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Cui Y, Ma X, Wei J, Chen C, Shakir N, Guirram H, Dai Z, Anderson T, Ferguson D, Qiu S. MET receptor tyrosine kinase promotes the generation of functional synapses in adult cortical circuits. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1431-1444. [PMID: 39075910 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202505000-00026/figure1/v/2024-07-28T173839Z/r/image-tiff Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration, however, few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function. We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis. To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential, we created a knockin mouse line, in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult (10-12 months) cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow. We found that similar to the developing brain, turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons. These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses. Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increased α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-D-aspartate (AMPA/NMDA) receptor current ratio, indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity. Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain. These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Chang Chen
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Neha Shakir
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hitesch Guirram
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zhiyu Dai
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Trent Anderson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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2
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Nowacka A, Getz AM, Bessa-Neto D, Choquet D. Activity-dependent diffusion trapping of AMPA receptors as a key step for expression of early LTP. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230220. [PMID: 38853553 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the activity-dependent diffusion trapping of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) as a crucial mechanism for the expression of early long-term potentiation (LTP), a process central to learning and memory. Despite decades of research, the precise mechanisms by which LTP induction leads to an increase in AMPAR responses at synapses have been elusive. We review the different hypotheses that have been put forward to explain the increased AMPAR responsiveness during LTP. We discuss the dynamic nature of AMPAR complexes, including their constant turnover and activity-dependent modifications that affect their synaptic accumulation. We highlight a hypothesis suggesting that AMPARs are diffusively trapped at synapses through activity-dependent interactions with protein-based binding slots in the post-synaptic density (PSD), offering a potential explanation for the increased synaptic strength during LTP. Furthermore, we outline the challenges still to be addressed before we fully understand the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of AMPAR dynamic nanoscale organization in LTP. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Nowacka
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297 , Bordeaux F-33000, France
| | - Angela M Getz
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297 , Bordeaux F-33000, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4 , Bordeaux F-33000, France
| | - Diogo Bessa-Neto
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297 , Bordeaux F-33000, France
| | - Daniel Choquet
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297 , Bordeaux F-33000, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4 , Bordeaux F-33000, France
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3
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Caya-Bissonnette L, Béïque JC. Half a century legacy of long-term potentiation. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R640-R662. [PMID: 38981433 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
In 1973, two papers from Bliss and Lømo and from Bliss and Gardner-Medwin reported that high-frequency synaptic stimulation in the dentate gyrus of rabbits resulted in a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength. This form of synaptic plasticity, commonly referred to as long-term potentiation (LTP), was immediately considered as an attractive mechanism accounting for the ability of the brain to store information. In this historical piece looking back over the past 50 years, we discuss how these two landmark contributions directly motivated a colossal research effort and detail some of the resulting milestones that have shaped our evolving understanding of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of LTP. We highlight the main features of LTP, cover key experiments that defined its induction and expression mechanisms, and outline the evidence supporting a potential role of LTP in learning and memory. We also briefly explore some ramifications of LTP on network stability, consider current limitations of LTP as a model of associative memory, and entertain future research orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Caya-Bissonnette
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Ottawa, 451 ch. Smyth Road (3501N), Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute's Centre for Neural Dynamics and Artificial Intelligence, 451 ch. Smyth Road (3501N), Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 ch. Smyth Road (3501N), Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Béïque
- Brain and Mind Research Institute's Centre for Neural Dynamics and Artificial Intelligence, 451 ch. Smyth Road (3501N), Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 ch. Smyth Road (3501N), Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
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4
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Bridge S, Karagiannis SN, Borsini A. The complex role of the chemokine CX3CL1/Fractalkine in major depressive disorder: A narrative review of preclinical and clinical studies. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100778. [PMID: 38706575 PMCID: PMC11070239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100778] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that neuroinflammation exhibits a dual role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD), both potentiating the onset of depressive symptoms and developing as a consequence of them. Our narrative review focuses on the role of the chemokine fractalkine (FKN) (also known as CX3CL1), which has gained increasing interest for its ability to induce changes to microglial phenotypes through interaction with its corresponding receptor (CX3CR1) that may impact neurophysiological processes relevant to MDD. Despite this, there is a lack of a clear understanding of the role of FKN in MDD. Overall, our review of the literature shows the involvement of FKN in MDD, both in preclinical models of depression, and in clinical studies of depressed patients. Preclinical studies (N = 8) seem to point towards two alternative hypotheses for FKN's role in MDD: a) FKN may drive pro-inflammatory changes to microglia that contribute towards MDD pathogenesis; or b) FKN may inhibit pro-inflammatory changes to microglia, thereby exerting a protective effect against MDD pathogenesis. Evidence for a) primarily derives from preclinical chronic stress models of depression in mice, whereas for b) from preclinical inflammation models of depression. Whereas, in humans, clinical studies (N = 4) consistently showed a positive association between FKN and presence of MDD, however it is not clear whether FKN is driving or moderating MDD pathogenesis. Future studies should aim for larger and more controlled clinical cohorts, in order to advance our understanding of FKN role both in the context of stress and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bridge
- Guy's King's and St Thomas' School of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophia N. Karagiannis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Cancer Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Borsini
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
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5
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Beheshti F, Vakilian A, Navari M, Zare Moghaddam M, Dinpanah H, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM. Effects of Ocimum basilicum L. Extract on Hippocampal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and BDNF Expression in Amnesic Aged Rats. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:443-458. [PMID: 37154241 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2210240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) extract on learning and memory impairment in aged rats. Male rats were divided into the following experimental groups: Group 1 (control): including 2 months old rats, Group 2 (aged) including 2 years old rats, Groups 3-5 (aged-OB): including 2 years old rats received 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg OB for 8 weeks by oral gavage. Aging increased the delay to find the platform but, however, decreased the time spent in the target quadrant when tested by Morris water maze (MWM). Aging also reduced the latency to enter the dark chamber in the passive avoidance (PA) test compared to the control group. Moreover, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were raised in the hippocampus and cortex of aged rats. In contrast, thiol levels and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly reduced. In addition, aging significantly reduced BDNF expression. Finally, OB administration reversed the mentioned effects. The current research showed that OB administration improves learning/memory impairment induced by aging. It also found that this plant extract protects the brain tissues from oxidative damage and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farimah Beheshti
- Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Departments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Arefeh Vakilian
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mohsen Navari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Research Center of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mostafa Zare Moghaddam
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Hossein Dinpanah
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Dey Educational Hospital, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - S Mohammad Ahmadi-Soleimani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Departments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
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Stockwell I, Watson JF, Greger IH. Tuning synaptic strength by regulation of AMPA glutamate receptor localization. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400006. [PMID: 38693811 PMCID: PMC7616278 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synapses is a leading model to explain the concept of information storage in the brain. Multiple mechanisms contribute to LTP, but central amongst them is an increased sensitivity of the postsynaptic membrane to neurotransmitter release. This sensitivity is predominantly determined by the abundance and localization of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs). A combination of AMPAR structural data, super-resolution imaging of excitatory synapses, and an abundance of electrophysiological studies are providing an ever-clearer picture of how AMPARs are recruited and organized at synaptic junctions. Here, we review the latest insights into this process, and discuss how both cytoplasmic and extracellular receptor elements cooperate to tune the AMPAR response at the hippocampal CA1 synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Stockwell
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jake F. Watson
- Institute of Science and Technology, Technology (IST) Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Ingo H. Greger
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
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Foley K, McKee C, Mayer A, Ganguly A, Barnett D, Ward N, Zhang Y, Nairn A, Xia H. PP1β opposes classic PP1 function, inhibiting spine maturation and promoting LTP. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.26.525737. [PMID: 36747779 PMCID: PMC9901188 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulates synaptic plasticity and has been described as a molecular constraint on learning and memory. There are three neuronal isoforms, PP1α, PP1β, and PP1γ, but little is known about their individual functions. PP1α and PP1γ are assumed to mediate the effects of PP1 on learning and memory based on their enrichment at dendritic spines and their preferential binding to neurabin and spinophilin, major PP1 synaptic scaffolding proteins. However, it was recently discovered that human de novo PP1β mutations cause intellectual disability, suggesting an important but ill-defined role for PP1β. In this study, we investigated the functions of each PP1 isoform in hippocampal synaptic physiology using conditional CA1-specific knockout mice. In stark contrast to classic PP1 function, we found that PP1β promotes synaptic plasticity as well as spatial memory. These changes in synaptic plasticity and memory are accompanied by changes in GluA1 phosphorylation, GluN2A levels, and dendritic spine density and morphology, including silent synapse number. These functions of PP1β reveal a previously unidentified signaling pathway regulating spine maturation and plasticity, broadening our understanding of the complex role of PP1 in synaptic physiology.
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8
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Dunot J, Moreno S, Gandin C, Pousinha PA, Amici M, Dupuis J, Anisimova M, Winschel A, Uriot M, Petshow SJ, Mensch M, Bethus I, Giudici C, Hampel H, Wefers B, Wurst W, Naumann R, Ashby MC, Laube B, Zito K, Mellor JR, Groc L, Willem M, Marie H. APP fragment controls both ionotropic and non-ionotropic signaling of NMDA receptors. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00404-5. [PMID: 38878768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic receptors crucial for brain information processing. Yet, evidence also supports an ion-flux-independent signaling mode mediating synaptic long-term depression (LTD) and spine shrinkage. Here, we identify AETA (Aη), an amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) cleavage product, as an NMDAR modulator with the unique dual regulatory capacity to impact both signaling modes. AETA inhibits ionotropic NMDAR activity by competing with the co-agonist and induces an intracellular conformational modification of GluN1 subunits. This favors non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling leading to enhanced LTD and favors spine shrinkage. Endogenously, AETA production is increased by in vivo chemogenetically induced neuronal activity. Genetic deletion of AETA production alters NMDAR transmission and prevents LTD, phenotypes rescued by acute exogenous AETA application. This genetic deletion also impairs contextual fear memory. Our findings demonstrate AETA-dependent NMDAR activation (ADNA), characterizing AETA as a unique type of endogenous NMDAR modulator that exerts bidirectional control over NMDAR signaling and associated information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Dunot
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastien Moreno
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Carine Gandin
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Paula A Pousinha
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Mascia Amici
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Julien Dupuis
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Margarita Anisimova
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Alex Winschel
- Department of Biology, Neurophysiology und Neurosensory Systems, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Magalie Uriot
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Samuel J Petshow
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Maria Mensch
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Ingrid Bethus
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Camilla Giudici
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Hampel
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wefers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael C Ashby
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Bodo Laube
- Department of Biology, Neurophysiology und Neurosensory Systems, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karen Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Jack R Mellor
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Laurent Groc
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Michael Willem
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hélène Marie
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France.
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Stepan J, Heinz DE, Dethloff F, Wiechmann S, Martinelli S, Hafner K, Ebert T, Junglas E, Häusl AS, Pöhlmann ML, Jakovcevski M, Pape JC, Zannas AS, Bajaj T, Hermann A, Ma X, Pavenstädt H, Schmidt MV, Philipsen A, Turck CW, Deussing JM, Rammes G, Robinson AC, Payton A, Wehr MC, Stein V, Murgatroyd C, Kremerskothen J, Kuster B, Wotjak CT, Gassen NC. Inhibiting Hippo pathway kinases releases WWC1 to promote AMPAR-dependent synaptic plasticity and long-term memory in mice. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadj6603. [PMID: 38687825 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adj6603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The localization, number, and function of postsynaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are crucial for synaptic plasticity, a cellular correlate for learning and memory. The Hippo pathway member WWC1 is an important component of AMPAR-containing protein complexes. However, the availability of WWC1 is constrained by its interaction with the Hippo pathway kinases LATS1 and LATS2 (LATS1/2). Here, we explored the biochemical regulation of this interaction and found that it is pharmacologically targetable in vivo. In primary hippocampal neurons, phosphorylation of LATS1/2 by the upstream kinases MST1 and MST2 (MST1/2) enhanced the interaction between WWC1 and LATS1/2, which sequestered WWC1. Pharmacologically inhibiting MST1/2 in male mice and in human brain-derived organoids promoted the dissociation of WWC1 from LATS1/2, leading to an increase in WWC1 in AMPAR-containing complexes. MST1/2 inhibition enhanced synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampal brain slices and improved cognition in healthy male mice and in male mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and aging. Thus, compounds that disrupt the interaction between WWC1 and LATS1/2 might be explored for development as cognitive enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Stepan
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel E Heinz
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Max Planck School of Cognition, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frederik Dethloff
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Svenja Wiechmann
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Hafner
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Ebert
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Ellen Junglas
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander S Häusl
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Max L Pöhlmann
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Mira Jakovcevski
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Julius C Pape
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Thomas Bajaj
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anke Hermann
- Department of Medicine D, Division of General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Xiao Ma
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Hermann Pavenstädt
- Department of Medicine D, Division of General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph W Turck
- Proteomics and Biomarkers, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Research Group Molecular Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew C Robinson
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford M6 8HD, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), Salford M6 8HD, UK
| | - Antony Payton
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Michael C Wehr
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, Medical Faculty University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Kremerskothen
- Department of Medicine D, Division of General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Nils C Gassen
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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10
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Chen Y, Liu S, Jacobi AA, Jeng G, Ulrich JD, Stein IS, Patriarchi T, Hell JW. Rapid sequential clustering of NMDARs, CaMKII, and AMPARs upon activation of NMDARs at developing synapses. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2024; 16:1291262. [PMID: 38660466 PMCID: PMC11039796 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2024.1291262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid, synapse-specific neurotransmission requires the precise alignment of presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptors. How postsynaptic glutamate receptor accumulation is induced during maturation is not well understood. We find that in cultures of dissociated hippocampal neurons at 11 days in vitro (DIV) numerous synaptic contacts already exhibit pronounced accumulations of the pre- and postsynaptic markers synaptotagmin, synaptophysin, synapsin, bassoon, VGluT1, PSD-95, and Shank. The presence of an initial set of AMPARs and NMDARs is indicated by miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). However, AMPAR and NMDAR immunostainings reveal rather smooth distributions throughout dendrites and synaptic enrichment is not obvious. We found that brief periods of Ca2+ influx through NMDARs induced a surprisingly rapid accumulation of NMDARs within 1 min, followed by accumulation of CaMKII and then AMPARs within 2-5 min. Postsynaptic clustering of NMDARs and AMPARs was paralleled by an increase in their mEPSC amplitudes. A peptide that blocked the interaction of NMDAR subunits with PSD-95 prevented the NMDAR clustering. NMDAR clustering persisted for 3 days indicating that brief periods of elevated glutamate fosters permanent accumulation of NMDARs at postsynaptic sites in maturing synapses. These data support the model that strong glutamatergic stimulation of immature glutamatergic synapses results in a fast and substantial increase in postsynaptic NMDAR content that required NMDAR binding to PSD-95 or its homologues and is followed by recruitment of CaMKII and subsequently AMPARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Shangming Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ariel A. Jacobi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Grace Jeng
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jason D. Ulrich
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ivar S. Stein
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Tommaso Patriarchi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Johannes W. Hell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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11
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Vogt K, Kulkarni A, Pandey R, Dehnad M, Konopka G, Greene R. Sleep need driven oscillation of glutamate synaptic phenotype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578985. [PMID: 38370691 PMCID: PMC10871195 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Sleep loss increases AMPA-synaptic strength and number in the neocortex. However, this is only part of the synaptic sleep loss response. We report increased AMPA/NMDA EPSC ratio in frontal-cortical pyramidal neurons of layers 2-3. Silent synapses are absent, decreasing the plastic potential to convert silent NMDA to active AMPA synapses. These sleep loss changes are recovered by sleep. Sleep genes are enriched for synaptic shaping cellular components controlling glutamate synapse phenotype, overlap with autism risk genes and are primarily observed in excitatory pyramidal neurons projecting intra-telencephalically. These genes are enriched with genes controlled by the transcription factor, MEF2c and its repressor, HDAC4. Thus, sleep genes under the influence of MEF2c and HDAC4, can provide a framework within which motor learning and training occurs mediated by sleep-dependent oscillation of glutamate-synaptic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.E. Vogt
- International Institute of Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - A. Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - R. Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - M. Dehnad
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - G. Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - R.W. Greene
- International Institute of Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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12
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Khodaie B, Edelmann E, Leßmann V. Distinct GABAergic modulation of timing-dependent LTP in CA1 pyramidal neurons along the longitudinal axis of the mouse hippocampus. iScience 2024; 27:109320. [PMID: 38487018 PMCID: PMC10937841 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus underlies episodic memory formation, with dorsal hippocampus being instrumental for spatial memory whereas ventral hippocampus is crucial for emotional learning. Here, we studied how GABAergic inhibition regulates physiologically relevant low repeat spike timing-dependent LTP (t-LTP) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses along the dorsoventral hippocampal axis. We used two t-LTP protocols relying on only 6 repeats of paired spike-firing in pre- and postsynaptic cells within 10 s that differ in postsynaptic firing patterns. GABAA receptor mechanisms played a greater role in blocking 6× 1:1 t-LTP that recruits single postsynaptic action potentials. 6× 1:4 t-LTP that depends on postsynaptic burst-firing unexpectedly required intact GABAB receptor signaling. The magnitude of both t-LTP-forms decreased along the dorsoventral axis, despite increasing excitability and basal synaptic strength in this direction. This suggests that GABAergic inhibition contributes to the distinct roles of dorsal and ventral hippocampus in memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Khodaie
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität (OVGU), Medizinische Fakultät, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- OVGU International ESF-funded Graduate School ABINEP, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elke Edelmann
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität (OVGU), Medizinische Fakultät, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- OVGU International ESF-funded Graduate School ABINEP, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Volkmar Leßmann
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität (OVGU), Medizinische Fakultät, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- OVGU International ESF-funded Graduate School ABINEP, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- DZPG (German Center of Mental Health), partner site Halle/Jena/Magdeburg (CIRC), Magdeburg, Germany
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13
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Udoh UG, Bruno JR, Osborn PO, Pratt KG. Serotonin Strengthens a Developing Glutamatergic Synapse through a PI3K-Dependent Mechanism. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1260232023. [PMID: 38169457 PMCID: PMC10860612 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1260-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well established that, during neural circuit development, glutamatergic synapses become strengthened via NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent upregulation of AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated currents. In addition, however, it is known that the neuromodulator serotonin is present throughout most regions of the vertebrate brain while synapses are forming and being shaped by activity-dependent processes. This suggests that serotonin may modulate or contribute to these processes. Here, we investigate the role of serotonin in the developing retinotectal projection of the Xenopus tadpole. We altered endogenous serotonin transmission in stage 48/49 (∼10-21 days postfertilization) Xenopus tadpoles and then carried out a set of whole-cell electrophysiological recordings from tectal neurons to assess retinotectal synaptic transmission. Because tadpole sex is indeterminate at these early stages of development, experimental groups were composed of randomly chosen tadpoles. We found that pharmacologically enhancing and reducing serotonin transmission for 24 h up- and downregulates, respectively, AMPAR-mediated currents at individual retinotectal synapses. Inhibiting 5-HT2 receptors also significantly weakened AMPAR-mediated currents and abolished the synapse strengthening effect seen with enhanced serotonin transmission, indicating a 5-HT2 receptor-dependent effect. We also determine that the serotonin-dependent upregulation of synaptic AMPAR currents was mediated via an NMDAR-independent, PI3K-dependent mechanism. Altogether, these findings indicate that serotonin regulates AMPAR currents at developing synapses independent of NMDA transmission, which may explain its role as an enabler of activity-dependent plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwemedimo G Udoh
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, Wyoming
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, Wyoming
| | - John R Bruno
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, Wyoming
| | - Paige O Osborn
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, Wyoming
| | - Kara G Pratt
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, Wyoming
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, Wyoming
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14
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Wang NS, Marino M, Malinow R. Detecting unitary synaptic events with machine learning. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315804121. [PMID: 38294937 PMCID: PMC10861888 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315804121] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneously occurring miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) are fundamental electrophysiological events produced by quantal vesicular transmitter release at synapses. Their analysis can provide important information regarding pre- and postsynaptic function. However, the small signal relative to recording noise requires expertise and considerable time for their identification. Furthermore, many mEPSCs smaller than ~8 pA are not well resolved (e.g., those produced at distant synapses or synapses with few receptor channels). Here, we describe an automated approach to detect mEPSCs using a machine learning-based tool. This method, which can be easily generalized to other one-dimensional signals, eliminates inter-observer bias, provides an estimate of its sensitivity and specificity and permits reliable detection of small (e.g., 5 pA) spontaneous unitary synaptic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nien-Shao Wang
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Division of Biology, Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Marc Marino
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Division of Biology, Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Roberto Malinow
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Division of Biology, Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
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15
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Lee IB, Lee E, Han NE, Slavuj M, Hwang JW, Lee A, Sun T, Jeong Y, Baik JH, Park JY, Choi SY, Kwag J, Yoon BJ. Persistent enhancement of basolateral amygdala-dorsomedial striatum synapses causes compulsive-like behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:219. [PMID: 38191518 PMCID: PMC10774417 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44322-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Compulsive behaviors are observed in a range of psychiatric disorders, however the neural substrates underlying the behaviors are not clearly defined. Here we show that the basolateral amygdala-dorsomedial striatum (BLA-DMS) circuit activation leads to the manifestation of compulsive-like behaviors. We revealed that the BLA neurons projecting to the DMS, mainly onto dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons, largely overlap with the neuronal population that responds to aversive predator stress, a widely used anxiogenic stressor. Specific optogenetic activation of the BLA-DMS circuit induced a strong anxiety response followed by compulsive grooming. Furthermore, we developed a mouse model for compulsivity displaying a wide spectrum of compulsive-like behaviors by chronically activating the BLA-DMS circuit. In these mice, persistent molecular changes at the BLA-DMS synapses observed were causally related to the compulsive-like phenotypes. Together, our study demonstrates the involvement of the BLA-DMS circuit in the emergence of enduring compulsive-like behaviors via its persistent synaptic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Bum Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Eugene Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Eun Han
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Marko Slavuj
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Wook Hwang
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahrim Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Sun
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yehwan Jeong
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Hyun Baik
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Park
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Young Choi
- Department of Physiology, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeehyun Kwag
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-June Yoon
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Xu Y, Cui TL, Li JY, Chen B, Wang JH. Associative memory neurons of encoding multi-modal signals are recruited by neuroligin-3-mediated new synapse formation. eLife 2023; 12:RP87969. [PMID: 38047770 PMCID: PMC10695560 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The joint storage and reciprocal retrieval of learnt associated signals are presumably encoded by associative memory cells. In the accumulation and enrichment of memory contents in lifespan, a signal often becomes a core signal associatively shared for other signals. One specific group of associative memory neurons that encode this core signal likely interconnects multiple groups of associative memory neurons that encode these other signals for their joint storage and reciprocal retrieval. We have examined this hypothesis in a mouse model of associative learning by pairing the whisker tactile signal sequentially with the olfactory signal, the gustatory signal, and the tail-heating signal. Mice experienced this associative learning show the whisker fluctuation induced by olfactory, gustatory, and tail-heating signals, or the other way around, that is, memories to multi-modal associated signals featured by their reciprocal retrievals. Barrel cortical neurons in these mice become able to encode olfactory, gustatory, and tail-heating signals alongside the whisker signal. Barrel cortical neurons interconnect piriform, S1-Tr, and gustatory cortical neurons. With the barrel cortex as the hub, the indirect activation occurs among piriform, gustatory, and S1-Tr cortices for the second-order associative memory. These associative memory neurons recruited to encode multi-modal signals in the barrel cortex for associative memory are downregulated by neuroligin-3 knockdown. Thus, associative memory neurons can be recruited as the core cellular substrate to memorize multiple associated signals for the first-order and the second-order of associative memories by neuroligin-3-mediated synapse formation, which constitutes neuronal substrates of cognitive activities in the field of memoriology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tian-liang Cui
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jia-yi Li
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Bingchen Chen
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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17
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Keifer J. Synaptic Mechanisms of Delay Eyeblink Classical Conditioning: AMPAR Trafficking and Gene Regulation in an In Vitro Model. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7088-7103. [PMID: 37531025 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03528-z] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
An in vitro model of delay eyeblink classical conditioning was developed to investigate synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying acquisition of associative learning. This was achieved by replacing real stimuli, such as an airpuff and tone, with patterned stimulation of the cranial nerves using an isolated brainstem preparation from turtle. Here, our primary findings regarding cellular and molecular mechanisms for learning acquisition using this unique approach are reviewed. The neural correlate of the in vitro eyeblink response is a replica of the actual behavior, and features of conditioned responses (CRs) resemble those observed in behavioral studies. Importantly, it was shown that acquisition of CRs did not require the intact cerebellum, but the appropriate timing did. Studies of synaptic mechanisms indicate that conditioning involves two stages of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking. Initially, GluA1-containing AMPARs are targeted to synapses followed later by replacement by GluA4 subunits that support CR expression. This two-stage process is regulated by specific signal transduction cascades involving PKA and PKC and is guided by distinct protein chaperones. The expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein is central to AMPAR trafficking and conditioning. BDNF gene expression is regulated by coordinated epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation/demethylation and chromatin modifications that control access of promoters to transcription factors. Finally, a hypothesis is proposed that learning genes like BDNF are poised by dual chromatin features that allow rapid activation or repression in response to environmental stimuli. These in vitro studies have advanced our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie associative learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Keifer
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
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18
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Anil S, Lu H, Rotter S, Vlachos A. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) triggers dose-dependent homeostatic rewiring in recurrent neuronal networks. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011027. [PMID: 37956202 PMCID: PMC10681319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to induce neuronal plasticity in healthy individuals and patients. Designing effective and reproducible rTMS protocols poses a major challenge in the field as the underlying biomechanisms of long-term effects remain elusive. Current clinical protocol designs are often based on studies reporting rTMS-induced long-term potentiation or depression of synaptic transmission. Herein, we employed computational modeling to explore the effects of rTMS on long-term structural plasticity and changes in network connectivity. We simulated a recurrent neuronal network with homeostatic structural plasticity among excitatory neurons, and demonstrated that this mechanism was sensitive to specific parameters of the stimulation protocol (i.e., frequency, intensity, and duration of stimulation). Particularly, the feedback-inhibition initiated by network stimulation influenced the net stimulation outcome and hindered the rTMS-induced structural reorganization, highlighting the role of inhibitory networks. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for the lasting effects of rTMS, i.e., rTMS-induced homeostatic structural plasticity, and highlight the importance of network inhibition in careful protocol design, standardization, and optimization of stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Anil
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Han Lu
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Rotter
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Weichard I, Taschenberger H, Gsell F, Bornschein G, Ritzau-Jost A, Schmidt H, Kittel RJ, Eilers J, Neher E, Hallermann S, Nerlich J. Fully-primed slowly-recovering vesicles mediate presynaptic LTP at neocortical neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305460120. [PMID: 37856547 PMCID: PMC10614622 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305460120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre- and postsynaptic forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) are candidate synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory. At layer 5 pyramidal neurons, LTP increases the initial synaptic strength but also short-term depression during high-frequency transmission. This classical form of presynaptic LTP has been referred to as redistribution of synaptic efficacy. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We therefore performed whole-cell recordings from layer 5 pyramidal neurons in acute cortical slices of rats and analyzed presynaptic function before and after LTP induction by paired pre- and postsynaptic neuronal activity. LTP was successfully induced in about half of the synaptic connections tested and resulted in increased synaptic short-term depression during high-frequency transmission and a decelerated recovery from short-term depression due to an increased fraction of a slow recovery component. Analysis with a recently established sequential two-step vesicle priming model indicates an increase in the abundance of fully-primed and slowly-recovering vesicles. A systematic analysis of short-term plasticity and synapse-to-synapse variability of synaptic strength at various types of synapses revealed that stronger synapses generally recover more slowly from synaptic short-term depression. Finally, pharmacological stimulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate and diacylglycerol signaling pathways, which are both known to promote synaptic vesicle priming, mimicked LTP and slowed the recovery from short-term depression. Our data thus demonstrate that LTP at layer 5 pyramidal neurons increases synaptic strength primarily by enlarging a subpool of fully-primed slowly-recovering vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iron Weichard
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Holger Taschenberger
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Felix Gsell
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Grit Bornschein
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritzau-Jost
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Robert J. Kittel
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Erwin Neher
- Emeritus Laboratory of Membrane Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37070, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Göttingen, Göttingen37073, Germany
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Jana Nerlich
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig04103, Germany
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20
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Nicoll RA, Schulman H. Synaptic memory and CaMKII. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2877-2925. [PMID: 37290118 PMCID: PMC10642921 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and long-term potentiation (LTP) were discovered within a decade of each other and have been inextricably intertwined ever since. However, like many marriages, it has had its up and downs. Based on the unique biochemical properties of CaMKII, it was proposed as a memory molecule before any physiological linkage was made to LTP. However, as reviewed here, the convincing linkage of CaMKII to synaptic physiology and behavior took many decades. New technologies were critical in this journey, including in vitro brain slices, mouse genetics, single-cell molecular genetics, pharmacological reagents, protein structure, and two-photon microscopy, as were new investigators attracted by the exciting challenge. This review tracks this journey and assesses the state of this marriage 40 years on. The collective literature impels us to propose a relatively simple model for synaptic memory involving the following steps that drive the process: 1) Ca2+ entry through N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors activates CaMKII. 2) CaMKII undergoes autophosphorylation resulting in constitutive, Ca2+-independent activity and exposure of a binding site for the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B. 3) Active CaMKII translocates to the postsynaptic density (PSD) and binds to the cytoplasmic C-tail of GluN2B. 4) The CaMKII-GluN2B complex initiates a structural rearrangement of the PSD that may involve liquid-liquid phase separation. 5) This rearrangement involves the PSD-95 scaffolding protein, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), and their transmembrane AMPAR-regulatory protein (TARP) auxiliary subunits, resulting in an accumulation of AMPARs in the PSD that underlies synaptic potentiation. 6) The stability of the modified PSD is maintained by the stability of the CaMKII-GluN2B complex. 7) By a process of subunit exchange or interholoenzyme phosphorylation CaMKII maintains synaptic potentiation in the face of CaMKII protein turnover. There are many other important proteins that participate in enlargement of the synaptic spine or modulation of the steps that drive and maintain the potentiation. In this review we critically discuss the data underlying each of the steps. As will become clear, some of these steps are more firmly grounded than others, and we provide suggestions as to how the evidence supporting these steps can be strengthened or, based on the new data, be replaced. Although the journey has been a long one, the prospect of having a detailed cellular and molecular understanding of learning and memory is at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A Nicoll
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Howard Schulman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
- Panorama Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California, United States
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21
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Bijoch Ł, Klos J, Pękała M, Fiołna K, Kaczmarek L, Beroun A. Diverse processing of pharmacological and natural rewards by the central amygdala. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113036. [PMID: 37616162 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113036] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) with its medial (CeM) and lateral (CeL) nuclei is the brain hub for processing stimuli with emotional context. CeL nucleus gives a strong inhibitory input to the CeM, and this local circuitry assigns values (positive or negative) to incoming stimuli, guiding appropriate behavior (approach or avoid). However, the particular involvement of CeA in processing such emotionally relevant information and adaptations of the CeA circuitry are not yet well understood. In this study, we examined synaptic plasticity in the CeA after exposure to two types of rewards, pharmacological (cocaine) and natural (sugar). We found that both rewards engage CeM, where they generate silent synapses resulting in the strengthening of the network. However, only cocaine triggers plasticity in the CeL, which leads to the weakening of its excitatory inputs. Finally, chemogenetic inhibition of CeM attenuates animal preference for sugar, while activation delays cocaine-induced increase in locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Bijoch
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Klos
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Pękała
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kristina Fiołna
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Beroun
- Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, L. Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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Lumeij LB, van Huijstee AN, Cappaert NLM, Kessels HW. Variance analysis as a method to predict the locus of plasticity at populations of non-uniform synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1232541. [PMID: 37528963 PMCID: PMC10388551 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1232541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system has often been obtained by evoking synaptic responses to populations of synapses. Analysis of the variance in synaptic responses can be applied as a method to predict whether a change in synaptic responses is a consequence of altered presynaptic neurotransmitter release or postsynaptic receptors. However, variance analysis is based on binomial statistics, which assumes that synapses are uniform. In reality, synapses are far from uniform, which questions the reliability of variance analysis when applying this method to populations of synapses. To address this, we used an in silico model for evoked synaptic responses and compared variance analysis outcomes between populations of uniform versus non-uniform synapses. This simulation revealed that variance analysis produces similar results irrespectively of the grade of uniformity of synapses. We put this variance analysis to the test with an electrophysiology experiment using a model system for which the loci of plasticity are well established: the effect of amyloid-β on synapses. Variance analysis correctly predicted that postsynaptically produced amyloid-β triggered predominantly a loss of synapses and a minor reduction of postsynaptic currents in remaining synapses with little effect on presynaptic release probability. We propose that variance analysis can be reliably used to predict the locus of synaptic changes for populations of non-uniform synapses.
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23
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Li JY, Xu Y, Wang DG, Wang JH. The interconnection and function of associative memory neurons are upregulated for memory strengthening. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1189907. [PMID: 37396398 PMCID: PMC10308380 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1189907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Memories associated to signals have been proven to rely on the recruitment of associative memory neurons that are featured by mutual synapse innervations among cross-modal cortices. Whether the consolidation of associative memory is endorsed by the upregulation of associative memory neurons in an intramodal cortex remains to be examined. The function and interconnection of associative memory neurons were investigated by in vivo electrophysiology and adeno-associated virus-mediated neural tracing in those mice that experienced associative learning by pairing the whisker tactile signal and the olfactory signal. Our results show that odorant-induced whisker motion as a type of associative memory is coupled with the enhancement of whisking-induced whisker motion. In addition to some barrel cortical neurons encoding both whisker and olfactory signals, i.e., their recruitment as associative memory neurons, the synapse interconnection and spike-encoding capacity of associative memory neurons within the barrel cortex are upregulated. These upregulated alternations were partially observed in the activity-induced sensitization. In summary, associative memory is mechanistically based on the recruitment of associative memory neurons and the upregulation of their interactions in intramodal cortices.
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Chen C, Wei J, Ma X, Xia B, Shakir N, Zhang JK, Zhang L, Cui Y, Ferguson D, Qiu S, Bai F. Disrupted Maturation of Prefrontal Layer 5 Neuronal Circuits in an Alzheimer's Mouse Model of Amyloid Deposition. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:881-892. [PMID: 36152121 PMCID: PMC10264337 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00951-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilins (PSs) cause familial forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder strongly associated with aging. It is currently unknown whether and how AD risks affect early brain development, and to what extent subtle synaptic pathology may occur prior to overt hallmark AD pathology. Transgenic mutant APP/PS1 over-expression mouse lines are key tools for studying the molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Among these lines, the 5XFAD mice rapidly develop key features of AD pathology and have proven utility in studying amyloid plaque formation and amyloid β (Aβ)-induced neurodegeneration. We reasoned that transgenic mutant APP/PS1 over-expression in 5XFAD mice may lead to neurodevelopmental defects in early cortical neurons, and performed detailed synaptic physiological characterization of layer 5 (L5) neurons from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 5XFAD and wild-type littermate controls. L5 PFC neurons from 5XFAD mice show early APP/Aβ immunolabeling. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording at an early post-weaning age (P22-30) revealed functional impairments; although 5XFAD PFC-L5 neurons exhibited similar membrane properties, they were intrinsically less excitable. In addition, these neurons received smaller amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory synaptic inputs. These functional disturbances were further corroborated by decreased dendritic spine density and spine head volumes that indicated impaired synapse maturation. Slice biotinylation followed by Western blot analysis of PFC-L5 tissue revealed that 5XFAD mice showed reduced synaptic AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 and decreased synaptic NMDA receptor subunit GluN2A. Consistent with this, patch-clamp recording of the evoked L23>L5 synaptic responses revealed a reduced AMPA/NMDA receptor current ratio, and an increased level of AMPAR-lacking silent synapses. These results suggest that transgenic mutant forms of APP/PS1 overexpression in 5XFAD mice leads to early developmental defects of cortical circuits, which could contribute to the age-dependent synaptic pathology and neurodegeneration later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Baomei Xia
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Neha Shakir
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Jessica K Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Le Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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25
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Anil S, Lu H, Rotter S, Vlachos A. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) triggers dose-dependent homeostatic rewiring in recurrent neuronal networks. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533396. [PMID: 36993387 PMCID: PMC10055183 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to induce neuronal plasticity in healthy individuals and patients. Designing effective and reproducible rTMS protocols poses a major challenge in the field as the underlying biomechanisms remain elusive. Current clinical protocol designs are often based on studies reporting rTMS-induced long-term potentiation or depression of synaptic transmission. Herein, we employed computational modeling to explore the effects of rTMS on long-term structural plasticity and changes in network connectivity. We simulated a recurrent neuronal network with homeostatic structural plasticity between excitatory neurons, and demonstrated that this mechanism was sensitive to specific parameters of the stimulation protocol (i.e., frequency, intensity, and duration of stimulation). The feedback-inhibition initiated by network stimulation influenced the net stimulation outcome and hindered the rTMS-induced homeostatic structural plasticity, highlighting the role of inhibitory networks. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for the lasting effects of rTMS, i.e., rTMS-induced homeostatic structural plasticity, and highlight the importance of network inhibition in careful protocol design, standardization, and optimization of stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Anil
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Han Lu
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Rotter
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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26
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Mice deficient in synaptic protease neurotrypsin show impaired spaced long-term potentiation and blunted learning-induced modulation of dendritic spines. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:82. [PMID: 36871239 PMCID: PMC9986217 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04720-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrypsin (NT) is a neuronal trypsin-like serine protease whose mutations cause severe mental retardation in humans. NT is activated in vitro by Hebbian-like conjunction of pre- and postsynaptic activities, which promotes the formation of dendritic filopodia via proteolytic cleavage of the proteoglycan agrin. Here, we investigated the functional importance of this mechanism for synaptic plasticity, learning, and extinction of memory. We report that juvenile neurotrypsin-deficient (NT-/-) mice exhibit impaired long-term potentiation induced by a spaced stimulation protocol designed to probe the generation of new filopodia and their conversion into functional synapses. Behaviorally, juvenile NT-/- mice show impaired contextual fear memory and have a sociability deficit. The latter persists in aged NT-/- mice, which, unlike juvenile mice, show normal recall but impaired extinction of contextual fear memories. Structurally, juvenile mutants exhibit reduced spine density in the CA1 region, fewer thin spines, and no modulation in the density of dendritic spines following fear conditioning and extinction in contrast to wild-type littermates. The head width of thin spines is reduced in both juvenile and aged NT-/- mice. In vivo delivery of adeno-associated virus expressing an NT-generated fragment of agrin, agrin-22, but not a shorter agrin-15, elevates the spine density in NT-/- mice. Moreover, agrin-22 co-aggregates with pre- and postsynaptic markers and increases the density and size of presynaptic boutons and presynaptic puncta, corroborating the view that agrin-22 supports the synaptic growth.
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Naylor DE. In the fast lane: Receptor trafficking during status epilepticus. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8 Suppl 1:S35-S65. [PMID: 36861477 PMCID: PMC10173858 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and often is refractory to standard first-line treatments. A rapid loss of synaptic inhibition and development of pharmacoresistance to benzodiazepines (BZDs) occurs early during SE, while NMDA and AMPA receptor antagonists remain effective treatments after BZDs have failed. Multimodal and subunit-selective receptor trafficking within minutes to an hour of SE involves GABA-A, NMDA, and AMPA receptors and contributes to shifts in the number and subunit composition of surface receptors with differential impacts on the physiology, pharmacology, and strength of GABAergic and glutamatergic currents at synaptic and extrasynaptic sites. During the first hour of SE, synaptic GABA-A receptors containing γ2 subunits move to the cell interior while extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors with δ subunits are preserved. Conversely, NMDA receptors containing N2B subunits are increased at synaptic and extrasynaptic sites, and homomeric GluA1 ("GluA2-lacking") calcium permeant AMPA receptor surface expression also is increased. Molecular mechanisms, largely driven by NMDA receptor or calcium permeant AMPA receptor activation early during circuit hyperactivity, regulate subunit-specific interactions with proteins involved with synaptic scaffolding, adaptin-AP2/clathrin-dependent endocytosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention, and endosomal recycling. Reviewed here is how SE-induced shifts in receptor subunit composition and surface representation increase the excitatory to inhibitory imbalance that sustains seizures and fuels excitotoxicity contributing to chronic sequela such as "spontaneous recurrent seizures" (SRS). A role for early multimodal therapy is suggested both for treatment of SE and for prevention of long-term comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Naylor
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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miR-34a regulates silent synapse and synaptic plasticity in mature hippocampus. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 222:102404. [PMID: 36642095 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102404] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AMPAR-lacking silent synapses are prevailed and essential for synaptic refinement and synaptic plasticity in developing brains. In mature brain, they are sparse but could be induced under several pathological conditions. How they are regulated molecularly is far from clear. miR-34a is a highly conserved and brain-enriched microRNA with age-dependent upregulated expression profile. Its neuronal function in mature brain remains to be revealed. Here by analyzing synaptic properties of the heterozygous miR-34a knock out mice (34a_ht), we have discovered that mature but not juvenile 34a_ht mice have more silent synapses in the hippocampus accompanied with enhanced synaptic NMDAR but not AMPAR function and increased spine density. As a result, 34a_ht mice display enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the Schaffer collateral synapses and better spatial learning and memory. We further found that Creb1 is a direct target of miR-34a, whose upregulation and activation may mediate the silent synapse increment in 34a_ht mice. Hence, we reveal a novel physiological role of miR-34a in mature brains and provide a molecular mechanism underlying silent synapse regulation.
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Mowery TM, Garraghty PE. Adult neuroplasticity employs developmental mechanisms. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 16:1086680. [PMID: 36762289 PMCID: PMC9904365 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1086680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although neural plasticity is now widely studied, there was a time when the idea of adult plasticity was antithetical to the mainstream. The essential stumbling block arose from the seminal experiments of Hubel and Wiesel who presented convincing evidence that there existed a critical period for plasticity during development after which the brain lost its ability to change in accordance to shifts in sensory input. Despite the zeitgeist that mature brain is relatively immutable to change, there were a number of examples of adult neural plasticity emerging in the scientific literature. Interestingly, some of the earliest of these studies involved visual plasticity in the adult cat. Even earlier, there were reports of what appeared to be functional reorganization in adult rat somatosensory thalamus after dorsal column lesions, a finding that was confirmed and extended with additional experimentation. To demonstrate that these findings reflected more than a response to central injury, and to gain greater control of the extent of the sensory loss, peripheral nerve injuries were used that eliminated ascending sensory information while leaving central pathways intact. Merzenich, Kaas, and colleagues used peripheral nerve transections to reveal unambiguous reorganization in primate somatosensory cortex. Moreover, these same researchers showed that this plasticity proceeded in no less than two stages, one immediate, and one more protracted. These findings were confirmed and extended to more expansive cortical deprivations, and further extended to the thalamus and brainstem. There then began a series of experiments to reveal the physiological, morphological and neurochemical mechanisms that permitted this plasticity. Ultimately, Mowery and colleagues conducted a series of experiments that carefully tracked the levels of expression of several subunits of glutamate (AMPA and NMDA) and GABA (GABAA and GABAB) receptor complexes in primate somatosensory cortex at several time points after peripheral nerve injury. These receptor subunit mapping experiments revealed that membrane expression levels came to reflect those seen in early phases of critical period development. This suggested that under conditions of prolonged sensory deprivation the adult cells were returning to critical period like plastic states, i.e., developmental recapitulation. Here we outline the heuristics that drive this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M. Mowery
- Department of Otolaryngology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Preston E. Garraghty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Bijoch Ł, Klos J, Pawłowska M, Wiśniewska J, Legutko D, Szachowicz U, Kaczmarek L, Beroun A. Whole-brain tracking of cocaine and sugar rewards processing. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:20. [PMID: 36683039 PMCID: PMC9868126 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural rewards, such as food, and sex are appetitive stimuli available for animals in their natural environment. Similarly, addictive rewards such as drugs of abuse possess strong, positive valence, but their action relies on their pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, it is believed that both of these kinds of rewards activate similar brain circuitry. The present study aimed to discover which parts of the brain process the experience of natural and addictive rewards. To holistically address this question, we used a single-cell whole-brain imaging approach to find patterns of activation for acute and prolonged sucrose and cocaine exposure. We analyzed almost 400 brain structures and created a brain-wide map of specific, c-Fos-positive neurons engaged by these rewards. Acute but not prolonged sucrose exposure triggered a massive c-Fos expression throughout the brain. Cocaine exposure on the other hand potentiated c-Fos expression with prolonged use, engaging more structures than sucrose treatment. The functional connectivity analysis unraveled an increase in brain modularity after the initial exposure to both types of rewards. This modularity was increased after repeated cocaine, but not sucrose, intake. To check whether discrepancies between the processing of both types of rewards can be found on a cellular level, we further studied the nucleus accumbens, one of the most strongly activated brain structures by both sucrose and cocaine experience. We found a high overlap between natural and addictive rewards on the level of c-Fos expression. Electrophysiological measurements of cellular correlates of synaptic plasticity revealed that natural and addictive rewards alike induce the accumulation of silent synapses. These results strengthen the hypothesis that in the nucleus accumbens drugs of abuse cause maladaptive neuronal plasticity in the circuitry that typically processes natural rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Bijoch
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Klos
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Pawłowska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland ,grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Wiśniewska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Legutko
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Szachowicz
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Beroun
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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31
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Deng R, Chang M, Kao JPY, Kanold PO. Cortical inhibitory but not excitatory synaptic transmission and circuit refinement are altered after the deletion of NMDA receptors during early development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:656. [PMID: 36635357 PMCID: PMC9837136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27536-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the cerebral cortex form excitatory and inhibitory circuits with specific laminar locations. The mechanisms underlying the development of these spatially specific circuits is not fully understood. To test if postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors on excitatory neurons are required for the development of specific circuits to these neurons, we genetically ablated NMDA receptors from a subset of excitatory neurons in the temporal association cortex (TeA) through in utero electroporation and assessed the intracortical circuits connecting to L5 neurons through in vitro whole-cell patch clamp recordings coupled with laser-scanning photostimulation (LSPS). In NMDAR knockout neurons, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor-mediated connections were largely intact. In contrast both LSPS and mini-IPSC recordings revealed that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor-mediated connections were impaired in NMDAR knockout neurons. These results suggest that postsynaptic NMDA receptors are important for the development of GABAergic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongkang Deng
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Minzi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 733 N. Broadway Avenue / Miller 379, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joseph P Y Kao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Patrick O Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 733 N. Broadway Avenue / Miller 379, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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KASAI H. Unraveling the mysteries of dendritic spine dynamics: Five key principles shaping memory and cognition. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2023; 99:254-305. [PMID: 37821392 PMCID: PMC10749395 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.99.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent research extends our understanding of brain processes beyond just action potentials and chemical transmissions within neural circuits, emphasizing the mechanical forces generated by excitatory synapses on dendritic spines to modulate presynaptic function. From in vivo and in vitro studies, we outline five central principles of synaptic mechanics in brain function: P1: Stability - Underpinning the integral relationship between the structure and function of the spine synapses. P2: Extrinsic dynamics - Highlighting synapse-selective structural plasticity which plays a crucial role in Hebbian associative learning, distinct from pathway-selective long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). P3: Neuromodulation - Analyzing the role of G-protein-coupled receptors, particularly dopamine receptors, in time-sensitive modulation of associative learning frameworks such as Pavlovian classical conditioning and Thorndike's reinforcement learning (RL). P4: Instability - Addressing the intrinsic dynamics crucial to memory management during continual learning, spotlighting their role in "spine dysgenesis" associated with mental disorders. P5: Mechanics - Exploring how synaptic mechanics influence both sides of synapses to establish structural traces of short- and long-term memory, thereby aiding the integration of mental functions. We also delve into the historical background and foresee impending challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruo KASAI
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Bonansco C, Cerpa W, Inestrosa NC. How Are Synapses Born? A Functional and Molecular View of the Role of the Wnt Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010708. [PMID: 36614149 PMCID: PMC9821221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission is a dynamic process that requires precise regulation. Early in life, we must be able to forge appropriate connections (add and remove) to control our behavior. Neurons must recognize appropriate targets, and external soluble factors that activate specific signaling cascades provide the regulation needed to achieve this goal. Wnt signaling has been implicated in several forms of synaptic plasticity, including functional and structural changes associated with brain development. The analysis of synapses from an electrophysiological perspective allows us to characterize the functional role of cellular signaling pathways involved in brain development. The application of quantal theory to principles of developmental plasticity offers the possibility of dissecting the function of structural changes associated with the birth of new synapses as well as the maturation of immature silent synapses. Here, we focus on electrophysiological and molecular evidence that the Wnt signaling pathway regulates glutamatergic synaptic transmission, specifically N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), to control the birth of new synapses. We also focus on the role of Wnts in the conversion of silent synapses into functional synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bonansco
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.C.I.)
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6200000, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C. Inestrosa
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6200000, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.C.I.)
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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Vardalaki D, Chung K, Harnett MT. Filopodia are a structural substrate for silent synapses in adult neocortex. Nature 2022; 612:323-327. [PMID: 36450984 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Newly generated excitatory synapses in the mammalian cortex lack sufficient AMPA-type glutamate receptors to mediate neurotransmission, resulting in functionally silent synapses that require activity-dependent plasticity to mature. Silent synapses are abundant in early development, during which they mediate circuit formation and refinement, but they are thought to be scarce in adulthood1. However, adults retain a capacity for neural plasticity and flexible learning that suggests that the formation of new connections is still prevalent. Here we used super-resolution protein imaging to visualize synaptic proteins at 2,234 synapses from layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the primary visual cortex of adult mice. Unexpectedly, about 25% of these synapses lack AMPA receptors. These putative silent synapses were located at the tips of thin dendritic protrusions, known as filopodia, which were more abundant by an order of magnitude than previously believed (comprising about 30% of all dendritic protrusions). Physiological experiments revealed that filopodia do indeed lack AMPA-receptor-mediated transmission, but they exhibit NMDA-receptor-mediated synaptic transmission. We further showed that functionally silent synapses on filopodia can be unsilenced through Hebbian plasticity, recruiting new active connections into a neuron's input matrix. These results challenge the model that functional connectivity is largely fixed in the adult cortex and demonstrate a new mechanism for flexible control of synaptic wiring that expands the learning capabilities of the mature brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Vardalaki
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kwanghun Chung
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark T Harnett
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Reed CB, Feltri ML, Wilson ER. Peripheral glia diversity. J Anat 2022; 241:1219-1234. [PMID: 34131911 PMCID: PMC8671569 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen an evolving appreciation for the role of glial cells in the nervous system. As we move away from the typical neurocentric view of neuroscience, the complexity and variability of central nervous system glia is emerging, far beyond the three main subtypes: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Yet the diversity of the glia found in the peripheral nervous system remains rarely discussed. In this review, we discuss the developmental origin, morphology, and function of the different populations of glia found in the peripheral nervous system, including: myelinating Schwann cells, Remak Schwann cells, repair Schwann cells, satellite glia, boundary cap-derived glia, perineurial glia, terminal Schwann cells, glia found in the skin, olfactory ensheathing cells, and enteric glia. The morphological and functional heterogeneity of glia found in the periphery reflects the diverse roles the nervous system performs throughout the body. Further, it highlights a complexity that should be appreciated and considered when it comes to a complete understanding of the peripheral nervous system in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey B Reed
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - M Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Emma R Wilson
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Maki T, Sawahata M, Akutsu I, Amaike S, Hiramatsu G, Uta D, Izuo N, Shimizu T, Irie K, Kume T. APP Knock-In Mice Produce E22P-Aβ Exhibiting an Alzheimer's Disease-like Phenotype with Dysregulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13259. [PMID: 36362046 PMCID: PMC9654501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that requires further pathological elucidation to establish effective treatment strategies. We previously showed that amyloid β (Aβ) toxic conformer with a turn at positions 22-23 is essential for forming highly toxic oligomers. In the present study, we evaluated phenotypic changes with aging in AD model AppNL-P-F/NL-P-F (NL-P-F) mice with Swedish mutation (NL), Iberian mutation (F), and mutation (P) overproducing E22P-Aβ, a mimic of toxic conformer utilizing the knock-in technique. Furthermore, the role of the toxic conformer in AD pathology was investigated. NL-P-F mice produced soluble toxic conformers from an early age. They showed impaired synaptic plasticity, glial cell activation, and cognitive decline, followed by the accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau hyperphosphorylation. In addition, the protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was increased, and gene expression of HIF-3α was decreased in NL-P-F mice. HIF dysregulation due to the production of soluble toxic conformers may be involved in AD pathology in NL-P-F mice. This study could reveal the role of a highly toxic Aβ on AD pathogenesis, thereby contributing to the development of a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the toxic conformer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Maki
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Masahito Sawahata
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ichiro Akutsu
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shohei Amaike
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Genki Hiramatsu
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Daisuke Uta
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Naotaka Izuo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Aging Stress Response Research Project Team, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Irie
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-Cho, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Kume
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Cheng X, Yan Z, Su Z, Liu J. The transforming growth factor beta ligand TIG-2 modulates the function of neuromuscular junction and muscle energy metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:962974. [PMID: 36385772 PMCID: PMC9650414 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.962974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the physiological function of TGF-β (the transforming growth factor beta) family ligands is import for understanding the role of TGF-β in animals' development and aging. Here, we investigate the function of TIG-2, one of the ligands in Caenorhabditis elegans TGF-β family, in animals' behavioral modulation. Our results show that a loss-of-function mutation in tig-2 gene result in slower locomotion speed in the early adulthood and an increased density of cholinergic synapses, but a decreased neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Further tissue-specific rescue results reveal that neuronal and intestinal TIG-2 are essential for the formation of cholinergic synapses at NMJs. Interestingly, tig-2(ok3416) mutant is characterized with reduced muscle mitochondria content and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, although the function of muscle acetylcholine receptors and the morphology muscle fibers in the mutant are comparable to that in wild-type animals. Our result suggests that TIG-2 from different neuron and intestine regulates worm locomotion by modulating synaptogenesis and neurotransmission at NMJs, as well as energy metabolism in postsynaptic muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Cheng
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhenzhen Yan
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zexiong Su
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jie Liu
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Álvarez-Ferradas C, Wellmann M, Morales K, Fuenzalida M, Cerpa W, Inestrosa NC, Bonansco C. Wnt-5a induces the conversion of silent to functional synapses in the hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1024034. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1024034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse unsilencing is an essential mechanism for experience-dependent plasticity. Here, we showed that the application of the ligand Wnt-5a converts glutamatergic silent synapses into functional ones by increasing both α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) currents (IAMPA and INMDA, respectively). These effects were mimicked by the hexapeptide Foxy-5 and inhibited by secreted frizzled-related protein sFRP-2. INMDA potentiation was produced by increased synaptic potency, followed by an increase in the probability of release (Pr), even in the presence of 7-nitro-2,3-dioxo-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-6-carbonitrile (CNQX). At a longer time of Wnt-5a exposure, the Pr increments were higher in INMDA than in IAMPA. In the presence of NMDAR inhibitors, Wnt-5a-induced conversion was fully inhibited in 69.0% of silent synapses, whereas in the remaining synapses were converted into functional one. Our study findings showed that the Wnt-5a-activated pathway triggers AMPAR insertion into mammalian glutamatergic synapses, unsilencing non-functional synapses and promoting the formation of nascent synapses during the early postnatal development of the brain circuits.
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Chen M, Chen Z, Xiao X, Zhou L, Fu R, Jiang X, Pang M, Xia J. Corticospinal circuit neuroplasticity may involve silent synapses: Implications for functional recovery facilitated by neuromodulation after spinal cord injury. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 14:185-194. [PMID: 36824667 PMCID: PMC9941655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to devastating physical consequences, such as severe sensorimotor dysfunction even lifetime disability, by damaging the corticospinal system. The conventional opinion that SCI is intractable due to the poor regeneration of neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) needs to be revisited as the CNS is capable of considerable plasticity, which underlie recovery from neural injury. Substantial spontaneous neuroplasticity has been demonstrated in the corticospinal motor circuitry following SCI. Some of these plastic changes appear to be beneficial while others are detrimental toward locomotor function recovery after SCI. The beneficial corticospinal plasticity in the spared corticospinal circuits can be harnessed therapeutically by multiple contemporary neuromodulatory approaches, especially the electrical stimulation-based modalities, in an activity-dependent manner to improve functional outcomes in post-SCI rehabilitation. Silent synapse generation and unsilencing contribute to profound neuroplasticity that is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, thus they may be involved in the corticospinal motor circuit neuroplasticity following SCI. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of silent synapse-mediated neuroplasticity in the corticospinal motor circuitry that may be exploited by neuromodulation will inform a novel direction for optimizing therapeutic repair strategies and rehabilitative interventions in SCI patients.
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Key Words
- AMPARs, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- BMIs, brain-machine interfaces
- CPG, central pattern generator
- CST, corticospinal tract
- Corticospinal motor circuitry
- DBS, deep brain stimulation
- ESS, epidural spinal stimulation
- MEPs, motor-evoked potentials
- NHPs, non-human primates
- NMDARs, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroplasticity
- PSNs, propriospinal neurons
- Rehabilitation
- SCI, spinal cord injury
- STDP, spike timing-dependent plasticity
- Silent synapses
- Spinal cord injury
- TBS, theta burst stimulation
- TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation
- TrkB, tropomyosin-related kinase B
- cTBS, continuous TBS
- iTBS, intermittent TBS
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- rTMS, repetitive TMS
- tDCS, transcranial direct current stimulation
- tcSCS, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zuxin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence; MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorder, Shenzhen Bay laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Jianxun Xia
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunkang School of Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510970, China,Corresponding author.
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Trafficking of NMDA receptors is essential for hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111217. [PMID: 35977502 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptor (NMDAR) plays a vital role in brain development and normal physiological functions. Surface trafficking of NMDAR contributes to the modulation of synaptic functions and information processing. However, it remains unclear whether NMDAR trafficking is independent of long-term potentiation (LTP) and whether it regulates behavior. Here, we report that LTP of AMPAR and NMDAR can occur concurrently and that NMDAR trafficking can regulate AMPAR trafficking and AMPAR-mediated LTP. By contrast, AMPAR trafficking does not impact NMDAR-mediated LTP. Using SAP97-interfering peptide and SAP97 knockin (KI) rat, we show that the effect is mediated by GluN2A-subunit-containing NMDARs. At the behavior level, impaired NMDAR trafficking results in deficits in consolidation, but not acquisition, of fear memory. Collectively, our results suggest the essential role of NMDAR trafficking in LTP and memory consolidation.
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42
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Interrogating structural plasticity among synaptic engrams. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 75:102552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Targeting NMDA receptors in neuropsychiatric disorders by drug screening on human neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:243. [PMID: 35680847 PMCID: PMC9184461 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02010-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs), a prominent subtype of glutamatergic receptors, are implicated in the pathogenesis and development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia, and are therefore a potential therapeutic target in treating these disorders. Neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have provided the opportunity to investigate human NMDARs in their native environment. In this review, we describe the expression, function, and regulation of NMDARs in human iPSC-derived neurons and discuss approaches for utilizing human neurons for identifying potential drugs that target NMDARs in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. A challenge in studying NMDARs in human iPSC-derived neurons is a predominance of those receptors containing the GluN2B subunit and low synaptic expression, suggesting a relatively immature phenotype of these neurons and delayed development of functional NMDARs. We outline potential approaches for improving neuronal maturation of human iPSC-derived neurons and accelerating the functional expression of NMDARs. Acceleration of functional expression of NMDARs in human iPSC-derived neurons will improve the modeling of neuropsychiatric disorders and facilitate the discovery and development of novel therapeutics targeting NMDARs for the treatment of these disorders.
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Panopoulou M, Schlüter OM. Ca 2+-permeable AMPA receptors set the threshold for retrieval of drug memories. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2868-2878. [PMID: 35296806 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Frequent relapse prevents the successful treatment of substance use disorders and is triggered in part by retrieval of drug-associated memories. Drug-conditioned behaviours in rodents are reinstated upon drug memory retrieval following re-exposure to cues previously associated with the drug, or the drug itself. Therapies based on mechanistic insights from rodent studies have focused on amnesic procedures of cue-drug associations but with so far limited success. Conversely, more recent studies propose that inhibiting drug memory retrieval offers improved anti-relapse efficacy. However, mechanisms of memory retrieval are poorly understood. Here, we used a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure in mice to investigate the cellular and molecular underpinnings of drug-induced memory retrieval. After extinction training of CPP, Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) accumulated at drug-generated silent synapses of nucleus accumbens (NAc) medium spiny neurons. The NAc CP-AMPARs regulated the retrieval mechanism of drug memories after extinction. Specifically, we used different priming doses of cocaine, fentanyl, or a cue associated with drug exposure to reinstate CPP, providing different memory retrieval conditions. Although both high and low doses of these two drugs induced CPP reinstatement, compromising CP-AMPAR accumulation impaired CPP reinstatement, induced by low doses of each drug or the cue. This threshold effect was mediated by NAc CP-AMPARs as region specific knock-down of PSD-95 prevented low-dose cocaine-induced retrieval selectively. These results demonstrate the NAc as a brain region and CP-AMPARs as key synaptic substrates that govern the threshold for drug-induced retrieval and behavioural expression of drug memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Panopoulou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, D-37075, Göttingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver M Schlüter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, D-37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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Bouhadjar Y, Wouters DJ, Diesmann M, Tetzlaff T. Sequence learning, prediction, and replay in networks of spiking neurons. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010233. [PMID: 35727857 PMCID: PMC9273101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequence learning, prediction and replay have been proposed to constitute the universal computations performed by the neocortex. The Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) algorithm realizes these forms of computation. It learns sequences in an unsupervised and continuous manner using local learning rules, permits a context specific prediction of future sequence elements, and generates mismatch signals in case the predictions are not met. While the HTM algorithm accounts for a number of biological features such as topographic receptive fields, nonlinear dendritic processing, and sparse connectivity, it is based on abstract discrete-time neuron and synapse dynamics, as well as on plasticity mechanisms that can only partly be related to known biological mechanisms. Here, we devise a continuous-time implementation of the temporal-memory (TM) component of the HTM algorithm, which is based on a recurrent network of spiking neurons with biophysically interpretable variables and parameters. The model learns high-order sequences by means of a structural Hebbian synaptic plasticity mechanism supplemented with a rate-based homeostatic control. In combination with nonlinear dendritic input integration and local inhibitory feedback, this type of plasticity leads to the dynamic self-organization of narrow sequence-specific subnetworks. These subnetworks provide the substrate for a faithful propagation of sparse, synchronous activity, and, thereby, for a robust, context specific prediction of future sequence elements as well as for the autonomous replay of previously learned sequences. By strengthening the link to biology, our implementation facilitates the evaluation of the TM hypothesis based on experimentally accessible quantities. The continuous-time implementation of the TM algorithm permits, in particular, an investigation of the role of sequence timing for sequence learning, prediction and replay. We demonstrate this aspect by studying the effect of the sequence speed on the sequence learning performance and on the speed of autonomous sequence replay. Essentially all data processed by mammals and many other living organisms is sequential. This holds true for all types of sensory input data as well as motor output activity. Being able to form memories of such sequential data, to predict future sequence elements, and to replay learned sequences is a necessary prerequisite for survival. It has been hypothesized that sequence learning, prediction and replay constitute the fundamental computations performed by the neocortex. The Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) constitutes an abstract powerful algorithm implementing this form of computation and has been proposed to serve as a model of neocortical processing. In this study, we are reformulating this algorithm in terms of known biological ingredients and mechanisms to foster the verifiability of the HTM hypothesis based on electrophysiological and behavioral data. The proposed model learns continuously in an unsupervised manner by biologically plausible, local plasticity mechanisms, and successfully predicts and replays complex sequences. Apart from establishing contact to biology, the study sheds light on the mechanisms determining at what speed we can process sequences and provides an explanation of fast sequence replay observed in the hippocampus and in the neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Bouhadjar
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6), & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), & JARA BRAIN Institute Structure-Function Relationships (INM-10), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-7,10), Jülich Research Centre and JARA, Jülich, Germany
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Dirk J. Wouters
- Institute of Electronic Materials (IWE 2) & JARA-FIT, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Diesmann
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6), & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), & JARA BRAIN Institute Structure-Function Relationships (INM-10), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Physics, Faculty 1, & Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Tetzlaff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6), & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), & JARA BRAIN Institute Structure-Function Relationships (INM-10), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
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46
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Gao AYL, Lourdin-De Filippis E, Orlowski J, McKinney RA. Roles of Endomembrane Alkali Cation/Proton Exchangers in Synaptic Function and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Physiol 2022; 13:892196. [PMID: 35547574 PMCID: PMC9081726 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.892196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endomembrane alkali cation (Na+, K+)/proton (H+) exchangers (eNHEs) are increasingly associated with neurological disorders. These eNHEs play integral roles in regulating the luminal pH, processing, and trafficking of cargo along the secretory (Golgi and post-Golgi vesicles) and endocytic (early, recycling, and late endosomes) pathways, essential regulatory processes vital for neuronal development and plasticity. Given the complex morphology and compartmentalization of multipolar neurons, the contribution of eNHEs in maintaining optimal pH homeostasis and cargo trafficking is especially significant during periods of structural and functional development and remodeling. While the importance of eNHEs has been demonstrated in a variety of non-neuronal cell types, their involvement in neuronal function is less well understood. In this review, we will discuss their emerging roles in excitatory synaptic function, particularly as it pertains to cellular learning and remodeling. We will also explore their connections to neurodevelopmental conditions, including intellectual disability, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Y L Gao
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - John Orlowski
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - R Anne McKinney
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ortega-de San Luis C, Ryan TJ. Understanding the physical basis of memory: Molecular mechanisms of the engram. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101866. [PMID: 35346687 PMCID: PMC9065729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory, defined as the storage and use of learned information in the brain, is necessary to modulate behavior and critical for animals to adapt to their environments and survive. Despite being a cornerstone of brain function, questions surrounding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how information is encoded, stored, and recalled remain largely unanswered. One widely held theory is that an engram is formed by a group of neurons that are active during learning, which undergoes biochemical and physical changes to store information in a stable state, and that are later reactivated during recall of the memory. In the past decade, the development of engram labeling methodologies has proven useful to investigate the biology of memory at the molecular and cellular levels. Engram technology allows the study of individual memories associated with particular experiences and their evolution over time, with enough experimental resolution to discriminate between different memory processes: learning (encoding), consolidation (the passage from short-term to long-term memories), and storage (the maintenance of memory in the brain). Here, we review the current understanding of memory formation at a molecular and cellular level by focusing on insights provided using engram technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Ortega-de San Luis
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Tomás J Ryan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Child & Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Hruska M, Cain RE, Dalva MB. Nanoscale rules governing the organization of glutamate receptors in spine synapses are subunit specific. Nat Commun 2022; 13:920. [PMID: 35177616 PMCID: PMC8854560 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28504-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotetrameric glutamate receptors are essential for the development, function, and plasticity of spine synapses but how they are organized to achieve this is not known. Here we show that the nanoscale organization of glutamate receptors containing specific subunits define distinct subsynaptic features. Glutamate receptors containing GluA2 or GluN1 subunits establish nanomodular elements precisely positioned relative to Synaptotagmin-1 positive presynaptic release sites that scale with spine size. Glutamate receptors containing GluA1 or GluN2B specify features that exhibit flexibility: GluA1-subunit containing AMPARs are found in larger spines, while GluN2B-subunit containing NMDARs are enriched in the smallest spines with neither following a strict modular organization. Given that the precise positioning of distinct classes of glutamate receptors is linked to diverse events including cell death and synaptic plasticity, this unexpectedly robust synaptic nanoarchitecture provides a resilient system, where nanopositioned glutamate receptor heterotetramers define specific subsynaptic regions of individual spine synapses. Glutamate receptors comprise two obligate subunits and two subunits that confer distinct properties and functions to the specific tetramers, which also localize to distinct synaptic spines. Here, the authors use STimulated Emission Depletion nanoscopy (STED) to provide detailed insights into the spatial organization of glutamate receptor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hruska
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, 108 Biomedical Road, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Rachel E Cain
- Department of Neuroscience and Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Matthew B Dalva
- Department of Neuroscience and Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Room 324, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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49
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Diao X, Lu Q, Qiao L, Gong Y, Lu X, Feng M, Su P, Shen Y, Yuan TF, He C. Cortical Inhibition State-Dependent iTBS Induced Neural Plasticity. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:788538. [PMID: 35250445 PMCID: PMC8891511 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.788538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is an effective stimulus for long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity. However, iTBS-induced effects varied greatly between individuals. Ample evidence suggested that an initial decrease in local γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or enhancement in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) facilitation neurotransmission is of vital importance for allowing LTP-like plasticity to occur. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the individual level of GABA or NMDA receptor-mediated activity before stimulation is correlated with the after-effect in cortical excitability induced by iTBS. Methods Fifteen healthy volunteers were recruited for the present study. We measured short-interval intracortical inhibitory (SICI), long-interval intracortical inhibitory (LICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF), which index GABAA receptor-, GABAB receptor-, and glutamate receptor-mediated activity, respectively, in the cortex before conducting iTBS. After iTBS intervention, the changes of motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude were taken as a measure for cortical excitability in response to iTBS protocol. Results There was a significant negative correlation between the amount of SICI measured before iTBS and the after-effect of iTBS-induced LTP-like plasticity at the time points of 5, 10, and 15 min after inducing iTBS. A multiple linear regression model indicated that SICI was a good predictor of the after-effect in cortical excitability induced by iTBS at 5, 10, and 15 min following stimulation. Conclusion The present study found that GABAA receptor-mediated activity measured before stimulation is negatively correlated with the after-effect of cortical excitability induced by iTBS. SICI, as the index of GABAA receptor-mediated activity measured before stimulation, might be a good predictor of iTBS-induced LTP-like plasticity for a period lasting 15 min following stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Diao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Qiao
- Jiangsu Zhongshan Geriatric Rehabilitation Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Youhui Gong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Panpan Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Shen,
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ti-Fei Yuan,
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Chuan He,
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50
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Vyas Y, Cheyne JE, Lee K, Jung Y, Cheung PY, Montgomery JM. Shankopathies in the Developing Brain in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:775431. [PMID: 35002604 PMCID: PMC8727517 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.775431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SHANK family of proteins play critical structural and functional roles in the postsynaptic density (PSD) at excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Through their multidomain structure they form a structural platform across the PSD for protein–protein interactions, as well as recruiting protein complexes to strengthen excitatory synaptic transmission. Mutations in SHANKs reflect their importance to synapse development and plasticity. This is evident in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting in behavioural changes including repetitive behaviours, lack of sociability, sensory issues, learning, and language impairments. Human genetic studies have revealed ASD mutations commonly occur in SHANKs. Rodent models expressing these mutations display ASD behavioural impairments, and a subset of these deficits are rescued by reintroduction of Shank in adult animals, suggesting that lack of SHANK during key developmental periods can lead to permanent changes in the brain’s wiring. Here we explore the differences in synaptic function and plasticity from development onward in rodent Shank ASD models. To date the most explored brain regions, relate to the behavioural changes observed, e.g., the striatum, hippocampus, sensory, and prefrontal cortex. In addition, less-studied regions including the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and peripheral nervous system are also affected. Synaptic phenotypes include weakened but also strengthened synaptic function, with NMDA receptors commonly affected, as well as changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition especially in cortical brain circuits. The effects of shankopathies in activity-dependent brain wiring is an important target for therapeutic intervention. We therefore highlight areas of research consensus and identify remaining questions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukti Vyas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliette E Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yewon Jung
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Pang Ying Cheung
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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