavioral deficits arise in their absence.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show here that the zinc finger transcription factor Tshz1 is expressed during development of the intercalated cells (ITCs) within the mouse amygdala. These neurons have previously been shown to play a crucial role in fear extinction. Tshz1 mouse mutants exhibit severely reduced numbers of ITCs as a result of abnormal migration, differentiation, and survival of these neurons. Furthermore, the loss of ITCs in mouse Tshz1 mutants correlates well with defects in fear extinction as well as the appearance of depression-like and abnormal social interaction behaviors reminiscent of depressive disorders observed in human patients with distal 18q deletions, including the Tshz1 locus.
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18
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Posterior Orbitofrontal and Anterior Cingulate Pathways to the Amygdala Target Inhibitory and Excitatory Systems with Opposite Functions. J Neurosci 2017; 37:5051-5064. [PMID: 28411274 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3940-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The bidirectional dialogue of the primate posterior orbitofrontal cortex (pOFC) with the amygdala is essential in cognitive-emotional functions. The pOFC also sends a uniquely one-way excitatory pathway to the amygdalar inhibitory intercalated masses (IM), which inhibit the medial part of the central amygdalar nucleus (CeM). Inhibition of IM has the opposite effect, allowing amygdalar activation of autonomic structures and emotional arousal. Using multiple labeling approaches to identify pathways and their postsynaptic sites in the amygdala in rhesus monkeys, we found that the anterior cingulate cortex innervated mostly the basolateral and CeM amygdalar nuclei, poised to activate CeM for autonomic arousal. By contrast, a pathway from pOFC to IM exceeded all other pathways to the amygdala by density and size and proportion of large and efficient terminals. Moreover, whereas pOFC terminals in IM innervated each of the three distinct classes of inhibitory neurons, most targeted neurons expressing dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32+), known to be modulated by dopamine. The predominant pOFC innervation of DARPP-32+ neurons suggests activation of IM and inhibition of CeM, resulting in modulated autonomic function. By contrast, inhibition of DARPP-32 neurons in IM by high dopamine levels disinhibits CeM and triggers autonomic arousal. The findings provide a mechanism to help explain how a strong pOFC pathway, which is poised to moderate activity of CeM, through IM, can be undermined by the high level of dopamine during stress, resulting in collapse of potent inhibitory mechanisms in the amygdala and heightened autonomic drive, as seen in chronic anxiety disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The dialogue between prefrontal cortex and amygdala allows thoughts and emotions to influence actions. The posterior orbitofrontal cortex sends a powerful pathway that targets a special class of amygdalar intercalated mass (IM) inhibitory neurons, whose wiring may help modulate autonomic function. By contrast, the anterior cingulate cortex innervates other amygdalar parts, activating circuits to help avoid danger. Most IM neurons in primates label for the protein DARPP-32, known to be activated or inhibited based on the level of dopamine. Stress markedly increases dopamine release and inhibits IM neurons, compromises prefrontal control of the amygdala, and sets off a general alarm system as seen in affective disorders, such as chronic anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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19
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Chen YC, Kuo HY, Bornschein U, Takahashi H, Chen SY, Lu KM, Yang HY, Chen GM, Lin JR, Lee YH, Chou YC, Cheng SJ, Chien CT, Enard W, Hevers W, Pääbo S, Graybiel AM, Liu FC. Foxp2 controls synaptic wiring of corticostriatal circuits and vocal communication by opposing Mef2c. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:1513-1522. [PMID: 27595386 PMCID: PMC5083203 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cortico-basal ganglia circuits are critical for speech and language and are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in which language function can be severely affected. We demonstrate that in the striatum, the gene, Foxp2, negatively interacts with the synapse suppressor, Mef2C. We present causal evidence that Mef2C inhibition by Foxp2 in neonatal mouse striatum controls synaptogenesis of corticostriatal inputs and vocalization in neonates. Mef2C suppresses corticostriatal synapse formation and striatal spinogenesis, but can, itself, be repressed by Foxp2 through direct DNA binding. Foxp2 deletion de-represses Mef2C, and both intrastriatal and global decrease of Mef2C rescue vocalization and striatal spinogenesis defects of Foxp2-deletion mutants. These findings suggest that Foxp2-Mef2C signaling is critical to corticostriatal circuit formation. If found in humans, such signaling defects could contribute to a range of neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chuan Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ulrich Bornschein
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Tottori Medical Center, Tottori, Japan
| | - Shih-Yun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ming Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yu Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gui-May Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ruei Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Lee
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chia Chou
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Jhong Cheng
- Neuroscience Program in Academia Sincia, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ting Chien
- Neuroscience Program in Academia Sincia, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wolfgang Enard
- Anthropology and Human Genomics, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Wulf Hevers
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Svante Pääbo
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann M Graybiel
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Murphy E, Benítez-Burraco A. Language deficits in schizophrenia and autism as related oscillatory connectomopathies: An evolutionary account. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 83:742-764. [PMID: 27475632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterised by marked language deficits, but it is not clear how these arise from gene mutations associated with the disorders. Our goal is to narrow the gap between SZ and ASD and, ultimately, give support to the view that they represent abnormal (but related) ontogenetic itineraries for the human faculty of language. We will focus on the distinctive oscillatory profiles of the SZ and ASD brains, in turn using these insights to refine our understanding of how the brain implements linguistic computations by exploring a novel model of linguistic feature-set composition. We will argue that brain rhythms constitute the best route to interpreting language deficits in both conditions and mapping them to neural dysfunction and risk alleles of the genes. Importantly, candidate genes for SZ and ASD are overrepresented among the gene sets believed to be important for language evolution. This translational effort may help develop an understanding of the aetiology of SZ and ASD and their high prevalence among modern populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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21
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Zikopoulos B, John YJ, García-Cabezas MÁ, Bunce JG, Barbas H. The intercalated nuclear complex of the primate amygdala. Neuroscience 2016; 330:267-90. [PMID: 27256508 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The organization of the inhibitory intercalated cell masses (IM) of the primate amygdala is largely unknown despite their key role in emotional processes. We studied the structural, topographic, neurochemical and intrinsic connectional features of IM neurons in the rhesus monkey brain. We found that the intercalated neurons are not confined to discrete cell clusters, but form a neuronal net that is interposed between the basal nuclei and extends to the dorsally located anterior, central, and medial nuclei of the amygdala. Unlike the IM in rodents, which are prominent in the anterior half of the amygdala, the primate inhibitory net stretched throughout the antero-posterior axis of the amygdala, and was most prominent in the central and posterior extent of the amygdala. There were two morphologic types of intercalated neurons: spiny and aspiny. Spiny neurons were the most abundant; their somata were small or medium size, round or elongated, and their dendritic trees were round or bipolar, depending on location. The aspiny neurons were on average slightly larger and had varicose dendrites with no spines. There were three non-overlapping neurochemical populations of IM neurons, in descending order of abundance: (1) Spiny neurons that were positive for the striatal associated dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32+); (2) Aspiny neurons that expressed the calcium-binding protein calbindin (CB+); and (3) Aspiny neurons that expressed nitric oxide synthase (NOS+). The unique combinations of structural and neurochemical features of the three classes of IM neurons suggest different physiological properties and function. The three types of IM neurons were intermingled and likely interconnected in distinct ways, and were innervated by intrinsic neurons within the amygdala, or by external sources, in pathways that underlie fear conditioning and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basilis Zikopoulos
- Human Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University and School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Yohan J John
- Neural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Jamie G Bunce
- Neural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Helen Barbas
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University and School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Neural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Vicario A, Mendoza E, Abellán A, Scharff C, Medina L. Genoarchitecture of the extended amygdala in zebra finch, and expression of FoxP2 in cell corridors of different genetic profile. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:481-514. [PMID: 27160258 PMCID: PMC5225162 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1229-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We used a battery of genes encoding transcription factors (Pax6, Islet1, Nkx2.1, Lhx6, Lhx5, Lhx9, FoxP2) and neuropeptides to study the extended amygdala in developing zebra finches. We identified different components of the central extended amygdala comparable to those found in mice and chickens, including the intercalated amygdalar cells, the central amygdala, and the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Many cells likely originate in the dorsal striatal domain, ventral striatal domain, or the pallidal domain, as is the case in mice and chickens. Moreover, a cell subpopulation of the central extended amygdala appears to originate in the prethalamic eminence. As a general principle, these different cells with specific genetic profiles and embryonic origin form separate or partially intermingled cell corridors along the extended amygdala, which may be involved in different functional pathways. In addition, we identified the medial amygdala of the zebra finch. Like in the chickens and mice, it is located in the subpallium and is rich in cells of pallido-preoptic origin, containing minor subpopulations of immigrant cells from the ventral pallium, alar hypothalamus and prethalamic eminence. We also proposed that the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is composed of several parallel cell corridors with different genetic profile and embryonic origin: preoptic, pallidal, hypothalamic, and prethalamic. Several of these cell corridors with distinct origin express FoxP2, a transcription factor implicated in synaptic plasticity. Our results pave the way for studies using zebra finches to understand the neural basis of social behavior, in which the extended amygdala is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Vicario
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), Avda. Alcalde Rovira Roure 80, Catalunya, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Abellán
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), Avda. Alcalde Rovira Roure 80, Catalunya, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Loreta Medina
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLleida), Avda. Alcalde Rovira Roure 80, Catalunya, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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23
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Bukalo O, Pinard CR, Silverstein S, Brehm C, Hartley ND, Whittle N, Colacicco G, Busch E, Patel S, Singewald N, Holmes A. Prefrontal inputs to the amygdala instruct fear extinction memory formation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1500251. [PMID: 26504902 PMCID: PMC4618669 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Persistent anxiety after a psychological trauma is a hallmark of many anxiety disorders. However, the neural circuits mediating the extinction of traumatic fear memories remain incompletely understood. We show that selective, in vivo stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)-amygdala pathway facilitated extinction memory formation, but not retrieval. Conversely, silencing the vmPFC-amygdala pathway impaired extinction formation and reduced extinction-induced amygdala activity. Our data demonstrate a critical instructional role for the vmPFC-amygdala circuit in the formation of extinction memories. These findings advance our understanding of the neural basis of persistent fear, with implications for posttraumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Bukalo
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20853, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Courtney R. Pinard
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20853, USA
| | - Shana Silverstein
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20853, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Christina Brehm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nolan D. Hartley
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Nigel Whittle
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giovanni Colacicco
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20853, USA
| | - Erica Busch
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20853, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20853, USA
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Gafford GM, Ressler KJ. Mouse models of fear-related disorders: Cell-type-specific manipulations in amygdala. Neuroscience 2015; 321:108-120. [PMID: 26102004 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fear conditioning is a model system used to study threat responses, fear memory and their dysregulation in a variety of organisms. Newly developed tools such as optogenetics, Cre recombinase and DREADD technologies have allowed researchers to manipulate anatomically or molecularly defined cell subtypes with a high degree of temporal control and determine the effect of this manipulation on behavior. These targeted molecular techniques have opened up a new appreciation for the critical contributions different subpopulations of cells make to fear behavior and potentially to treatment of fear and anxiety disorders. Here we review progress to date across a variety of techniques to understand fear-related behavior through the manipulation of different cell subtypes within the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Gafford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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25
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Vicario A, Abellán A, Medina L. Embryonic Origin of the Islet1 and Pax6 Neurons of the Chicken Central Extended Amygdala Using Cell Migration Assays and Relation to Different Neuropeptide-Containing Cells. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2015; 85:139-69. [DOI: 10.1159/000381004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In a recent study, we tentatively identified different subdivisions of the central extended amygdala (EAce) in chicken based on the expression of region-specific transcription factors (including Pax6 and Islet1) and several phenotypic markers during embryonic development. Such a proposal was partially based on the suggestion that, similarly to the subdivisions of the EAce of mammals, the Pax6 and Islet1 neurons of the comparable chicken subdivisions derive from the dorsal (Std) or ventral striatal embryonic domains (Stv), respectively. To investigate whether this is true, in the present study, we carried out cell migration assays from chicken Std or Stv combined with immunofluorescence for Pax6 or Islet1. Our results showed that the cells of the proposed chicken EAce truly originate in either Std (expressing Pax6) or Stv (expressing Islet1). This includes lateral subdivisions previously compared to the intercalated amygdalar cells and the central amygdala of mammals, also rich in Std-derived Pax6 cells and/or Stv-derived Islet1 cells. In the medial region of the chicken EAce, the dorsal part of the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL) contains numerous cells expressing Nkx2.1 (mostly derived from the pallidal domain), but our migration assays showed that it also contains neuron subpopulations from the Stv (expressing Islet1) and Std (expressing Pax6), resembling the mouse BSTL. These findings, together with those previously published in different species of mammals, birds and reptiles, support the homology of the chicken EAce to that of other vertebrates, and reinforce the existence of several cell subcorridors inside the EAce. In addition, together with previously published data on neuropeptidergic cells, these results led us to propose the existence of at least seventeen neuron subtypes in the EAce in rodents and/or some birds (chicken and pigeon). The functional significance and the evolutionary origin of each subtype needs to be analyzed separately, and such studies are mandatory in order to understand the multifaceted modulation by the EAce of fear responses, ingestion, motivation and pain in different vertebrates.
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Vicario A, Abellán A, Desfilis E, Medina L. Genetic identification of the central nucleus and other components of the central extended amygdala in chicken during development. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:90. [PMID: 25309337 PMCID: PMC4159986 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the central extended amygdala shows a highly complex organization, and is essential for animal survival due to its implication in fear responses. However, many aspects of its evolution are still unknown, and this structure is especially poorly understood in birds. The aim of this study was to define the central extended amygdala in chicken, by means of a battery of region-specific transcription factors (Pax6, Islet1, Nkx2.1) and phenotypic markers that characterize these different subdivisions in mammals. Our results allowed the identification of at least six distinct subdivisions in the lateral part of the avian central extended amygdala: (1) capsular central subdivision; (2) a group of intercalated-like cell patches; (3) oval central nucleus; (4) peri-intrapeduncular (peri-INP) island field; (5) perioval zone; and (6) a rostral part of the subpallial extended amygdala. In addition, we identified three subdivisions of the laterodorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTLd) belonging to the medial region of the chicken central extended amygdala complex. Based on their genetic profile, cellular composition and apparent embryonic origin of the cells, we discuss the similarity of these different subdivisions of chicken with different parts of the mouse central amygdala and surrounding cell masses, including the intercalated amygdalar masses and the sublenticular part of the central extended amygdala. Most of the subdivisions include various subpopulations of cells that apparently originate in the dorsal striatal, ventral striatal, pallidal, and preoptic embryonic domains, reaching their final location by either radial or tangential migrations. Similarly to mammals, the central amygdala and BSTLd of chicken project to the hypothalamus, and include different neurons expressing proenkephalin, corticotropin-releasing factor, somatostatin or tyrosine hydroxylase, which may be involved in the control of different aspects of fear/anxiety-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Vicario
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida, University of Lleida Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonio Abellán
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida, University of Lleida Lleida, Spain
| | - Ester Desfilis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida, University of Lleida Lleida, Spain
| | - Loreta Medina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida, University of Lleida Lleida, Spain
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27
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Bukalo O, Pinard CR, Holmes A. Mechanisms to medicines: elucidating neural and molecular substrates of fear extinction to identify novel treatments for anxiety disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:4690-718. [PMID: 24835117 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of anxiety disorders is growing, but the efficacy of available anxiolytic treatments remains inadequate. Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaving, and has a testable analogue in rodents in the form of fear extinction. A large preclinical literature has amassed in recent years describing the neural and molecular basis of fear extinction in rodents. In this review, we discuss how this work is being harnessed to foster translational research on anxiety disorders and facilitate the search for new anxiolytic treatments. We begin by summarizing the anatomical and functional connectivity of a medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-amygdala circuit that subserves fear extinction, including new insights from optogenetics. We then cover some of the approaches that have been taken to model impaired fear extinction and associated impairments with mPFC-amygdala dysfunction. The principal goal of the review is to evaluate evidence that various neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems mediate fear extinction by modulating the mPFC-amygdala circuitry. To that end, we describe studies that have tested how fear extinction is impaired or facilitated by pharmacological manipulations of dopamine, noradrenaline, 5-HT, GABA, glutamate, neuropeptides, endocannabinoids and various other systems, which either directly target the mPFC-amygdala circuit, or produce behavioural effects that are coincident with functional changes in the circuit. We conclude that there are good grounds to be optimistic that the progress in defining the molecular substrates of mPFC-amygdala circuit function can be effectively leveraged to identify plausible candidates for extinction-promoting therapies for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Bukalo
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
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28
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Boeckx C, Benítez-Burraco A. The shape of the human language-ready brain. Front Psychol 2014; 5:282. [PMID: 24772099 PMCID: PMC3983487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our core hypothesis is that the emergence of our species-specific language-ready brain ought to be understood in light of the developmental changes expressed at the levels of brain morphology and neural connectivity that occurred in our species after the split from Neanderthals–Denisovans and that gave us a more globular braincase configuration. In addition to changes at the cortical level, we hypothesize that the anatomical shift that led to globularity also entailed significant changes at the subcortical level. We claim that the functional consequences of such changes must also be taken into account to gain a fuller understanding of our linguistic capacity. Here we focus on the thalamus, which we argue is central to language and human cognition, as it modulates fronto-parietal activity. With this new neurobiological perspective in place, we examine its possible molecular basis. We construct a candidate gene set whose members are involved in the development and connectivity of the thalamus, in the evolution of the human head, and are known to give rise to language-associated cognitive disorders. We submit that the new gene candidate set opens up new windows into our understanding of the genetic basis of our linguistic capacity. Thus, our hypothesis aims at generating new testing grounds concerning core aspects of language ontogeny and phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Advanced Studies and Research (ICREA) Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Hertel N, Redies C, Medina L. Cadherin expression delineates the divisions of the postnatal and adult mouse amygdala. J Comp Neurol 2013; 520:3982-4012. [PMID: 22592879 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The amygdaloid complex represents a group of telencephalic nuclei and cortical areas that control emotional and social behavior. Amygdalar development is poorly understood. It is generally accepted that the structures of the amygdala originate from the neuroepithelium at both sides of the pallial-subpallial boundary. In the present study, we mapped the expression of 13 members of the cadherin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules, which provide an adhesive code for the development and maintenance of functional structures in the central nervous system (CNS). Five classic cadherins (Cdh4, Cdh6, Cdh7, Cdh8, Cdh11) and eight delta-protocadherins (Pcdh1, Pcdh7, Pcdh8, Pcdh9, Pcdh10, Pcdh11, PCdh17, PCdh19) were studied by in situ hybridization in the postnatal (P5) and adult mouse amygdala. In the different parts of the amygdala, each of these (proto-) cadherins shows a distinct and spatially restricted expression pattern that is highly similar at postnatal and adult stages. The combinatorial expression of (proto-) cadherins allows the distinction of multiple molecular subdivisions within the amygdala that partially coincide with previously described morphological divisions. Beyond these expected results, a number of novel molecular subdivisions and subpopulations of cells were identified; for example, additional molecular subdomains, patches, or cell aggregates with distinct (proto-) cadherin expression in several nuclei/areas of the amygdala. We also show that several cadherins are molecular markers for particular functional subsystems within the amygdala, such as in the olfactory projections. In summary, (proto-) cadherins provide a code of potentially adhesive cues that can aid the understanding of functional organization in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hertel
- Institute of Anatomy I, Friedrich Schiller University School of Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
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30
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Maximino C, Lima MG, Oliveira KRM, Batista EDJO, Herculano AM. “Limbic associative” and “autonomic” amygdala in teleosts: A review of the evidence. J Chem Neuroanat 2013; 48-49:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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31
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Ho CY, Bar E, Giannini C, Marchionni L, Karajannis MA, Zagzag D, Gutmann DH, Eberhart CG, Rodriguez FJ. MicroRNA profiling in pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma reveals biologically relevant targets, including PBX3, NFIB, and METAP2. Neuro Oncol 2012; 15:69-82. [PMID: 23161775 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nos269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a World Health Organization grade I glioma that occurs most commonly in children and young adults. Specific genetic alterations have been described in PA, but the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We studied microRNA (miRNA) alterations in a large cohort of patients with PA. A total of 43 PA, including 35 sporadic grade I PA, 4 neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1)-associated PA, and 4 PA with pilomyxoid features, as well as 5 nonneoplastic brain controls were examined. BRAF fusion status was assessed in most cases. RNA was examined using the Agilent Human miRNA Microarray V3 platform. Expression of miRNA subsets was validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with Taqman probes. Validation of predicted protein targets was performed on tissue microarrays with the use of immunohistochemistry. We identified a subset of miRNAs that were differentially expressed in pediatric PAs versus normal brain tissue: 13 miRNAs were underexpressed, and 20 miRNAs were overexpressed in tumors. Differences were validated by qRT-PCR in a subset, with mean fold change in tumor versus brain of -17 (miR-124), -15 (miR-129), and 19.8 (miR-21). Searching for predicted protein targets in Targetscan, we identified a number of known and putative oncogenes that were predicted targets of miRNA sets relatively underexpressed in PA. Predicted targets with increased expression at the mRNA and/or protein level in PA included PBX3, METAP2, and NFIB. A unique miRNA profile exists in PA, compared with brain tissue. These miRNAs and their targets may play a role in the pathogenesis of PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Ying Ho
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
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32
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Palomares-Castillo E, Hernández-Pérez OR, Pérez-Carrera D, Crespo-Ramírez M, Fuxe K, Pérez de la Mora M. The intercalated paracapsular islands as a module for integration of signals regulating anxiety in the amygdala. Brain Res 2012; 1476:211-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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33
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Bupesh M, Abellán A, Medina L. Genetic and experimental evidence supports the continuum of the central extended amygdala and a mutiple embryonic origin of its principal neurons. J Comp Neurol 2012; 519:3507-31. [PMID: 21800302 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The central extended amygdala is the major output center for telencephalic control of ingestion, fear responses, stress, and anxiety. In spite of the abundant data supporting the similarity in neurochemistry, connections, and function along the extended amygdala, embryological support for this continuum is lacking. By using a combination of in vitro migration assays, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining, here we show that its major components, including central amygdala and lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), are mosaics formed by different proportions of dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE)-, ventral LGE-, and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)-derived principal neurons. The dorsal LGE produces Pax6-expressing neurons that primarily populate lateral parts of the central extended amygdala, including the capsular and part of lateral central amygdala, but also produces a few cells for the lateral BST. Based on correlation with preproenkephalin, many of these cells are likely enkephalinergic. The ventral LGE produces Islet1-expressing neurons that populate primarily the central and medial parts of the central amygdala but also produces numerous neurons for the lateral BST. Correlation with corticotropin-releasing factor suggests that these neurons express this neuropeptide. The MGE produces the majority of neurons of the lateral BST, but its ventrocaudal subdivision also produces an important subpopulation of projection neurons containing somatostatin for medial aspects of the central amygdala. Thus, distinct principal neurons originate in different embryonic domains, but the same domains contribute neurons to most subdivisions of the central extended amygdala, which may explain the similarity in neurochemistry and connections along the corridor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munisamy Bupesh
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Evolution, Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida, Institut of Biomedical Research of Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), 25008 Lleida Spain
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34
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Sokolowski K, Corbin JG. Wired for behaviors: from development to function of innate limbic system circuitry. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:55. [PMID: 22557946 PMCID: PMC3337482 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The limbic system of the brain regulates a number of behaviors that are essential for the survival of all vertebrate species including humans. The limbic system predominantly controls appropriate responses to stimuli with social, emotional, or motivational salience, which includes innate behaviors such as mating, aggression, and defense. Activation of circuits regulating these innate behaviors begins in the periphery with sensory stimulation (primarily via the olfactory system in rodents), and is then processed in the brain by a set of delineated structures that primarily includes the amygdala and hypothalamus. While the basic neuroanatomy of these connections is well-established, much remains unknown about how information is processed within innate circuits and how genetic hierarchies regulate development and function of these circuits. Utilizing innovative technologies including channel rhodopsin-based circuit manipulation and genetic manipulation in rodents, recent studies have begun to answer these central questions. In this article we review the current understanding of how limbic circuits regulate sexually dimorphic behaviors and how these circuits are established and shaped during pre- and post-natal development. We also discuss how understanding developmental processes of innate circuit formation may inform behavioral alterations observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, which are characterized by limbic system dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Sokolowski
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
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35
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Schanze D, Ekici AB, Pfuhlmann B, Reis A, Stöber G. Evaluation of conserved and ultra-conserved non-genic sequences in chromosome 15q15-linked periodic catatonia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:77-86. [PMID: 22162401 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Conserved and ultra-conserved non-genic sequence elements (CNGs, UCEs) between human and other mammalian genomes seem to constitute a heterogeneous group of functional sequences which likely have important biological function. To determine whether variation in CNGs and UCEs contributes to risk for the schizophrenic subphenotype of periodic catatonia (according to K. Leonhard; OMIM 605419), we evaluated non-coding elements at a critical 7.35 Mb interval on chromosome 15q15 in 8 unrelated cases with periodic catatonia (derived from pedigrees compatible with linkage to chromosome 15q15) and 8 controls, followed by association studies in a cohort of 510 cases and controls. Among 65 CNGs (≥100 bp, 100% identity; human-mouse comparison), 7 CNGs matched criteria for UCE (≥200 bp, 100% identity). A hot spot of 62/65 CNGs (95%) appeared at the MEIS2 locus, which implicates functional importance of associated (ultra-)conserved elements to this early developmental gene, which is present in the human fetal neocortex and associated with metabolic side effects to antipsychotic drugs. Further CNGs were identified at the PLCB2 and DLL4 locus or located intergenic between TYRO3 and MAPKBP1. Automated sequencing revealed genetic variation in 12.3% of CNGs, but frequencies were low (MAF: 0.06-0.4) in cases. Three variants located inside CNGs/UCEs were found in cases only. In a case-control association study we could not confirm a significant association of these three CNG-variants with periodic catatonia. Our results suggest genetic variation in (ultra-)conserved non-genic sequence elements which might alter functional properties. The identified variants are genetically not associated with the phenotype of periodic catatonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denny Schanze
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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36
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Kuenzel WJ, Medina L, Csillag A, Perkel DJ, Reiner A. The avian subpallium: new insights into structural and functional subdivisions occupying the lateral subpallial wall and their embryological origins. Brain Res 2011; 1424:67-101. [PMID: 22015350 PMCID: PMC3378669 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The subpallial region of the avian telencephalon contains neural systems whose functions are critical to the survival of individual vertebrates and their species. The subpallial neural structures can be grouped into five major functional systems, namely the dorsal somatomotor basal ganglia; ventral viscerolimbic basal ganglia; subpallial extended amygdala including the central and medial extended amygdala and bed nuclei of the stria terminalis; basal telencephalic cholinergic and non-cholinergic corticopetal systems; and septum. The paper provides an overview of the major developmental, neuroanatomical and functional characteristics of the first four of these neural systems, all of which belong to the lateral telencephalic wall. The review particularly focuses on new findings that have emerged since the identity, extent and terminology for the regions were considered by the Avian Brain Nomenclature Forum. New terminology is introduced as appropriate based on the new findings. The paper also addresses regional similarities and differences between birds and mammals, and notes areas where gaps in knowledge occur for birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne J Kuenzel
- Department of Poultry Science, Poultry Science Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA.
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Pax6 is required at the telencephalic pallial-subpallial boundary for the generation of neuronal diversity in the postnatal limbic system. J Neurosci 2011; 31:5313-24. [PMID: 21471366 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3867-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryogenesis, the pallial-subpallial boundary (PSB) divides the two main progenitor domains in the telencephalon: the pallium, the major source of excitatory neurons, and the subpallium, the major source of inhibitory neurons. The PSB is formed at the molecular interface between the pallial (high Pax6+) and subpallial (high Gsx2+) ventricular zone (VZ) compartments. Initially, the PSB contains cells that express both Pax6 and Gsx2, but during later stages of development this boundary is largely refined into two separate compartments. In this study we examined the developmental mechanisms underlying PSB boundary formation and the postnatal consequences of conditional loss of Pax6 function at the PSB on neuronal fate in the amygdala and olfactory bulb, two targets of PSB-derived migratory populations. Our cell fate and time-lapse imaging analyses reveal that the sorting of Pax6+ and Gsx2+ progenitors during embryogenesis is the result of a combination of changes in gene expression and cell movements. Interestingly, we find that in addition to giving rise to inhibitory neurons in the amygdala and olfactory bulb, Gsx2+ progenitors generate a subpopulation of amygdala excitatory neurons. Consistent with this finding, targeted conditional ablation of Pax6 in Gsx2+ progenitors results in discrete local embryonic patterning defects that are linked to changes in the generation of subsets of postnatal excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the amygdala and inhibitory neurons in the olfactory bulb. Thus, in PSB progenitors, Pax6 plays an important role in the generation of multiple subtypes of neurons that contribute to the amygdala and olfactory bulb.
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38
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Different fear states engage distinct networks within the intercalated cell clusters of the amygdala. J Neurosci 2011; 31:5131-44. [PMID: 21451049 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6100-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although extinction-based therapies are among the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders, the neural bases of fear extinction remain still essentially unclear. Recent evidence suggests that the intercalated cell masses of the amygdala (ITCs) are critical structures for fear extinction. However, the neuronal organization of ITCs and how distinct clusters contribute to different fear states are still entirely unknown. Here, by combining whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and biocytin labeling with full anatomical reconstruction of the filled neurons and ultrastructural analysis of their synaptic contacts, we have elucidated the cellular organization and efferent connections of one of the main ITC clusters in mice. Our data showed an unexpected heterogeneity in the axonal pattern of medial paracapsular ITC (Imp) neurons and the presence of three distinct neuronal subtypes. Functionally, we observed that the Imp was preferentially activated during fear expression, whereas extinction training and extinction retrieval activated the main ITC nucleus (IN), as measured by quantifying Zif268 expression. This can be explained by the IPSPs evoked in the IN after Imp stimulation, most likely through the GABAergic monosynaptic innervation of IN neurons by one subtype of Imp cells, namely the medial capsular-projecting (MCp)-Imp neurons. MCp-Imp neurons also target large ITC cells that surround ITC clusters and express the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1α. These findings reveal a distinctive participation of ITC clusters to different fear states and the underlying anatomical circuitries, hence shedding new light on ITC networks and providing a novel framework to elucidate their role in fear expression and extinction.
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Selective suppression of plasticity in amygdala inputs from temporal association cortex by the external capsule. J Neurosci 2011; 31:339-45. [PMID: 21209220 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5537-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic neurons in the external capsule (EC) provide feedforward inhibition in the lateral amygdala (LA), but how EC affects synaptic transmission and plasticity in inputs from specific cortical areas remains unknown; this is because axonal fibers from different cortical areas are intermingled in the amygdala and cannot be activated selectively using conventional electrical stimulation. Here, we achieved selective activation of fibers from the temporal association cortex (TeA) or the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) by using channelrhodopsin-2. Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the TeA-LA pathway, which runs through EC, was enabled by cutting connections between EC and LA or by blocking GABA(A) receptor-mediated transmission. In contrast, LTP in the ACC-LA pathway, which bypasses EC, was GABA(A) receptor independent. The EC transection shifted balance between inhibitory and excitatory responses in the TeA-LA pathway toward excitation, but had no effect on the ACC-LA pathway. Thus, EC provides pathway-specific suppression of amygdala plasticity.
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Nr4a1-eGFP is a marker of striosome-matrix architecture, development and activity in the extended striatum. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16619. [PMID: 21305052 PMCID: PMC3030604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic mice expressing eGFP under population specific promoters are widely used in neuroscience to identify specific subsets of neurons in situ and as sensors of neuronal activity in vivo. Mice expressing eGFP from a bacterial artificial chromosome under the Nr4a1 promoter have high expression within the basal ganglia, particularly within the striosome compartments and striatal-like regions of the extended amygdala (bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, striatal fundus, central amygdaloid nucleus and intercalated cells). Grossly, eGFP expression is inverse to the matrix marker calbindin 28K and overlaps with mu-opioid receptor immunoreactivity in the striatum. This pattern of expression is similar to Drd1, but not Drd2, dopamine receptor driven eGFP expression in structures targeted by medium spiny neuron afferents. Striosomal expression is strong developmentally where Nr4a1-eGFP expression overlaps with Drd1, TrkB, tyrosine hydroxylase and phospho-ERK, but not phospho-CREB, immunoreactivity in “dopamine islands”. Exposure of adolescent mice to methylphenidate resulted in an increase in eGFP in both compartments in the dorsolateral striatum but eGFP expression remained brighter in the striosomes. To address the role of activity in Nr4a1-eGFP expression, primary striatal cultures were prepared from neonatal mice and treated with forskolin, BDNF, SKF-83822 or high extracellular potassium and eGFP was measured fluorometrically in lysates. eGFP was induced in both neurons and contaminating glia in response to forskolin but SKF-83822, brain derived neurotrophic factor and depolarization increased eGFP in neuronal-like cells selectively. High levels of eGFP were primarily associated with Drd1+ neurons in vitro detected by immunofluorescence; however ∼15% of the brightly expressing cells contained punctate met-enkephalin immunoreactivity. The Nr4a1-GFP mouse strain will be a useful model for examining the connectivity, physiology, activity and development of the striosome system.
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Mańko M, Geracitano R, Capogna M. Functional connectivity of the main intercalated nucleus of the mouse amygdala. J Physiol 2011; 589:1911-25. [PMID: 21224220 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.201475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercalated cells (ITCs) of the amygdala are clusters of GABAergic cells that surround the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA). Growing evidence suggests that ITCs are required for the expression of fear extinction. The main intercalated nucleus (Im) is the largest of the ITC clusters and could also be important for emotional processing. We used whole-cell recordings from Im neurons in acute slices of mouse amygdala. We found that these neurons were medium-sized spiny projection cells. Their passive and active membrane responses were consistent with those previously reported in other ITC clusters. The axon of Im neurons was, in many cases, cut at the slice boundaries, suggesting long-range projections. Axonal branches could be detected in several amygdala nuclei where they made functional synapses. We also functionally studied Im cell inputs. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) were evoked by the stimulation of the Im, intermediate capsula (IC), external capsula (EC) or BLA, when GABAergic transmission was pharmacologically blocked. An occlusion test indicated that fibres recruited by stimulating Im and IC, or Im and EC were distinct. These eEPSCs had both NMDA and AMPA receptor components. Inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) were evoked after the stimulation of the Im, the EC and the BLA, when glutamatergic transmission was pharmacologically blocked. Furthermore, dopamine reversibly hyperpolarised, and decreased the firing frequency and the input resistance of Im cells via dopamine type 1 receptor. Our data suggest that the Im is functionally connected to other amygdala nuclei and is under neuromodulatory influence. We propose that the Im serves as key neuronal substrate of fear extinction.
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Medina L, Bupesh M, Abellán A. Contribution of Genoarchitecture to Understanding Forebrain Evolution and Development, with Particular Emphasis on the Amygdala. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2011; 78:216-36. [DOI: 10.1159/000330056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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