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Richardson B, Goedert T, Quraishe S, Deinhardt K, Mudher A. How do neurons age? A focused review on the aging of the microtubular cytoskeleton. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1899-1907. [PMID: 38227514 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We now understand that a breakdown in the neuronal cytoskeleton, mainly underpinned by protein modifications leading to the destabilization of microtubules, is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. This is accompanied by morphological defects across the somatodendritic compartment, axon, and synapse. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubule cytoskeleton and morphology of the neuron during physiological aging is comparatively poor. Several recent studies have suggested that there is an age-related increase in the phosphorylation of the key microtubule stabilizing protein tau, a modification, which is known to destabilize the cytoskeleton in Alzheimer's disease. This indicates that the cytoskeleton and potentially other neuronal structures reliant on the cytoskeleton become functionally compromised during normal physiological aging. The current literature shows age-related reductions in synaptic spine density and shifts in synaptic spine conformation which might explain age-related synaptic functional deficits. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubular and actin cytoskeleton, with increasing age is extremely limited. When considering the somatodendritic compartment, a regression in dendrites and loss of dendritic length and volume is reported whilst a reduction in soma volume/size is often seen. However, research into cytoskeletal change is limited to a handful of studies demonstrating reductions in and mislocalizations of microtubule-associated proteins with just one study directly exploring the integrity of the microtubules. In the axon, an increase in axonal diameter and age-related appearance of swellings is reported but like the dendrites, just one study investigates the microtubules directly with others reporting loss or mislocalization of microtubule-associated proteins. Though these are the general trends reported, there are clear disparities between model organisms and brain regions that are worthy of further investigation. Additionally, longitudinal studies of neuronal/cytoskeletal aging should also investigate whether these age-related changes contribute not just to vulnerability to disease but also to the decline in nervous system function and behavioral output that all organisms experience. This will highlight the utility, if any, of cytoskeletal fortification for the promotion of healthy neuronal aging and potential protection against age-related neurodegenerative disease. This review seeks to summarize what is currently known about the physiological aging of the neuron and microtubular cytoskeleton in the hope of uncovering mechanisms underpinning age-related risk to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Thomas Goedert
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shmma Quraishe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Katrin Deinhardt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amritpal Mudher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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2
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Monov G, Stein H, Klock L, Gallinat J, Kühn S, Lincoln T, Krkovic K, Murphy PR, Donner TH. Linking Cognitive Integrity to Working Memory Dynamics in the Aging Human Brain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1883232024. [PMID: 38760163 PMCID: PMC11211717 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1883-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by a decline of working memory, an important cognitive capacity that involves stimulus-selective neural activity that persists after stimulus presentation. Here, we unraveled working memory dynamics in older human adults (male and female) including those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using a combination of behavioral modeling, neuropsychological assessment, and MEG recordings of brain activity. Younger adults (male and female) were studied with behavioral modeling only. Participants performed a visuospatial delayed match-to-sample task under systematic manipulation of the delay and distance between sample and test stimuli. Their behavior (match/nonmatch decisions) was fit with a computational model permitting the dissociation of noise in the internal operations underlying the working memory performance from a strategic decision threshold. Task accuracy decreased with delay duration and sample/test proximity. When sample/test distances were small, older adults committed more false alarms than younger adults. The computational model explained the participants' behavior well. The model parameters reflecting internal noise (not decision threshold) correlated with the precision of stimulus-selective cortical activity measured with MEG during the delay interval. The model uncovered an increase specifically in working memory noise in older compared with younger participants. Furthermore, in the MCI group, but not in the older healthy controls, internal noise correlated with the participants' clinically assessed cognitive integrity. Our results are consistent with the idea that the stability of working memory contents deteriorates in aging, in a manner that is specifically linked to the overall cognitive integrity of individuals diagnosed with MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Monov
- Section of Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurophysiology & Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Henrik Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Leonie Klock
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Juergen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Tania Lincoln
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg 20146, Germany
| | - Katarina Krkovic
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg 20146, Germany
| | - Peter R Murphy
- Section of Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurophysiology & Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Tobias H Donner
- Section of Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurophysiology & Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin 10115, Germany
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Yang S, Datta D, Krienen FM, Ling E, Woo E, May A, Anderson GM, Galvin VC, Gonzalez-Burgos G, Lewis DA, McCarroll SA, Arnsten AF, Wang M. Kynurenic acid inflammatory signaling expands in primates and impairs prefrontal cortical cognition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598842. [PMID: 38915595 PMCID: PMC11195225 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) dysfunction are common in neuroinflammatory disorders, including long-COVID, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, and have been correlated with kynurenine inflammatory signaling. Kynurenine is further metabolized to kynurenic acid (KYNA) in brain, where it blocks NMDA and α7-nicotinic receptors (nic-α7Rs). These receptors are essential for neurotransmission in dlPFC, suggesting that KYNA may cause higher cognitive deficits in these disorders. The current study found that KYNA and its synthetic enzyme, KAT II, have greatly expanded expression in primate dlPFC in both glia and neurons. Local application of KYNA onto dlPFC neurons markedly reduced the delay-related firing needed for working memory via actions at NMDA and nic-α7Rs, while inhibition of KAT II enhanced neuronal firing in aged macaques. Systemic administration of agents that reduce KYNA production similarly improved cognitive performance in aged monkeys, suggesting a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of cognitive deficits in neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Barzó P, Szöts I, Tóth M, Csajbók ÉA, Molnár G, Tamás G. Electrophysiology and Morphology of Human Cortical Supragranular Pyramidal Cells in a Wide Age Range. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598792. [PMID: 38915496 PMCID: PMC11195274 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The basic excitatory neurons of the cerebral cortex, the pyramidal cells, are the most important signal integrators for the local circuit. They have quite characteristic morphological and electrophysiological properties that are known to be largely constant with age in the young and adult cortex. However, the brain undergoes several dynamic changes throughout life, such as in the phases of early development and cognitive decline in the aging brain. We set out to search for intrinsic cellular changes in supragranular pyramidal cells across a broad age range: from birth to 85 years of age and we found differences in several biophysical properties between defined age groups. During the first year of life, subthreshold and suprathreshold electrophysiological properties changed in a way that shows that pyramidal cells become less excitable with maturation, but also become temporarily more precise. According to our findings, the morphological features of the three-dimensional reconstructions from different life stages showed consistent morphological properties and systematic dendritic spine analysis of an infantile and an old pyramidal cell showed clear significant differences in the distribution of spine shapes. Overall, the changes that occur during development and aging may have lasting effects on the properties of pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex. Understanding these changes is important to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying brain development, cognition and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pál Barzó
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Szöts
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Martin Tóth
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Adrienn Csajbók
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Molnár
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Tamás
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Datta D, Yang S, Joyce MKP, Woo E, McCarroll SA, Gonzalez-Burgos G, Perone I, Uchendu S, Ling E, Goldman M, Berretta S, Murray J, Morozov Y, Arellano J, Duque A, Rakic P, O’Dell R, van Dyck CH, Lewis DA, Wang M, Krienen FM, Arnsten AFT. Key Roles of CACNA1C/Cav1.2 and CALB1/Calbindin in Prefrontal Neurons Altered in Cognitive Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry 2024:2818736. [PMID: 38776078 PMCID: PMC11112502 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Importance The risk of mental disorders is consistently associated with variants in CACNA1C (L-type calcium channel Cav1.2) but it is not known why these channels are critical to cognition, and whether they affect the layer III pyramidal cells in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex that are especially vulnerable in cognitive disorders. Objective To examine the molecular mechanisms expressed in layer III pyramidal cells in primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Design, Setting, and Participants The design included transcriptomic analyses from human and macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and connectivity, protein expression, physiology, and cognitive behavior in macaques. The research was performed in academic laboratories at Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pittsburgh. As dorsolateral prefrontal cortex only exists in primates, the work evaluated humans and macaques. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcome measures included transcriptomic signatures of human and macaque pyramidal cells, protein expression and interactions in layer III macaque pyramidal cells using light and electron microscopy, changes in neuronal firing during spatial working memory, and working memory performance following pharmacological treatments. Results Layer III pyramidal cells in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex coexpress a constellation of calcium-related proteins, delineated by CALB1 (calbindin), and high levels of CACNA1C (Cav1.2), GRIN2B (NMDA receptor GluN2B), and KCNN3 (SK3 potassium channel), concentrated in dendritic spines near the calcium-storing smooth endoplasmic reticulum. L-type calcium channels influenced neuronal firing needed for working memory, where either blockade or increased drive by β1-adrenoceptors, reduced neuronal firing by a mean (SD) 37.3% (5.5%) or 40% (6.3%), respectively, the latter via SK potassium channel opening. An L-type calcium channel blocker or β1-adrenoceptor antagonist protected working memory from stress. Conclusions and Relevance The layer III pyramidal cells in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex especially vulnerable in cognitive disorders differentially express calbindin and a constellation of calcium-related proteins including L-type calcium channels Cav1.2 (CACNA1C), GluN2B-NMDA receptors (GRIN2B), and SK3 potassium channels (KCNN3), which influence memory-related neuronal firing. The finding that either inadequate or excessive L-type calcium channel activation reduced neuronal firing explains why either loss- or gain-of-function variants in CACNA1C were associated with increased risk of cognitive disorders. The selective expression of calbindin in these pyramidal cells highlights the importance of regulatory mechanisms in neurons with high calcium signaling, consistent with Alzheimer tau pathology emerging when calbindin is lost with age and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shengtao Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Kate P. Joyce
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elizabeth Woo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Steven A. McCarroll
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Isabella Perone
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stacy Uchendu
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Emi Ling
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Basic Neuroscience Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yury Morozov
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jon Arellano
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alvaro Duque
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ryan O’Dell
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christopher H. van Dyck
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David A. Lewis
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Fenna M. Krienen
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Amy F. T. Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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6
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Xiang Y, Zhao Y, Cheng T, Sun S, Wang J, Pei R. Implantable Neural Microelectrodes: How to Reduce Immune Response. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2762-2783. [PMID: 38591141 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Implantable neural microelectrodes exhibit the great ability to accurately capture the electrophysiological signals from individual neurons with exceptional submillisecond precision, holding tremendous potential for advancing brain science research, as well as offering promising avenues for neurological disease therapy. Although significant advancements have been made in the channel and density of implantable neural microelectrodes, challenges persist in extending the stable recording duration of these microelectrodes. The enduring stability of implanted electrode signals is primarily influenced by the chronic immune response triggered by the slight movement of the electrode within the neural tissue. The intensity of this immune response increases with a higher bending stiffness of the electrode. This Review thoroughly analyzes the sequential reactions evoked by implanted electrodes in the brain and highlights strategies aimed at mitigating chronic immune responses. Minimizing immune response mainly includes designing the microelectrode structure, selecting flexible materials, surface modification, and controlling drug release. The purpose of this paper is to provide valuable references and ideas for reducing the immune response of implantable neural microelectrodes and stimulate their further exploration in the field of brain science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuewu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Tingting Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shengkai Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jine Wang
- Jiangxi Institute of Nanotechnology, Nanchang 330200, China
- College of Medicine and Nursing, Shandong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Novel Pharmaceutical Excipients, Sustained and Controlled Release Preparations, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China
| | - Renjun Pei
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
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7
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Wu J, El-Hassar L, Datta D, Thomas M, Zhang Y, Jenkins DP, DeLuca NJ, Chatterjee M, Gribkoff VK, Arnsten AFT, Kaczmarek LK. Interaction Between HCN and Slack Channels Regulates mPFC Pyramidal Cell Excitability in Working Memory Circuits. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2430-2445. [PMID: 37889366 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03719-8] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The ability of monkeys and rats to carry out spatial working memory tasks has been shown to depend on the persistent firing of pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), arising from recurrent excitatory connections on dendritic spines. These spines express hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels whose open state is increased by cAMP signaling, and which markedly alter PFC network connectivity and neuronal firing. In traditional neural circuits, activation of these non-selective cation channels leads to neuronal depolarization and increased firing rate. Paradoxically, cAMP activation of HCN channels in PFC pyramidal cells reduces working memory-related neuronal firing. This suggests that activation of HCN channels may hyperpolarize rather than depolarize these neurons. The current study tested the hypothesis that Na+ influx through HCN channels activates Slack Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channels to hyperpolarize the membrane. We have found that HCN and Slack KNa channels co-immunoprecipitate in cortical extracts and that, by immunoelectron microscopy, they colocalize at postsynaptic spines of PFC pyramidal neurons. A specific blocker of HCN channels, ZD7288, reduces KNa current in pyramidal cells that express both HCN and Slack channels, but has no effect on KNa currents in an HEK cell line expressing Slack without HCN channels, indicating that blockade of HCN channels in neurons reduces K+ current indirectly by lowering Na+ influx. Activation of HCN channels by cAMP in a cell line expressing a Ca2+ reporter results in elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+, but the effect of cAMP is reversed if the HCN channels are co-expressed with Slack channels. Finally, we used a novel pharmacological blocker of Slack channels to show that inhibition of Slack in rat PFC improves working memory performance, an effect previously demonstrated for blockers of HCN channels. Our results suggest that the regulation of working memory by HCN channels in PFC pyramidal neurons is mediated by an HCN-Slack channel complex that links activation HCN channels to suppression of neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lynda El-Hassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Merrilee Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - David P Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nicholas J DeLuca
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Manavi Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Valentin K Gribkoff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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8
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Abstract
Over 2.6 million adults over the age of 65 develop delirium each year in the United States (US). Delirium is associated with a significant increase in mortality and the US health care costs associated with delirium are estimated at over $164 billion annually. Despite the prevalence of the condition, the molecular pathophysiology of delirium remains unexplained, limiting the development of pharmacotherapies. Delirious patients can be identified by prominent impairments in attention and working memory (WM), two cognitive domains that localize to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). The dlPFC is also a key site for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, and given the high risk of delirium in AD patients, suggests that efforts at understanding delirium might focus on the dlPFC as a final common endpoint for cognitive changes. Preclinical studies of the dlPFC reproduce many of the pharmacological observations made of delirious patients, including sensitivity to anticholinergics and an 'inverted U' pattern of dependence on monoaminergic input, with diminished performance outside a narrow range of signaling. Medications like guanfacine, which influence the dlPFC in the context of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have emerged as therapies for delirium and motivate a detailed understanding of the influence of α-2 agonists on WM. In this review, I will discuss the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms underlying WM and the function of the dlPFC. Localizing the cognitive deficits that are commonly seen in delirious patients may help identify new molecular targets for this highly prevalent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A. Lyman
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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9
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Li H, Xiang BL, Li X, Li C, Li Y, Miao Y, Ma GL, Ma YH, Chen JQ, Zhang QY, Lv LB, Zheng P, Bi R, Yao YG. Cognitive Deficits and Alzheimer's Disease-Like Pathologies in the Aged Chinese Tree Shrew. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1892-1906. [PMID: 37814108 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03663-7] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease in the elderly. It has an increasing prevalence and a growing health burden. One of the limitations in studying AD is the lack of animal models that show features of Alzheimer's pathogenesis. The tree shrew has a much closer genetic affinity to primates than to rodents and has great potential to be used for research into aging and AD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether tree shrews naturally develop cognitive impairment and major AD-like pathologies with increasing age. Pole-board and novel object recognition tests were used to assess the cognitive performance of adult (about 1 year old) and aged (6 years old or older) tree shrews. The main AD-like pathologies were assessed by Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Nissl staining. Our results showed that the aged tree shrews developed an impaired cognitive performance compared to the adult tree shrews. Moreover, the aged tree shrews exhibited several age-related phenotypes that are associated with AD, including increased levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and phosphorylated tau protein, synaptic and neuronal loss, and reactive gliosis in the cortex and the hippocampal tissues. Our study provides further evidence that the tree shrew is a promising model for the study of aging and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Bo-Lin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Cong Li
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Miao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, School of Life Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Guo-Lan Ma
- Kunming Biological Diversity Regional Center of Large Apparatus and Equipments, Public Technology Service Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu-Hua Ma
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Jia-Qi Chen
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Qing-Yu Zhang
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Long-Bao Lv
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Rui Bi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China.
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China.
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China.
- National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China.
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10
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Flynn LT, Bouras NN, Migovich VM, Clarin JD, Gao WJ. The "psychiatric" neuron: the psychic neuron of the cerebral cortex, revisited. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1356674. [PMID: 38562227 PMCID: PMC10982399 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1356674] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Nearly 25 years ago, Dr. Patricia Goldman-Rakic published her review paper, "The 'Psychic' Neuron of the Cerebral Cortex," outlining the circuit-level dynamics, neurotransmitter systems, and behavioral correlates of pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex, particularly as they relate to working memory. In the decades since the release of this paper, the existing literature and our understanding of the pyramidal neuron have increased tremendously, and research is still underway to better characterize the role of the pyramidal neuron in both healthy and psychiatric disease states. In this review, we revisit Dr. Goldman-Rakic's characterization of the pyramidal neuron, focusing on the pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and their role in working memory. Specifically, we examine the role of PFC pyramidal neurons in the intersection of working memory and social function and describe how deficits in working memory may actually underlie the pathophysiology of social dysfunction in psychiatric disease states. We briefly describe the cortico-cortical and corticothalamic connections between the PFC and non-PFC brain regions, as well the microcircuit dynamics of the pyramidal neuron and interneurons, and the role of both these macro- and microcircuits in the maintenance of the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the cerebral cortex for working memory function. Finally, we discuss the consequences to working memory when pyramidal neurons and their circuits are dysfunctional, emphasizing the resulting social deficits in psychiatric disease states with known working memory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Taylor Flynn
- Department of Neurobiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nadia N. Bouras
- Department of Neurobiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Volodar M. Migovich
- Department of Neurobiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jacob D. Clarin
- Department of Neurobiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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11
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de la Cruz L, Bui D, Moreno CM, Vivas O. Sympathetic Motor Neuron Dysfunction is a Missing Link in Age-Associated Sympathetic Overactivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.27.559800. [PMID: 37808870 PMCID: PMC10557755 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is a hallmark of aging. The cellular mechanisms behind this overactivity remain poorly understood, with most attention paid to likely central nervous system components. In this work, we hypothesized that aging also affects the function of motor neurons in the peripheral sympathetic ganglia. To test this hypothesis, we compared the electrophysiological responses and ion-channel activity of neurons isolated from the superior cervical ganglia of young (12 weeks), middle-aged (64 weeks), and old (115 weeks) mice. These approaches showed that aging does impact the intrinsic properties of sympathetic motor neurons, increasing spontaneous and evoked firing responses. A reduction of KCNQ channel currents emerged as a major contributor to age-related hyperexcitability. Thus, it is essential to consider the effect of aging on motor components of the sympathetic reflex as a crucial part of the mechanism involved in sympathetic overactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizbeth de la Cruz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Derek Bui
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Claudia M. Moreno
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - Oscar Vivas
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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12
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Meng X, Wu W, Tang Y, Peng M, Yang J, Yuan S, Hu Z, Liu W. Lactate/Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Receptor 1 in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications-Exercise Perspective. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04067-x. [PMID: 38427215 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04067-x] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Lactate has a novel function different from previously known functions despite its traditional association with hypoxia in skeletal muscle. It plays various direct and indirect physiological functions. It is a vital energy source within the central nervous system (CNS) and a signal transmitter regulating crucial processes, such as angiogenesis and inflammation. Activating lactate and its associated receptors elicits effects like synaptic plasticity and angiogenesis alterations. These effects can significantly influence the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle, potentially impacting cognitive performance. Decreased cognitive function relates to different neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), ischemic brain injury, and frontotemporal dementia. Therefore, lactic acid has significant potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Exercise is a method that induces the production of lactic acid, which is similar to the effect of lactate injections. It is a harmless and natural way to achieve comparable results. Animal experiments demonstrate that high-intensity intermittent exercise can increase vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, thus promoting angiogenesis. In vivo, lactate receptor-hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) activation can occur by various stimuli, including variations in ion concentrations, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level elevations, and fluctuations in the availability of energy substrates. While several articles have been published on the benefits of physical activity on developing Alzheimer's disease in the CNS, could lactic acid act as a bridge? Understanding how HCAR1 responds to these signals and initiates associated pathways remains incomplete. This review comprehensively analyzes lactate-induced signaling pathways, investigating their influence on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Consequently, this study describes the unique role of lactate in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Meng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Weijia Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Yingzhe Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Mei Peng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Jialun Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Shunling Yuan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Zelin Hu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Wenfeng Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness and Sports Rehabilitation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410012, China.
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
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13
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Arnsten AFT, Wang M, D’Esposito M. Dynamic Network Connectivity: from monkeys to humans. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1353043. [PMID: 38384333 PMCID: PMC10879414 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1353043] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain imaging research using functional MRI (fMRI) has uncovered flexible variations in the functional connectivity between brain regions. While some of this variability likely arises from the pattern of information flow through circuits, it may also be influenced by rapid changes in effective synaptic strength at the molecular level, a phenomenon called Dynamic Network Connectivity (DNC) discovered in non-human primate circuits. These neuromodulatory molecular mechanisms are found in layer III of the macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the site of the microcircuits shown by Goldman-Rakic to be critical for working memory. This research has shown that the neuromodulators acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine can rapidly change the strength of synaptic connections in layer III dlPFC by (1) modifying the depolarization state of the post-synaptic density needed for NMDA receptor neurotransmission and (2) altering the open state of nearby potassium channels to rapidly weaken or strengthen synaptic efficacy and the strength of persistent neuronal firing. Many of these actions involve increased cAMP-calcium signaling in dendritic spines, where varying levels can coordinate the arousal state with the cognitive state. The current review examines the hypothesis that some of the dynamic changes in correlative strength between cortical regions observed in human fMRI studies may arise from these molecular underpinnings, as has been seen when pharmacological agents or genetic alterations alter the functional connectivity of the dlPFC consistent with the macaque physiology. These DNC mechanisms provide essential flexibility but may also confer vulnerability to malfunction when dysregulated in cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F. T. Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Mark D’Esposito
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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14
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Li S, Wang P, Cai Z, Jiang W, Xin X, Wang X, Zhou X. Correlates of physical activity levels, muscle strength, working memory, and cognitive function in older adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1283864. [PMID: 38161587 PMCID: PMC10757612 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1283864] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the relationship between physical activity level, muscle strength, working memory and cognitive function in older adults. Methods A cross-sectional research design was employed to recruit 120 older adults individuals aged 70 and above. Participants were asked to complete the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale. Data on variables such as grip strength and performance on the N-back task were collected. Data analysis involved the use of independent samples t-tests, χ2 tests, linear regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The detection rate of cognitive dysfunction in older adults was 53.211%; 1-back correct rate had an explanatory power of 11.6% for the cognitive function scores of older adults (R2 = 0.116, p < 0.001); grip strength showed a significant positive correlation with 1-back correct rate (r = 0.417, p < 0.001), and was significantly correlated with the 0-back response time (r = -0.478), 1 -back response time (r = -0.441) were significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.001); physical activity level was significantly positively correlated with grip strength (r = 0.559, p < 0.001), and the difference in grip strength among older adults with different physical activity levels was statistically significant (F = 19.685, p < 0.001). Conclusion Physical activity level, muscle strength, working memory, and cognitive function are closely related in older adults, and the relational pathway of physical activity → muscle strength → working memory → cognitive function may serve as a useful addition to promote the field of cognitive research in older adults. To identify and prevent cognitive decline in older adults, physical activity questionnaires, grip strength tests, and 1-back task tests can be extended to nursing homes and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufan Li
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhidong Cai
- Department of Physical Education, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Wanting Jiang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xin
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Wang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhou
- School of Sports and Health of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, Shanghai, China
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15
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Jonikaitis D, Noudoost B, Moore T. Dissociating the Contributions of Frontal Eye Field Activity to Spatial Working Memory and Motor Preparation. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8681-8689. [PMID: 37871965 PMCID: PMC10727190 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1071-23.2023] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons within dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) of primates are characterized by robust persistent spiking activity exhibited during the delay period of working memory tasks. This includes the frontal eye field (FEF) where nearly half of the neurons are active when spatial locations are held in working memory. Past evidence has established the FEF's contribution to the planning and triggering of saccadic eye movements as well as to the control of visual spatial attention. However, it remains unclear whether persistent delay activity reflects a similar dual role in movement planning and visuospatial working memory. We trained male monkeys to alternate between different forms of a spatial working memory task which could dissociate remembered stimulus locations from planned eye movements. We tested the effects of inactivation of FEF sites on behavioral performance in the different tasks. Consistent with previous studies, FEF inactivation impaired the execution of memory-guided saccades (MGSs), and impaired performance when remembered locations matched the planned eye movement. In contrast, memory performance was largely unaffected when the remembered location was dissociated from the correct eye movement response. Overall, the inactivation effects demonstrated clear deficits in eye movements, regardless of task type, but little or no evidence of a deficit in spatial working memory. Thus, our results indicate that persistent delay activity in the FEF contributes primarily to the preparation of eye movements and not to spatial working memory.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Many frontal eye field (FEF) neurons exhibit spatially tuned persistent spiking activity during the delay period of working memory tasks. However, the role of the FEF in spatial working memory remains unresolved. We tested the effects of inactivation of FEF sites on behavioral performance in different forms of a spatial working memory task, one of which dissociated the remembered stimulus locations from planned eye movements. We found that FEF inactivation produced clear deficits in eye movements, regardless of task type, but no deficit in spatial working memory when dissociated from those movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatas Jonikaitis
- Department of Neurobiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94350
| | - Behrad Noudoost
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
| | - Tirin Moore
- Department of Neurobiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94350
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16
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Cox LA, Puppala S, Chan J, Zimmerman KD, Hamid Z, Ampong I, Huber HF, Li G, Jadhav AYL, Wang B, Li C, Baxter MG, Shively C, Clarke GD, Register TC, Nathanielsz PW, Olivier M. Integrated multi-omics analysis of brain aging in female nonhuman primates reveals altered signaling pathways relevant to age-related disorders. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 132:109-119. [PMID: 37797463 PMCID: PMC10841409 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated as a key brain region responsible for age-related cognitive decline. Little is known about aging-related molecular changes in PFC that may mediate these effects. To date, no studies have used untargeted discovery methods with integrated analyses to determine PFC molecular changes in healthy female primates. We quantified PFC changes associated with healthy aging in female baboons by integrating multiple omics data types (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) from samples across the adult age span. Our integrated omics approach using unbiased weighted gene co-expression network analysis to integrate data and treat age as a continuous variable, revealed highly interconnected known and novel pathways associated with PFC aging. We found Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tissue content associated with these signaling pathways, providing 1 potential biomarker to assess PFC changes with age. These highly coordinated pathway changes during aging may represent early steps for aging-related decline in PFC functions, such as learning and memory, and provide potential biomarkers to assess cognitive status in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Cox
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Sobha Puppala
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jeannie Chan
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kip D Zimmerman
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Zeeshan Hamid
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Isaac Ampong
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hillary F Huber
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ge Li
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Avinash Y L Jadhav
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Benlian Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Cun Li
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Research Center, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Mark G Baxter
- Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Carol Shively
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Clarke
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Thomas C Register
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Research Center, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Michael Olivier
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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17
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Chong HR, Ranjbar-Slamloo Y, Ho MZH, Ouyang X, Kamigaki T. Functional alterations of the prefrontal circuit underlying cognitive aging in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7254. [PMID: 37945561 PMCID: PMC10636129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43142-0] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Executive function is susceptible to aging. How aging impacts the circuit-level computations underlying executive function remains unclear. Using calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulation during memory-guided behavior, we show that working-memory coding and the relevant recurrent connectivity in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are altered as early as middle age. Population activity in the young adult mPFC exhibits dissociable yet overlapping patterns between tactile and auditory modalities, enabling crossmodal memory coding concurrent with modality-dependent coding. In middle age, however, crossmodal coding remarkably diminishes while modality-dependent coding persists, and both types of coding decay in advanced age. Resting-state functional connectivity, especially among memory-coding neurons, decreases already in middle age, suggesting deteriorated recurrent circuits for memory maintenance. Optogenetic inactivation reveals that the middle-aged mPFC exhibits heightened vulnerability to perturbations. These findings elucidate functional alterations of the prefrontal circuit that unfold in middle age and deteriorate further as a hallmark of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huee Ru Chong
- Neuroscience & Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Yadollah Ranjbar-Slamloo
- Neuroscience & Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Malcolm Zheng Hao Ho
- Neuroscience & Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
- IGP-Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Xuan Ouyang
- Neuroscience & Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Tsukasa Kamigaki
- Neuroscience & Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
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18
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Wilhelm M, Sych Y, Fomins A, Alatorre Warren JL, Lewis C, Serratosa Capdevila L, Boehringer R, Amadei EA, Grewe B, O'Connor EC, Hall BJ, Helmchen F. Striatum-projecting prefrontal cortex neurons support working memory maintenance. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7016. [PMID: 37919287 PMCID: PMC10622437 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42777-3] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are functionally linked to working memory (WM) but how distinct projection pathways contribute to WM remains unclear. Based on optical recordings, optogenetic perturbations, and pharmacological interventions in male mice, we report here that dorsomedial striatum (dmStr)-projecting mPFC neurons are essential for WM maintenance, but not encoding or retrieval, in a T-maze spatial memory task. Fiber photometry of GCaMP6m-labeled mPFC→dmStr neurons revealed strongest activity during the maintenance period, and optogenetic inhibition of these neurons impaired performance only when applied during this period. Conversely, enhancing mPFC→dmStr pathway activity-via pharmacological suppression of HCN1 or by optogenetic activation during the maintenance period-alleviated WM impairment induced by NMDA receptor blockade. Moreover, cellular-resolution miniscope imaging revealed that >50% of mPFC→dmStr neurons are active during WM maintenance and that this subpopulation is distinct from neurons active during encoding and retrieval. In all task periods, neuronal sequences were evident. Striatum-projecting mPFC neurons thus critically contribute to spatial WM maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wilhelm
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yaroslav Sych
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aleksejs Fomins
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - José Luis Alatorre Warren
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Christopher Lewis
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Roman Boehringer
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth A Amadei
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Grewe
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eoin C O'Connor
- Neuroscience & Rare Diseases, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin J Hall
- Neuroscience & Rare Diseases, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
- Circuit Biology Department, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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19
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Arnsten AFT, Ishizawa Y, Xie Z. Scientific rationale for the use of α2A-adrenoceptor agonists in treating neuroinflammatory cognitive disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4540-4552. [PMID: 37029295 PMCID: PMC10080530 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02057-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory disorders preferentially impair the higher cognitive and executive functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This includes such challenging disorders as delirium, perioperative neurocognitive disorder, and the sustained cognitive deficits from "long-COVID" or traumatic brain injury. There are no FDA-approved treatments for these symptoms; thus, understanding their etiology is important for generating therapeutic strategies. The current review describes the molecular rationale for why PFC circuits are especially vulnerable to inflammation, and how α2A-adrenoceptor (α2A-AR) actions throughout the nervous and immune systems can benefit the circuits in PFC needed for higher cognition. The layer III circuits in the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) that generate and sustain the mental representations needed for higher cognition have unusual neurotransmission and neuromodulation. They are wholly dependent on NMDAR neurotransmission, with little AMPAR contribution, and thus are especially vulnerable to kynurenic acid inflammatory signaling which blocks NMDAR. Layer III dlPFC spines also have unusual neuromodulation, with cAMP magnification of calcium signaling in spines, which opens nearby potassium channels to rapidly weaken connectivity and reduce neuronal firing. This process must be tightly regulated, e.g. by mGluR3 or α2A-AR on spines, to prevent loss of firing. However, the production of GCPII inflammatory signaling reduces mGluR3 actions and markedly diminishes dlPFC network firing. Both basic and clinical studies show that α2A-AR agonists such as guanfacine can restore dlPFC network firing and cognitive function, through direct actions in the dlPFC, but also by reducing the activity of stress-related circuits, e.g. in the locus coeruleus and amygdala, and by having anti-inflammatory actions in the immune system. This information is particularly timely, as guanfacine is currently the focus of large clinical trials for the treatment of delirium, and in open label studies for the treatment of cognitive deficits from long-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F T Arnsten
- Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 056510, USA.
| | - Yumiko Ishizawa
- Department Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Zhongcong Xie
- Department Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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20
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Shaw BC, Anders VR, Tinkey RA, Habean ML, Brock OD, Frostino BJ, Williams JL. Immunity impacts cognitive deficits across neurological disorders. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.15999. [PMID: 37899543 PMCID: PMC11056485 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15999] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are a common comorbidity with neurological disorders and normal aging. Inflammation is associated with multiple diseases including classical neurodegenerative dementias such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which over half of all patients experience some form of cognitive deficits. Other degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) including frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTLD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), and even normal aging all have cytokine-associated reductions in cognitive function. Thus, there is likely commonality between these secondary cognitive deficits and inflammation. Neurological disorders are increasingly associated with substantial neuroinflammation, in which CNS-resident cells secrete cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukins (ILs) including IL-1β and IL-6. CNS-resident cells also respond to a wide variety of cytokines and chemokines, which can have both direct effects on neurons by changing the expression of ion channels and perturbing electrical properties, as well as indirect effects through glia-glia and immune-glia cross-talk. There is significant overlap in these cytokine and chemokine expression profiles across diseases, with TNFα and IL-6 strongly associated with cognitive deficits in multiple disorders. Here, we review the involvement of various cytokines and chemokines in AD, MS, FTLD, PD, TBI, MDD, and normal aging in the absence of dementia. We propose that the neuropsychiatric phenotypes observed in these disorders may be at least partially attributable to a dysregulation of immunity resulting in pathological cytokine and chemokine expression from both CNS-resident and non-resident cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Shaw
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Victoria R. Anders
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rachel A. Tinkey
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Maria L. Habean
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Orion D. Brock
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Frostino
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- College of Science, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Jessica L. Williams
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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21
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Li S, Rosen MC, Chang S, David S, Freedman DJ. Alterations of neural activity in the prefrontal cortex associated with deficits in working memory performance. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1213435. [PMID: 37915531 PMCID: PMC10616307 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1213435] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM), a core cognitive function, enables the temporary holding and manipulation of information in mind to support ongoing behavior. Neurophysiological recordings conducted in nonhuman primates have revealed neural correlates of this process in a network of higher-order cortical regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Here, we review the circuit mechanisms and functional importance of WM-related activity in these areas. Recent neurophysiological data indicates that the absence of these neural correlates at different stages of WM is accompanied by distinct behavioral deficits, which are characteristic of various disease states/normal aging and which we review here. Finally, we discuss emerging evidence of electrical stimulation ameliorating these WM deficits in both humans and non-human primates. These results are important for a basic understanding of the neural mechanisms supporting WM, as well as for translational efforts to developing therapies capable of enhancing healthy WM ability or restoring WM from dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihai Li
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew C. Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Suha Chang
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Samuel David
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - David J. Freedman
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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22
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Gao MY, Wang JQ, He J, Gao R, Zhang Y, Li X. Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing in Astrocyte Development, Heterogeneity, and Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3449-3464. [PMID: 37552355 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01397-7] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most plentiful cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and perform complicated functions in health and disease. It is obvious that different astrocyte subpopulations, or activation states, are relevant with specific genomic programs and functions. In recent years, the emergence of new technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has made substantial advance in the characterization of astrocyte heterogeneity, astrocyte developmental trajectory, and its role in CNS diseases which has had a significant impact on neuroscience. In this review, we present an overview of astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its essential role in the physiological and pathological environments of the CNS. We focused on the critical role of single-cell sequencing in revealing astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its role in different CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin He
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Li
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
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23
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Dahl MJ, Bachman SL, Dutt S, Düzel S, Bodammer NC, Lindenberger U, Kühn S, Werkle-Bergner M, Mather M. The integrity of dopaminergic and noradrenergic brain regions is associated with different aspects of late-life memory performance. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1128-1143. [PMID: 37653256 PMCID: PMC10501910 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Changes in dopaminergic neuromodulation play a key role in adult memory decline. Recent research has also implicated noradrenaline in shaping late-life memory. However, it is unclear whether these two neuromodulators have distinct roles in age-related cognitive changes. Here, combining longitudinal MRI of the dopaminergic substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area (SN-VTA) and noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) in younger (n = 69) and older (n = 251) adults, we found that dopaminergic and noradrenergic integrity are differentially associated with memory performance. While LC integrity was related to better episodic memory across several tasks, SN-VTA integrity was linked to working memory. Longitudinally, we found that older age was associated with more negative change in SN-VTA and LC integrity. Notably, changes in LC integrity reliably predicted future episodic memory. These differential associations of dopaminergic and noradrenergic nuclei with late-life cognitive decline have potential clinical utility, given their degeneration in several age-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Dahl
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany.
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Shelby L Bachman
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shubir Dutt
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Düzel
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils C Bodammer
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulman Lindenberger
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London, UK
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Werkle-Bergner
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mara Mather
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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24
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Ibañez S, Sengupta N, Luebke JI, Wimmer K, Weaver CM. Myelin dystrophy in the aging prefrontal cortex leads to impaired signal transmission and working memory decline: a multiscale computational study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.30.555476. [PMID: 37693412 PMCID: PMC10491254 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Normal aging leads to myelin alternations in the rhesus monkey dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), which are often correlated with cognitive impairment. It is hypothesized that remyelination with shorter and thinner myelin sheaths partially compensates for myelin degradation, but computational modeling has not yet explored these two phenomena together systematically. Here, we used a two-pronged modeling approach to determine how age-related myelin changes affect a core cognitive function: spatial working memory. First we built a multicompartment pyramidal neuron model fit to monkey dlPFC data, with axon including myelinated segments having paranodes, juxtaparanodes, internodes, and tight junctions, to quantify conduction velocity (CV) changes and action potential (AP) failures after demyelination and subsequent remyelination in a population of neurons. Lasso regression identified distinctive parameter sets likely to modulate an axon's susceptibility to CV changes following demyelination versus remyelination. Next we incorporated the single neuron results into a spiking neural network model of working memory. While complete remyelination nearly recovered axonal transmission and network function to unperturbed levels, our models predict that biologically plausible levels of myelin dystrophy, if uncompensated by other factors, can account for substantial working memory impairment with aging. The present computational study unites empirical data from electron microscopy up to behavior on aging, and has broader implications for many demyelinating conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ibañez
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA 02118
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Nilapratim Sengupta
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA 02118
- Department of Mathematics, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, USA 17604
| | - Jennifer I Luebke
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA 02118
| | - Klaus Wimmer
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Christina M Weaver
- Department of Mathematics, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, USA 17604
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25
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Flaim M, Blaisdell AP. The effect of age on delay performance and associative learning tasks in pigeons. Learn Behav 2023; 51:281-294. [PMID: 36624334 PMCID: PMC10506936 DOI: 10.3758/s13420-022-00565-x] [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] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Pigeons are commonly utilized in psychological research, and their cognitive abilities have been thoroughly investigated. Yet very little is known about how these abilities change with age. In contrast, age-related changes in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents are well documented. Mammalian research consistently shows that older subjects show deficits in a variety of learning and memory processes, particularly those that rely on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. This research expands the avian aging literature by administering a memory task, the delayed match to sample procedure, and an associative learning task, a conditional or symbolic match to sample procedure, to nine young and 11 old pigeons. Previous research has indicated that these tasks rely on the avian equivalent to the mammalian prefrontal cortex, and we predicted that performance on both tasks would decline with age. In contrast to our predictions, only the associative learning task was sensitive to age-related decline. Performance on the memory task was maintained in older subjects. These results highlight further potential differences in avian versus mammalian aging, particularly when it comes to the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Flaim
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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26
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Datta D. Interrogating the Etiology of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Using Aging Rhesus Macaques: Cellular, Molecular, and Cortical Circuitry Perspectives. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1523-1534. [PMID: 37279946 PMCID: PMC10460555 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad134] [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: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is the most significant risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with profound socioeconomic and personal costs. Consequently, there is an urgent need for animal models that recapitulate the age-related spatial and temporal complexity and patterns of pathology identical to human AD. Our research in aging nonhuman primate models involving rhesus macaques has revealed naturally occurring amyloid and tau pathology, including the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles comprising hyperphosphorylated tau. Moreover, rhesus macaques exhibit synaptic dysfunction in association cortices and cognitive impairments with advancing age, and thus can be used to interrogate the etiological mechanisms that generate neuropathological cascades in sporadic AD. Particularly, unique molecular mechanisms (eg, feedforward cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate [cAMP]-Protein kinase A (PKA)-calcium signaling) in the newly evolved primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are critical for persistent firing required for subserving higher-order cognition. For example, dendritic spines in primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contain a specialized repertoire of proteins to magnify feedforward cAMP-PKA-calcium signaling such as N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptors and calcium channels on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (eg, ryanodine receptors). This process is constrained by phosphodiesterases (eg, PDE4) that hydrolyze cAMP and calcium-buffering proteins (eg, calbindin) in the cytosol. However, genetic predispositions and age-related insults exacerbate feedforward cAMP-Protein kinase A-calcium signaling pathways that induce a myriad of downstream effects, including the opening of K+ channels to weaken network connectivity, calcium-mediated dysregulation of mitochondria, and activation of inflammatory cascades to eliminate synapses, thereby increasing susceptibility to atrophy. Therefore, aging rhesus macaques provide an invaluable model to explore novel therapeutic strategies in sporadic AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Vanderlip CR, Asch PA, Reynolds JH, Glavis-Bloom C. Domain-Specific Cognitive Impairment Reflects Prefrontal Dysfunction in Aged Common Marmosets. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0187-23.2023. [PMID: 37553239 PMCID: PMC10444537 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0187-23.2023] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related cognitive impairment is not expressed uniformly across cognitive domains. Cognitive functions that rely on brain areas that undergo substantial neuroanatomical changes with age often show age-related impairment, whereas those that rely on brain areas with minimal age-related change typically do not. The common marmoset has grown in popularity as a model for neuroscience research, but robust cognitive phenotyping, particularly as a function of age and across multiple cognitive domains, is lacking. This presents a major limitation for the development and evaluation of the marmoset as a model of cognitive aging and leaves open the question of whether they exhibit age-related cognitive impairment that is restricted to some cognitive domains, as in humans. In this study, we characterized stimulus-reward association learning and cognitive flexibility in young adults to geriatric marmosets using a Simple Discrimination task and a Serial Reversal task, respectively. We found that aged marmosets show transient impairment in learning-to-learn but have conserved ability to form stimulus-reward associations. Furthermore, aged marmosets have impaired cognitive flexibility driven by susceptibility to proactive interference. As these impairments are in domains critically dependent on the prefrontal cortex, our findings support prefrontal cortical dysfunction as a prominent feature of neurocognitive aging. This work positions the marmoset as a key model for understanding the neural underpinnings of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey R Vanderlip
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Payton A Asch
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - John H Reynolds
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Courtney Glavis-Bloom
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037
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28
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Castner SA, Gupta S, Wang D, Moreno AJ, Park C, Chen C, Poon Y, Groen A, Greenberg K, David N, Boone T, Baxter MG, Williams GV, Dubal DB. Longevity factor klotho enhances cognition in aged nonhuman primates. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:931-937. [PMID: 37400721 PMCID: PMC10432271 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction in aging is a major biomedical challenge. Whether treatment with klotho, a longevity factor, could enhance cognition in human-relevant models such as in nonhuman primates is unknown and represents a major knowledge gap in the path to therapeutics. We validated the rhesus form of the klotho protein in mice showing it increased synaptic plasticity and cognition. We then found that a single administration of low-dose, but not high-dose, klotho enhanced memory in aged nonhuman primates. Systemic low-dose klotho treatment may prove therapeutic in aging humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy A Castner
- Department of Psychiatry and VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shweta Gupta
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arturo J Moreno
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cana Park
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Poon
- Unity Biotechnology, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tom Boone
- Tom Boone Consulting, Newbury Park, CA, USA
| | - Mark G Baxter
- Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Graham V Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dena B Dubal
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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29
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Li KT, Ji D, Zhou C. Memory rescue and learning in synaptic impaired neuronal circuits. iScience 2023; 26:106931. [PMID: 37534172 PMCID: PMC10391582 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106931] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal impairment is a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its effect on neural activity dynamics underlying memory deficits is unclear. Here, we studied the effects of synaptic impairment on neural activities associated with memory recall, memory rescue, and learning a new memory, in an integrate-and-fire neuronal network. Our results showed that reducing connectivity decreases the neuronal synchronization of memory neurons and impairs memory recall performance. Although, slow-gamma stimulation rescued memory recall and slow-gamma oscillations, the rescue caused a side effect of activating mixed memories. During the learning of a new memory, reducing connectivity caused impairment in storing the new memory, but did not affect previously stored memories. We also explored the effects of other types of impairments including neuronal loss and excitation-inhibition imbalance and the rescue by general increase of excitability. Our results reveal potential computational mechanisms underlying the memory deficits caused by impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Tung Li
- Department of Physics, Centre for Nonlinear Studies, Beijing–Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Centre for Nonlinear and Complex Systems (Hong Kong), Institute of Computational and Theoretical Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Research Center for Augmented Intelligence, Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Daoyun Ji
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Changsong Zhou
- Department of Physics, Centre for Nonlinear Studies, Beijing–Hong Kong–Singapore Joint Centre for Nonlinear and Complex Systems (Hong Kong), Institute of Computational and Theoretical Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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30
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Wang Y, Du W, Sun Y, Zhang J, Ma C, Jin X. CRTC1 is a potential target to delay aging-induced cognitive deficit by protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier via inhibiting inflammation. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1042-1059. [PMID: 37086081 PMCID: PMC10291461 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231169133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Aging can cause attenuation in the functioning of multiple organs, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown could promote the occurrence of disorders of the central nervous system during aging. Since inflammation is considered to be an important factor underlying BBB injury during aging, vascular endothelial cell senescence serves as a critical pathological basis for the destruction of BBB integrity. In the current review, we have first introduced the concepts related to aging-induced cognitive deficit and BBB integrity damage. Thereafter, we reviewed the potential relationship between disruption of BBB integrity and cognition deficit and the role of inflammation, vascular endothelial cell senescence, and BBB injury. We have also briefly introduced the function of CREB-regulated transcription co-activator 1 (CRTC1) in cognition and aging-induced CRTC1 changes as well as the critical roles of CRTC1/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in regulating inflammation, endothelial cell senescence, and BBB injury. Finally, the underlying mechanisms have been summarized and we propose that CRTC1 could be a promising target to delay aging-induced cognitive deficit by protecting the integrity of BBB through promoting inhibition of inflammation-mediated endothelial cell senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Jiaxing City, Jiaxing, China
| | - Weihong Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyun Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Junfang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chaolin Ma
- School of Life Science and Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xinchun Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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31
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Jonikaitis D, Noudoost B, Moore T. Dissociating the Contributions of Frontal Eye Field Activity to Spatial Working Memory and Motor Preparation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.544653. [PMID: 37398433 PMCID: PMC10312624 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurons within dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of primates are characterized by robust persistent spiking activity exhibited during the delay period of working memory tasks. This includes the frontal eye field (FEF) where nearly half of the neurons are active when spatial locations are held in working memory. Past evidence has established the FEF's contribution to the planning and triggering of saccadic eye movements as well as to the control of visual spatial attention. However, it remains unclear if persistent delay activity reflects a similar dual role in movement planning and visuospatial working memory. We trained monkeys to alternate between different forms of a spatial working memory task which could dissociate remembered stimulus locations from planned eye movements. We tested the effects of inactivation of FEF sites on behavioral performance in the different tasks. Consistent with previous studies, FEF inactivation impaired the execution of memory-guided saccades, and impaired performance when remembered locations matched the planned eye movement. In contrast, memory performance was largely unaffected when the remembered location was dissociated from the correct eye movement response. Overall, the inactivation effects demonstrated clear deficits on eye movements, regardless of task type, but little or no evidence of a deficit in spatial working memory. Thus, our results indicate that persistent delay activity in the FEF contributes primarily to the preparation of eye movements and not to spatial working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatas Jonikaitis
- Department of Neurobiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Behrad Noudoost
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Tirin Moore
- Department of Neurobiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Dash S, Park B, Kroenke CD, Rooney WD, Urbanski HF, Kohama SG. Brain volumetrics across the lifespan of the rhesus macaque. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 126:34-43. [PMID: 36917864 PMCID: PMC10106431 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.02.002] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The rhesus macaque is a long-lived nonhuman primate (NHP) with a brain structure similar to humans, which may represent a valuable translational animal model in which to study human brain aging. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of age in rhesus macaque brains have been prone to low statistical power, unbalanced sex ratio and lack of a complete age range. To overcome these problems, the current study surveyed structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans of 66 animals, 34 females (aged 6-31 years) and 32 males (aged 5-27 years). Differences observed in older animals, included enlargement of the lateral ventricles and a smaller volume in the frontal cortex, caudate, putamen, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Unexpected, greater volume, were measured in older animals in the hippocampus, amygdala, and globus pallidus. There were also numerous differences between males and females with respect to age in both white and gray matter regions. As an apparent model of normative human aging, the macaque is ideal for studying induction and mitigation of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Dash
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Byung Park
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher D Kroenke
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA; Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - William D Rooney
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Steven G Kohama
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA; Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Barbieri E, Alessio V, Zanobio E, Scola I, Luzzatti C, Thompson CK. Assessment of verb and sentence processing deficits in stroke-induced aphasia: the Italian version of the Northwestern Assessment of Verbs and Sentences (NAVS-I). APHASIOLOGY 2023; 38:510-543. [PMID: 38694546 PMCID: PMC11060747 DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2023.2215494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Background The Northwestern Assessment of Verbs and Sentences (NAVS) assesses verb and sentence production and comprehension in aphasia. Results from the original English version and from its adaptation to German have shown that the NAVS is able to capture effects of verb-argument structure (VAS) complexity (i.e., lower accuracy for two- and three-argument vs. one-argument verbs) and syntactic complexity (i.e., lower accuracy for non-canonical vs. canonical sentences) in both agrammatic participants and individuals with mild (residual) forms of aphasia. The NAVS has been recently adapted to Italian (NAVS-I) and tested on a group of healthy participants, with results showing longer reaction times to complex vs. simple verbs and sentences. Aims The present study aimed to test the ability of NAVS-I to i) capture verb/sentence production and comprehension deficits in Italian-speaking individuals with agrammatism or with fluent aphasia, and ii) differentiate individuals with aphasia from healthy age-matched participants, with the overall goal to validate its use in clinical practice. Methods & Procedures Forty-four healthy participants and 28 individuals with aphasia (10 with agrammatic speech production) were administered the NAVS-I, which includes tasks assessing production and comprehension of verbs requiring one, two or three arguments, as well as production and comprehension of canonical and non-canonical sentences. Outcomes & Results On the Verb Naming Task (VNT), better production of one- (vs. two- and three-) argument verbs was found in the agrammatic group, whereas, verb production in the fluent group was solely predicted by word length and imageability. No effects of argument optionality (i.e., greater difficulty for optionally transitive verbs than for 1-argument verbs) were found. Sentence-level tasks found no differences between the agrammatic and the fluent group in production or comprehension of both canonical and non-canonical sentences; rather, sentence comprehension accuracy was predicted by demographic variables and by aphasia severity. At the individual level, performance on the NAVS-I was significantly different from that of healthy speakers in 26/28 patients. Conclusions Data show that the NAVS-I is able to capture effects of argument structure complexity in verb production, and effects of syntactic complexity in sentence production and comprehension. In addition, our results point to verb production as the task with greater capability to differentiate agrammatism from other (fluent) forms of aphasia. The study provides support for the use of the NAVS-I in the diagnosis of aphasia, as it is able to detect language deficits at the individual level, even in participants with mild (residual) forms of aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Barbieri
- Aphasia and Neurolinguistics Research Laboratory, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | | | - Ester Zanobio
- Fondazione la Nostra Famiglia, Language Rehabilitation Unit, Sesto San Giovanni (MI), Italy
| | - Ilaria Scola
- IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Neuromotor Rehabilitation Unit, Montescano Institute, Montescano (PV), Italy
| | - Claudio Luzzatti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI)
| | - Cynthia K. Thompson
- Aphasia and Neurolinguistics Research Laboratory, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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Wu J, El-Hassar L, Datta D, Thomas M, Zhang Y, Jenkins DP, DeLuca NJ, Chatterjee M, Gribkoff VK, Arnsten AFT, Kaczmarek LK. Interaction Between HCN and Slack Channels Regulates mPFC Pyramidal Cell Excitability and Working Memory. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2870277. [PMID: 37205397 PMCID: PMC10187370 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2870277/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The ability of monkeys and rats to carry out spatial working memory tasks has been shown to depend on the persistent firing of pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), arising from recurrent excitatory connections on dendritic spines. These spines express hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels whose open state is increased by cAMP signaling, and which markedly alter PFC network connectivity and neuronal firing. In traditional neural circuits, activation of these non-selective cation channels leads to neuronal depolarization and increased firing rate. Paradoxically, cAMP activation of HCN channels in PFC pyramidal cells reduces working memory-related neuronal firing. This suggests that activation of HCN channels may hyperpolarize rather than depolarize these neurons. The current study tested the hypothesis that Na+ influx through HCN channels activates Slack Na+-activated K+ (KNa) channels to hyperpolarize the membrane. We have found that HCN and Slack KNa channels coimmunoprecipitate in cortical extracts and that, by immunoelectron microscopy, they colocalize at postsynaptic spines of PFC pyramidal neurons. A specific blocker of HCN channels, ZD7288, reduces KNa current in pyramidal cells that express both HCN and Slack channels, but has no effect on KNa currents in an HEK cell line expressing Slack without HCN channels, indicating that blockade of HCN channels in neurons reduces K+ +current indirectly by lowering Na+ influx. Activation of HCN channels by cAMP in a cell line expressing a Ca2+ reporter results in elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+, but the effect of cAMP is reversed if the HCN channels are co-expressed with Slack channels. Finally, we used a novel pharmacological blocker of Slack channels to show that inhibition of Slack in rat PFC improves working memory performance, an effect previously demonstrated for blockers of HCN channels. Our results suggest that the regulation of working memory by HCN channels in PFC pyramidal neurons is mediated by an HCN-Slack channel complex that links activation HCN channels to suppression of neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Yale University School of Medicine
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Wagner W, Sobierajska K, Pułaski Ł, Stasiak A, Ciszewski WM. Whole grain metabolite 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid is a beneficial nutritional molecule with the feature of a double-edged sword in human health: a critical review and dietary considerations. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37096487 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2203762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Nonprocessed foodstuffs of plant origin, especially whole-grain cereals, are considered to be health-promoting components of the human diet. While most of their well-studied effects derive from their high fiber content and low glycemic index, the presence of underrated phenolic phytonutrients has recently been brought to the attention of nutritionists. In this review, we report and discuss findings on the sources and bioactivities of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA), which is both a direct dietary component (found, e.g., in apples) and, more importantly, a crucial metabolite of whole-grain cereal-derived alkylresorcinols (ARs). 3,5-DHBA is a recently described exogenous agonist of the HCAR1/GPR81 receptor. We concentrate on the HCAR1-mediated effects of 3,5-DHBA in the nervous system, on the maintenance of cell stemness, regulation of carcinogenesis, and response to anticancer therapy. Unexpectedly, malignant tumors take advantage of HCAR1 expression to sense 3,5-DHBA to support their growth. Thus, there is an urgent need to fully identify the role of whole-grain-derived 3,5-DHBA during anticancer therapy and its contribution in the regulation of vital organs of the body via its specific HCAR1 receptor. We discuss here in detail the possible consequences of the modulatory capabilities of 3,5-DHBA in physiological and pathological conditions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Wagner
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Łukasz Pułaski
- Department of Oncobiology and Epigenetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Stasiak
- Department of Hormone Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech M Ciszewski
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Glavis-Bloom C, Vanderlip CR, Weiser Novak S, Kuwajima M, Kirk L, Harris KM, Manor U, Reynolds JH. Violation of the ultrastructural size principle in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex underlies working memory impairment in the aged common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1146245. [PMID: 37122384 PMCID: PMC10132463 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1146245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphology and function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and corresponding working memory performance, are affected early in the aging process, but nearly half of aged individuals are spared of working memory deficits. Translationally relevant model systems are critical for determining the neurobiological drivers of this variability. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is advantageous as a model for these investigations because, as a non-human primate, marmosets have a clearly defined dlPFC that enables measurement of prefrontal-dependent cognitive functions, and their short (∼10 year) lifespan facilitates longitudinal studies of aging. Previously, we characterized working memory capacity in a cohort of marmosets that collectively covered the lifespan, and found age-related working memory impairment. We also found a remarkable degree of heterogeneity in performance, similar to that found in humans. Here, we tested the hypothesis that changes to synaptic ultrastructure that affect synaptic efficacy stratify marmosets that age with cognitive impairment from those that age without cognitive impairment. We utilized electron microscopy to visualize synapses in the marmoset dlPFC and measured the sizes of boutons, presynaptic mitochondria, and synapses. We found that coordinated scaling of the sizes of synapses and mitochondria with their associated boutons is essential for intact working memory performance in aged marmosets. Further, lack of synaptic scaling, due to a remarkable failure of synaptic mitochondria to scale with presynaptic boutons, selectively underlies age-related working memory impairment. We posit that this decoupling results in mismatched energy supply and demand, leading to impaired synaptic transmission. We also found that aged marmosets have fewer synapses in dlPFC than young, though the severity of synapse loss did not predict whether aging occurred with or without cognitive impairment. This work identifies a novel mechanism of synapse dysfunction that stratifies marmosets that age with cognitive impairment from those that age without cognitive impairment. The process by which synaptic scaling is regulated is yet unknown and warrants future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Glavis-Bloom
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Casey R. Vanderlip
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sammy Weiser Novak
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Masaaki Kuwajima
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Lyndsey Kirk
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Kristen M. Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Uri Manor
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - John H. Reynolds
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Freire-Cobo C, Rothwell ES, Varghese M, Edwards M, Janssen WGM, Lacreuse A, Hof PR. Neuronal vulnerability to brain aging and neurodegeneration in cognitively impaired marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus). Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:49-62. [PMID: 36638681 PMCID: PMC9892246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.12.001] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The investigation of neurobiological and neuropathological changes that affect synaptic integrity and function with aging is key to understanding why the aging brain is vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the cellular characteristics in the cerebral cortex of behaviorally characterized marmosets, based on their trajectories of cognitive learning as they transitioned to old age. We found increased astrogliosis, increased phagocytic activity of microglial cells and differences in resting and reactive microglial cell phenotypes in cognitively impaired compared to nonimpaired marmosets. Differences in amyloid beta deposition were not related to cognitive trajectory. However, we found age-related changes in density and morphology of dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons of layer 3 in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the CA1 field of the hippocampus between cohorts. Overall, our data suggest that an accelerated aging process, accompanied by neurodegeneration, that takes place in cognitively impaired aged marmosets and affects the plasticity of dendritic spines in cortical areas involved in cognition and points to mechanisms of neuronal vulnerability to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Freire-Cobo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Emily S Rothwell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Merina Varghese
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mélise Edwards
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - William G M Janssen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Agnès Lacreuse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Tracking neural activity from the same cells during the entire adult life of mice. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:696-710. [PMID: 36804648 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Stably recording the electrical activity of the same neurons over the adult life of an animal is important to neuroscience research and biomedical applications. Current implantable devices cannot provide stable recording on this timescale. Here, we introduce a method to precisely implant electronics with an open, unfolded mesh structure across multiple brain regions in the mouse. The open mesh structure forms a stable interwoven structure with the neural network, preventing probe drifting and showing no immune response and neuron loss during the year-long implantation. Rigorous statistical analysis, visual stimulus-dependent measurement and unbiased, machine-learning-based analysis demonstrated that single-unit action potentials have been recorded from the same neurons of behaving mice in a very long-term stable manner. Leveraging this stable structure, we demonstrated that the same neurons can be recorded over the entire adult life of the mouse, revealing the aging-associated evolution of single-neuron activities.
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Gallou-Guyot M, Mandigout S, Marie R, Robin L, Daviet JC, Perrochon A. Feasibility and potential cognitive impact of a cognitive-motor dual-task training program using a custom exergame in older adults: A pilot study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1046676. [PMID: 36819724 PMCID: PMC9932982 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1046676] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dual-task training may be relevant and efficient in the context of active aging. An issue in training programs lies in enhancing the adherence of participants. This can potentially be improved using games as support. We designed and developed a custom interactive exergame in this way. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the potential use of this exergame and the feasibility of our intervention, including the level of safety and adherence. The result's trends on cognitive and motor capacities, as well as on the level of motivation for physical activity, fear of falling, and quality of life of participants, were also explored. Methods Older adults aged 65 years or older were recruited and realized 30 min of supervised training in groups of 4, 2-3 times a week for 12 weeks. Exercises consisted of incorporated cognitive and motor dual tasks, with an increased difficulty over the weeks. Our program's safety, engagement, attendance, and completion levels were evaluated. Participants' postural control in single-task and dual-task conditions, as well as their performances in mental inhibition, flexibility, working memory, mobility, and postural control, and their levels of motivation for physical activity, fear of falling, and quality of life were also assessed. We realized a per protocol statistical analysis with a p-value set at 0.05. Results Thirty-nine participants (aged 84.6 ± 8.5 years) were recruited. No adverse events, and 89% adherence, 88% attendance, and 87% completion rates were observed. A potentially significant effect of our exergame on working memory in single-task conditions and on the cognitive aspect of dual-task conditions was also observed. We observed no differences in other parameters. Discussion Our exergame seemed feasible and safe and was enjoyed by participants, mainly due to the gamification of our training program. Moreover, our exergame may be efficient for cognitive training in older adults, as well as for the maintenance of motor functions, motivation for physical activity, fear of falling, and quality of life levels. This constitutes the first step for our solution with interesting results that need to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Gallou-Guyot
- Laboratoire HAVAE (UR20217), Université de Limoges, Limoges, France,*Correspondence: Matthieu Gallou-Guyot,
| | | | - Romain Marie
- Institut d’Ingénierie Informatique de Limoges, Limoges, France,3iL Ingénieurs, Limoges, France
| | - Louise Robin
- Laboratoire HAVAE (UR20217), Université de Limoges, Limoges, France,Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Christophe Daviet
- Laboratoire HAVAE (UR20217), Université de Limoges, Limoges, France,Pôle Neurosciences Tête et Cou, Service de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Hôpital Jean Rebeyrol, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Anaick Perrochon
- Laboratoire HAVAE (UR20217), Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
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Johns MA, Calloway RC, Phillips I, Karuzis VP, Dutta K, Smith E, Shamma SA, Goupell MJ, Kuchinsky SE. Performance on stochastic figure-ground perception varies with individual differences in speech-in-noise recognition and working memory capacity. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 153:286. [PMID: 36732241 PMCID: PMC9851714 DOI: 10.1121/10.0016756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Speech recognition in noisy environments can be challenging and requires listeners to accurately segregate a target speaker from irrelevant background noise. Stochastic figure-ground (SFG) tasks in which temporally coherent inharmonic pure-tones must be identified from a background have been used to probe the non-linguistic auditory stream segregation processes important for speech-in-noise processing. However, little is known about the relationship between performance on SFG tasks and speech-in-noise tasks nor the individual differences that may modulate such relationships. In this study, 37 younger normal-hearing adults performed an SFG task with target figure chords consisting of four, six, eight, or ten temporally coherent tones amongst a background of randomly varying tones. Stimuli were designed to be spectrally and temporally flat. An increased number of temporally coherent tones resulted in higher accuracy and faster reaction times (RTs). For ten target tones, faster RTs were associated with better scores on the Quick Speech-in-Noise task. Individual differences in working memory capacity and self-reported musicianship further modulated these relationships. Overall, results demonstrate that the SFG task could serve as an assessment of auditory stream segregation accuracy and RT that is sensitive to individual differences in cognitive and auditory abilities, even among younger normal-hearing adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Johns
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Regina C Calloway
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Ian Phillips
- Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20889, USA
| | - Valerie P Karuzis
- Applied Research Laboratory of Intelligence and Security, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Kelsey Dutta
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Ed Smith
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Shihab A Shamma
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Matthew J Goupell
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Stefanie E Kuchinsky
- Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20889, USA
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Longitudinal stability in working memory and frontal activity in relation to general brain maintenance. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20957. [PMID: 36470934 PMCID: PMC9722656 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25503-9] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive functions are well-preserved for some older individuals, but the underlying brain mechanisms remain disputed. Here, 5-year longitudinal 3-back in-scanner and offline data classified individuals in a healthy older sample (baseline age = 64-68 years) into having stable or declining working-memory (WM). Consistent with a vital role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), WM stability or decline was related to maintained or reduced longitudinal PFC functional responses. Subsequent analyses of imaging markers of general brain maintenance revealed higher levels in the stable WM group on measures of neurotransmission and vascular health. Also, categorical and continuous analyses showed that rate of WM decline was related to global (ventricles) and local (hippocampus) measures of neuronal integrity. Thus, our findings support a role of the PFC as well as general brain maintenance in explaining heterogeneity in longitudinal WM trajectories in aging.
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Huang S, Piao C, Beuschel CB, Zhao Z, Sigrist SJ. A brain-wide form of presynaptic active zone plasticity orchestrates resilience to brain aging in Drosophila. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001730. [PMID: 36469518 PMCID: PMC9721493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain as a central regulator of stress integration determines what is threatening, stores memories, and regulates physiological adaptations across the aging trajectory. While sleep homeostasis seems to be linked to brain resilience, how age-associated changes intersect to adapt brain resilience to life history remains enigmatic. We here provide evidence that a brain-wide form of presynaptic active zone plasticity ("PreScale"), characterized by increases of active zone scaffold proteins and synaptic vesicle release factors, integrates resilience by coupling sleep, longevity, and memory during early aging of Drosophila. PreScale increased over the brain until mid-age, to then decreased again, and promoted the age-typical adaption of sleep patterns as well as extended longevity, while at the same time it reduced the ability of forming new memories. Genetic induction of PreScale also mimicked early aging-associated adaption of sleep patterns and the neuronal activity/excitability of sleep control neurons. Spermidine supplementation, previously shown to suppress early aging-associated PreScale, also attenuated the age-typical sleep pattern changes. Pharmacological induction of sleep for 2 days in mid-age flies also reset PreScale, restored memory formation, and rejuvenated sleep patterns. Our data suggest that early along the aging trajectory, PreScale acts as an acute, brain-wide form of presynaptic plasticity to steer trade-offs between longevity, sleep, and memory formation in a still plastic phase of early brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Huang
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chengji Piao
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine B. Beuschel
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zhiying Zhao
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan J. Sigrist
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Niu R, Liu J. Circular RNA Involvement in Aging and Longevity. Curr Genomics 2022; 23:318-325. [PMID: 36778190 PMCID: PMC9878857 DOI: 10.2174/1389202923666220927110258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and are mostly generated by the back-splicing of exons in the protein-coding gene. Massive circRNAs are reported to be differentially expressed in different species, implicating their prospects as aging biomarkers or regulators in the aging progression. Methods The possible role of circRNAs in aging and longevity was reviewed by the query of circRNAs from literature reports related to tissue, organ or cellular senescence, and individual longevity. Results A number of circRNAs have been found to positively and negatively modulate aging and longevity through canonical aging pathways in the invertebrates Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. Recent studies have also shown that circRNAs regulate age-related processes and pathologies such various mammalian tissues, as the brain, serum, heart, and muscle. Besides, three identified representative circRNAs (circSfl, circGRIA1, and circNF1-419) were elucidated to correlate with aging and longevity. Conclusion This review outlined the current studies of circRNAs in aging and longevity, highlighting the role of circRNAs as a biomarker of aging and as a regulator of longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruize Niu
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China,Address correspondence to this author at the Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China; Tel: 15288361011; E-mail:
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Grennan G, Balasubramani PP, Vahidi N, Ramanathan D, Jeste DV, Mishra J. Dissociable neural mechanisms of cognition and well-being in youth versus healthy aging. Psychol Aging 2022; 37:827-842. [PMID: 36107693 PMCID: PMC9669243 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Mental health, cognition, and their underlying neural processes in healthy aging are rarely studied simultaneously. Here, in a sample of healthy younger (n = 62) and older (n = 54) adults, we compared subjective mental health as well as objective global cognition across several core cognitive domains with simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG). We found significantly greater symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in youth and in contrast, greater mental well-being in older adults. Yet, global performance across core cognitive domains was significantly worse in older adults. EEG-based source imaging of global cognitive task-evoked processing showed reduced suppression of activity in the anterior medial prefrontal default mode network (DMN) region in older adults relative to youth. Global cognitive performance efficiency was predicted by greater activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in younger adults and in contrast, by greater activity in right inferior frontal cortex in older adults. Furthermore, greater mental well-being in older adults related to lesser global task-evoked activity in the posterior DMN. Overall, these results suggest dissociated neural mechanisms underlying global cognition and mental well-being in youth versus healthy aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Grennan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pragathi Priyadharsini Balasubramani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nasim Vahidi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Mental Health, VA San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Zhang S, Wu F, Zhan L, Lin W, Liang C, Pang Y, Zhang J, Mu Z. Exercise Regulates the Lactate Receptor HCAR1 and ERK1/2-PI3K/Akt Pathways to Promote Cerebral Angiogenesis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 51:2298-2307. [PMID: 36415798 PMCID: PMC9647616 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v51i10.10988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to explore the ole and mechanism of lactate receptor (HCAR1) in the angiogenesis of leptomeningeal fibroblast-like cells. METHODS Human brain fibroblast-like cells were selected and some cells were deactivated, analyzed and compared with HCAR1 mRNA and protein expressions in deactivated/normal cells. HCAR1-/- mice and wild type (WT) mice were selected and divided into WT, WT exercise, HCAE1 KO and HCAE1 KO exercise groups, with 10 mice for each group. HCAR1mRNA and expression levels of proteins in fibroblast-like cells, mRNA and expression levels of proteins in Collagen IV, phosphatidylinositol trihydroxykinase (PI3K), serine threonine kinase (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in hippocampus were compared, and the microvessel density (MVD) and diameter were calculated. RESULTS mRNA and expression levels of proteins in Collagen IV, PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and MVD in hippocampus were significantly higher in the WT exercise group than those in the WT group, microvessel diameter was significantly lower than that in the WT group (P<0.05). mRNA and expression levels of proteins in Collagen IV, PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and MVD in hippocampus in the HCAR1 KO and HCAR1 KO exercise groups were significantly lower than those in the WT group, microvessel diameter was higher than that in the WT group (P<0.05). Compared with the HCAR1 KO exercise group, the changes of mRNA in Collagen IV, PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and microvascular were not significant. CONCLUSION Exercise can promote cerebral angiogenesis through the activation of the lactate receptor HCAR1 and the ERK1/2-PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Liver Disease, The Seventh Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Lan Zhan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Wennan Lin
- Department of General Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Chunming Liang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Yu Pang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Zhuang Mu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161000, China
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Guet-McCreight A, Chameh HM, Mahallati S, Wishart M, Tripathy SJ, Valiante TA, Hay E. Age-dependent increased sag amplitude in human pyramidal neurons dampens baseline cortical activity. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4360-4373. [PMID: 36124673 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging involves various neurobiological changes, although their effect on brain function in humans remains poorly understood. The growing availability of human neuronal and circuit data provides opportunities for uncovering age-dependent changes of brain networks and for constraining models to predict consequences on brain activity. Here we found increased sag voltage amplitude in human middle temporal gyrus layer 5 pyramidal neurons from older subjects and captured this effect in biophysical models of younger and older pyramidal neurons. We used these models to simulate detailed layer 5 microcircuits and found lower baseline firing in older pyramidal neuron microcircuits, with minimal effect on response. We then validated the predicted reduced baseline firing using extracellular multielectrode recordings from human brain slices of different ages. Our results thus report changes in human pyramidal neuron input integration properties and provide fundamental insights into the neuronal mechanisms of altered cortical excitability and resting-state activity in human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Guet-McCreight
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | | | - Sara Mahallati
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T1M8, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Margaret Wishart
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Shreejoy J Tripathy
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Taufik A Valiante
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T1M8, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada.,Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada.,Max Planck-University of Toronto Center for Neural Science and Technology, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Etay Hay
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada
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Phonological working memory is adversely affected in adults with anorexia nervosa: a systematic literature review. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1931-1952. [PMID: 35133643 PMCID: PMC9287223 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive restraint has potentiating and deleterious effects on working memory (WM) in anorexia nervosa (AN). Conflicting evidence may be due to heterogeneity of tasks examining different WM components (e.g., verbal/auditory versus visuospatial), and differences in adolescent versus adult AN. Additionally, differential cognitive profiles of restricting versus binge/purging subtypes, comorbid psychiatric disorders and psychotropic medication use may confound findings. METHODS To address these conflicts, 25 studies, published between 2016 and 2021, investigating WM in children, adolescents and adults with AN were systematically reviewed using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS In 71% of WM tasks, no difference in performance between AN patients and age-matched controls was reported, while 29% of WM tasks showed worse performance. Adults with AN displayed deficits in 44% of the verbal/auditory tasks, while performance remained unaffected in 86% of visuospatial tasks. CONCLUSION Examining age groups and WM subsystems separately revealed novel findings of differentially affected WM components in AN. Comorbidities and psychotropic medications were common among AN participants and should be regarded as critical confounding factors for WM measures. Future studies examining different components of WM, acknowledging these confounding factors, may reveal specific deficits in AN to aid treatment improvement strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I, systematic review.
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Xue X, Liu B, Hu J, Bian X, Lou S. The potential mechanisms of lactate in mediating exercise-enhanced cognitive function: a dual role as an energy supply substrate and a signaling molecule. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2022; 19:52. [PMID: 35907984 PMCID: PMC9338682 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-022-00687-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactate has previously been considered a metabolic waste and is mainly involved in exercise-induced fatigue. However, recent studies have found that lactate may be a mediator of the beneficial effects of exercise on brain health. Lactate plays a dual role as an energy supply substrate and a signaling molecule in this process. On the one hand, astrocytes can uptake circulating glucose or degrade glycogen for glycolysis to produce lactate, which is released into the extracellular space. Neurons can uptake extracellular lactate as an important supplement to their energy metabolism substrates, to meet the demand for large amounts of energy when synaptic activity is enhanced. Thus, synaptic activity and energy transfer show tight metabolic coupling. On the other hand, lactate acts as a signaling molecule to activate downstream signaling transduction pathways by specific receptors, inducing the expression of immediate early genes and cerebral angiogenesis. Moderate to high-intensity exercise not only increases lactate production and accumulation in muscle and blood but also promotes the uptake of skeletal muscle-derived lactate by the brain and enhances aerobic glycolysis to increase brain-derived lactate production. Furthermore, exercise regulates the expression or activity of transporters and enzymes involved in the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle to maintain the efficiency of this process; exercise also activates lactate receptor HCAR1, thus affecting brain plasticity. Rethinking the role of lactate in cognitive function and the regulatory effect of exercise is the main focus and highlights of the review. This may enrich the theoretical basis of lactate-related to promote brain health during exercise, and provide new perspectives for promoting a healthy aging strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangli Xue
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xuepeng Bian
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shujie Lou
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Yu WS, Aquili L, Wong KH, Lo ACY, Chan LLH, Chan YS, Lim LW. Transcorneal electrical stimulation enhances cognitive functions in aged and 5XFAD mouse models. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:249-265. [PMID: 35751874 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a major burden on global health for which there are no effective treatments. The use of noninvasive visual stimulation to ameliorate cognitive deficits is a novel concept that may be applicable for treating dementia. In this study, we investigated the effects of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) on memory enhancement using two mouse models, in aged mice and in the 5XFAD model of Alzheimer's disease. After 3 weeks of TES treatment, mice were subjected to Y-maze and Morris water maze tests to assess hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Immunostaining of the hippocampus of 5XFAD mice was also performed to examine the effects of TES on amyloid plaque pathology. The results showed that TES improved the performance of both aged and 5XFAD mice in memory tests. TES also reduced hippocampal plaque deposition in male, but not female, 5XFAD mice. Moreover, TES significantly reversed the downregulated level of postsynaptic protein 95 in the hippocampus of male 5XFAD mice, suggesting the effects of TES involve a postsynaptic mechanism. Overall, these findings support further investigation of TES as a potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction and mechanistic studies of TES effects in other dementia models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Shan Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Region-Specific Characteristics of Astrocytes and Microglia: A Possible Involvement in Aging and Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121902. [PMID: 35741031 PMCID: PMC9220858 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although different regions of the brain are dedicated to specific functions, the intra- and inter-regional heterogeneity of astrocytes and microglia in these regions has not yet been fully understood. Recently, an advancement in various technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, has allowed for the discovery of astrocytes and microglia with distinct molecular fingerprints and varying functions in the brain. In addition, the regional heterogeneity of astrocytes and microglia exhibits different functions in several situations, such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, investigating the region-specific astrocytes and microglia is important in understanding the overall function of the brain. In this review, we summarize up-to-date research on various intra- and inter-regional heterogeneities of astrocytes and microglia, and provide information on how they can be applied to aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
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