1
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Acosta MC, Hussein M, Saltzman W. Effects of acute inhibition of dopamine β-hydroxylase on neural responses to pups in adult virgin male California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115116. [PMID: 38897419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The neural mechanisms underlying paternal care in biparental mammals are not well understood. The California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) is a biparental rodent in which virtually all fathers are attracted to pups, while virgin males vary widely in their behavior toward unrelated infants, ranging from attacking to avoiding to huddling and grooming pups. We previously showed that pharmacologically inhibiting the synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) with the dopamine β-hydroxylase inhibitor nepicastat reduced the propensity of virgin male and female California mice to interact with pups. The current study tested the hypothesis that nepicastat would reduce pup-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity, a cellular marker of neural activity, in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), medial amygdala (MeA), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), brain regions implicated in the control of parental behavior and/or anxiety. Virgin males were injected with nepicastat (75 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle 2 hours prior to exposure to either an unrelated pup or novel object for 60 minutes (n = 4-6 mice per group). Immediately following the 60-minute stimulus exposure, mice were euthanized and their brains were collected for c-Fos immunohistochemistry. Nepicastat reduced c-Fos expression in the MeA and MPOA of pup-exposed virgin males compared to vehicle-injected controls. In contrast, nepicastat did not alter c-Fos expression in any of the above brain regions following exposure to a novel object. Overall, these results suggest that the noradrenergic system might influence MeA and MPOA function to promote behavioral interactions with pups in virgin males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina C Acosta
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Manal Hussein
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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2
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Liu J, Lustberg DJ, Galvez A, Liles LC, McCann KE, Weinshenker D. Genetic disruption of dopamine β-hydroxylase dysregulates innate responses to predator odor in mice. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100612. [PMID: 38371489 PMCID: PMC10873756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In rodents, exposure to predator odors such as cat urine acts as a severe stressor that engages innate defensive behaviors critical for survival in the wild. The neurotransmitters norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) modulate anxiety and predator odor responses, and we have shown previously that dopamine β-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-), which reduces NE and increases DA in mouse noradrenergic neurons, disrupts innate behaviors in response to mild stressors such as novelty. We examined the consequences of Dbh knockout on responses to predator odor (bobcat urine) and compared them to Dbh-competent littermate controls. Over the first 10 min of predator odor exposure, controls exhibited robust defensive burying behavior, whereas Dbh -/- mice showed high levels of grooming. Defensive burying was potently suppressed in controls by drugs that reduce NE transmission, while excessive grooming in Dbh -/- mice was blocked by DA receptor antagonism. In response to a cotton square scented with a novel "neutral" odor (lavender), most control mice shredded the material, built a nest, and fell asleep within 90 min. Dbh -/- mice failed to shred the lavender-scented nestlet, but still fell asleep. In contrast, controls sustained high levels of arousal throughout the predator odor test and did not build nests, while Dbh -/- mice were asleep by the 90-min time point, often in shredded bobcat urine-soaked nesting material. Compared with controls exposed to predator odor, Dbh -/- mice demonstrated decreased c-fos induction in the anterior cingulate cortex, lateral septum, periaqueductal gray, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, but increased c-fos in the locus coeruleus and medial amygdala. These data indicate that relative ratios of central NE and DA signaling coordinate the type and valence of responses to predator odor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abigail Galvez
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - L. Cameron Liles
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katharine E. McCann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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3
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Liu J, Lustberg DJ, Galvez A, Liles LC, McCann KE, Weinshenker D. Genetic disruption of dopamine β-hydroxylase dysregulates innate responses to predator odor in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.21.545975. [PMID: 38234825 PMCID: PMC10793432 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.21.545975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In rodents, exposure to predator odors such as cat urine acts as a severe stressor that engages innate defensive behaviors critical for survival in the wild. The neurotransmitters norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) modulate anxiety and predator odor responses, and we have shown previously that dopamine β-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-), which reduces NE and increases DA in mouse noradrenergic neurons, disrupts innate behaviors in response to mild stressors such as novelty. We examined the consequences of Dbh knockout (Dbh -/-) on responses to predator odor (bobcat urine) and compared them to Dbh-competent littermate controls. Over the first 10 min of predator odor exposure, controls exhibited robust defensive burying behavior, whereas Dbh -/- mice showed high levels of grooming. Defensive burying was potently suppressed in controls by drugs that reduce NE transmission, while excessive grooming in Dbh -/- mice was blocked by DA receptor antagonism. In response to a cotton square scented with a novel "neutral" odor (lavender), most control mice shredded the material, built a nest, and fell asleep within 90 min. Dbh -/- mice failed to shred the lavender-scented nestlet, but still fell asleep. In contrast, controls sustained high levels of arousal throughout the predator odor test and did not build nests, while Dbh -/- mice were asleep by the 90-min time point, often in shredded bobcat urine-soaked nesting material. Compared with controls exposed to predator odor, Dbh -/- mice demonstrated decreased c-fos induction in the anterior cingulate cortex, lateral septum, periaqueductal gray, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, but increased c-fos in the locus coeruleus and medial amygdala. These data indicate that relative ratios of central NE and DA signaling coordinate the type and valence of responses to predator odor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Liu
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Daniel J. Lustberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Abigail Galvez
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - L. Cameron Liles
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Katharine E. McCann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
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4
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Corona A, Choe J, Muñoz-Castañeda R, Osten P, Shea SD. A circuit from the locus coeruleus to the anterior cingulate cortex modulates offspring interactions in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112771. [PMID: 37421626 PMCID: PMC10529180 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Social sensitivity to other individuals in distress is crucial for survival. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a structure involved in making behavioral choices and is influenced by observed pain or distress. Nevertheless, our understanding of the neural circuitry underlying this sensitivity is incomplete. Here, we reveal unexpected sex-dependent activation of ACC when parental mice respond to distressed pups by returning them to the nest ("pup retrieval"). We observe sex differences in the interactions between excitatory and inhibitory ACC neurons during parental care, and inactivation of ACC excitatory neurons increased pup neglect. Locus coeruleus (LC) releases noradrenaline in ACC during pup retrieval, and inactivation of the LC-ACC pathway disrupts parental care. We conclude that ACC maintains sex-dependent sensitivity to pup distress under LC modulation. We propose that ACC's involvement in parenting presents an opportunity to identify neural circuits that support sensitivity to the emotional distress of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Corona
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jane Choe
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | - Pavel Osten
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Stephen D Shea
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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5
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Luigi-Sierra MG, Guan D, López-Béjar M, Casas E, Olvera-Maneu S, Gardela J, Palomo MJ, Osuagwuh UI, Ohaneje UL, Mármol-Sánchez E, Amills M. A protein-coding gene expression atlas from the brain of pregnant and non-pregnant goats. Front Genet 2023; 14:1114749. [PMID: 37519888 PMCID: PMC10382233 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1114749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The brain is an extraordinarily complex organ with multiple anatomical structures involved in highly specialized functions related with behavior and physiological homeostasis. Our goal was to build an atlas of protein-coding gene expression in the goat brain by sequencing the transcriptomes of 12 brain regions in seven female Murciano-Granadina goats, from which three of them were 1-month pregnant. Results: Between 14,889 (cerebellar hemisphere) and 15,592 (pineal gland) protein-coding genes were expressed in goat brain regions, and most of them displayed ubiquitous or broad patterns of expression across tissues. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering based on the patterns of mRNA expression revealed that samples from certain brain regions tend to group according to their position in the anterior-posterior axis of the neural tube, i.e., hindbrain (pons and medulla oblongata), midbrain (rostral colliculus) and forebrain (frontal neocortex, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, and hippocampus). Exceptions to this observation were cerebellum and glandular tissues (pineal gland and hypophysis), which showed highly divergent mRNA expression profiles. Differential expression analysis between pregnant and non-pregnant goats revealed moderate changes of mRNA expression in the frontal neocortex, hippocampus, adenohypophysis and pons, and very dramatic changes in the olfactory bulb. Many genes showing differential expression in this organ are related to olfactory function and behavior in humans. Conclusion: With the exception of cerebellum and glandular tissues, there is a relationship between the cellular origin of sampled regions along the anterior-posterior axis of the neural tube and their mRNA expression patterns in the goat adult brain. Gestation induces substantial changes in the mRNA expression of the olfactory bulb, a finding consistent with the key role of this anatomical structure on the development of maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dailu Guan
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Encarna Casas
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sergi Olvera-Maneu
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - María Jesús Palomo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Uchebuchi Ike Osuagwuh
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Uchechi Linda Ohaneje
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Emilio Mármol-Sánchez
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marcel Amills
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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6
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Hearing Vocalizations during First Social Experience with Pups Increase Bdnf Transcription in Mouse Auditory Cortex. Neural Plast 2023; 2023:5225952. [PMID: 36845359 PMCID: PMC9946766 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5225952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
While infant cues are often assumed to innately motivate maternal response, recent research highlights how the neural coding of infant cues is altered through maternal care. Infant vocalizations are important social signals for caregivers, and evidence from mice suggests that experience caring for mouse pups induces inhibitory plasticity in the auditory cortex (AC), though the molecular mediators for such AC plasticity during the initial pup experience are not well delineated. Here, we used the maternal mouse communication model to explore whether transcription in AC of a specific, inhibition-linked, memory-associated gene, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) changes due to the very first pup caring experience hearing vocalizations, while controlling for the systemic influence of the hormone estrogen. Ovariectomized and estradiol or blank-implanted virgin female mice hearing pup calls with pups present had significantly higher AC exon IV Bdnf mRNA compared to females without pups present, suggesting that the social context of vocalizations induces immediate molecular changes at the site of auditory cortical processing. E2 influenced the rate of maternal behavior but did not significantly affect Bdnf mRNA transcription in the AC. To our knowledge, this is the first time Bdnf has been associated with processing social vocalizations in the AC, and our results suggest that it is a potential molecular component responsible for enhancing future recognition of infant cues by contributing to AC plasticity.
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7
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Xie Y, Huang L, Corona A, Pagliaro AH, Shea SD. A dopaminergic reward prediction error signal shapes maternal behavior in mice. Neuron 2023; 111:557-570.e7. [PMID: 36543170 PMCID: PMC9957971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
How social contact is perceived as rewarding and subsequently modifies interactions is unclear. Dopamine (DA) from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) regulates sociality, but the ongoing, unstructured nature of free behavior makes it difficult to ascertain how. Here, we tracked the emergence of a repetitive stereotyped parental retrieval behavior and conclude that VTA DA neurons incrementally refine it by reinforcement learning (RL). Trial-by-trial performance was correlated with the history of DA neuron activity, but DA signals were inconsistent with VTA directly influencing the current trial. We manipulated the subject's expectation of imminent pup contact and show that DA signals convey reward prediction error, a fundamental component of RL. Finally, closed-loop optogenetic inactivation of DA neurons at the onset of pup contact dramatically slowed emergence of parental care. We conclude that this component of maternal behavior is shaped by an RL mechanism in which social contact itself is the primary reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyao Xie
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; State Key Laboratory of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Longwen Huang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; State Key Laboratory of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Alberto Corona
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Alexa H Pagliaro
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Stephen D Shea
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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8
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Fuentes I, Morishita Y, Gonzalez-Salinas S, Champagne FA, Uchida S, Shumyatsky GP. Experience-Regulated Neuronal Signaling in Maternal Behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:844295. [PMID: 35401110 PMCID: PMC8987921 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.844295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal behavior is shaped and challenged by the changing developmental needs of offspring and a broad range of environmental factors, with evidence indicating that the maternal brain exhibits a high degree of plasticity. This plasticity is displayed within cellular and molecular systems, including both intra- and intercellular signaling processes as well as transcriptional profiles. This experience-associated plasticity may have significant overlap with the mechanisms controlling memory processes, in particular those that are activity-dependent. While a significant body of work has identified various molecules and intracellular processes regulating maternal care, the role of activity- and experience-dependent processes remains unclear. We discuss recent progress in studying activity-dependent changes occurring at the synapse, in the nucleus, and during the transport between these two structures in relation to maternal behavior. Several pre- and postsynaptic molecules as well as transcription factors have been found to be critical in these processes. This role reflects the principal importance of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory formation to maternal and other behavioral adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Fuentes
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | | | | | - Frances A. Champagne
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Shusaku Uchida
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gleb P. Shumyatsky
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Gleb P. Shumyatsky
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9
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Acosta MC, Tillage RP, Weinshenker D, Saltzman W. Acute inhibition of dopamine β-hydroxylase attenuates behavioral responses to pups in adult virgin California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Horm Behav 2022; 137:105086. [PMID: 34808463 PMCID: PMC9250832 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In biparental species, in which both parents care for their offspring, the neural and endocrine mediators of paternal behavior appear to overlap substantially with those underlying maternal behavior. Little is known, however, about the roles of classical neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine (NE), in paternal care and whether they resemble those in maternal care. We tested the hypothesis that NE facilitates the initiation of nurturant behavior toward pups in virgin male and female California mice (Peromyscus californicus), a biparental rodent. Virtually all parents in this species are attracted to familiar and unfamiliar pups, while virgins either attack, avoid, or nurture pups, suggesting that the neurochemical control of pup-related behavior changes as mice transition into parenthood. We injected virgin males and females with nepicastat, a selective dopamine β-hydroxylase inhibitor that blocks NE synthesis (75 mg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle 2 h before exposing them to a novel pup, estrous female (males only), or pup-sized novel object for 60 min. Nepicastat significantly reduced the number of males and females that approached the pup and that displayed parental behavior. In contrast, nepicastat did not alter virgins' interactions with an estrous female or a novel object, suggesting that nepicastat-induced inhibition of interactions with pups was not mediated by changes in generalized neophobia, arousal, or activity. Nepicastat also significantly reduced NE levels in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex and increased the ratio of dopamine to NE in the hypothalamus. Our results suggest that NE may facilitate the initiation of parental behavior in male and female California mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina C Acosta
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rachel P Tillage
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead 301, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead 301, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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10
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Kim J, Hyun M, Hibi M, You YJ. Maintenance of quiescent oocytes by noradrenergic signals. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6925. [PMID: 34836956 PMCID: PMC8626438 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
All females adopt an evolutionary conserved reproduction strategy; under unfavorable conditions such as scarcity of food or mates, oocytes remain quiescent. However, the signals to maintain oocyte quiescence are largely unknown. Here, we report that in four different species - Caenorhabditis elegans, Caenorhabditis remanei, Drosophila melanogaster, and Danio rerio - octopamine and norepinephrine play an essential role in maintaining oocyte quiescence. In the absence of mates, the oocytes of Caenorhabditis mutants lacking octopamine signaling fail to remain quiescent, but continue to divide and become polyploid. Upon starvation, the egg chambers of D. melanogaster mutants lacking octopamine signaling fail to remain at the previtellogenic stage, but grow to full-grown egg chambers. Upon starvation, D. rerio lacking norepinephrine fails to maintain a quiescent primordial follicle and activates an excessive number of primordial follicles. Our study reveals an evolutionarily conserved function of the noradrenergic signal in maintaining quiescent oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongho Kim
- grid.202119.90000 0001 2364 8385Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon, 22212 South Korea
| | - Moonjung Hyun
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA ,grid.418982.e0000 0004 5345 5340Present Address: Biological Resources Research Group, Bioenvironmental Science & Toxicology Division, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Gyeongsangnam-do, 52834 South Korea
| | - Masahiko Hibi
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602 Japan
| | - Young-Jai You
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA. .,Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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11
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Cullen SM, Hassan N, Smith-Raska M. Effects of non-inherited ancestral genotypes on offspring phenotypes. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:747-760. [PMID: 34159361 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that environmental exposures can modify the profile of heritable factors in an individual's germ cells, ultimately affecting the inheritance of phenotypes in descendants. Similar to exposures, an ancestor's genotype can also affect the inheritance of phenotypes across generations, sometimes in offspring who do not inherit the genetic aberration. This can occur via a variety of prenatal, in utero, or postnatal mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the evidence for this process in mammals, with a focus on examples that are potentially mediated through the germline, while also considering alternate routes of inheritance. Non-inherited ancestral genotypes may influence descendant's disease risk to a much greater extent than currently appreciated, and focused evaluation of this phenomenon may reveal novel mechanisms of inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Cullen
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 East 69th Street, Room 1252D, New York, NY 10021
| | - Nora Hassan
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 East 69th Street, Room 1252D, New York, NY 10021
| | - Matthew Smith-Raska
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 East 69th Street, Room 1252D, New York, NY 10021
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12
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Rudolph S, Guo C, Pashkovski SL, Osorno T, Gillis WF, Krauss JM, Nyitrai H, Flaquer I, El-Rifai M, Datta SR, Regehr WG. Cerebellum-Specific Deletion of the GABA A Receptor δ Subunit Leads to Sex-Specific Disruption of Behavior. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108338. [PMID: 33147470 PMCID: PMC7700496 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Granule cells (GCs) of the cerebellar input layer express high-affinity δ GABAA subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δGABAARs) that respond to ambient GABA levels and context-dependent neuromodulators like steroids. We find that GC-specific deletion of δGABAA (cerebellar [cb] δ knockout [KO]) decreases tonic inhibition, makes GCs hyperexcitable, and in turn, leads to differential activation of cb output regions as well as many cortical and subcortical brain areas involved in cognition, anxiety-like behaviors, and the stress response. Cb δ KO mice display deficits in many behaviors, but motor function is normal. Strikingly, δGABAA deletion alters maternal behavior as well as spontaneous, stress-related, and social behaviors specifically in females. Our findings establish that δGABAARs enable the cerebellum to control diverse behaviors not previously associated with the cerebellum in a sex-dependent manner. These insights may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie behavioral abnormalities in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders that display a gender bias. Rudolph et al. show that deletion of the neuromodulator and hormone-sensitive δGABAA receptor subunit from cerebellar granule cells results in anxiety-like behaviors and female-specific deficits in social behavior and maternal care. δGABAA deletion is associated with hyperexcitability of the cerebellar input layer and altered activation of many stress-related brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Rudolph
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chong Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stan L Pashkovski
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tomas Osorno
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Winthrop F Gillis
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeremy M Krauss
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hajnalka Nyitrai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabella Flaquer
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mahmoud El-Rifai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Wade G Regehr
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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13
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Lai YH, Audira G, Liang ST, Siregar P, Suryanto ME, Lin HC, Villalobos O, Villaflores OB, Hao E, Lim KH, Hsiao CD. Duplicated dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab DNA Methyltransferase Genes Play Essential and Non-Overlapped Functions on Modulating Behavioral Control in Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111322. [PMID: 33171840 PMCID: PMC7695179 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays several roles in regulating neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and physiological functions. The major de novo methyltransferase, DNMT3, controls the DNA methylation pattern in neurons according to environmental stimulations and behavioral regulations. Previous studies demonstrated that knockout of Dnmt3 induced mouse anxiety; however, controversial results showed that activation of Dnmt3 causes anxiolytic behavior. Thus, an alternative animal model to clarify Dnmt3 on modulating behavior is crucial. Therefore, we aimed to establish a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model to clarify the function of dnmt3 on fish behavior by behavioral endpoint analyses. We evaluated the behaviors of the wild type, dnmt3aa, and dnmt3ab knockout (KO) fish by the novel tank, mirror biting, predator avoidance, social interaction, shoaling, circadian rhythm locomotor activity, color preference, and short-term memory tests. The results indicated that the dnmt3aa KO fish possessed abnormal exploratory behaviors and less fear response to the predator. On the other hand, dnmt3ab KO fish displayed less aggression, fear response to the predator, and interests to interact with their conspecifics, loosen shoaling formation, and dysregulated color preference index ranking. Furthermore, both knockout fishes showed higher locomotion activity during the night cycle, which is a sign of anxiety. However, changes in some neurotransmitter levels were observed in the mutant fishes. Lastly, whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing demonstrates a potential network of Dnmt3a proteins that is responsive to behavioral alterations. To sum up, the results suggested that the dnmt3aa KO or dnmt3ab KO fish display anxiety symptoms, which supported the idea that Dnmt3 modulates the function involved in emotional control, social interaction, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan;
| | - Gilbert Audira
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (G.A.); (P.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Sung-Tzu Liang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Petrus Siregar
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (G.A.); (P.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Michael Edbert Suryanto
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Huan-Chau Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Number 92, Section 2, Chungshan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
| | - Omar Villalobos
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines;
| | - Oliver B. Villaflores
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines;
| | - Erwei Hao
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (K.-H.L.); (C.-D.H.)
| | - Ken-Hong Lim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Number 92, Section 2, Chungshan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, Sanzhi Dist., New Taipei City 252, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (K.-H.L.); (C.-D.H.)
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (G.A.); (P.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
- Center of Nanotechnology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (K.-H.L.); (C.-D.H.)
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14
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Shin T, Hiraoka Y, Yamasaki T, Marth JD, Penninger JM, Kanai-Azuma M, Tanaka K, Kofuji S, Nishina H. MKK7 deficiency in mature neurons impairs parental behavior in mice. Genes Cells 2020; 26:5-17. [PMID: 33098150 PMCID: PMC7839552 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) are constitutively activated in mammalian brains and are indispensable for their development and neural functions. MKK7 is an upstream activator of all JNKs. However, whether the common JNK signaling pathway regulates the brain's control of social behavior remains unclear. Here, we show that female mice in which Mkk7 is deleted specifically in mature neurons (Mkk7flox/floxSyn‐Cre mice) give birth to a normal number of pups but fail to raise them due to a defect in pup retrieval. To explore the mechanism underlying this abnormality, we performed comprehensive behavioral tests. Mkk7flox/floxSyn‐Cre mice showed normal locomotor functions and cognitive ability but exhibited depression‐like behavior. cDNA microarray analysis of mutant brain revealed an altered gene expression pattern. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that mRNA expression levels of genes related to neural signaling pathways and a calcium channel were significantly different from controls. In addition, loss of neural MKK7 had unexpected regulatory effects on gene expression patterns in oligodendrocytes. These findings indicate that MKK7 has an important role in regulating the gene expression patterns responsible for promoting normal social behavior and staving off depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Shin
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tokiwa Yamasaki
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jamey D Marth
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, SBP Medical Discovery Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Josef M Penninger
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kofuji
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishina
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Perez DM. α 1-Adrenergic Receptors in Neurotransmission, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognition. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:581098. [PMID: 33117176 PMCID: PMC7553051 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.581098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
α1-adrenergic receptors are G-Protein Coupled Receptors that are involved in neurotransmission and regulate the sympathetic nervous system through binding and activating the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, and the neurohormone, epinephrine. There are three α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes (α1A, α1B, α1D) that are known to play various roles in neurotransmission and cognition. They are related to two other adrenergic receptor families that also bind norepinephrine and epinephrine, the β- and α2-, each with three subtypes (β1, β2, β3, α2A, α2B, α2C). Previous studies assessing the roles of α1-adrenergic receptors in neurotransmission and cognition have been inconsistent. This was due to the use of poorly-selective ligands and many of these studies were published before the characterization of the cloned receptor subtypes and the subsequent development of animal models. With the availability of more-selective ligands and the development of animal models, a clearer picture of their role in cognition and neurotransmission can be assessed. In this review, we highlight the significant role that the α1-adrenergic receptor plays in regulating synaptic efficacy, both short and long-term synaptic plasticity, and its regulation of different types of memory. We will also present evidence that the α1-adrenergic receptors, and particularly the α1A-adrenergic receptor subtype, are a potentially good target to treat a wide variety of neurological conditions with diminished cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne M Perez
- The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
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16
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Tasaka GI, Feigin L, Maor I, Groysman M, DeNardo LA, Schiavo JK, Froemke RC, Luo L, Mizrahi A. The Temporal Association Cortex Plays a Key Role in Auditory-Driven Maternal Plasticity. Neuron 2020; 107:566-579.e7. [PMID: 32473095 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mother-infant bonding develops rapidly following parturition and is accompanied by changes in sensory perception and behavior. Here, we study how ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are represented in the brain of mothers. Using a mouse line that allows temporally controlled genetic access to active neurons, we find that the temporal association cortex (TeA) in mothers exhibits robust USV responses. Rabies tracing from USV-responsive neurons reveals extensive subcortical and cortical inputs into TeA. A particularly dominant cortical source of inputs is the primary auditory cortex (A1), suggesting strong A1-to-TeA connectivity. Chemogenetic silencing of USV-responsive neurons in TeA impairs auditory-driven maternal preference in a pup-retrieval assay. Furthermore, dense extracellular recordings from awake mice reveal changes of both single-neuron and population responses to USVs in TeA, improving discriminability of pup calls in mothers compared with naive females. These data indicate that TeA plays a key role in encoding and perceiving pup cries during motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen-Ichi Tasaka
- Department of Neurobiology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Libi Feigin
- Department of Neurobiology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Ido Maor
- Department of Neurobiology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Maya Groysman
- Department of Neurobiology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Laura A DeNardo
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer K Schiavo
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robert C Froemke
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, and Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Liqun Luo
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- Department of Neurobiology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
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17
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Born this way? A review of neurobiological and environmental evidence for the etiology of psychopathy. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 2:e8. [PMID: 32435743 PMCID: PMC7219694 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2019.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Across a significant body of research, psychopathy has often been conceptualized as a biologically based malady. In this research, genetic and neurobiological differences have been conceptualized to underlie psychopathy, while affected individuals' life experiences only influence expressed psychopathic features and their severity. Psychopathy research has largely ignored developmental evidence demonstrating significant influences of environment on both biological and behavioral processes, resulting in several prominent criticisms (Edens & Vincent, 2008; Loeber, Byrd, & Farrington, 2015). The current review was conducted with two main aims: (a) to collect and consider etiological evidence from the extant body of research on genetic and neurobiological factors in psychopathy; and (b) to evaluate findings from genetic, neurotransmitter, brain structure, and brain function studies in the context of relevant evidence from developmental research. Examples from research on adversity and traumatic stress, a common correlate of psychopathy, were used to highlight current research gaps and future directions to aid in the integration of developmental and neurobiological research agendas. While some promising evidence exists regarding possible underlying neurobiological processes of psychopathic traits, this evidence is insufficient to suggest a largely biological etiology for the disorder. Further, information from developmental and epigenetic research may suggest complex, multidimensional trajectories for individuals experiencing psychopathy. Based on these observations, the authors make several recommendations for future research, as well as for current clinical application and practice.
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18
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Kawakami N, Kobayashi K, Nishimura A, Ohmori I. Poor mother-offspring relationships in rats with <i>Cacna1a</i> mutation. Exp Anim 2020; 69:153-160. [PMID: 31723085 PMCID: PMC7220709 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.19-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Homozygous Groggy dams, which carry a Cacna1a missense mutation, often
show no interest in their offspring, leading to frequent offspring deaths due to lack of
nurturing. The present study aimed to clarify whether the Cacna1a
mutation contributes to impaired attachment behaviors between dam and offspring. The open
field test showed that homozygous female rats exhibited markedly short travel distance,
whereas no difference was found between the motor activity of heterozygous females and
that of wild types (WT). A series of behavioral tests was performed to compare the
mother–offspring relationship between WT and heterozygous rats. Performance in the pup
retrieval test was significantly less successful in heterozygous than WT dams. During the
experiment, heterozygous dams spent significantly less time licking and crouching than WT
dams. The offspring dam-seeking behavior test revealed that heterozygous pups’
vocalizations were significantly less frequent and shorter than those of WT pups. Although
no significant difference was found between WT and heterozygous offspring in the olfactory
sense test, using a piece of chocolate, heterozygous pups took significantly longer to
reach a sample of the dam’s bedding. Taken together, these findings suggest that the
Cacna1a mutation impairs both the dam’s maternal behavior and the
offspring’s attachment behavior toward the dam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Kawakami
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikatacho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kiyoka Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikatacho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ayumu Nishimura
- Okayama University, 5-1 Shikatacho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Iori Ohmori
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikatacho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Graduate School of Education, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikatacho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Department of Child Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1 Tsushimanaka 3-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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19
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Dyer-Reaves K, Goodman AM, Nelson AR, McMahon LL. Alpha1-Adrenergic Receptor Mediated Long-Term Depression at CA3-CA1 Synapses Can Be Induced via Accumulation of Endogenous Norepinephrine and Is Preserved Following Noradrenergic Denervation. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2019; 11:27. [PMID: 31649525 PMCID: PMC6794465 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2019.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC) provides the sole source of noradrenergic (NA) innervation to hippocampus, and it undergoes significant degeneration early in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Norepinephrine (NE) modulates synaptic transmission and plasticity at hippocampal synapses which likely contributes to hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. We previously reported that pharmacological activation of α1 adrenergic receptors (α1ARs) induces long-term depression (LTD) at CA3-CA1 synapses. Here, we investigated whether accumulation of endogenous NE via pharmacological blockade of norepinephrine transporters (NETs) and the NE degradative enzyme, monoamine oxidase (MAO), can induce α1AR LTD, as these inhibitors are used clinically. Further, we sought to determine how degeneration of hippocampal NA innervation, as occurs in AD, impacts α1AR function and α1AR LTD. Bath application of NET and MAO inhibitors in slices from control rats reliably induced α1AR LTD when β adrenergic receptors were inhibited. To induce degeneration of LC-NA innervation, rats were treated with the specific NA neurotoxin DSP-4 and recordings performed 1-3 weeks later when NA axon degeneration had stabilized. Even with 85% loss of hippocampal NA innervation, α1AR LTD was successfully induced using either the α1AR agonist phenylephrine or the combined NET and MAO inhibitors, and importantly, the LTD magnitude was not different from saline-treated control. These data suggest that despite significant decreases in NA input to hippocampus, the mechanisms necessary for the induction of α1AR LTD remain functional. Furthermore, we posit that α1AR activation could be a viable therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in AD and other diseases involving malfunctions of NA neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Dyer-Reaves
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB), School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Anthoni M. Goodman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB), School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Amy R. Nelson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB), School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Lori L. McMahon
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB), School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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20
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Winokur SB, Lopes KL, Moparthi Y, Pereira M. Depression-related disturbances in rat maternal behaviour are associated with altered monoamine levels within mesocorticolimbic structures. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12766. [PMID: 31265182 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The ability of mothers to sensitively attune their maternal responses to the needs of their developing young is fundamental to a healthy mother-young relationship. The biological mechanisms that govern how mothers adjust caregiving to the dynamic changes in the demands of the young remain an open question. In the present study, we examined whether changes in monoamine levels, within discrete mesocorticolimbic structures involved in cognitive and motivational processes key to parenting, modulate this flexibility in caregiving across the postpartum period. The present study used a Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) animal model of depression and control Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, which differ dramatically in their cognitive, motivational, and parenting performance. Levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin, as well as their major metabolites, were measured within the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens and medial preoptic area of SD and WKY mothers at early (postpartum day [PPD]7-8), late (PPD15-16) and weaning (PPD25) postpartum stages using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Consistent with our prior work, we find that caregiving of SD mothers declined as the postpartum period progressed. Relative to nulliparous females, early postpartum mothers had lower intracellular concentrations of monoamines, as well as lower noradrenaline turnover, and an elevated serotonin turnover within most structures. Postpartum behavioural trajectories subsequently corresponded to a progressive increase in all three monoamine levels within multiple structures. Compared to SD mothers, WKY mothers were inconsistent and disorganised in caring for their offspring and exhibit profound deficits in maternal behaviour. Additionally, WKY mothers had generally lower levels of all three monoamines, as well as different patterns of change across the postpartum period, compared to SD mothers, suggesting dysfunctional central monoamine pathways in WKY mothers as they transition and experience motherhood. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest a role for monoamines at multiple mesocorticolimbic structures with repect to modulating caregiving behaviours attuned to the changing needs of the young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Winokur
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Keianna L Lopes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Yashaswani Moparthi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Mariana Pereira
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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21
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Ohkubo N, Aoto M, Kon K, Mitsuda N. Lack of zinc finger protein 521 upregulates dopamine β-hydroxylase expression in the mouse brain, leading to abnormal behavior. Life Sci 2019; 231:116559. [PMID: 31200001 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Previously, we reported that mice deficient in most of the Zfp521 coding region (Zfp521Δ/Δ mice) displayed abnormal behaviors, including hyperlocomotion and lower anxiety. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the involvement and mechanisms of monoamine variation. MAIN METHODS First, we compared the levels of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), and serotonin in the brains of Zfp521Δ/Δ and Zfp521+/+ mice using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Next, we elucidated the mechanisms using quantitative PCR and Western Blotting. Additionally, we administered inhibitory drug to the mice and performed behavioral tests. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that the DA level decreased and the NA level increased in Zfp521Δ/Δ mice. We found that ZFP521 suppresses the expression of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), which converts DA into NA. We also demonstrated that paired homeodomain transcription factor 2 and early growth response protein-1, which are the transcription factors for Dbh, were involved in the upregulation of Dbh by ZFP521. The administration of nepicastat, a specific inhibitor of DBH, attenuated the abnormal behaviors of Zfp521Δ/Δ mice. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that the lack of ZFP521 upregulates the expression of DBH, which leads to a decrease in the DA level and an increase in the NA level in the brain, resulting in abnormal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobutaka Ohkubo
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan..
| | - Mamoru Aoto
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kon
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Noriaki Mitsuda
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
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22
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Pawluski JL, Li M, Lonstein JS. Serotonin and motherhood: From molecules to mood. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100742. [PMID: 30878665 PMCID: PMC6541513 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research points to a valuable role of the monoamine neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the display of maternal behaviors and reproduction-associated plasticity in the maternal brain. Serotonin is also implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous affective disorders and likely plays an important role in the pathophysiology of maternal mental illness. Therefore, the main goals of this review are to detail: (1) how the serotonin system of the female brain changes across pregnancy and postpartum; (2) the role of the central serotonergic system in maternal caregiving and maternal aggression; and (3) how the serotonin system and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) are involved in the treatment of maternal mental illness. Although there is much work to be done, studying the central serotonin system's multifaceted role in the maternal brain is vital to our understanding of the processes governing matrescence and the maintenance of motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0308, USA.
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program & Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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23
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Moreno A, Gumaste A, Adams GK, Chong KK, Nguyen M, Shepard KN, Liu RC. Familiarity with social sounds alters c-Fos expression in auditory cortex and interacts with estradiol in locus coeruleus. Hear Res 2018; 366:38-49. [PMID: 29983289 PMCID: PMC6470399 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
When a social sound category initially gains behavioral significance to an animal, plasticity events presumably enhance the ability to recognize that sound category in the future. In the context of learning natural social stimuli, neuromodulators such as norepinephrine and estrogen have been associated with experience-dependent plasticity and processing of newly salient social cues, yet continued plasticity once stimuli are familiar could disrupt the stability of sensorineural representations. Here we employed a maternal mouse model of natural sensory cortical plasticity for infant vocalizations to ask whether the engagement of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) by the playback of pup-calls is affected by either prior experience with the sounds or estrogen availability, using a well-studied cellular activity and plasticity marker, the immediate early gene c-Fos. We counted call-induced c-Fos immunoreactive (cFos-IR) cells in both LC and physiologically validated fields within the auditory cortex (AC) of estradiol or blank-implanted virgin female mice with either 0 or 5-days prior experience caring for vocalizing pups. Estradiol and pup experience interacted both in the induction of c-Fos-IR in the LC, as well as in behavioral measures of locomotion during playback, consistent with the neuromodulatory center’s activity being an online reflection of both hormonal and experience-dependent influences on arousal. Throughout core AC, as well as in a high frequency sub-region of AC and in secondary AC, a main effect of pup experience was to reduce call-induced c-Fos-IR, irrespective of estradiol availability. This is consistent with the hypothesis that sound familiarity leads to less c-Fos-mediated plasticity, and less disrupted sensory representations of a meaningful call category. Taken together, our data support the view that any coupling between these sensory and neuromodulatory areas is situationally dependent, and their engagement depends differentially on both internal state factors like hormones and external state factors like prior experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amielle Moreno
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, 1462 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Ankita Gumaste
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Neuroscience and Behavior Biology Program, Emory University, 1462 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Geoff K Adams
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Kelly K Chong
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Neuroscience and Behavior Biology Program, Emory University, 1462 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Kathryn N Shepard
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, 1462 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Robert C Liu
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Tasaka GI, Guenthner CJ, Shalev A, Gilday O, Luo L, Mizrahi A. Genetic tagging of active neurons in auditory cortex reveals maternal plasticity of coding ultrasonic vocalizations. Nat Commun 2018; 9:871. [PMID: 29491360 PMCID: PMC5830453 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical neurons are often functionally heterogeneous even for molecularly defined subtypes. In sensory cortices, physiological responses to natural stimuli can be sparse and vary widely even for neighboring neurons. It is thus difficult to parse out circuits that encode specific stimuli for further experimentation. Here, we report the development of a Cre-reporter mouse that allows recombination for cellular labeling and genetic manipulation, and use it with an activity-dependent Fos-CreERT2 driver to identify functionally active circuits in the auditory cortex. In vivo targeted patch recordings validate our method for neurons responding to physiologically relevant natural sounds such as pup wriggling calls and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Using this system to investigate cortical responses in postpartum mothers, we find a transient recruitment of neurons highly responsive to USVs. This subpopulation of neurons has distinct physiological properties that improve the coding efficiency for pup USV calls, implicating it as a unique signature in parental plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen-Ichi Tasaka
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel.,The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Casey J Guenthner
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Amos Shalev
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel.,The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Omri Gilday
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Liqun Luo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel. .,The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel.
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25
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Prolactin action in the medial preoptic area is necessary for postpartum maternal nursing behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:10779-10784. [PMID: 28923971 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1708025114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy hormones, such as prolactin, sensitize neural circuits controlling parental interactions to induce timely activation of maternal behaviors immediately after parturition. While the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is known to be critical for maternal behavior, the specific role of prolactin in this brain region has remained elusive. Here, we evaluated the role of prolactin action in the MPOA using complementary genetic strategies in mice. We characterized prolactin-responsive neurons within the MPOA at different hormonal stages and delineated their projections in the brain. We found that MPOA neurons expressing prolactin receptors (Prlr) form the nexus of a complex prolactin-responsive neural circuit, indicating that changing prolactin levels can act at multiple sites and thus, impinge on the overall activity of a distributed network of neurons. Conditional KO of Prlr from neuronal subpopulations expressing the neurotransmitters GABA or glutamate within this circuit markedly reduced the capacity for prolactin action both in the MPOA and throughout the network. Each of these manipulations, however, produced only subtle impacts on maternal care, suggesting that this distributed circuit is robust with respect to alterations in prolactin signaling. In contrast, acute deletion of Prlr in all MPOA neurons of adult female mice resulted in profound deficits in maternal care soon after birth. All mothers abandoned their pups, showing that prolactin action on MPOA neurons is necessary for the normal expression of postpartum maternal behavior in mice. Our data establish a critical role for prolactin-induced behavioral responses in the maternal brain, ensuring survival of mammalian offspring.
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Zilkha N, Scott N, Kimchi T. Sexual Dimorphism of Parental Care: From Genes to Behavior. Annu Rev Neurosci 2017; 40:273-305. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-072116-031447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noga Zilkha
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Niv Scott
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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27
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Oikonomou G, Prober DA. Attacking sleep from a new angle: contributions from zebrafish. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2017; 44:80-88. [PMID: 28391131 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sleep consumes a third of our lifespan, but we are far from understanding how it is initiated, maintained and terminated, or what purposes it serves. To address these questions, alternative model systems have recently been recruited. The diurnal zebrafish holds the promise of bridging the gap between simple invertebrate systems, which show little neuroanatomical conservation with mammals, and well-established, but complex and nocturnal, murine systems. Zebrafish larvae can be monitored in a high-throughput fashion, pharmacologically tested by adding compounds into the water, genetically screened using transient transgenesis, and optogenetically manipulated in a non-invasive manner. Here we discuss work that has established the zebrafish as a powerful system for the study of sleep, as well as novel insights gained by exploiting its particular advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Oikonomou
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - David A Prober
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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28
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Sheleg M, Yu Q, Go C, Wagner GC, Kusnecov A, Zhou R. Decreased maternal behavior and anxiety in ephrin-A5 -/- mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 16:271-284. [PMID: 27535576 PMCID: PMC5812292 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During development of the nervous system, molecular signals mediating cell-cell interactions play critical roles in the guidance of axonal growth and establishment of synaptic functions. The Eph family of tyrosine kinase receptors and their ephrin ligands has been shown to mediate neuronal interactions in the development of topographic axon projection maps in several brain regions, and the loss of Eph activities result in defects in select axonal pathways. However, effects of deficiencies of the Eph signals on animal behavior have not been well documented. In this study, we showed that inactivation of a ligand of the Eph receptors, ephrin-A5, resulted in defects in maternal behavior and alterations in anxiety. Female ephrin-A5 -/- mice show significant defects in nest building and pup retrieval. In addition, lower levels of anxiety were observed in both male and female null mice. These changes were not due to deficiencies in estradiol, progesterone or corticosterone levels. Our observations suggest that ephrin-A5 plays a key role in the development and/or function of neural pathways mediating mouse maternal care and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Sheleg
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Qili Yu
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christine Go
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - George C. Wagner
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ/RWJMS, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Renping Zhou
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Abstract
Social interactions are essential for animals to reproduce, defend their territory, and raise their young. The conserved nature of social behaviors across animal species suggests that the neural pathways underlying the motivation for, and the execution of, specific social responses are also maintained. Modern tools of neuroscience have offered new opportunities for dissecting the molecular and neural mechanisms controlling specific social responses. We will review here recent insights into the neural circuits underlying a particularly fascinating and important form of social interaction, that of parental care. We will discuss how these findings open new avenues to deconstruct infant-directed behavioral control in males and females, and to help understand the neural basis of parenting in a variety of animal species, including humans. Please also see the video abstract here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kohl
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, London, UK
| | - Anita E. Autry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Dulac
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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30
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Montagnini BG, Silveira KM, Pierone BC, de Azevedo Camim N, Anselmo-Franci JA, de Fátima Paccola Mesquita S, Kiss ACI, Gerardin DCC. Reproductive parameters of female Wistar rats treated with methylphenidate during development. Physiol Behav 2016; 167:118-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Alachkar A, Alhassen L, Wang Z, Wang L, Onouye K, Sanathara N, Civelli O. Inactivation of the melanin concentrating hormone system impairs maternal behavior. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1826-1835. [PMID: 27617778 PMCID: PMC5929110 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In order to prepare the mother for the demands of pregnancy and lactation, the maternal brain is subjected to a number of adaptations. Maternal behaviors are regulated by complex neuronal interactions. Here, we show that the melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) system is an important regulator of maternal behaviors. First, we report that melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 knockout (MCHR1 KO) mice display a disruption of maternal behavior. Early postpartum MCHR1 KO females exhibit poor nesting, deficits in pup retrieval and maternal aggression. In addition, ablation of MCH receptors results in decreased milk production and prolactin mRNA levels. Then we show that these results are in line with those obtained in wild type mice (WT) treated with the specific MCHR1 antagonist GW803430. Furthermore, following pups retrieval, MCHR1 KO mice display a lower level of Fos expression than WT mice in the ventral tegmental area, and nucleus accumbens. With the progression of the lactation period, however, the MCHR1 KO mice improve maternal care towards their pups. This is manifested by an increase in the pups׳ survival rate and the decrease in pups׳ retrieval time beyond the second day after parturition. In conclusion, we show that the MCH system plays a significant role in the initiation of maternal behavior. In this context, MCH may play a role in integrating information from multiple sources, and connecting brain reward, homeostatic and regulatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Alachkar
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States.
| | - Lamees Alhassen
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States
| | - Lien Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States
| | - Kara Onouye
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States
| | - Nayna Sanathara
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States; Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States; Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of California, 369 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States
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Sun JJ, Ray R. Generation of Two Noradrenergic-Specific Dopamine-Beta-Hydroxylase-FLPo Knock-In Mice Using CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Targeting in Embryonic Stem Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159474. [PMID: 27441631 PMCID: PMC4956144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated DNA double strand cutting is emerging as a powerful approach to increase rates of homologous recombination of large targeting vectors, but the optimization of parameters, equipment and expertise required remain barriers to successful mouse generation by single-step zygote injection. Here, we sought to apply CRISPR/Cas9 methods to traditional embryonic stem (ES) cell targeting followed by blastocyst injection to overcome the common issues of difficult vector construction and low targeting efficiency. To facilitate the study of noradrenergic function, which is implicated in myriad behavioral and physiological processes, we generated two different mouse lines that express FLPo recombinase under control of the noradrenergic-specific Dopamine-Beta-Hydroxylase (DBH) gene. We found that by co-electroporating a circular vector expressing Cas9 and a locus-specific sgRNA, we could target FLPo to the DBH locus in ES cells with shortened 1 kb homology arms. Two different sites in the DBH gene were targeted; the translational start codon with 6-8% targeting efficiency, and the translational stop codon with 75% targeting efficiency. Using this approach, we established two mouse lines with DBH-specific expression of FLPo in brainstem catecholaminergic populations that are publically available on MMRRC (MMRRC_041575-UCD and MMRRC_041577-UCD). Altogether, this study supports simplified, high-efficiency Cas9/CRISPR-mediated targeting in embryonic stem cells for production of knock-in mouse lines in a wider variety of contexts than zygote injection alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny J. Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Russell Ray
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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33
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Gammie SC. Current Models and Future Directions for Understanding the Neural Circuitries of Maternal Behaviors in Rodents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 4:119-35. [PMID: 16251728 DOI: 10.1177/1534582305281086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal behaviors in rodents include a number of subcomponents, such as nursing, nest building, licking and grooming of pups, pup retrieval, and maternal aggression. Because each behavior involves a unique motor pattern, a unique ensemble neural circuitry must underlie each behavior. To what extent there is overlap in terms of brain regions and specific neurons for each circuit is being actively investigated. This review will first examine overlapping and separate components of pup retrieval and maternal aggression circuitries while examining a central role for medial preoptic area (MPA) in both behaviors. With an emphasis on experimental approaches, the review will then highlight recent findings and propose future directions for understanding maternal behavior regulation. Finally, examples for why studying the neural basis of maternal behaviors can bring insights to other areas of neuroscience, such as feeding, addiction, and anxiety and aggression regulation will be provided.
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Isingrini E, Perret L, Rainer Q, Sagueby S, Moquin L, Gratton A, Giros B. Selective genetic disruption of dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission: insights into motor, emotional and addictive behaviour. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2016; 41:169-81. [PMID: 26505143 PMCID: PMC4853208 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.150028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The monoaminergic transmitters dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) modulate cerebral functions via their extensive effects in the brain. Investigating their roles has led to the creation of vesicular monoaminergic transporter-2 (VMAT2) knockout (KO) mice. While this mutation results in postnatal death, VMAT2-heterozygous (HET) mice are viable and show a complex behavioural phenotype. However, the simultaneous alteration of the 3 systems prevents investigations into their individual functions. METHODS To assess the specific role of NE, 5-HT and DA, we genetically disrupted their neurotransmission by creating conditional VMAT2-KO mice with targeted recombination. These specific recombinations were obtained by breeding VMAT2(lox/lox) mice with DBHcre, SERTcre and DATcre mice, respectively. We conducted a complete neurochemical and behavioural characterization of VMAT2-HET animals in each system. RESULTS Conditional VMAT2-KO mice revealed an absence of VMAT2 expression, and a specific decrease in the whole brain levels of each monoamine. Although NE- and 5-HT-depleted mice are viable into adulthood, DA depletion results in postnatal death before weaning. Interestingly, alteration of the DA transmission fully accounted for the increased amphetamine response formerly observed in the VMAT2-HET mice, whereas alteration of the 5-HT system was solely responsible for the increase in cocaine response. LIMITATIONS We used VMAT2-HET mice that displayed a mild phenotype. Because the VMAT2-KO in DA neurons is lethal, it precluded a straightforward comparison of the full KOs in the 3 systems. CONCLUSION Given the intermingled functions of NE, 5-HT and DA in regulating cognitive and affective functions, this model will enhance understanding of their respective roles in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bruno Giros
- Correspondence to: B. Giros, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, McGill University, 6875 Boul LaSalle, Montreal, Que.;
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35
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Xu Q, Song Y, Liu R, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhao W, Chang G, Chen G. The dopamine β-hydroxylase gene in Chinese goose (Anas cygnoides): cloning, characterization, and expression during the reproductive cycle. BMC Genet 2016; 17:48. [PMID: 26912132 PMCID: PMC4766643 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) is a critical enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. This enzyme's role in neuroendocrine regulation is well known, but there are some indications that it may also modulate reproduction and endocrine in mammals and birds. We selected goose (Anas cygnoides) as an ideal model species for investigating the role of DBH in avian reproduction. RESULTS Full-length cDNA encoding DBH was cloned from Zhedong goose using reverse transcription PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cDNA consisted of a 126-base pair (bp) 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 379-bp 3'-UTR, and an 1896-bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 631 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of gDBH shared high homology with an analogue from other birds and contained three conserved domains from a mono-oxygenase family including a DOMON domain and two Cu2_mono-oxygen domains. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that gDBH mRNA was expressed in both reproductive and endocrine tissues of Zhedong goose, specifically in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and oviduct. More DBH mRNA of reproductive and endocrine tissues was detected at ovulation than at oviposition in Zhedong goose. Evidence of opposite trend of gDBH expression was found between the hypothalamus-pituitary and oviduct during the ovulation phase and the broody phase. In addition, we assessed DBH mRNA expression during ovulation in two breeds of geese that differ in egg production. The reproductive and endocrine tissues of Yangzhou geese with higher egg production had more gDBH expression than Zhedong geese. Finally, the five non-synonymous SNP(c.1739 C > T, c.1760G > T, c.1765A > G, c.1792 T > C and c.1861G > C) were identified in the coding region of DBH gene between Zhedong goose and Yangzhou goose. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that goose DBH mRNA show obvious periodically variation in reproductive and endocrine tissues during the reproductive cycle in geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Yadong Song
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Yang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Wenming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Guobin Chang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China.
| | - Guohong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China. .,School of Animal science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China.
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36
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Reproductive experiential regulation of cognitive and emotional resilience. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 58:92-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Becoming a mother-circuit plasticity underlying maternal behavior. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2015; 35:49-56. [PMID: 26143475 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The transition to motherhood is a dramatic event during the lifetime of many animals. In mammals, motherhood is accompanied by hormonal changes in the brain that start during pregnancy, followed by experience dependent plasticity after parturition. Together, these changes prime the nervous system of the mother for efficient nurturing of her offspring. Recent work has described how neural circuits are modified during the transition to motherhood. Here we discuss changes in the auditory cortex during motherhood as a model for maternal plasticity in sensory systems. We compare classical plasticity paradigms with changes that arise naturally in mothers, highlighting current efforts to establish a mechanistic understanding of plasticity and its different components in the context of maternal behavior.
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Bridges RS. Neuroendocrine regulation of maternal behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:178-96. [PMID: 25500107 PMCID: PMC4342279 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The expression of maternal behavior in mammals is regulated by the developmental and experiential events over a female's lifetime. In this review the relationships between the endocrine and neural systems that play key roles in these developmental and experiential processes that affect both the establishment and maintenance of maternal care are presented. The involvement of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and lactogens are discussed in the context of ligand, receptor, and gene activity in rodents and to a lesser extent in higher mammals. The roles of neuroendocrine factors, including oxytocin, vasopressin, classical neurotransmitters, and other neural gene products that regulate aspects of maternal care are set forth, and the interactions of hormones with central nervous system mediators of maternal behavior are discussed. The impact of prior developmental factors, including epigenetic events, and maternal experience on subsequent maternal care are assessed over the course of the female's lifespan. It is proposed that common neuroendocrine mechanisms underlie the regulation of maternal care in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Bridges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Reproductive Biology Section, Tufts University - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
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Szabó ÉR, Cservenák M, Lutz TA, Gévai L, Endrényi M, Simon L, Dobolyi Á. Behavioural changes in mothers and maternally sensitised female mice. BEHAVIOUR 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The maternal motivation and depression-like behaviour of primiparous mother and maternally sensitised virgin female mice were investigated. During a 1-h test period, dams and sensitised female mice spent significantly more time in pup-associated than in control cages when they could freely choose between them, while virgin control and ovariectomised females had no such preference. In the forced swim test, the time spent in active (swimming and struggling) and passive (floating) behaviours was measured for 6 min. Mother mice spent more time engaged in active behaviours than virgin and sensitised female mice, while the latter two groups did not differ from each other in the forced swim test. The results suggest that maternal motivation is increased in postpartum mothers and maternally sensitised female mice. We also provide the first demonstration that postpartum mother mice display anti-depression-like behaviours in the forced swim test, while maternally sensitised females do not show such emotional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva R. Szabó
- aMTA-ELTE-NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- bLaboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Melinda Cservenák
- aMTA-ELTE-NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- bLaboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thomas A. Lutz
- cInstitute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lőrinc Gévai
- dSensorimotory Adaptation and Vestibular Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Endrényi
- dSensorimotory Adaptation and Vestibular Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Simon
- dSensorimotory Adaptation and Vestibular Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- aMTA-ELTE-NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- bLaboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
Parental care, including feeding and protection of young, is essential for the survival as well as mental and physical well-being of the offspring. A large variety of parental behaviors has been described across species and sexes, raising fascinating questions about how animals identify the young and how brain circuits drive and modulate parental displays in males and females. Recent studies have begun to uncover a striking antagonistic interplay between brain systems underlying parental care and infant-directed aggression in both males and females, as well as a large range of intrinsic and environmentally driven neural modulation and plasticity. Improved understanding of the neural control of parental interactions in animals should provide novel insights into the complex issue of human parental care in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Dulac
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Lauren A O'Connell
- FAS Center for System Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Zheng Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Gong P, Liu J, Li S, Zhou X. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene modulates individuals' empathic ability. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2013; 9:1341-5. [PMID: 23988761 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nst122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), an enzyme that converts dopamine to norepinephrine, has broad influences on social functions. In this study, we examined to what extent two polymorphisms (-1021C/T and a 19 bp insertion/deletion) in DBH gene modulate individuals' empathic perception and response, which were measured, respectively, by reading the mind in the eyes test and the empathic concern subscale of interpersonal reactivity index. Results showed that polymorphism at -1021C/T, but not the 19 bp insertion/deletion, accounts for 2.3% variance of empathic perception and 1.4% variance of empathic response. Individuals with the CC genotype, which is associated with higher DBH activity, manifested greater empathic ability than those with CT/TT genotypes. These findings demonstrate the importance of DBH -1021C/T as a genetic basis of empathy and in predicting individual differences in social and affective processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyuan Gong
- Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinting Liu
- Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - She Li
- Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education) and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Wu JH, Han YT, Yu JY, Wang TW. Pheromones from males of different familiarity exert divergent effects on adult neurogenesis in the female accessory olfactory bulb. Dev Neurobiol 2013; 73:632-45. [PMID: 23696538 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pheromones from urine of unfamiliar conspecific male animals can reinitiate a female's estrus cycle to cause pregnancy block through the vomeronasal organ (VNO)-accessory olfactory bulb (AOB)-hypothalamic pathway. This phenomenon is called the Bruce effect. Pheromones from the mate of the female, however, do not trigger re-entrance of the estrus cycle because an olfactory memory toward its mate is formed. The activity of the VNO-AOB-hypothalamic pathway is negatively modulated by GABAergic granule cells in the AOB. Since these cells are constantly replenished by neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle throughout adulthood and adult neurogenesis is required for mate recognition and fertility, we tested the hypothesis that pheromones from familiar and unfamiliar males may have different effects on adult AOB neurogenesis in female mice. When female mice were exposed to bedding used by a male or lived with one, cell proliferation and neuroblast production in the SVZ were increased. Furthermore, survival of newly generated cells in the AOB was enhanced. This survival effect was transient and mediated by norepinephrine. Interestingly, male bedding-induced newborn cell survival in the AOB but not cell proliferation in the SVZ was attenuated when females were subjected to bedding from an unfamiliar male. Our results indicate that male pheromones from familiar and unfamiliar males exert different effects on neurogenesis in the adult female AOB. Given that adult neurogenesis is required for reproductive behaviors, these divergent pheromonal effects may provide a mechanism for the Bruce effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 632-645, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyun-Han Wu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, 116, Taiwan
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Tsuneoka Y, Maruyama T, Yoshida S, Nishimori K, Kato T, Numan M, Kuroda KO. Functional, anatomical, and neurochemical differentiation of medial preoptic area subregions in relation to maternal behavior in the mouse. J Comp Neurol 2013; 521:1633-63. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Lang M, Wither RG, Brotchie JM, Wu C, Zhang L, Eubanks JH. Selective preservation of MeCP2 in catecholaminergic cells is sufficient to improve the behavioral phenotype of male and female Mecp2-deficient mice. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 22:358-71. [PMID: 23077217 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused primarily by mutations of the X-linked MECP2 gene. Although the loss of MeCP2 function affects many neural systems, impairments of catecholaminergic function have been hypothesized to underlie several of the cardinal behavioral deficits of RTT patients and Mecp2-deficient mice. Although recent Mecp2 reactivation studies indicate that RTT may be a reversible condition, it remains unclear whether specifically preserving Mecp2 function within a specific system will be sufficient to convey beneficial effects. Here, we test whether the selective preservation of Mecp2 within catecholaminergic cells will improve the phenotype of Mecp2-deficient mice. Our results show that this targeted preservation of Mecp2 significantly improves the lifespan, phenotypic severity and cortical epileptiform discharge activity of both male and female Mecp2-deficient mice. Further, we found that the catecholaminergic preservation of Mecp2 also improves the ambulatory rate, rearing activity, motor coordination, anxiety and nest-building performances of Mecp2-deficient mice of each gender. Interestingly, our results also revealed a gender-specific improvement, as specific cortical and hippocampal electroencephalographic abnormalities were significantly improved in male, but not female, rescue mice. Collectively, these results support the role of the catecholaminergic system in the pathogenesis of RTT and provide proof-of-principle that restoring MeCP2 function within this specific system could represent a treatment strategy for RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lang
- Division of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
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45
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Lourenco-Jaramillo DL, Sifuentes-Rincón AM, Parra-Bracamonte GM, de la Rosa-Reyna XF, Segura-Cabrera A, Arellano-Vera W. Genetic diversity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) genes in cattle breeds. Genet Mol Biol 2012; 35:435-40. [PMID: 22888292 PMCID: PMC3389531 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572012000300009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA from four cattle breeds was used to re-sequence all of the exons and 56% of the introns of the bovine tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and 97% and 13% of the bovine dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) coding and non-coding sequences, respectively. Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a microsatellite motif were found in the TH sequences. The DBH sequences contained 62 nucleotide changes, including eight non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) that are of particular interest because they may alter protein function and therefore affect the phenotype. These DBH nsSNPs resulted in amino acid substitutions that were predicted to destabilize the protein structure. Six SNPs (one from TH and five from DBH non-synonymous SNPs) were genotyped in 140 animals; all of them were polymorphic and had a minor allele frequency of > 9%. There were significant differences in the intra- and inter-population haplotype distributions. The haplotype differences between Brahman cattle and the three B. t. taurus breeds (Charolais, Holstein and Lidia) were interesting from a behavioural point of view because of the differences in temperament between these breeds.
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46
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Stolzenberg DS, Stevens JS, Rissman EF. Experience-facilitated improvements in pup retrieval; evidence for an epigenetic effect. Horm Behav 2012; 62:128-35. [PMID: 22687346 PMCID: PMC3474355 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The quality and quantity of maternal care received during infancy are highly predictive of successful infant development. It has been well established, primarily in rats, that the combination of hormonal and infant stimuli at birth modifies neural circuits that regulate maternal responsiveness. During subsequent interactions, infant stimuli are more likely to elicit rapid maternal responsiveness. Some species, such as humans, can display maternal care in the absence of the endocrine events of pregnancy and birth. Similarly, virgin C57BL/6J female mice, display maternal care toward infants, and experience with infants elicits long-lasting increases in maternal care. We hypothesized that these experience-induced changes in behavior may be mediated by chromatin modifications, which in turn change expression of genes that promote maternal care. One site of action is the medial preoptic area (MPOA). To test our hypothesis we treated virgin female mice with sodium butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor. This treatment potentiated maternal responsiveness as well as the expression of several genes: estrogen receptor β (Esr2), oxytocin (Oxt), and cyclicAMP response element binding protein (CREB) binding protein (Crebbp; a histone acetyltransferase) in the MPOA. These data suggest that experience induces high levels of maternal care via epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Stolzenberg
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, 1340 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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47
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Chiavegatto S, Sauce B, Ambar G, Cheverud JM, Peripato AC. Hypothalamic expression of Peg3 gene is associated with maternal care differences between SM/J and LG/J mouse strains. Brain Behav 2012; 2:365-76. [PMID: 22950040 PMCID: PMC3432959 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal care is essential in mammals, and variations in the environment provided by mothers may directly influence the viability of newborns and emotional behavior later in life. A previous study investigated genetic variations associated with maternal care in an intercross of LG/J and SM/J inbred mouse strains and identified two single-locus QTLs (quantitative trait loci). Here, we selected three candidate genes located within these QTLs intervals; Oxt on chromosome 2, and FosB and Peg3 on chromosome 7 and tested their association with maternal care. LG/J females showed impaired postpartum nest building and pup retrieval, a one-day delay in milk ejection, reduced exploratory activity, and higher anxiety-like behavior when compared to SM/J females. The nucleotide sequences of Oxt and FosB were similar between strains, as were their hypothalamic expression levels. Conversely, Peg3 nucleotide sequences showed four nonsynonymous replacement substitutions on LG/J dams, T11062G, G13744A, A13808G, and G13813A, and a 30 base pair (10 aa) in tandem repeat in the coding region with three copies in SM/J and five copies in LG/J. Maternal care impaired LG/J mothers express 37% lower Peg3 mRNA levels in the hypothalamus on the second postpartum day. We also found an association of the Peg3 repeat-variant and poor maternal care in F(2) heterozygote females derived from a LG/J × SM/J intercross. These results may suggest that the maternally imprinted Peg3 gene is responsible for the single-locus QTL on chromosome 7 that has been shown to influence maternal care in these strains. Furthermore, these data provide additional support for an epigenetic regulation of maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Chiavegatto
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- National Institute for Developmental Psychiatry for Childhood and Adolescence (INCT‐CNPq), Brazil
| | - Bruno Sauce
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Biological Science and Health Center, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ambar
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - James M. Cheverud
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 63110, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrea C. Peripato
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Biological Science and Health Center, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
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48
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Maison SF, Usubuchi H, Vetter DE, Elgoyhen AB, Thomas SA, Liberman MC. Contralateral-noise effects on cochlear responses in anesthetized mice are dominated by feedback from an unknown pathway. J Neurophysiol 2012; 108:491-500. [PMID: 22514298 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01050.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppression of ipsilateral distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) by contralateral noise is used in humans and animals to assay the strength of sound-evoked negative feedback from the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent pathway. However, depending on species and anesthesia, contributions of other feedback systems to the middle or inner ear can cloud the interpretation. Here, contributions of MOC and middle-ear muscle reflexes, as well as autonomic feedback, to contra-noise suppression in anesthetized mice are dissected by selectively eliminating each pathway by surgical transection, pharmacological blockade, or targeted gene deletion. When ipsilateral DPOAEs were evoked by low-level primaries, contra-noise suppression was typically ~1 dB with contra-noise levels around 95 dB SPL, and it always disappeared upon contralateral cochlear destruction. Lack of middle-ear muscle contribution was suggested by persistence of contra-noise suppression after paralysis with curare, tensor tympani cauterization, or section of the facial nerve. Contribution of cochlear sympathetics was ruled out by studying mutant mice lacking adrenergic signaling (dopamine β-hydroxylase knockouts). Surprisingly, contra-noise effects on low-level DPOAEs were also not diminished by eliminating the MOC system pharmacologically (strychnine), surgically, or by deletion of relevant cholinergic receptors (α9/α10). In contrast, when ipsilateral DPOAEs were evoked by high-level primaries, the contra-noise suppression, although comparable in magnitude, was largely eliminated by MOC blockade or section. Possible alternate pathways are discussed for the source of contra-noise-evoked effects at low ipsilateral levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane F Maison
- Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School and Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114-3096, USA.
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49
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Gordon I, Martin C, Feldman R, Leckman JF. Oxytocin and social motivation. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2011; 1:471-93. [PMID: 21984889 PMCID: PMC3185363 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are fundamentally social creatures who are ‘motivated’ to be with others. In this review we examine the role of oxytocin (OT) as it relates to social motivation. OT is synthesized in the brain and throughout the body, including in the heart, thymus, gastrointestinal tract, as well as reproductive organs. The distribution of the OT receptor (OTR) system in both the brain and periphery is even more far-reaching and its expression is subject to changes over the course of development. OTR expression is also sensitive to changes in the external environment and the internal somatic world. The OT system functions as an important element within a complex, developmentally sensitive biobehavioral system. Other elements include sensory inputs, the salience, reward, and threat detection pathways, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response axis. Despite an ever expanding scientific literature, key unresolved questions remain concerning the interplay of the central and peripheral components of this complex biobehavioral system that dynamically engages the brain and the body as humans interact with social partners over the course of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilanit Gordon
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carina Martin
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruth Feldman
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Psychology Department and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Israel
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50
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Jepma M, Deinum J, Asplund CL, Rombouts SARB, Tamsma JT, Tjeerdema N, Spapé MM, Garland EM, Robertson D, Lenders JWM, Nieuwenhuis S. Neurocognitive function in dopamine-β-hydroxylase deficiency. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1608-19. [PMID: 21471955 PMCID: PMC3138665 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) deficiency is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by the complete absence of norepinephrine in the peripheral and the central nervous system. DβH-deficient patients suffer from several physical symptoms, which can be treated successfully with L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine, a synthetic precursor of norepinephrine. Informal clinical observations suggest that DβH-deficient patients do not have obvious cognitive impairments, even when they are not medicated, which is remarkable given the important role of norepinephrine in normal neurocognitive function. This study provided the first systematic investigation of neurocognitive function in human DβH deficiency. We tested 5 DβH-deficient patients and 10 matched healthy control participants on a comprehensive cognitive task battery, and examined their pupil dynamics, brain structure, and the P3 component of the electroencephalogram. All participants were tested twice; the patients were tested once ON and once OFF medication. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain revealed that the patients had a smaller total brain volume than the control group, which is in line with the recent hypothesis that norepinephrine has a neurotrophic effect. In addition, the patients showed an abnormally small or absent task-evoked pupil dilation. However, we found no substantial differences in cognitive performance or P3 amplitude between the patients and the control participants, with the exception of a temporal-attention deficit in the patients OFF medication. The largely spared neurocognitive function in DβH-deficient patients suggests that other neuromodulators have taken over the function of norepinephrine in the brains of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Jepma
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jaap Deinum
- Division of Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher L Asplund
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Serge ARB Rombouts
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Leiden, The Netherlands,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands,Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jouke T Tamsma
- Department of General Internal Medicine & Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nathanja Tjeerdema
- Department of General Internal Medicine & Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel M Spapé
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emily M Garland
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David Robertson
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jacques WM Lenders
- Division of Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Medicine III, Carl Gustav Carus University Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sander Nieuwenhuis
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Leiden, The Netherlands,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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