1
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Pravin N, Jóźwiak K. PROTAC unleashed: Unveiling the synthetic approaches and potential therapeutic applications. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116837. [PMID: 39305635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel class of bifunctional small molecules that alter protein levels by targeted degradation. This innovative approach uses the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively eradicate disease-associated proteins, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for a wide spectrum of diseases. This review delineates detailed synthetic approaches involved in PROTAC building blocks, including the ligand and protein binding parts, linker attached structural components of PROTACs and the actual PROTAC molecules. Furthermore, the recent advancements in PROTAC-mediated degradation of specific oncogenic and other disease-associated proteins, such as those involved in neurodegenerative, antiviral, and autoimmune diseases, were also discussed. Additionally, we described the current landscape of PROTAC clinical trials and highlighted key studies that underscore the translational potential of this emerging therapeutic modality. These findings demonstrate the versatility of PROTACs in modulating the levels of key proteins involved in various severe diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanaperumal Pravin
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Ul.W.Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Jóźwiak
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Ul.W.Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
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2
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Kim J, Gilbert E, Arndt K, Huang H, Oleniacz P, Jiang S, Kimbrough I, Sontheimer H, English DF, Jia X. Multifunctional Tetrode-like Drug delivery, Optical stimulation, and Electrophysiology (Tetro-DOpE) probes. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 265:116696. [PMID: 39208508 PMCID: PMC11475332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Having reliable tools for recording and manipulating circuit activity are essential to understand the complex patterns of neural dynamics that underlie brain function. We present Tetro-DOpE (Tetrode-like Drug delivery, Optical stimulation, and Electrophysiology) probes that can simultaneously record and manipulate neural activity in behaving rodents. We fabricated thin multifunctional fibers (<50 μm) using the scalable convergence thermal drawing process. Then, the thin fibers are bundled, similar to tetrode fabrication, to produce Tetro-DOpE probes. We demonstrated the multifunctionality (i.e., electrophysiology, optical stimulation, and drug delivery) of our probe in head-fixed behaving mice. Furthermore, we assembled a six-shank probe mounted on a microdrive which enabled stable recordings of over months when chronically implanted in freely behaving mice. These in vivo experiments demonstrate the potential of customizable, low cost, and accessible multifunctional Tetro-DOpE probes for investigation of neural circuitry in behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongwoon Kim
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Earl Gilbert
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Kaiser Arndt
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Hengji Huang
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Patrycja Oleniacz
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ian Kimbrough
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Xiaoting Jia
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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3
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Maltsev DI, Solotenkov MA, Mukhametshina LF, Sokolov RA, Solius GM, Jappy D, Tsopina AS, Fedotov IV, Lanin AA, Fedotov AB, Krut' VG, Ermakova YG, Moshchenko AA, Rozov A, Zheltikov AM, Podgorny OV, Belousov VV. Human TRPV1 is an efficient thermogenetic actuator for chronic neuromodulation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:437. [PMID: 39448456 PMCID: PMC11502623 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05475-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] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024]
Abstract
Thermogenetics is a promising neuromodulation technique based on the use of heat-sensitive ion channels. However, on the way to its clinical application, a number of questions have to be addressed. First, to avoid immune response in future human applications, human ion channels should be studied as thermogenetic actuators. Second, heating levels necessary to activate these channels in vivo in brain tissue should be studied and cytotoxicity of these temperatures addressed. Third, the possibility and safety of chronic neuromodulation has to be demonstrated. In this study, we present a comprehensive framework for thermogenetic neuromodulation in vivo using the thermosensitive human ion channel hTRPV1. By targeting hTRPV1 expression to excitatory neurons of the mouse brain and activating them within a non-harmful temperature range with a fiber-coupled infrared laser, we not only induced neuronal firing and stimulated locomotion in mice, but also demonstrated that thermogenetics can be employed for repeated neuromodulation without causing evident brain tissue injury. Our results lay the foundation for the use of thermogenetic neuromodulation in brain research and therapy of neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry I Maltsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Liana F Mukhametshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rostislav A Sokolov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Georgy M Solius
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Kazan Federal University, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | | | - Ilya V Fedotov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr A Lanin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei B Fedotov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia
| | - Viktoriya G Krut'
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia G Ermakova
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aleksandr A Moshchenko
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Rozov
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Oleg V Podgorny
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025, Moscow, Russia.
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4
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Cortese A, Ohata R, Alemany-González M, Kitagawa N, Imamizu H, Koizumi A. Time-dependent neural arbitration between cue associative and episodic fear memories. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8706. [PMID: 39433735 PMCID: PMC11494204 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52733-4] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024] Open
Abstract
After traumatic events, simple cue-threat associative memories strengthen while episodic memories become incoherent. However, how the brain prioritises cue associations over episodic coding of traumatic events remains unclear. Here, we developed an original episodic threat conditioning paradigm in which participants concurrently form two memory representations: cue associations and episodic cue sequence. We discovered that these two distinct memories compete for physiological fear expression, reorganising overnight from an overgeneralised cue-based to a precise sequence-based expression. With multivariate fMRI, we track inter-area communication of the memory representations to reveal that a rebalancing between hippocampal- and prefrontal control of the fear regulatory circuit governs this memory maturation. Critically, this overnight re-organisation is altered with heightened trait anxiety. Together, we show the brain prioritises generalisable associative memories under recent traumatic stress but resorts to selective episodic memories 24 h later. Time-dependent memory competition may provide a unifying account for memory dysfunctions in post-traumatic stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryu Ohata
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Norimichi Kitagawa
- Yoshika Institute of Psychology, Shimane, Japan
- BKC Research Organization of Social Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imamizu
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- ATR Cognitive Mechanisms Laboratories, Kyoto, Japan.
- The Research into Artifacts, Center for Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ai Koizumi
- Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc., Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Turrini L, Ricci P, Sorelli M, de Vito G, Marchetti M, Vanzi F, Pavone FS. Two-photon all-optical neurophysiology for the dissection of larval zebrafish brain functional and effective connectivity. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1261. [PMID: 39367042 PMCID: PMC11452506 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06731-3] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most audacious goals of modern neuroscience is unraveling the complex web of causal relations underlying the activity of neuronal populations on a whole-brain scale. This endeavor, which was prohibitive only a couple of decades ago, has recently become within reach owing to the advancements in optical methods and the advent of genetically encoded indicators/actuators. These techniques, applied to the translucent larval zebrafish have enabled recording and manipulation of the activity of extensive neuronal populations spanning the entire vertebrate brain. Here, we present a custom two-photon optical system that couples light-sheet imaging and 3D excitation with acousto-optic deflectors for simultaneous high-speed volumetric recording and optogenetic stimulation. By employing a zebrafish line with pan-neuronal expression of both the calcium reporter GCaMP6s and the red-shifted opsin ReaChR, we implemented a crosstalk-free, noninvasive all-optical approach and applied it to reconstruct the functional and effective connectivity of the left habenula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Turrini
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Pietro Ricci
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michele Sorelli
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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6
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Bourne JA, Cichy RM, Kiorpes L, Morrone MC, Arcaro MJ, Nielsen KJ. Development of Higher-Level Vision: A Network Perspective. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1291242024. [PMID: 39358020 PMCID: PMC11450542 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1291-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Most studies on the development of the visual system have focused on the mechanisms shaping early visual stages up to the level of primary visual cortex (V1). Much less is known about the development of the stages after V1 that handle the higher visual functions fundamental to everyday life. The standard model for the maturation of these areas is that it occurs sequentially, according to the positions of areas in the adult hierarchy. Yet, the existing literature reviewed here paints a different picture, one in which the adult configuration emerges through a sequence of unique network configurations that are not mere partial versions of the adult hierarchy. In addition to studying higher visual development per se to fill major gaps in knowledge, it will be crucial to adopt a network-level perspective in future investigations to unravel normal developmental mechanisms, identify vulnerabilities to developmental disorders, and eventually devise treatments for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Bourne
- Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment, Systems Neurodevelopment Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - Radoslaw M Cichy
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10099, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charite-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Lynne Kiorpes
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Maria Concetta Morrone
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa 56128, Italy
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Michael J Arcaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Kristina J Nielsen
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
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7
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Beyer HM, Ramírez V. Integrating bioprinting and optogenetic technologies for precision plant tissue engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 89:103193. [PMID: 39208621 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in plant bioprinting and optogenetic tools have unlocked new avenues to revolutionize plant tissue engineering. Bioprinting of plant cells has the potential to craft intricate 3D structures incorporating multiple cell types, replicating the complex microenvironments found in plants. Concurrently, optogenetic tools enable the control of biological events with spatial, temporal, and quantitative precision. Originally developed for human and microbial systems, these two cutting-edge methodologies are now being adapted for plant research. Although still in the early stages of development, we here review the latest progress in plant bioprinting and optogenetics and discuss compelling opportunities for plant biotechnology and research arising from the combination of the two technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes M Beyer
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany.
| | - Vicente Ramírez
- Institute for Plant Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany.
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8
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Gangemi CG, Janovjak H. Optogenetics in Pancreatic Islets: Actuators and Effects. Diabetes 2024; 73:1566-1582. [PMID: 38976779 PMCID: PMC11417442 DOI: 10.2337/db23-1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The islets of Langerhans reside within the endocrine pancreas as highly vascularized microorgans that are responsible for the secretion of key hormones, such as insulin and glucagon. Islet function relies on a range of dynamic molecular processes that include Ca2+ waves, hormone pulses, and complex interactions between islet cell types. Dysfunction of these processes results in poor maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis and is a hallmark of diabetes. Recently, the development of optogenetic methods that rely on light-sensitive molecular actuators has allowed perturbation of islet function with near physiological spatiotemporal acuity. These actuators harness natural photoreceptor proteins and their engineered variants to manipulate mouse and human cells that are not normally light-responsive. Until recently, optogenetics in islet biology has primarily focused on controlling hormone production and secretion; however, studies on further aspects of islet function, including paracrine regulation between islet cell types and dynamics within intracellular signaling pathways, are emerging. Here, we discuss the applicability of optogenetics to islets cells and comprehensively review seminal as well as recent work on optogenetic actuators and their effects in islet function and diabetes mellitus. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina G. Gangemi
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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9
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Muir J, Anguiano M, Kim CK. Neuromodulator and neuropeptide sensors and probes for precise circuit interrogation in vivo. Science 2024; 385:eadn6671. [PMID: 39325905 PMCID: PMC11488521 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn6671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
To determine how neuronal circuits encode and drive behavior, it is often necessary to measure and manipulate different aspects of neurochemical signaling in awake animals. Optogenetics and calcium sensors have paved the way for these types of studies, allowing for the perturbation and readout of spiking activity within genetically defined cell types. However, these methods lack the ability to further disentangle the roles of individual neuromodulator and neuropeptides on circuits and behavior. We review recent advances in chemical biology tools that enable precise spatiotemporal monitoring and control over individual neuroeffectors and their receptors in vivo. We also highlight discoveries enabled by such tools, revealing how these molecules signal across different timescales to drive learning, orchestrate behavioral changes, and modulate circuit activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Muir
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - M. Anguiano
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - C. K. Kim
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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10
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Chen YN, Kostka JK, Bitzenhofer SH, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Protocol for adeno-associated virus-mediated optogenetic activation of olfactory output neurons in neonatal mice. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103164. [PMID: 38968078 PMCID: PMC11452914 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic manipulation has proven a powerful tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying the function of neuronal networks, but implementing the technique on mammals during early development remains challenging. Here, we present a comprehensive workflow to specifically manipulate mitral/tufted cells (M/TCs), the output neurons in the olfactory circuit, mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction and light stimulation in neonatal mice and monitor neuronal and network activity with in vivo electrophysiology. This method represents an efficient approach to elucidate functional brain development. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Chen et al.1,2,3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Nan Chen
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Johanna K Kostka
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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11
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Zhu G, Xiong J, Li X, He Z, Zhong S, Chen J, Shi Y, Pan T, Zhang L, Li B, Xin H. Neural stimulation and modulation with sub-cellular precision by optomechanical bio-dart. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2024; 13:258. [PMID: 39300070 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01617-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Neural stimulation and modulation at high spatial resolution are crucial for mediating neuronal signaling and plasticity, aiding in a better understanding of neuronal dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. However, developing a biocompatible and precisely controllable technique for accurate and effective stimulation and modulation of neurons at the subcellular level is highly challenging. Here, we report an optomechanical method for neural stimulation and modulation with subcellular precision using optically controlled bio-darts. The bio-dart is obtained from the tip of sunflower pollen grain and can generate transient pressure on the cell membrane with submicrometer spatial resolution when propelled by optical scattering force controlled with an optical fiber probe, which results in precision neural stimulation via precisely activation of membrane mechanosensitive ion channel. Importantly, controllable modulation of a single neuronal cell, even down to subcellular neuronal structures such as dendrites, axons, and soma, can be achieved. This bio-dart can also serve as a drug delivery tool for multifunctional neural stimulation and modulation. Remarkably, our optomechanical bio-darts can also be used for in vivo neural stimulation in larval zebrafish. This strategy provides a novel approach for neural stimulation and modulation with sub-cellular precision, paving the way for high-precision neuronal plasticity and neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoshuai Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Jianyun Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Xing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Ziyi He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Shuhan Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Junlin Chen
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Baojun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
| | - Hongbao Xin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
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12
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Hsu LM, Shih YYI. Neuromodulation in Small Animal fMRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 39279265 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29575] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The integration of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with advanced neuroscience technologies in experimental small animal models offers a unique path to interrogate the causal relationships between regional brain activity and brain-wide network measures-a goal challenging to accomplish in human subjects. This review traces the historical development of the neuromodulation techniques commonly used in rodents, such as electrical deep brain stimulation, optogenetics, and chemogenetics, and focuses on their application with fMRI. We discuss their advantageousness roles in uncovering the signaling architecture within the brain and the methodological considerations necessary when conducting these experiments. By presenting several rodent-based case studies, we aim to demonstrate the potential of the multimodal neuromodulation approach in shedding light on neurovascular coupling, the neural basis of brain network functions, and their connections to behaviors. Key findings highlight the cell-type and circuit-specific modulation of brain-wide activity patterns and their behavioral correlates. We also discuss several future directions and feature the use of mediation and moderation analytical models beyond the intuitive evoked response mapping, to better leverage the rich information available in fMRI data with neuromodulation. Using fMRI alongside neuromodulation techniques provide insights into the mesoscopic (relating to the intermediate scale between single neurons and large-scale brain networks) and macroscopic fMRI measures that correlate with specific neuronal events. This integration bridges the gap between different scales of neuroscience research, facilitating the exploration and testing of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at altering network-mediated behaviors. In conclusion, the combination of fMRI with neuromodulation techniques provides crucial insights into mesoscopic and macroscopic brain dynamics, advancing our understanding of brain function in health and disease. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ming Hsu
- Center for Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Radiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yen-Yu Ian Shih
- Center for Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Wang X, Alkaabi F, Cornett A, Choi M, Scheven UM, Di Natale MR, Furness JB, Liu Z. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Gastric Motility in Conscious Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.09.612090. [PMID: 39314428 PMCID: PMC11419018 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.09.612090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Gastrointestinal (GI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can simultaneously capture gastric peristalsis, emptying, and intestinal filling and transit. Performing GI MRI with animals requires anesthesia, which complicates physiology and confounds interpretation and translation from animals to humans. This study aims to enable MRI in conscious rats, and for the first time, characterize GI motor functions in awake versus anesthetized conditions. Methods We acclimated rats to remain awake, still, and minimally stressed during MRI. We scanned 14 Sprague-Dawley rats in both awake and anesthetized conditions after voluntarily consuming a contrast-enhanced test meal. Results Awake rats remained physiologically stable during MRI, showed gastric emptying of 23.7±1.4% after 48 minutes, and exhibited strong peristaltic contractions propagating through the antrum with a velocity of 0.72±0.04 mm/s, a relative amplitude of 40.7±2.3%, and a frequency of 5.1±0.1 cycles per minute. In the anesthetized condition, gastric emptying was about half of that in the awake condition, likely due to the effect of anesthesia in halving the amplitudes of peristaltic contractions rather than their frequency (not significantly changed) or velocity. In awake rats, the intestine filled more quickly and propulsive contractions were more occlusive. Conclusion We demonstrated the effective acquisition and analysis of GI MRI in awake rats. Awake rats show faster gastric emptying, stronger gastric contraction with a faster propagation speed, and more effective intestinal filling and transit, compared to anesthetized rats. Our protocol is expected to benefit future preclinical studies of GI physiology and pathophysiology.
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14
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Gong Y, Yang H, Ding C. NIR-photoactivatable DNA nanomachines for spatiotemporally controllable monitoring of microRNA-21 in living cells based on signal amplification strategy. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 267:116755. [PMID: 39244838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116755] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Precise and spatiotemporally controllable analysis of microRNA-21 in living cells is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of related diseases. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR)-photoactivatable DNA nanomachine (PUCNPs-NH2/PEG-ZL-DNA) was constructed for the precise analysis and diagnosis of microRNA-21 in tumor cells. Peanut-shaped upconversion nanoparticles (PUCNPs) were employed as the carriers and activators for the intelligent DNA probe, specifically enabling the cleavage of the photocleavable linker (PC-linker) from the hairpin DNA probe (Hp-Dzy) upon exposure to 808 nm irradiation. In the presence of the target microRNA-21, the locker DNA hybridized with microRNA-21 and the DNAzymes was freed to hybridize with the looped portion of the hairpin DNA (Hp-1). Mg2+ was employed as the cofactor, facilitating the precise cleavage of Hp-1, which triggered the restoration of fluorescence signals. Subsequently, DNAzymes exhibited the competency to selectively recognize and engage with additional Hp-1, and the fluorescence signals were effectively amplified by the recycling process. Consequently, the DNA nanomachine exhibited a linear response to microRNA-21 concentrations ranging from 0.5 nM to 1.0 μM, achieving a remarkable detection limit (LOD) of 1.19 nM under the optimal conditions. This strategy is realized through the integration of photocontrollable upconversion nanotechnology with the signal amplification approach, showing feasible prospects for spatiotemporally precise and highly sensitive monitoring of microRNA in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science in Universities of Shandong, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, PR China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huangshan University, Huangshan, 245041, PR China
| | - Huiwen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science in Universities of Shandong, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, PR China
| | - Caifeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science in Universities of Shandong, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, PR China.
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15
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Lorca-Cámara A, Blot FGC, Accanto N. Recent advances in light patterned optogenetic photostimulation in freely moving mice. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:S11508. [PMID: 38404422 PMCID: PMC10885521 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.s1.s11508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics opened the door to a new era of neuroscience. New optical developments are under way to enable high-resolution neuronal activity imaging and selective photostimulation of neuronal ensembles in freely moving animals. These advancements could allow researchers to interrogate, with cellular precision, functionally relevant neuronal circuits in the framework of naturalistic brain activity. We provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art of imaging and photostimulation in freely moving rodents and present a road map for future optical and engineering developments toward miniaturized microscopes that could reach beyond the currently existing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François G C Blot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Nicolò Accanto
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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16
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Kaluskar P, Bharadwaj D, Iyer KS, Dy C, Zheng M, Brogan DM. A Systematic Review to Compare Electrical, Magnetic, and Optogenetic Stimulation for Peripheral Nerve Repair. JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY GLOBAL ONLINE 2024; 6:722-739. [PMID: 39381397 PMCID: PMC11456630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.03.005] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the currently available evidence for the use of external stimulation to modulate neural activity and promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The most common external stimulations are electrical stimulation (ES), optogenetic stimulation (OS), and magnetic stimulation (MS). Understanding the comparative effectiveness of these stimulation methods is pivotal in advancing therapeutic interventions for peripheral nerve injuries. This systematic review focused on these three external stimulation modalities as potential strategies to enhance peripheral nerve repair (PNR). We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework to systematically evaluate and compare the efficiency of ES, OS, and MS in PNR. The review included studies published between 2018 and 2023 using ES, OS, or MS for PNR focused on enhancing recovery of peripheral nerve injuries in rodent models identified through PubMed and Google Scholar. The search strategies and inclusion criteria identified 19 studies (13 ES, 4 OS, and 2 MS) for detailed analysis, focusing on critical parameters such as functional recovery, histological outcomes, and electrophysiological data. Although ES demonstrated a consistent improvement in all the analyses, high-frequency repetitive MS (HFr-MS) emerged as a promising modality. HFr-MS demonstrated accelerated PNR, as histological and electrophysiological evidence indicated. In contrast, OS exhibited superior functional recovery outcomes. Notable limitations include constrained MS and OS data sets and the challenge of comparing relative improvements because of methodological diversity in evaluation techniques. Our findings underscore the potential of HFr-MS and OS in PNR while emphasizing the critical need for standardized testing protocols to facilitate meaningful cross-study comparisons. External stimulations have the potential to improve functional recovery in patients with nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Kaluskar
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dhruv Bharadwaj
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - K. Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis, School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Christopher Dy
- Orthopaedic Surgery Division of Hand and Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Minghao Zheng
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - David M. Brogan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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17
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Bremshey S, Groß J, Renken K, Masseck OA. The role of serotonin in depression-A historical roundup and future directions. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1751-1779. [PMID: 38477031 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide, affecting approximately 280 million people, with probably much higher unrecorded cases. Depression is associated with symptoms such as anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness, sleep disturbances, and even suicidal thoughts. Tragically, more than 700 000 people commit suicide each year. Although depression has been studied for many decades, the exact mechanisms that lead to depression are still unknown, and available treatments only help a fraction of patients. In the late 1960s, the serotonin hypothesis was published, suggesting that serotonin is the key player in depressive disorders. However, this hypothesis is being increasingly doubted as there is evidence for the influence of other neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine, as well as larger systemic causes such as altered activity in the limbic network or inflammatory processes. In this narrative review, we aim to contribute to the ongoing debate on the involvement of serotonin in depression. We will review the evolution of antidepressant treatments, systemic research on depression over the years, and future research applications that will help to bridge the gap between systemic research and neurotransmitter dynamics using biosensors. These new tools in combination with systemic applications, will in the future provide a deeper understanding of the serotonergic dynamics in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Bremshey
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Neuropharmacology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Juliana Groß
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kim Renken
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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18
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Palmiter RD. Parabrachial neurons promote nociplastic pain. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:722-735. [PMID: 39147688 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) in the dorsal pons responds to bodily threats and transmits alarm signals to the forebrain. Parabrachial neuron activity is enhanced during chronic pain, and inactivation of PBN neurons in mice prevents the establishment of neuropathic, chronic pain symptoms. Chemogenetic or optogenetic activation of all glutamatergic neurons in the PBN, or just the subpopulation that expresses the Calca gene, is sufficient to establish pain phenotypes, including long-lasting tactile allodynia, that scale with the extent of stimulation, thereby promoting nociplastic pain, defined as diffuse pain without tissue inflammation or nerve injury. This review focuses on the role(s) of molecularly defined PBN neurons and the downstream nodes in the brain that contribute to establishing nociplastic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Palmiter
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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19
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Choi SH, Shin J, Park C, Lee JU, Lee J, Ambo Y, Shin W, Yu R, Kim JY, Lah JD, Shin D, Kim G, Noh K, Koh W, Lee CJ, Lee JH, Kwak M, Cheon J. In vivo magnetogenetics for cell-type-specific targeting and modulation of brain circuits. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:1333-1343. [PMID: 38956320 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Neuromodulation technologies are crucial for investigating neuronal connectivity and brain function. Magnetic neuromodulation offers wireless and remote deep brain stimulations that are lacking in optogenetic- and wired-electrode-based tools. However, due to the limited understanding of working principles and poorly designed magnetic operating systems, earlier magnetic approaches have yet to be utilized. Furthermore, despite its importance in neuroscience research, cell-type-specific magnetic neuromodulation has remained elusive. Here we present a nanomaterials-based magnetogenetic toolbox, in conjunction with Cre-loxP technology, to selectively activate genetically encoded Piezo1 ion channels in targeted neuronal populations via torque generated by the nanomagnetic actuators in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate this cell-type-targeting magnetic approach for remote and spatiotemporal precise control of deep brain neural activity in multiple behavioural models, such as bidirectional feeding control, long-term neuromodulation for weight control in obese mice and wireless modulation of social behaviours in multiple mice in the same physical space. Our study demonstrates the potential of cell-type-specific magnetogenetics as an effective and reliable research tool for life sciences, especially in wireless, long-term and freely behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Hyun Choi
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Shin
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhyun Park
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Uk Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaegyeong Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuko Ambo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wookjin Shin
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ri Yu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Young Kim
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsu David Lah
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghun Shin
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gooreum Kim
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunwoo Noh
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wuhyun Koh
- IBS School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Cluster, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- IBS School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Cluster, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Minsuk Kwak
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinwoo Cheon
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Du Y, Dylda E, Stibůrek M, Gomes AD, Turtaev S, Pakan JMP, Čižmár T. Advancing the path to in-vivo imaging in freely moving mice via multimode-multicore fiber based holographic endoscopy. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:S11506. [PMID: 38352728 PMCID: PMC10863504 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.s1.s11506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Significance Hair-thin multimode optical fiber-based holographic endoscopes have gained considerable interest in modern neuroscience for their ability to achieve cellular and even subcellular resolution during in-vivo deep brain imaging. However, the application of multimode fibers in freely moving animals presents a persistent challenge as it is difficult to maintain optimal imaging performance while the fiber undergoes deformations. Aim We propose a fiber solution for challenging in-vivo applications with the capability of deep brain high spatial resolution imaging and neuronal activity monitoring in anesthetized as well as awake behaving mice. Approach We used our previously developed M 3 CF multimode-multicore fiber to record fluorescently labeled neurons in anesthetized mice. Our M 3 CF exhibits a cascaded refractive index structure, enabling two distinct regimes of light transport that imitate either a multimode or a multicore fiber. The M 3 CF has been specifically designed for use in the initial phase of an in-vivo experiment, allowing for the navigation of the endoscope's distal end toward the targeted brain structure. The multicore regime enables the transfer of light to and from each individual neuron within the field of view. For chronic experiments in awake behaving mice, it is crucial to allow for disconnecting the fiber and the animal between experiments. Therefore, we provide here an effective solution and establish a protocol for reconnection of two segments of M 3 CF with hexagonally arranged corelets. Results We successfully utilized the M 3 CF to image neurons in anaesthetized transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein. Additionally, we compared imaging results obtained with the M 3 CF with larger numerical aperture (NA) fibers in fixed whole-brain tissue. Conclusions This study focuses on addressing challenges and providing insights into the use of multimode-multicore fibers as imaging solutions for in-vivo applications. We suggest that the upcoming version of the M 3 CF increases the overall NA between the two cladding layers to allow for access to high resolution spatial imaging. As the NA increases in the multimode regime, the fiber diameter and ring structure must be reduced to minimize the computational burden and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Du
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
| | - Evelyn Dylda
- Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - André D Gomes
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Janelle M. P. Pakan
- Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tomáš Čižmár
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of CAS, Brno, Czechia
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Applied Optics, Jena, Germany
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21
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Ding P, Wahn H, Chen FD, Li J, Mu X, Stalmashonak A, Luo X, Lo GQ, Poon JKS, Sacher WD. Photonic neural probe enabled microendoscopes for light-sheet light-field computational fluorescence brain imaging. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:S11503. [PMID: 38322247 PMCID: PMC10846542 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.s1.s11503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Significance Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy is widely used for high-speed, high-contrast, volumetric imaging. Application of this technique to in vivo brain imaging in non-transparent organisms has been limited by the geometric constraints of conventional light-sheet microscopes, which require orthogonal fluorescence excitation and collection objectives. We have recently demonstrated implantable photonic neural probes that emit addressable light sheets at depth in brain tissue, miniaturizing the excitation optics. Here, we propose a microendoscope consisting of a light-sheet neural probe packaged together with miniaturized fluorescence collection optics based on an image fiber bundle for lensless, light-field, computational fluorescence imaging. Aim Foundry-fabricated, silicon-based, light-sheet neural probes can be packaged together with commercially available image fiber bundles to form microendoscopes for light-sheet light-field fluorescence imaging at depth in brain tissue. Approach Prototype microendoscopes were developed using light-sheet neural probes with five addressable sheets and image fiber bundles. Fluorescence imaging with the microendoscopes was tested with fluorescent beads suspended in agarose and fixed mouse brain tissue. Results Volumetric light-sheet light-field fluorescence imaging was demonstrated using the microendoscopes. Increased imaging depth and enhanced reconstruction accuracy were observed relative to epi-illumination light-field imaging using only a fiber bundle. Conclusions Our work offers a solution toward volumetric fluorescence imaging of brain tissue with a compact size and high contrast. The proof-of-concept demonstrations herein illustrate the operating principles and methods of the imaging approach, providing a foundation for future investigations of photonic neural probe enabled microendoscopes for deep-brain fluorescence imaging in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peisheng Ding
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hannes Wahn
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
| | - Fu-Der Chen
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Max Planck-University of Toronto Centre for Neural Science and Technology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- Max Planck-University of Toronto Centre for Neural Science and Technology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Mu
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Max Planck-University of Toronto Centre for Neural Science and Technology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Joyce K. S. Poon
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Max Planck-University of Toronto Centre for Neural Science and Technology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wesley D. Sacher
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- Max Planck-University of Toronto Centre for Neural Science and Technology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Zhang E, Shotbolt M, Chang CY, Scott-Vandeusen A, Chen S, Liang P, Radu D, Khizroev S. Controlling action potentials with magnetoelectric nanoparticles. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:1005-1017. [PMID: 39209064 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive or minutely invasive and wireless brain stimulation that can target any region of the brain is an open problem in engineering and neuroscience with serious implications for the treatment of numerous neurological diseases. Despite significant recent progress in advancing new methods of neuromodulation, none has successfully replicated the efficacy of traditional wired stimulation and improved on its downsides without introducing new complications. Due to the capability to convert magnetic fields into local electric fields, MagnetoElectric NanoParticle (MENP) neuromodulation is a recently proposed framework based on new materials that can locally sensitize neurons to specific, low-strength alternating current (AC) magnetic fields (50Hz 1.7 kOe field). However, the current research into this neuromodulation concept is at a very early stage, and the theoretically feasible game-changing advantages remain to be proven experimentally. To break this stalemate phase, this study leveraged understanding of the non-linear properties of MENPs and the nanoparticles' field interaction with the cellular microenvironment. Particularly, the applied magnetic field's strength and frequency were tailored to the M - H hysteresis loop of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, rectangular prisms instead of the more traditional "spherical" nanoparticle shapes were used to: (i) maximize the magnetoelectric effect and (ii) improve the nanoparticle-cell-membrane surface interface. Neuromodulation performance was evaluated in a series of exploratory in vitro experiments on 2446 rat hippocampus neurons. Linear mixed effect models were used to ensure the independence of samples by accounting for fixed adjacency effects in synchronized firing. Neural activity was measured over repeated 4-min segments, containing 90 s of baseline measurements, 90 s of stimulation measurements, and 60 s of post stimulation measurements. 87.5 % of stimulation attempts produced statistically significant (P < 0.05) changes in neural activity, with 58.3 % producing large changes (P < 0.01). In negative controls using either zero or 1.7 kOe-strength field without nanoparticles, no experiments produced significant changes in neural activity (P > 0.05 and P > 0.15 respectively). Furthermore, an exploratory analysis of a direct current (DC) magnetic field indicated that the DC field could be used with MENPs to inhibit neuron activity (P < 0.01). These experiments demonstrated the potential for magnetoelectric neuromodulation to offer a near one-to-one functionality match with conventional electrode stimulation without requiring surgical intervention or genetic modification to achieve success, instead relying on physical properties of these nanoparticles as "On/Off" control mechanisms. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: This in vitro neural cell culture study explores how to exploit the non-linear and anisotropic properties of magnetoelectric nanoparticles for wireless neuromodulation, the importance of magnetic field strength and frequency matching for optimization, and demonstrates, for the first time, that magnetoelectric neuromodulation can inhibit neural responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elric Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Max Shotbolt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Chang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Shawnus Chen
- Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, University of Miami, USA
| | | | - Daniela Radu
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sakhrat Khizroev
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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23
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Kuo CC, McCall JG. Neural circuit-selective, multiplexed pharmacological targeting of prefrontal cortex-projecting locus coeruleus neurons drives antinociception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.08.598059. [PMID: 38895281 PMCID: PMC11185789 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.08.598059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Selective manipulation of neural circuits using optogenetics and chemogenetics holds great translational potential but requires genetic access to neurons. Here, we demonstrate a general framework for identifying genetic tool-independent, pharmacological strategies for neural circuit-selective modulation. We developed an economically accessible calcium imaging-based approach for large-scale pharmacological scans of endogenous receptor-mediated neural activity. As a testbed for this approach, we used the mouse locus coeruleus due to the combination of its widespread, modular efferent neural circuitry and its wide variety of endogenously expressed GPCRs. Using machine learning-based action potential deconvolution and retrograde tracing, we identified an agonist cocktail that selectively inhibits medial prefrontal cortex-projecting locus coeruleus neurons. In vivo, this cocktail produces synergistic antinociception, consistent with selective pharmacological blunting of this neural circuit. This framework has broad utility for selective targeting of other neural circuits under different physiological and pathological states, facilitating non-genetic translational applications arising from cell type-selective discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jordan G. McCall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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24
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Greig LC, Woodworth MB, Poulopoulos A, Lim S, Macklis JD. BEAM: A combinatorial recombinase toolbox for binary gene expression and mosaic genetic analysis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114650. [PMID: 39159043 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe a binary expression aleatory mosaic (BEAM) system, which relies on DNA delivery by transfection or viral transduction along with nested recombinase activity to generate two genetically distinct, non-overlapping populations of cells for comparative analysis. Control cells labeled with red fluorescent protein (RFP) can be directly compared with experimental cells manipulated by genetic gain or loss of function and labeled with GFP. Importantly, BEAM incorporates recombinase-dependent signal amplification and delayed reporter expression to enable sharper delineation of control and experimental cells and to improve reliability relative to existing methods. We applied BEAM to a variety of known phenotypes to illustrate its advantages for identifying temporally or spatially aberrant phenotypes, for revealing changes in cell proliferation or death, and for controlling for procedural variability. In addition, we used BEAM to test the cortical protomap hypothesis at the individual radial unit level, revealing that area identity is cell autonomously specified in adjacent radial units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano C Greig
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mollie B Woodworth
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Lim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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25
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Boudries R, Williams H, Paquereau-Gaboreau S, Bashir S, Hojjat Jodaylami M, Chisanga M, Trudeau LÉ, Masson JF. Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanosensing and Imaging in Neuroscience. ACS NANO 2024; 18:22620-22647. [PMID: 39088751 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring neurochemicals and imaging the molecular content of brain tissues in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo is essential for enhancing our understanding of neurochemistry and the causes of brain disorders. This review explores the potential applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanosensors in neurosciences, where their adoption could lead to significant progress in the field. These applications encompass detecting neurotransmitters or brain disorders biomarkers in biofluids with SERS nanosensors, and imaging normal and pathological brain tissues with SERS labeling. Specific studies highlighting in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analysis of brain disorders using fit-for-purpose SERS nanosensors will be detailed, with an emphasis on the ability of SERS to detect clinically pertinent levels of neurochemicals. Recent advancements in designing SERS-active nanomaterials, improving experimentation in biofluids, and increasing the usage of machine learning for interpreting SERS spectra will also be discussed. Furthermore, we will address the tagging of tissues presenting pathologies with nanoparticles for SERS imaging, a burgeoning domain of neuroscience that has been demonstrated to be effective in guiding tumor removal during brain surgery. The review also explores future research applications for SERS nanosensors in neuroscience, including monitoring neurochemistry in vivo with greater penetration using surface-enhanced spatially offset Raman scattering (SESORS), near-infrared lasers, and 2-photon techniques. The article concludes by discussing the potential of SERS for investigating the effectiveness of therapies for brain disorders and for integrating conventional neurochemistry techniques with SERS sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryma Boudries
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Hannah Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Soraya Paquereau-Gaboreau
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
- Neural Signalling and Circuitry Research Group (SNC), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on the Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Saba Bashir
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Maryam Hojjat Jodaylami
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Malama Chisanga
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Louis-Éric Trudeau
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
- Neural Signalling and Circuitry Research Group (SNC), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on the Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jean-Francois Masson
- Department of Chemistry, Institut Courtois, Quebec Center for Advanced Materials (QCAM), and Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
- Neural Signalling and Circuitry Research Group (SNC), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on the Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
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26
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Cannon K, Bartley A, Dobrunz L, Bolding M. Ectopically expressed rhodopsin is not sensitive to X-rays. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:38. [PMID: 39179957 PMCID: PMC11344346 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00882-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual perception of X-radiation is a well-documented, but poorly understood phenomenon. Scotopic rod cells and rhodopsin have been implicated in visual responses to X-rays, however, some evidence suggests that X-rays excite the retina via a different mechanism than visible light. While rhodopsin's role in X-ray perception is unclear, the possibility that it could function as an X-ray receptor has led to speculation that it could act as a transgenically expressed X-ray receptor. If so, it could be used to transduce transcranial X-ray signals and control the activity of genetically targeted populations of neurons in a less invasive version of optogenetics, X-genetics. Here we investigate whether human rhodopsin (hRho) is capable of transducing X-ray signals when expressed outside of the retinal environment. We use a live-cell cAMP GloSensor luminescence assay to measure cAMP decreases in hRho-expressing HEK293 cells in response to visible light and X-ray stimulation. We show that cAMP GloSensor luminescence decreases are not observed in hRho-expressing HEK293 cells in response to X-ray stimulation, despite the presence of robust responses to visible light. Additionally, irradiation had no significant effect on cAMP GloSensor responses to subsequent visible light stimulation. These results suggest that ectopically expressed rhodopsin does not function as an X-ray receptor and is not capable of transducing transcranial X-ray signals into neural activity for X-ray mediated, genetically targeted neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli Cannon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Aundrea Bartley
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Lynn Dobrunz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Mark Bolding
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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27
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Pierce AF, Shupe L, Fetz E, Yazdan-Shahmorad A. Flexible modeling of large-scale neural network stimulation: electrical and optical extensions to The Virtual Electrode Recording Tool for EXtracellular Potentials (VERTEX). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.20.608687. [PMID: 39229104 PMCID: PMC11370401 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.20.608687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Computational models that predict effects of neural stimulation can be used as a preliminary tool to inform in-vivo research, reducing the costs, time, and ethical considerations involved. However, current models do not support the diverse neural stimulation techniques used in-vivo, including the expanding selection of electrodes, stimulation modalities, and stimulation paradigms. To develop a more comprehensive software, we created several extensions to The Virtual Electrode Recording Tool for EXtracellular Potentials (VERTEX), the MATLAB-based neural stimulation tool from Newcastle University. VERTEX simulates input currents in a large population of multi-compartment neurons within a small cortical slice to model electric field stimulation, while recording local field potentials (LFPs) and spiking activity. Our extensions to its existing electric field stimulation framework include multiple pairs of parametrically defined electrodes and biphasic, bipolar stimulation delivered at programmable delays. To support the growing use of optogenetic approaches for targeted neural stimulation, we introduced a feature that models optogenetic stimulation through an additional VERTEX input function that converts irradiance to currents at optogenetically responsive neurons. Finally, we added extensions to allow complex stimulation protocols including paired-pulse, spatiotemporal patterned, and closed-loop stimulation. We demonstrated our novel features using VERTEX's built-in functionalities, illustrating how these extensions can be used to efficiently and systematically test diverse, targeted, and individualized stimulation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne F Pierce
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Larry Shupe
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Eberhard Fetz
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Azadeh Yazdan-Shahmorad
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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28
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Nakamura T, Shinozaki Y, Otomo A, Urui T, Mizuno M, Abe-Yoshizumi R, Hashimoto M, Kojima K, Sudo Y, Kandori H, Mizutani Y. Unusual Vibrational Coupling of the Schiff Base in the Retinal Chromophore of Sodium Ion-Pumping Rhodopsins. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:7813-7821. [PMID: 39090991 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c04466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
A Schiff base in the retinal chromophore of microbial rhodopsin is crucial to its ion transport mechanism. Here, we discovered an unprecedented isotope effect on the C═N stretching frequency of the Schiff base in sodium ion-pumping rhodopsins, showing an unusual interaction of the Schiff base. No amino acid residue attributable to the unprecedented isotope effect was identified, suggesting that the H-O-H bending vibration of a water molecule near the Schiff base was coupled with the C═N stretching vibration. A twist in the polyene chain in the chromophore for the sodium ion-pumping rhodopsins enabled this unusual interaction of the Schiff base. The present discovery provides new insights into the interaction network of the retinal chromophore in microbial rhodopsins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Nakamura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Yuka Shinozaki
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Akihiro Otomo
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Taito Urui
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Misao Mizuno
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Rei Abe-Yoshizumi
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8555, Japan
| | - Manami Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kojima
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yuki Sudo
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Mizutani
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
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29
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Zhang Z, Li F, Duan Z, Shi C, Wang X, Zhu F, Xue W. OPTICS: An interactive online platform for photosensory and bio-functional proteins in optogenetic systems. Comput Biol Med 2024; 178:108687. [PMID: 38870722 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
High-precise modulation of bio-functional proteins related to signaling is crucial in life sciences and human health. The cutting-edge technology of optogenetics, which combines optical method with genetically encoded protein expression, pioneered new pathways for the control of cellular bio-functional proteins (CPs) using optogenetic tools (OTs) in spatial and temporal. Over the past decade, hundreds of optogenetic systems (OSs) have been developed for various applications from living cells to freely moving organisms. However, no database has been constructed to comprehensively provide the valuable information of OSs yet. In this work, a new database named OPTICS (an interactive online platform for photosensory and bio-functional proteins in optogenetic systems) is introduced. Our OPTICS is unique in (i) systematically describing diverse OSs from the perspective of photoreceptor-based classification and mechanism of action, (ii) featuring the detailed biophysical properties and functional data of OSs, (iii) providing the interaction between OT and CP for each OS referring to distinct applications in research, diagnosis, and therapy, and (iv) enabling a light response property-based search against all OSs in the database. Since the information on OSs is essential for rapid and predictable design of optogenetic controls, the comprehensive data provided in OPTICS lay a solid foundation for the future development of novel OSs. OPTICS is freely accessible without login requirement at https://idrblab.org/optics/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Fengcheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zixin Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Chaoqun Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xiaona Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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30
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Karpova OV, Vinogradova EN, Moisenovich AM, Pustovit OB, Ramonova AA, Abramochkin DV, Lobakova ES. Functional Analysis of the Channelrhodopsin Genes from the Green Algae of the White Sea Basin. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:1392-1401. [PMID: 39245452 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924080030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics, the method of light-controlled regulation of cellular processes is based on the use of the channelrhodopsins that directly generate photoinduced currents. Most of the channelrhodopsin genes have been identified in the green microalgae Chlorophyta, and the demand for increasing the number of functionally characterized channelrhodopsins and the diversity of their photochemical parameters keeps growing. We performed the expression analysis of cation channelrhodopsin (CCR) genes in natural isolates of microalgae of the genera Haematococcus and Bracteacoccus from the unique Arctic Circle region. The identified full-length CCR transcript of H. lacustris is the product of alternative splicing and encodes the Hl98CCR2 protein with no photochemical activity. The 5'-partial fragment of the B. aggregatus CCR transcript encodes the Ba34CCR protein containing a conserved TM1-TM7 membrane domain and a short cytosolic fragment. Upon heterologous expression of the TM1-TM7 fragment in CHO-K1 cell culture, light-dependent current generation was observed with the parameters corresponding to those of the CCR. The first discovered functional channelrhodopsin of Bracteacoccus has no close CCR homologues and may be of interest as a candidate for optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Karpova
- Division of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Elizaveta N Vinogradova
- Division of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Genome Center, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | | | - Oksana B Pustovit
- Division of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alla A Ramonova
- Division of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Denis V Abramochkin
- Division of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Elena S Lobakova
- Division of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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31
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Bertalan É, Konno M, Del Carmen Marín M, Bagherzadeh R, Nagata T, Brown L, Inoue K, Bondar AN. Hydrogen-Bonding and Hydrophobic Interaction Networks as Structural Determinants of Microbial Rhodopsin Function. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:7407-7426. [PMID: 39024507 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Microbial pump rhodopsins are highly versatile light-driven membrane proteins that couple protein conformational dynamics with ion translocation across the cell membranes. Understanding how microbial pump rhodopsins use specific amino acid residues at key functional sites to control ion selectivity and ion pumping direction is of general interest for membrane transporters, and could guide site-directed mutagenesis for optogenetics applications. To enable direct comparisons between proteins with different sequences we implement, for the first time, a unique numbering scheme for the microbial pump rhodopsin residues, NS-mrho. We use NS-mrho to show that distinct microbial pump rhodopsins typically have hydrogen-bond networks that are less conserved than anticipated from the amino acid residue conservation, whereas their hydrophobic interaction networks are largely conserved. To illustrate the role of the hydrogen-bond networks as structural elements that determine the functionality of microbial pump rhodopsins, we performed experiments, atomic-level simulations, and hydrogen bond network analyses on GR, the outward proton pump from Gloeobacter violaceus, and KR2, the outward sodium pump from Krokinobacter eikastus. The experiments indicate that multiple mutations that recover KR2 amino acid residues in GR not only fail to convert it into a sodium pump, but completely inactivate GR by abolishing photoisomerization of the retinal chromophore. This observation could be attributed to the drastically altered hydrogen-bond interaction network identified with simulations and network analyses. Taken together, our findings suggest that functional specificity could be encoded in the collective hydrogen-bond network of microbial pump rhodopsins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Bertalan
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 59, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Masae Konno
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwano-ha, Kashiwa 277-8581, Chiba, Japan
| | - María Del Carmen Marín
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwano-ha, Kashiwa 277-8581, Chiba, Japan
| | - Reza Bagherzadeh
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwano-ha, Kashiwa 277-8581, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagata
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwano-ha, Kashiwa 277-8581, Chiba, Japan
| | - Leonid Brown
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, 488 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Keiichi Inoue
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwano-ha, Kashiwa 277-8581, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Institute of Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, IAS-5/INM-9, Wilhelm-Johnen Straße, 5428 Jülich, Germany
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomiştilor 405, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
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Sun C, Fan Q, Xie R, Luo C, Hu B, Wang Q. Tetherless Optical Neuromodulation: Wavelength from Orange-red to Mid-infrared. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1173-1188. [PMID: 38372931 PMCID: PMC11306867 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, a technique that employs light for neuromodulation, has revolutionized the study of neural mechanisms and the treatment of neurological disorders due to its high spatiotemporal resolution and cell-type specificity. However, visible light, particularly blue and green light, commonly used in conventional optogenetics, has limited penetration in biological tissue. This limitation necessitates the implantation of optical fibers for light delivery, especially in deep brain regions, leading to tissue damage and experimental constraints. To overcome these challenges, the use of orange-red and infrared light with greater tissue penetration has emerged as a promising approach for tetherless optical neuromodulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and applications of tetherless optical neuromodulation methods with long wavelengths. We first discuss the exploration of orange-red wavelength-responsive rhodopsins and their performance in tetherless optical neuromodulation. Then, we summarize two novel tetherless neuromodulation methods using near-infrared light: upconversion nanoparticle-mediated optogenetics and photothermal neuromodulation. In addition, we discuss recent advances in mid-infrared optical neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Spectroscopy of Xi'an, Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, XIOPM, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Spectroscopy of Xi'an, Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, XIOPM, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Rougang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bingliang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Spectroscopy of Xi'an, Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, XIOPM, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Spectroscopy of Xi'an, Key Laboratory of Spectral Imaging Technology, XIOPM, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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33
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Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Pantoja IEM, Zhao A, George D, Gracias DH. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302456. [PMID: 38217546 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional aggregates of self-organized differentiated stem cells that mimic the structure and function of human brain regions. Organoids bridge the gaps between conventional drug screening models such as planar mammalian cell culture, animal studies, and clinical trials. They can revolutionize the fields of developmental biology, neuroscience, toxicology, and computer engineering. Conventional microinstrumentation for conventional cellular engineering, such as planar microfluidic chips; microelectrode arrays (MEAs); and optical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques, has limitations when applied to three-dimensional (3D) organoids, primarily due to their limits with inherently two-dimensional geometry and interfacing. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new instrumentation compatible with live cell culture techniques and with scalable 3D formats relevant to organoids. This review discusses conventional planar approaches and emerging 3D microinstrumentation necessary for advanced organoid-machine interfaces. Specifically, this article surveys recently developed microinstrumentation, including 3D printed and curved microfluidics, 3D and fast-scan optical techniques, buckling and self-folding MEAs, 3D interfaces for electrochemical measurements, and 3D spatially controllable magnetic and acoustic technologies relevant to two-way information transfer with brain organoids. This article highlights key challenges that must be addressed for robust organoid culture and reliable 3D spatiotemporal information transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Saniya Shetty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Chris Acha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Itzy E Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alice Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Derosh George
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Elleman AV, Milicic N, Williams DJ, Simko J, Liu CJ, Haynes AL, Ehrlich DE, Makinson CD, Du Bois J. Behavioral control through the direct, focal silencing of neuronal activity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1324-1335.e20. [PMID: 38729162 PMCID: PMC11260259 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability to optically stimulate and inhibit neurons has revolutionized neuroscience research. Here, we present a direct, potent, user-friendly chemical approach for optically silencing neurons. We have rendered saxitoxin (STX), a naturally occurring paralytic agent, transiently inert through chemical protection with a previously undisclosed nitrobenzyl-derived photocleavable group. Exposing the caged toxin, STX-bpc, to a brief (5 ms) pulse of light effects rapid release of a potent STX derivative and transient, spatially precise blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs). We demonstrate the efficacy of STX-bpc for parametrically manipulating action potentials in mammalian neurons and brain slice. Additionally, we show the effectiveness of this reagent for silencing neural activity by dissecting sensory-evoked swimming in larval zebrafish. Photo-uncaging of STX-bpc is a straightforward method for non-invasive, reversible, spatiotemporally precise neural silencing without the need for genetic access, thus removing barriers for comparative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Elleman
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nikola Milicic
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 121 Integrative Biology Research Building, 1117 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Damian J Williams
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jane Simko
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christine J Liu
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, MC 9872, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Allison L Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David E Ehrlich
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 121 Integrative Biology Research Building, 1117 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Christopher D Makinson
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, MC 9872, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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35
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Li G, Li D, Lan B, Chen Y, Zhang W, Li B, Liu Y, Fan H, Lu H. Functional nanotransducer-mediated wireless neural modulation techniques. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:14TR02. [PMID: 38959904 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad5ef0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Functional nanomaterials have emerged as versatile nanotransducers for wireless neural modulation because of their minimal invasion and high spatiotemporal resolution. The nanotransducers can convert external excitation sources (e.g. NIR light, x-rays, and magnetic fields) to visible light (or local heat) to activate optogenetic opsins and thermosensitive ion channels for neuromodulation. The present review provides insights into the fundamentals of the mostly used functional nanomaterials in wireless neuromodulation including upconversion nanoparticles, nanoscintillators, and magnetic nanoparticles. We further discussed the recent developments in design strategies of functional nanomaterials with enhanced energy conversion performance that have greatly expanded the field of neuromodulation. We summarized the applications of functional nanomaterials-mediated wireless neuromodulation techniques, including exciting/silencing neurons, modulating brain activity, controlling motor behaviors, and regulating peripheral organ function in mice. Finally, we discussed some key considerations in functional nanotransducer-mediated wireless neuromodulation along with the current challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galong Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Lan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojuan Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiming Fan
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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36
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Prischich D, Sortino R, Gomila-Juaneda A, Matera C, Guardiola S, Nepomuceno D, Varese M, Bonaventure P, de Lecea L, Giralt E, Gorostiza P. In vivo photocontrol of orexin receptors with a nanomolar light-regulated analogue of orexin-B. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:288. [PMID: 38970689 PMCID: PMC11335211 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05308-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] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Orexinergic neurons are critically involved in regulating arousal, wakefulness, and appetite. Their dysfunction has been associated with sleeping disorders, and non-peptide drugs are currently being developed to treat insomnia and narcolepsy. Yet, no light-regulated agents are available to reversibly control their activity. To meet this need, a photoswitchable peptide analogue of the endogenous neuroexcitatory peptide orexin-B was designed, synthesized, and tested in vitro and in vivo. This compound - photorexin - is the first photo-reversible ligand reported for orexin receptors. It allows dynamic control of activity in vitro (including almost the same efficacy as orexin-B, high nanomolar potency, and subtype selectivity to human OX2 receptors) and in vivo in zebrafish larvae by direct application in water. Photorexin induces dose- and light-dependent changes in locomotion and a reduction in the successive induction reflex that is associated with sleep behavior. Molecular dynamics calculations indicate that trans and cis photorexin adopt similar bent conformations and that the only discriminant between their structures and activities is the positioning of the N-terminus. This, in the case of the more active trans isomer, points towards the OX2 N-terminus and extra-cellular loop 2, a region of the receptor known to be involved in ligand binding and recognition consistent with a "message-address" system. Thus, our approach could be extended to several important families of endogenous peptides, such as endothelins, nociceptin, and dynorphins among others, that bind to their cognate receptors through a similar mechanism: a "message" domain involved in receptor activation and signal transduction, and an "address" sequence for receptor occupation and improved binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davia Prischich
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalba Sortino
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Gomila-Juaneda
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Carlo Matera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvador Guardiola
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- ONA Therapeutics, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Monica Varese
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- OMAKASE Consulting, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Gorostiza
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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37
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Zhang H, Xiong X, Guo K, Zheng M, Cao T, Yang Y, Song J, Cen J, Zhang J, Jiang Y, Feng S, Tian L, Li X. A rapid aureochrome opto-switch enables diatom acclimation to dynamic light. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5578. [PMID: 38956103 PMCID: PMC11219949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Diatoms often outnumber other eukaryotic algae in the oceans, especially in coastal environments characterized by frequent fluctuations in light intensity. The identities and operational mechanisms of regulatory factors governing diatom acclimation to high light stress remain largely elusive. Here, we identified the AUREO1c protein from the coastal diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a crucial regulator of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), a photoprotective mechanism that dissipates excess energy as heat. AUREO1c detects light stress using a light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domain and directly activates the expression of target genes, including LI818 genes that encode NPQ effector proteins, via its bZIP DNA-binding domain. In comparison to a kinase-mediated pathway reported in the freshwater green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the AUREO1c pathway exhibits a faster response and enables accumulation of LI818 transcript and protein levels to comparable degrees between continuous high-light and fluctuating-light treatments. We propose that the AUREO1c-LI818 pathway contributes to the resilience of diatoms under dynamic light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xiong
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kangning Guo
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjun Cao
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Song
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Cen
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahuan Zhang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyou Jiang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shan Feng
- Mass Spectrometry & Metabolomics Core Facility, The Biomedical Research Core Facility, Center for Research Equipment and Facilities, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
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38
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Söllner J, Derler I. Genetic code expansion, an emerging tool in the Ca 2+ ion channel field. J Physiol 2024; 602:3297-3313. [PMID: 38695316 DOI: 10.1113/jp285840] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Various methods for characterizing binding forces as well as for monitoring and remote control of ion channels are still emerging. A recent innovation is the direct incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) with corresponding biophysical or biochemical properties, which are integrated using genetic code expansion technology. Minimal changes to natural amino acids, which are achieved by chemical synthesis of corresponding UAAs, are valuable tools to provide insight into the contributions of physicochemical properties of side chains in binding events. To gain unique control over the conformational changes or function of ion channels, a series of light-sensitive, chemically reactive and posttranslationally modified UAAs have been developed and utilized. Here, we present the existing UAA tools, their mode of action, their potential and limitations as well as their previous applications to Ca2+-permeable ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Söllner
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Isabella Derler
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
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39
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Campbell PW, Govindaiah G, Guido W. Development of reciprocal connections between the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the thalamic reticular nucleus. Neural Dev 2024; 19:6. [PMID: 38890758 PMCID: PMC11184795 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-024-00183-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) serves as an important node between the thalamus and neocortex, regulating thalamocortical rhythms and sensory processing in a state dependent manner. Disruptions in TRN circuitry also figures prominently in several neurodevelopmental disorders including epilepsy, autism, and attentional defects. An understanding of how and when connections between TRN and 1st order thalamic nuclei, such as the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), develop is lacking. We used the mouse visual thalamus as a model system to study the organization, pattern of innervation and functional responses between TRN and the dLGN. Genetically modified mouse lines were used to visualize and target the feedforward and feedback components of these intra-thalamic circuits and to understand how peripheral input from the retina impacts their development.Retrograde tracing of thalamocortical (TC) afferents through TRN revealed that the modality-specific organization seen in the adult, is present at perinatal ages and seems impervious to the loss of peripheral input. To examine the formation and functional maturation of intrathalamic circuits between the visual sector of TRN and dLGN, we examined when projections from each nuclei arrive, and used an acute thalamic slice preparation along with optogenetic stimulation to assess the maturation of functional synaptic responses. Although thalamocortical projections passed through TRN at birth, feedforward axon collaterals determined by vGluT2 labeling, emerged during the second postnatal week, increasing in density through the third week. Optogenetic stimulation of TC axon collaterals in TRN showed infrequent, weak excitatory responses near the end of week 1. During weeks 2-4, responses became more prevalent, grew larger in amplitude and exhibited synaptic depression during repetitive stimulation. Feedback projections from visual TRN to dLGN began to innervate dLGN as early as postnatal day 2 with weak inhibitory responses emerging during week 1. During week 2-4, inhibitory responses continued to grow larger, showing synaptic depression during repetitive stimulation. During this time TRN inhibition started to suppress TC spiking, having its greatest impact by week 4-6. Using a mutant mouse that lacks retinofugal projections revealed that the absence of retinal input led to an acceleration of TRN innervation of dLGN but had little impact on the development of feedforward projections from dLGN to TRN. Together, these experiments reveal how and when intrathalamic connections emerge during early postnatal ages and provide foundational knowledge to understand the development of thalamocortical network dynamics as well as neurodevelopmental diseases that involve TRN circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Campbell
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
- Division of Neurology and Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Gubbi Govindaiah
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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40
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Xue T, Stalmashonak A, Chen FD, Ding P, Luo X, Chua H, Lo GQ, Sacher WD, Poon JKS. Implantable photonic neural probes with out-of-plane focusing grating emitters. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13812. [PMID: 38877050 PMCID: PMC11178810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We have designed, fabricated, and characterized implantable silicon neural probes with nanophotonic grating emitters that focus the emitted light at a specified distance above the surface of the probe for spatially precise optogenetic targeting of neurons. Using the holographic principle, we designed gratings for wavelengths of 488 and 594 nm, targeting the excitation spectra of the optogenetic actuators Channelrhodopsin-2 and Chrimson, respectively. The measured optical emission pattern of these emitters in non-scattering medium and tissue matched well with simulations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of focused spots with the size scale of a neuron soma in brain tissue formed from implantable neural probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyuan Xue
- Department of Nanophotonics, Integration, and Neural Technology, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, Halle, 06120, Germany.
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G4, ON, Canada.
| | - Andrei Stalmashonak
- Department of Nanophotonics, Integration, and Neural Technology, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, Halle, 06120, Germany
| | - Fu-Der Chen
- Department of Nanophotonics, Integration, and Neural Technology, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, Halle, 06120, Germany
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G4, ON, Canada
| | - Peisheng Ding
- Department of Nanophotonics, Integration, and Neural Technology, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, Halle, 06120, Germany
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G4, ON, Canada
| | - Xianshu Luo
- Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd., 11 Science Park Road, Singapore, 117685, Singapore
| | - Hongyao Chua
- Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd., 11 Science Park Road, Singapore, 117685, Singapore
| | - Guo-Qiang Lo
- Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd., 11 Science Park Road, Singapore, 117685, Singapore
| | - Wesley D Sacher
- Department of Nanophotonics, Integration, and Neural Technology, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, Halle, 06120, Germany
| | - Joyce K S Poon
- Department of Nanophotonics, Integration, and Neural Technology, Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, Halle, 06120, Germany.
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G4, ON, Canada.
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Gonzalez-Burgos I, Valencia M, Redondo R, Janz P. Optogenetic inhibition of the limbic corticothalamic circuit does not alter spontaneous oscillatory activity, auditory-evoked oscillations, and deviant detection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13114. [PMID: 38849374 PMCID: PMC11161607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neuronal circuit dynamics are at the core of complex neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia (SZ). Clinical assessment of the integrity of neuronal circuits in SZ has consistently described aberrant resting-state gamma oscillatory activity, decreased auditory-evoked gamma responses, and abnormal mismatch responses. We hypothesized that corticothalamic circuit manipulation could recapitulate SZ circuit phenotypes in rodent models. In this study, we optogenetically inhibited the mediodorsal thalamus-to-prefrontal cortex (MDT-to-PFC) or the PFC-to-MDT projection in rats and assessed circuit function through electrophysiological readouts. We found that MDT-PFC perturbation could not recapitulate SZ-linked phenotypes such as broadband gamma disruption, altered evoked oscillatory activity, and diminished mismatch negativity responses. Therefore, the induced functional impairment of the MDT-PFC pathways cannot account for the oscillatory abnormalities described in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Gonzalez-Burgos
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
- Program of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Valencia
- Program of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roger Redondo
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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McKay DM, Defaye M, Rajeev S, MacNaughton WK, Nasser Y, Sharkey KA. Neuroimmunophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G712-G725. [PMID: 38626403 PMCID: PMC11376980 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00075.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Gut physiology is the epicenter of a web of internal communication systems (i.e., neural, immune, hormonal) mediated by cell-cell contacts, soluble factors, and external influences, such as the microbiome, diet, and the physical environment. Together these provide the signals that shape enteric homeostasis and, when they go awry, lead to disease. Faced with the seemingly paradoxical tasks of nutrient uptake (digestion) and retarding pathogen invasion (host defense), the gut integrates interactions between a variety of cells and signaling molecules to keep the host nourished and protected from pathogens. When the system fails, the outcome can be acute or chronic disease, often labeled as "idiopathic" in nature (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease). Here we underscore the importance of a holistic approach to gut physiology, placing an emphasis on intercellular connectedness, using enteric neuroimmunophysiology as the paradigm. The goal of this opinion piece is to acknowledge the pace of change brought to our field via single-cell and -omic methodologies and other techniques such as cell lineage tracing, transgenic animal models, methods for culturing patient tissue, and advanced imaging. We identify gaps in the field and hope to inspire and challenge colleagues to take up the mantle and advance awareness of the subtleties, intricacies, and nuances of intestinal physiology in health and disease by defining communication pathways between gut resident cells, those recruited from the circulation, and "external" influences such as the central nervous system and the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M McKay
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Manon Defaye
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sruthi Rajeev
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wallace K MacNaughton
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yasmin Nasser
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Kondo T, Okada Y, Shizuya S, Yamaguchi N, Hatakeyama S, Maruyama K. Neuroimmune modulation by tryptophan derivatives in neurological and inflammatory disorders. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151418. [PMID: 38729083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are highly developed, and each performs specialized physiological functions. However, they work together, and their dysfunction is associated with various diseases. Specialized molecules, such as neurotransmitters, cytokines, and more general metabolites, are essential for the appropriate regulation of both systems. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is converted into functional molecules such as serotonin and kynurenine, both of which play important roles in the nervous and immune systems. The role of kynurenine metabolites in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases has recently received particular attention. Recently, we found that hyperactivity of the kynurenine pathway is a critical risk factor for septic shock. In this review, we first outline neuroimmune interactions and tryptophan derivatives and then summarized the changes in tryptophan metabolism in neurological disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential of tryptophan derivatives as therapeutic targets for neuroimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kondo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Saika Shizuya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Naoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Hatakeyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Kenta Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
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Bansal H, Pyari G, Roy S. Theoretical prediction of broadband ambient light optogenetic vision restoration with ChRmine and its mutants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11642. [PMID: 38773346 PMCID: PMC11109128 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62558-2] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Vision restoration is one of the most promising applications of optogenetics. However, it is limited due to the poor-sensitivity, slow-kinetics and narrow band absorption spectra of opsins. Here, a detailed theoretical study of retinal ganglion neurons (RGNs) expressed with ChRmine, ReaChR, CoChR, CatCh and their mutants, with near monochromatic LEDs, and broadband sunlight, halogen lamp, RGB LED light, and pure white light sources has been presented. All the opsins exhibit improved light sensitivity and larger photocurrent on illuminating with broadband light sources compared to narrow band LEDs. ChRmine allows firing at ambient sunlight (1.5 nW/mm2) and pure white light (1.2 nW/mm2), which is lowest among the opsins considered. The broadband activation spectrum of ChRmine and its mutants is also useful to restore color sensitivity. Although ChRmine exhibits slower turn-off kinetics with broadband light, high-fidelity spikes can be evoked upto 50 Hz. This limit extends upto 80 Hz with the improved hsChRmine mutant although it requires double the irradiance compared to ChRmine. The present study shows that ChRmine and its mutants allow activation of RGNs with ambient light which is useful for goggle-free white light optogenetic retinal prostheses with improved quality of restored vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Bansal
- Department of Physics and Computer Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Gur Pyari
- Department of Physics and Computer Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Sukhdev Roy
- Department of Physics and Computer Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, 282005, India.
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Spreen A, Alkhoury D, Walter H, Müller S. Optogenetic behavioral studies in depression research: A systematic review. iScience 2024; 27:109776. [PMID: 38726370 PMCID: PMC11079475 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics has made substantial contributions to our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of depression. This systematic review employs quantitative analysis to investigate the impact of optogenetic stimulation in mice and rats on behavioral alterations in social interaction, sucrose consumption, and mobility. The review analyses optogenetic behavioral studies using standardized behavioral tests to detect behavioral changes induced via optogenetic stimulation in stressed or stress-naive mice and rats. Behavioral changes were evaluated as either positive, negative, or not effective. The analysis comprises the outcomes of 248 behavioral tests of 168 studies described in 37 articles, including negative and null results. Test outcomes were compared for each behavior, depending on the animal cohort, applied type of stimulation and the stimulated neuronal circuit and cell type. The presented synthesis contributes toward a comprehensive picture of optogenetic behavioral research in the context of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Spreen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dana Alkhoury
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Müller
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Berlin, Germany
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46
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Gonzalez-Ramos A, Puigsasllosas-Pastor C, Arcas-Marquez A, Tornero D. Updated Toolbox for Assessing Neuronal Network Reconstruction after Cell Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:487. [PMID: 38790353 PMCID: PMC11118929 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050487] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy has proven to be a promising treatment for a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson Disease, drug-resistant epilepsy, and stroke, by restoring function after brain damage. Nevertheless, evaluating the true effectiveness of these therapeutic interventions requires a deep understanding of the functional integration of grafted cells into existing neural networks. This review explores a powerful arsenal of molecular techniques revolutionizing our ability to unveil functional integration of grafted cells within the host brain. From precise manipulation of neuronal activity to pinpoint the functional contribution of transplanted cells by using opto- and chemo-genetics, to real-time monitoring of neuronal dynamics shedding light on functional connectivity within the reconstructed circuits by using genetically encoded (calcium) indicators in vivo. Finally, structural reconstruction and mapping communication pathways between grafted and host neurons can be achieved by monosynaptic tracing with viral vectors. The cutting-edge toolbox presented here holds immense promise for elucidating the impact of cell therapy on neural circuitry and guiding the development of more effective treatments for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gonzalez-Ramos
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Claudia Puigsasllosas-Pastor
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Brain Damage, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Arcas-Marquez
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Brain Damage, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Tornero
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Brain Damage, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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47
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Barros BJ, Cunha JPS. Neurophotonics: a comprehensive review, current challenges and future trends. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1382341. [PMID: 38765670 PMCID: PMC11102054 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1382341] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The human brain, with its vast network of billions of neurons and trillions of synapses (connections) between diverse cell types, remains one of the greatest mysteries in science and medicine. Despite extensive research, an understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive normal behaviors and response to disease states is still limited. Advancement in the Neuroscience field and development of therapeutics for related pathologies requires innovative technologies that can provide a dynamic and systematic understanding of the interactions between neurons and neural circuits. In this work, we provide an up-to-date overview of the evolution of neurophotonic approaches in the last 10 years through a multi-source, literature analysis. From an initial corpus of 243 papers retrieved from Scopus, PubMed and WoS databases, we have followed the PRISMA approach to select 56 papers in the area. Following a full-text evaluation of these 56 scientific articles, six main areas of applied research were identified and discussed: (1) Advanced optogenetics, (2) Multimodal neural interfaces, (3) Innovative therapeutics, (4) Imaging devices and probes, (5) Remote operations, and (6) Microfluidic platforms. For each area, the main technologies selected are discussed according to the photonic principles applied, the neuroscience application evaluated and the more indicative results of efficiency and scientific potential. This detailed analysis is followed by an outlook of the main challenges tackled over the last 10 years in the Neurophotonics field, as well as the main technological advances regarding specificity, light delivery, multimodality, imaging, materials and system designs. We conclude with a discussion of considerable challenges for future innovation and translation in Neurophotonics, from light delivery within the brain to physical constraints and data management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Jacinto Barros
- INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, Porto, Portugal
| | - João P. S. Cunha
- INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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48
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Burghardt GM, Pellis SM, Schank JC, Smaldino PE, Vanderschuren LJMJ, Palagi E. Animal play and evolution: Seven timely research issues about enigmatic phenomena. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105617. [PMID: 38458553 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The nature of play in animals has been long debated, but progress is being made in characterizing play and its variants, documenting its distribution across vertebrate and invertebrate taxa, describing its mechanisms and development, and proposing testable theories about its origins, evolution, and adaptive functions. To achieve a deeper understanding of the functions and evolution of play, integrative and conceptual advances are needed in neuroscience, computer modeling, phylogenetics, experimental techniques, behavior development, and inter- and intra-specific variation. The special issue contains papers documenting many of these advances. Here, we describe seven timely areas where further research is needed to understand this still enigmatic class of phenomena more fully. Growing empirical and theoretical evidence reveals that play has been crucial in the evolution of behavior and psychology but has been underestimated, if not ignored, in both empirical and theoretical areas of evolutionary biology and neuroscience. Play research has important ramifications for understanding the evolution of cognition, emotion, and culture, and research on animals can be both informative and transformative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon M Burghardt
- Departments of Psychology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| | - Sergio M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Schank
- Department of Psychology and Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Paul E Smaldino
- Department of Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA, and Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
| | - Louk J M J Vanderschuren
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabetta Palagi
- Unit of Ethology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa and Natural History Museum, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Lazarov O, Gupta M, Kumar P, Morrissey Z, Phan T. Memory circuits in dementia: The engram, hippocampal neurogenesis and Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 236:102601. [PMID: 38570083 PMCID: PMC11221328 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Here, we provide an in-depth consideration of our current understanding of engrams, spanning from molecular to network levels, and hippocampal neurogenesis, in health and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review highlights novel findings in these emerging research fields and future research directions for novel therapeutic avenues for memory failure in dementia. Engrams, memory in AD, and hippocampal neurogenesis have each been extensively studied. The integration of these topics, however, has been relatively less deliberated, and is the focus of this review. We primarily focus on the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, which is a key area of episodic memory formation. Episodic memory is significantly impaired in AD, and is also the site of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Advancements in technology, especially opto- and chemogenetics, have made sophisticated manipulations of engram cells possible. Furthermore, innovative methods have emerged for monitoring neurons, even specific neuronal populations, in vivo while animals engage in tasks, such as calcium imaging. In vivo calcium imaging contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of engram cells. Critically, studies of the engram in the DG using these technologies have shown the important contribution of hippocampal neurogenesis for memory in both health and AD. Together, the discussion of these topics provides a holistic perspective that motivates questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Lazarov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Muskan Gupta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Pavan Kumar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zachery Morrissey
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Trongha Phan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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50
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Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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