1
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Niewinski NE, Hernandez D, Colicos MA. Detection of Memory Engrams in Mammalian Neuronal Circuits. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0450-23.2024. [PMID: 38997146 PMCID: PMC11307552 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0450-23.2024] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It has long been assumed that activity patterns persist in neuronal circuits after they are first experienced, as part of the process of information processing and storage by the brain. However, these "reverberations" of current activity have not been directly observed on a single-neuron level in a mammalian system. Here we demonstrate that specific induced activity patterns are retained in mature cultured hippocampal neuronal networks. Neurons within the network are induced to fire at a single frequency or in a more complex pattern containing two distinct frequencies. After the stimulation was stopped, the subsequent neuronal activity of hundreds of neurons in the network was monitored. In the case of single-frequency stimulation, it was observed that many of the neurons continue to fire at the same frequency that they were stimulated to fire at. Using a recurrent neural network trained to detect specific, more complex patterns, we found that the multiple-frequency stimulation patterns were also retained within the neuronal network. Moreover, it appears that the component frequencies of the more complex patterns are stored in different populations of neurons and neuron subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Niewinski
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Deyanell Hernandez
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael A Colicos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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2
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Ahnood A, Chambers A, Gelmi A, Yong KT, Kavehei O. Semiconducting electrodes for neural interfacing: a review. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:1491-1518. [PMID: 36734845 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00830k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the past 50 years, the advent of electronic technology to directly interface with neural tissue has transformed the fields of medicine and biology. Devices that restore or even replace impaired bodily functions, such as deep brain stimulators and cochlear implants, have ushered in a new treatment era for previously intractable conditions. Meanwhile, electrodes for recording and stimulating neural activity have allowed researchers to unravel the vast complexities of the human nervous system. Recent advances in semiconducting materials have allowed effective interfaces between electrodes and neuronal tissue through novel devices and structures. Often these are unattainable using conventional metallic electrodes. These have translated into advances in research and treatment. The development of semiconducting materials opens new avenues in neural interfacing. This review considers this emerging class of electrodes and how it can facilitate electrical, optical, and chemical sensing and modulation with high spatial and temporal precision. Semiconducting electrodes have advanced electrically based neural interfacing technologies owing to their unique electrochemical and photo-electrochemical attributes. Key operation modalities, namely sensing and stimulation in electrical, biochemical, and optical domains, are discussed, highlighting their contrast to metallic electrodes from the application and characterization perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Ahnood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andre Chambers
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Amy Gelmi
- School of Science, RMIT University, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Omid Kavehei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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3
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Ciocca M, Marcozzi S, Mariani P, Lacconi V, Di Carlo A, Cinà L, Rosato-Siri MD, Zanon A, Cattelan G, Avancini E, Lugli P, Priya S, Camaioni A, Brown TM. A Polymer Bio–Photoelectrolytic Platform for Electrical Signal Measurement and for Light Modulation of Ion Fluxes and Proliferation in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ciocca
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Serena Marcozzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Aldo Di Carlo
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia CNR-ISM via Fosso del Cavaliere 100 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Lucio Cinà
- Cicci Research srl., Via Giordania 227 58100 Grosseto Italy
| | - Marcelo D. Rosato-Siri
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Alessandra Zanon
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Giada Cattelan
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Enrico Avancini
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Paolo Lugli
- Faculty of Science and Technology Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Piazza Università 1 39100 Bolzano Italy
| | - Shashank Priya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Rome Tor Vergata Via Montpellier 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Thomas M. Brown
- Department of Electronic Engineering University of Rome Tor Vergata Via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
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4
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Ma Z, Joh H, Fan DE, Fischer P. Dynamic Ultrasound Projector Controlled by Light. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104401. [PMID: 35072361 PMCID: PMC8948597 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic acoustic wavefront control is essential for many acoustic applications, including biomedical imaging and particle manipulation. Conventional methods are either static or in the case of phased transducer arrays are limited to a few elements and hence limited control. Here, a dynamic acoustic wavefront control method based on light patterns that locally trigger the generation of microbubbles is introduced. As a small gas bubble can effectively stop ultrasound transmission in a liquid, the optical images are used to drive a short electrolysis and form microbubble patterns. The generation of microbubbles is controlled by structured light projection at a low intensity of 65 mW cm-2 and only requires about 100 ms. The bubble pattern is thus able to modify the wavefront of acoustic waves from a single transducer. The method is employed to realize an acoustic projector that can generate various acoustic images and patterns, including multiple foci and acoustic phase gradients. Hydrophone scans show that the acoustic field after the modulation by the microbubble pattern forms according to the prediction. It is believed that combining a versatile optical projector to realize an ultrasound projector is a general scheme, which can benefit a multitude of applications based on dynamic acoustic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Ma
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent SystemsHeisenbergstr. 3Stuttgart70569Germany
| | - Hyungmok Joh
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramTexas Materials InstituteThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTX78712USA
| | - Donglei Emma Fan
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramTexas Materials InstituteThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTX78712USA
- Walker Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTX78712USA
| | - Peer Fischer
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent SystemsHeisenbergstr. 3Stuttgart70569Germany
- Institute of Physical ChemistryUniversity of StuttgartPfaffenwaldring 55Stuttgart70569Germany
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5
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Yang Y, Mansfeld FM, Kavallaris M, Gaus K, Tilley RD, Gooding JJ. Monitoring the heterogeneity in single cell responses to drugs using electrochemical impedance and electrochemical noise. Chem Sci 2020; 12:2558-2566. [PMID: 34164023 PMCID: PMC8179273 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05489e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Impedance spectroscopy is a widely used technique for monitoring cell-surface interactions and morphological changes, typically based on averaged signals from thousands of cells. However, acquiring impedance data at the single cell level, can potentially reveal cell-to-cell heterogeneity for example in response to chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin. Here, we present a generic platform where light is used to define and localize the electroactive area, thus enabling the impedance measurements for selected single cells. We firstly tested the platform to assess phenotypic changes in breast cancer cells, at the single cell level, using the change in the cell impedance. We next show that changes in electrochemical noise reflects instantaneous responses of the cells to drugs, prior to any phenotypical changes. We used doxorubicin and monensin as model drugs and found that both drug influx and efflux events affect the impedance noise signals. Finally, we show how the electrochemical noise signal can be combined with fluorescence microscopy, to show that the noise provides information on cell susceptibility and resistance to drugs at the single cell level. Together the combination of electrochemical impedance and electrochemical noise with fluorescence microscopy provides a unique approach to understanding the heterogeneity in the response of single cells to stimuli where there is not phenotypic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Friederike M Mansfeld
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Melbourne VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- The ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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6
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Bossio C, Abdel Aziz I, Tullii G, Zucchetti E, Debellis D, Zangoli M, Di Maria F, Lanzani G, Antognazza MR. Photocatalytic Activity of Polymer Nanoparticles Modulates Intracellular Calcium Dynamics and Reactive Oxygen Species in HEK-293 Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:114. [PMID: 30211158 PMCID: PMC6119808 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical modulation of living cells activity by light-absorbing exogenous materials is gaining increasing interest, due to the possibility both to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution with a minimally invasive and reversible technique and to avoid the need of viral transfection with light-sensitive proteins. In this context, conjugated polymers represent ideal candidates for photo-transduction, due to their excellent optoelectronic and biocompatibility properties. In this work, we demonstrate that organic polymer nanoparticles, based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) conjugated polymer, establish a functional interaction with an in vitro cell model (Human Embryonic Kidney cells, HEK-293). They display photocatalytic activity in aqueous environment and, once internalized within the cell cytosol, efficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon visible light excitation, without affecting cell viability. Interestingly, light-activated ROS generation deterministically triggers modulation of intracellular calcium ion flux, successfully controlled at the single cell level. In perspective, the capability of polymer NPs to produce ROS and to modulate Ca2+ dynamics by illumination on-demand, at non-toxic levels, may open the path to the study of biological processes with a gene-less approach and unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution, as well as to the development of new biotechnology tools for cell optical modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bossio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Abdel Aziz
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Zucchetti
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Doriana Debellis
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Zangoli
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, CNR-ISOF, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, CNR-ISOF, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
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7
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Savchenko A, Cherkas V, Liu C, Braun GB, Kleschevnikov A, Miller YI, Molokanova E. Graphene biointerfaces for optical stimulation of cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaat0351. [PMID: 29795786 PMCID: PMC5959318 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive stimulation of cells is crucial for the accurate examination and control of their function both at the cellular and the system levels. To address this need, we present a pioneering optical stimulation platform that does not require genetic modification of cells but instead capitalizes on unique optoelectronic properties of graphene, including its ability to efficiently convert light into electricity. We report the first studies of optical stimulation of cardiomyocytes via graphene-based biointerfaces (G-biointerfaces) in substrate-based and dispersible configurations. The efficiency of stimulation via G-biointerfaces is independent of light wavelength but can be tuned by changing the light intensity. We demonstrate that an all-optical evaluation of use-dependent drug effects in vitro can be enabled using substrate-based G-biointerfaces. Furthermore, using dispersible G-biointerfaces in vivo, we perform optical modulation of the heart activity in zebrafish embryos. Our discovery is expected to empower numerous fundamental and translational biomedical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Savchenko
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Corresponding author. (E.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Volodymyr Cherkas
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gary B. Braun
- STEMCELL Technologies, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Yury I. Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Elena Molokanova
- Nanotools Bioscience, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Corresponding author. (E.M.); (A.S.)
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8
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Snyder PJ, Reddy P, Kirste R, LaJeunesse DR, Collazo R, Ivanisevic A. Variably doped nanostructured gallium nitride surfaces can serve as biointerfaces for neurotypic PC12 cells and alter their behavior. RSC Adv 2018; 8:36722-36730. [PMID: 35558918 PMCID: PMC9088830 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06836d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotypic PC12 cells behavior was studied on nanostructured GaN and rationalized with respect to surface charge, doping level, and chemical functionalization. The semiconductor analysis included atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The semiconductor surfaces were then evaluated as biointerfaces, and the in vitro cell behavior was quantified based on cell viability, reactive oxygen species production, as well as time dependent intracellular Ca concentration, [Ca2+]i, a known cell-signaling molecule. In this work, we show that persistent photoconductivity (PPC) can be used to alter the surface properties prior to chemical functionalization, the concentration of dopants can have some effect on cellular behavior, and that chemical functionalization changes the surface potential before and after exposure to UV light. Finally, we describe some competing mechanisms of PPC-induced [Ca2+]i changes, and how researchers looking to control cell behavior non-invasively can consider PPC as a useful control knob. Neurotypic PC12 cells behavior was studied on nanostructured GaN and rationalized with respect to surface charge, doping level, and chemical functionalization.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- North Carolina State University
- Raleigh
- USA
| | | | | | - Dennis R. LaJeunesse
- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
- University of North Carolina-Greensboro
- North Carolina A & T University
- Greensboro
- USA
| | - Ramon Collazo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- North Carolina State University
- Raleigh
- USA
| | - Albena Ivanisevic
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- North Carolina State University
- Raleigh
- USA
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9
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Molokanova E, Mercola M, Savchenko A. Bringing new dimensions to drug discovery screening: impact of cellular stimulation technologies. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:1045-1055. [PMID: 28179145 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The current mandate for the drug discovery industry is to develop more efficient drugs faster while reducing the costs associated with their development. Incorporation of cell stimulation technologies during screening assays is expected to revolutionize the discovery of novel drugs as well as safety pharmacology. In this review, we highlight 'classical' and emerging cell stimulation technologies that provide the ability to evaluate the effects of drug candidates on cells in different functional states to assess clinically relevant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Molokanova
- Nanotools Bioscience, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA; Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mark Mercola
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Alex Savchenko
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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10
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Feyen P, Colombo E, Endeman D, Nova M, Laudato L, Martino N, Antognazza MR, Lanzani G, Benfenati F, Ghezzi D. Light-evoked hyperpolarization and silencing of neurons by conjugated polymers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22718. [PMID: 26940513 PMCID: PMC4778138 DOI: 10.1038/srep22718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to control and modulate the action potential firing in neurons represents a powerful tool for neuroscience research and clinical applications. While neuronal excitation has been achieved with many tools, including electrical and optical stimulation, hyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition are typically obtained through patch-clamp or optogenetic manipulations. Here we report the use of conjugated polymer films interfaced with neurons for inducing a light-mediated inhibition of their electrical activity. We show that prolonged illumination of the interface triggers a sustained hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane that significantly reduces both spontaneous and evoked action potential firing. We demonstrate that the polymeric interface can be activated by either visible or infrared light and is capable of modulating neuronal activity in brain slices and explanted retinas. These findings prove the ability of conjugated polymers to tune neuronal firing and suggest their potential application for the in-vivo modulation of neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Duco Endeman
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Nova
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia Laudato
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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11
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Antognazza MR, Martino N, Ghezzi D, Feyen P, Colombo E, Endeman D, Benfenati F, Lanzani G. Shedding Light on Living Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:7662-7669. [PMID: 25469452 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201403513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An overview of the optical methods available to modulate the cellular activity in cell cultures and biological tissues is presented, with a focus on the use of exogenous functional materials that absorb electromagnetic radiation and transduce it into a secondary stimulus for cell excitation, with high temporal and spatial resolution. Both organic and inorganic materials are critically evaluated, for in vitro and in vivo applications. Finally, as a direct practical application of optical-stimulation techniques, the most recent results in the realization of artificial visual implants are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Paul Feyen
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Duco Endeman
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Via Morego 30, Genova, 16163, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
- Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
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12
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Proctor DT, Stotz SC, Scott LOM, de la Hoz CLR, Poon KWC, Stys PK, Colicos MA. Axo-glial communication through neurexin-neuroligin signaling regulates myelination and oligodendrocyte differentiation. Glia 2015; 63:2023-2039. [PMID: 26119281 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Axonal transsynaptic signaling between presynaptic neurexin (NX) and postsynaptic neuroligin (NL) is essential for many properties of synaptic connectivity. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a parallel axo-glial signaling pathway between axonal NX and oligodendritic (OL) NL3. We show that this pathway contributes to the regulation of myelinogenesis, the maintenance of established myelination, and the differentiation state of the OL using in vitro models. We first confirm that NL3 mRNA and protein are expressed in OLs and in OL precursors. We then show that OLs in culture form contacts with non-neuronal cells exogenously expressing NL3's binding partners NX1α or NX1β. Conversely, blocking axo-glial NX-NL3 signaling by saturating NX with exogenous soluble NL protein (NL-ECD) disrupts interactions between OLs and axons in both in vitro and ex vivo assays. Myelination by OLs is tied to their differentiation state, and we find that blocking NX-NL signaling with soluble NL protein also caused OL differentiation to stall at an immature stage. Moreover, in vitro knockdown of NL3 in OLs with siRNAs stalls their development and reduces branching complexity. Interestingly, inclusion of an autism related mutation in the NL blocking protein attenuates these effects; OLs differentiate and the dynamics of OL-axon signaling occur normally as this peptide does not disrupt NX-NL3 axo-glial interactions. Our findings provide evidence not only for a new pathway in axo-glial communication, they also potentially explain the correlation between altered white matter and autism. GLIA 2015;63:2023-2039.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T Proctor
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Stephanie C Stotz
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Lucas O M Scott
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Cristiane L R de la Hoz
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Kelvin W C Poon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Peter K Stys
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Michael A Colicos
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
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Parsons K, Nakatani Y, Nguyen MD. p600/UBR4 in the central nervous system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1149-60. [PMID: 25424645 PMCID: PMC11113099 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1788-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A decade ago, the large 600 kDa mammalian protein p600 (also known as UBR4) was discovered as a multifunctional protein with roles in anoikis, viral transformation and protein degradation. Recently, p600 has emerged as a critical protein in the mammalian brain with roles in neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neuronal signaling and survival. How p600 integrates these apparently unrelated functions to maintain tissue homeostasis and murine survival remains unclear. The common molecular basis underlying many of the actions of p600 suggests, however, certain conservation and transposition of these functions across systems. In this review, we summarize the central nervous system functions of p600 and propose new perspectives on its biological complexity in neuronal physiology and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Parsons
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada,
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14
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Belzil C, Ramos T, Sanada K, Colicos MA, Nguyen MD. p600 stabilizes microtubules to prevent the aggregation of CaMKIIα during photoconductive stimulation. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2014; 19:381-92. [PMID: 25034033 PMCID: PMC6275876 DOI: 10.2478/s11658-014-0201-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The large microtubule-associated/Ca(2+)-signalling protein p600 (also known as UBR4) is required for hippocampal neuronal survival upon Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis induced by glutamate treatment. During this process, p600 prevents aggregation of the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase IIα (CaMKIIα), a proxy of neuronal death, via direct binding to calmodulin in a microtubuleindependent manner. Using photoconductive stimulation coupled with live imaging of single neurons, we identified a distinct mechanism of prevention of CaMKIIα aggregation by p600. Upon direct depolarization, CaMKIIα translocates to microtubules. In the absence of p600, this translocation is interrupted in favour of a sustained self-aggregation that is prevented by the microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel. Thus, during photoconductive stimulation, p600 prevents the aggregation of CaMKIIα by stabilizing microtubules. The effectiveness of this stabilization for preventing CaMKIIα aggregation during direct depolarization but not during glutamate treatment suggests a model wherein p600 has two modes of action depending on the source of cytosolic Ca(2+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Belzil
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Anatomy, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Tim Ramos
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Anatomy, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Kamon Sanada
- Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033 Japan
| | - Michael A. Colicos
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Anatomy, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Cell Biology & Anatomy, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 4N1
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15
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Stotz SC, Scott LO, Drummond-Main C, Avchalumov Y, Girotto F, Davidsen J, Gómez-Gárcia MR, Rho JM, Pavlov EV, Colicos MA. Inorganic polyphosphate regulates neuronal excitability through modulation of voltage-gated channels. Mol Brain 2014; 7:42. [PMID: 24886461 PMCID: PMC4061113 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a highly charged polyanion capable of interacting with a number of molecular targets. This signaling molecule is released into the extracellular matrix by central astrocytes and by peripheral platelets during inflammation. While the release of polyP is associated with both induction of blood coagulation and astrocyte extracellular signaling, the role of secreted polyP in regulation of neuronal activity remains undefined. Here we test the hypothesis that polyP is an important participant in neuronal signaling. Specifically, we investigate the ability of neurons to release polyP and to induce neuronal firing, and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process by studying the action of polyP on voltage gated channels. Results Using patch clamp techniques, and primary hippocampal and dorsal root ganglion cell cultures, we demonstrate that polyP directly influences neuronal activity, inducing action potential generation in both PNS and CNS neurons. Mechanistically, this is accomplished by shifting the voltage sensitivity of NaV channel activation toward the neuronal resting membrane potential, the block KV channels, and the activation of CaV channels. Next, using calcium imaging we found that polyP stimulates an increase in neuronal network activity and induces calcium influx in glial cells. Using in situ DAPI localization and live imaging, we demonstrate that polyP is naturally present in synaptic regions and is released from the neurons upon depolarization. Finally, using a biochemical assay we demonstrate that polyP is present in synaptosomes and can be released upon their membrane depolarization by the addition of potassium chloride. Conclusions We conclude that polyP release leads to increased excitability of the neuronal membrane through the modulation of voltage gated ion channels. Together, our data establishes that polyP could function as excitatory neuromodulator in both the PNS and CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael A Colicos
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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16
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Campbell J, Singh D, Hollett G, Dravid SM, Sailor MJ, Arikkath J. Spatially selective photoconductive stimulation of live neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:142. [PMID: 24904287 PMCID: PMC4033187 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic activity is intimately linked to neuronal structure and function. Stimulation of live cultured primary neurons, coupled with fluorescent indicator imaging, is a powerful technique to assess the impact of synaptic activity on neuronal protein trafficking and function. Current technology for neuronal stimulation in culture include chemical techniques or microelectrode or optogenetic based techniques. While technically powerful, chemical stimulation has limited spatial resolution and microelectrode and optogenetic techniques require specialized equipment and expertise. We report an optimized and improved technique for laser based photoconductive stimulation of live neurons using an inverted confocal microscope that overcomes these limitations. The advantages of this approach include its non-invasive nature and adaptability to temporal and spatial manipulation. We demonstrate that the technique can be manipulated to achieve spatially selective stimulation of live neurons. Coupled with live imaging of fluorescent indicators, this simple and efficient technique should allow for significant advances in neuronal cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Campbell
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Dipika Singh
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Geoffrey Hollett
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael J Sailor
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA ; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jyothi Arikkath
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, USA
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17
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Plattner F, Hernández A, Kistler TM, Pozo K, Zhong P, Yuen EY, Tan C, Hawasli AH, Cooke SF, Nishi A, Guo A, Wiederhold T, Yan Z, Bibb JA. Memory enhancement by targeting Cdk5 regulation of NR2B. Neuron 2014; 81:1070-1083. [PMID: 24607229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Many psychiatric and neurological disorders are characterized by learning and memory deficits, for which cognitive enhancement is considered a valid treatment strategy. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a prime target for the development of cognitive enhancers because of its fundamental role in learning and memory. In particular, the NMDAR subunit NR2B improves synaptic plasticity and memory when overexpressed in neurons. However, NR2B regulation is not well understood and no therapies potentiating NMDAR function have been developed. Here, we show that serine 1116 of NR2B is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). Cdk5-dependent NR2B phosphorylation is regulated by neuronal activity and controls the receptor's cell surface expression. Disrupting NR2B-Cdk5 interaction via a small interfering peptide (siP) increases NR2B surface levels, facilitates synaptic transmission, and improves memory formation in vivo. Our results reveal a regulatory mechanism critical to NR2B function that can be targeted for the development of cognitive enhancers. VIDEO ABSTRACT
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Plattner
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Adan Hernández
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tara M Kistler
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Karine Pozo
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Eunice Y Yuen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Chunfeng Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ammar H Hawasli
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sam F Cooke
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Ailan Guo
- Cell Signaling Technology, CNS Development, Danvers, MA 01923, USA
| | | | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - James A Bibb
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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18
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Bareket-Keren L, Hanein Y. Novel interfaces for light directed neuronal stimulation: advances and challenges. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9 Suppl 1:65-83. [PMID: 24872704 PMCID: PMC4024977 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s51193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Light activation of neurons is a growing field with applications ranging from basic investigation of neuronal systems to the development of new therapeutic methods such as artificial retina. Many recent studies currently explore novel methods for optical stimulation with temporal and spatial precision. Novel materials in particular provide an opportunity to enhance contemporary approaches. Here we review recent advances towards light directed interfaces for neuronal stimulation, focusing on state-of-the-art nanoengineered devices. In particular, we highlight challenges and prospects towards improved retinal prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Bareket-Keren
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel ; Tel-Aviv University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Hanein
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel ; Tel-Aviv University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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19
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Gautam V, Rand D, Hanein Y, Narayan KS. A polymer optoelectronic interface provides visual cues to a blind retina. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:1751-6. [PMID: 24765649 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201304368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A polymer bulk heterojunction structure utilized as an active photosensitive platform to evoke neuronal activity in a blind retina. The features of the elicited action potentials correlate with the optoelectronic properties of the polymer/electrolyte interface, and resembles the natural response of the retina to light. The polymer interface can be used as an optoelectronic epiretinal interface for retinal prosthesis with no requirement for external power sources or connection cables.
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20
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High dose folic acid supplementation of rats alters synaptic transmission and seizure susceptibility in offspring. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1465. [PMID: 23492951 PMCID: PMC3598003 DOI: 10.1038/srep01465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal folic acid supplementation is essential to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. We hypothesize that high levels of folic acid throughout gestation may produce neural networks more susceptible to seizure in offspring. We hence administered large doses of folic acid to rats before and during gestation and found their offspring had a 42% decrease in their seizure threshold. In vitro, acute application of folic acid or its metabolite 4Hfolate to neurons induced hyper-excitability and bursting. Cultured neuronal networks which develop in the presence of a low concentration (50 nM) of 4Hfolate had reduced capacity to stabilize their network dynamics after a burst of high-frequency activity, and an increase in the frequency of mEPSCs. Networks reared in the presence of the folic acid metabolite 5M4Hfolate developed a spontaneous, distinctive bursting pattern, and both metabolites produced an increase in synaptic density.
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Ghezzi D, Antognazza MR, Maccarone R, Bellani S, Lanzarini E, Martino N, Mete M, Pertile G, Bisti S, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. A polymer optoelectronic interface restores light sensitivity in blind rat retinas. NATURE PHOTONICS 2013; 7:400-406. [PMID: 27158258 PMCID: PMC4855023 DOI: 10.1038/nphoton.2013.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Interfacing organic electronics with biological substrates offers new possibilities for biotechnology due to the beneficial properties exhibited by organic conducting polymers. These polymers have been used for cellular interfaces in several fashions, including cellular scaffolds, neural probes, biosensors and actuators for drug release. Recently, an organic photovoltaic blend has been exploited for neuronal stimulation via a photo-excitation process. Here, we document the use of a single-component organic film of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to trigger neuronal firing upon illumination. Moreover, we demonstrate that this bio-organic interface restored light sensitivity in explants of rat retinas with light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. These findings suggest that all-organic devices may play an important future role in sub-retinal prosthetic implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ghezzi
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie Biomediche, Università dell’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Bellani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - Erica Lanzarini
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Martino
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- UO Oculistica, Ospedale S. Cuore-Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- UO Oculistica, Ospedale S. Cuore-Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie Biomediche, Università dell’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
- Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to G.L. and F.B. and
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to G.L. and F.B. and
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Activity-dependent subcellular cotrafficking of the small GTPase Rem2 and Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase IIα. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41185. [PMID: 22815963 PMCID: PMC3399833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rem2 is a small monomeric GTP-binding protein of the RGK family, whose known functions are modulation of calcium channel currents and alterations of cytoskeletal architecture. Rem2 is the only RGK protein found predominantly in the brain, where it has been linked to synaptic development. We wished to determine the effect of neuronal activity on the subcellular distribution of Rem2 and its interacting partners. Results We show that Rem2 undergoes activity-and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR)-dependent translocation in rat hippocampal neurons. This redistribution of Rem2, from a diffuse pattern to one that is highly punctate, is dependent on Ca2+ influx, on binding to calmodulin (CaM), and also involves an auto-inhibitory domain within the Rem2 distal C-terminus region. We found that Rem2 can bind to Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKII) a in Ca2+/CaM-dependent manner. Furthermore, our data reveal a spatial and temporal correlation between NMDAR-dependent clustering of Rem2 and CaMKII in neurons, indicating co-assembly and co-trafficking in neurons. Finally, we show that inhibiting CaMKII aggregation in neurons and HEK cells reduces Rem2 clustering, and that Rem2 affects the baseline distribution of CaMKII in HEK cells. Conclusions Our data suggest a novel function for Rem2 in co-trafficking with CaMKII, and thus potentially expose a role in neuronal plasticity.
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Ghezzi D, Antognazza MR, Dal Maschio M, Lanzarini E, Benfenati F, Lanzani G. A hybrid bioorganic interface for neuronal photoactivation. Nat Commun 2011; 2:166. [PMID: 21266966 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A key issue in the realization of retinal prosthetic devices is reliable transduction of information carried by light into specific patterns of electrical activity in visual information processing networks. Soft organic materials can be used to couple artificial sensors with neuronal tissues. Here, we interface a network of primary neurons with an organic blend. We show that primary neurons can be successfully grown onto the polymer layer without affecting the optoelectronic properties of the active material or the biological functionality of neuronal network. Moreover, action potentials can be triggered in a temporally reliable and spatially selective manner with short pulses of visible light. Our results may lead to new neuronal communication and photo manipulation techniques, thus paving way to the development of artificial retinas and other neuroprosthetic interfaces based on organic photodetectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ghezzi
- 1] Department of Neuroscience and BrainTechnologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genova 16163, Italy. [2]
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Development of an in vitro model of neuronal activity induced excitotoxicity using photoconductive stimulation. Cell Calcium 2010; 47:441-8. [PMID: 20434769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Loss of the ability to regulate calcium is a central event leading to neuronal cell death during a wide range of pathological conditions including stroke and seizure. Here we present a new dissociated hippocampal cell culture model of acute electrical activity which incorporates the photoconductive stimulation of neuronal networks grown on silicon wafers. This technology allows precise modeling of user defined neuronal activity patterns, and the study of their effect on neuronal physiology. Here, seizure-like conditions were created by continuous stimulation, causing hundreds of neurons to fire synchronously at 50Hz for 4min. This stimulation protocol induced cell death as monitored by propidium iodide staining. The number of dead cells per stimulation region increased from 3.6+/-2.1 preceding stimulation to 81+/-21 30min following stimulation. Excitotoxicity primarily affected excitatory rather than inhibitory neurons, and was preceded by an increase in intracellular calcium as well as changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, as measured by a tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) assay. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) blocker, was effective in preventing cell death. We propose that photoconductive stimulation is a useful tool for investigating the pathogenesis of excitotoxicity in vitro.
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Hung J, Chansard M, Ousman SS, Nguyen MD, Colicos MA. Activation of microglia by neuronal activity: results from a new in vitro paradigm based on neuronal-silicon interfacing technology. Brain Behav Immun 2010; 24:31-40. [PMID: 19559784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2009.06.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Revised: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognition and behavior primarily arise from the communication that occurs between brain cells. By using photoconductive stimulation to trigger localized regions of neuronal action potentials and astrocyte Ca(2+) waves in dissociated rat hippocampal cultures, we can directly study microglia behavior in response to physiological and pathological levels of activity. Connections between neurons can be modified by microglia, which regulate gap junctions and synapses through secretion of proteins such as cytokines, proteases and neurotrophic factors. Activated microglia participate in bidirectional communication with the excitable tissues that they support. Through feedback from the many ion channels and surface receptors they express, microglia are informed of neuronal and astrocytic activity that may indicate disruption in the homeostasis of the CNS. Such disturbances alert microglia to locations of such activity and promote their transformation into a reactive state, in which they perform adaptive functions that can be either neuroprotective, neurotoxic, or neuromodulatory. Under physiological conditions, normal brain activity has the effect of suppressing microglia inflammatory responses. This report summarizes available data about the interaction of microglia and brain activity and presents a new in vitro paradigm to study the mechanisms involved. We propose that photoconductive stimulation is a powerful tool for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic interactions between neurons, astrocytes and microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hung
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
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Gutiérrez RC, Flynn R, Hung J, Kertesz AC, Sullivan A, Zamponi GW, El-Husseini A, Colicos MA. Activity-driven mobilization of post-synaptic proteins. Eur J Neurosci 2009; 30:2042-52. [PMID: 20128843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.07007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synapses established during central nervous system development can be modified through synapse elimination and formation. These processes are, in part, activity dependent and require regulated trafficking of post-synaptic components. Here, we investigate the activity-driven remodeling of cultured rat hippocampal neurons at 14 days in vitro, focusing on the post-synaptic proteins PSD-95, Shank, neuroligin (NL)1 and actin. Using live imaging and photoconductive stimulation, we found that high-frequency activity altered the trajectory, but not velocity, of PSD-95-GFP and Shank-YFP clusters, whereas it reduced the speed and increased the number of NL1 clusters. Actin-CFP reorganized into puncta following activity and approximately 50% of new puncta colocalized with NL1 clusters. Actin reorganization was enhanced by the overexpression of NL1 and decreased by the expression of an NL1 mutant, NL1-R473C. These results demonstrate activity-dependent changes that may result in the formation of new post-synaptic sites and suggest that NL1 modulates actin reorganization. The results also suggest that a common mechanism underlies both the developmental and activity-dependent remodeling of excitatory synapses.
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Gutierrez R, Hung J, Zhang Y, Kertesz A, Espina F, Colicos M. Altered synchrony and connectivity in neuronal networks expressing an autism-related mutation of neuroligin 3. Neuroscience 2009; 162:208-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Revised: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Hung J, Colicos MA. Astrocytic Ca(2+) waves guide CNS growth cones to remote regions of neuronal activity. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3692. [PMID: 19002247 PMCID: PMC2577300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity plays a critical role in network formation during developmental, experience-dependent, and injury related remodeling. Here we report a mechanism by which axon trajectory can be altered in response to remote neuronal activity. Using photoconductive stimulation to trigger high frequency action potentials in rat hippocampal neurons in vitro, we find that activity functions as an attractive cue for growth cones in the local environment. The underlying guidance mechanism involves astrocyte Ca(2+) waves, as the connexin-43 antagonist carbenoxolone abolishes the attraction when activity is initiated at a distance greater than 120 microm. The asymmetric growth cone filopodia extension that precedes turning can be blocked with CNQX (10 microM), but not with the ATP and adenosine receptor antagonists suramin (100 microM) and alloxazine (4 microM), suggesting non-NMDA glutamate receptors on the growth cone mediate the interaction with astrocytes. These results define a potential long-range signalling pathway for activity-dependent axon guidance in which growth cones turn towards directional, temporally coordinated astrocyte Ca(2+) waves that are triggered by neuronal activity. To assess the viability of the guidance effect in an injury paradigm, we performed the assay in the presence of conditioned media from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated purified microglial cultures, as well as directly activating the glia present in our co-cultures. Growth cone attraction was not inhibited under these conditions, suggesting this mechanism could be used to guide regeneration following axonal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hung
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael A. Colicos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Arstikaitis P, Gauthier-Campbell C, Carolina Gutierrez Herrera R, Huang K, Levinson JN, Murphy TH, Kilimann MW, Sala C, Colicos MA, El-Husseini A. Paralemmin-1, a modulator of filopodia induction is required for spine maturation. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:2026-38. [PMID: 18287537 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e07-08-0802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic filopodia are thought to participate in neuronal contact formation and development of dendritic spines; however, molecules that regulate filopodia extension and their maturation to spines remain largely unknown. Here we identify paralemmin-1 as a regulator of filopodia induction and spine maturation. Paralemmin-1 localizes to dendritic membranes, and its ability to induce filopodia and recruit synaptic elements to contact sites requires protein acylation. Effects of paralemmin-1 on synapse maturation are modulated by alternative splicing that regulates spine formation and recruitment of AMPA-type glutamate receptors. Paralemmin-1 enrichment at the plasma membrane is subject to rapid changes in neuronal excitability, and this process controls neuronal activity-driven effects on protrusion expansion. Knockdown of paralemmin-1 in developing neurons reduces the number of filopodia and spines formed and diminishes the effects of Shank1b on the transformation of existing filopodia into spines. Our study identifies a key role for paralemmin-1 in spine maturation through modulation of filopodia induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Arstikaitis
- Department of Psychiatry and the Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Schoen I, Fromherz P. The mechanism of extracellular stimulation of nerve cells on an electrolyte-oxide-semiconductor capacitor. Biophys J 2006; 92:1096-111. [PMID: 17098803 PMCID: PMC1779976 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.106.094763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular excitation of neurons is applied in studies of cultured networks and brain tissue, as well as in neuroprosthetics. We elucidate its mechanism in an electrophysiological approach by comparing voltage-clamp and current-clamp recordings of individual neurons on an insulated planar electrode. Noninvasive stimulation of neurons from pedal ganglia of Lymnaea stagnalis is achieved by defined voltage ramps applied to an electrolyte/HfO2/silicon capacitor. Effects on the smaller attached cell membrane and the larger free membrane are distinguished in a two-domain-stimulation model. Under current-clamp, we study the polarization that is induced for closed ion channels. Under voltage-clamp, we determine the capacitive gating of ion channels in the attached membrane by falling voltage ramps and for comparison also the gating of all channels by conventional variation of the intracellular voltage. Neuronal excitation is elicited under current-clamp by two mechanisms: Rising voltage ramps depolarize the free membrane such that an action potential is triggered. Falling voltage ramps depolarize the attached membrane such that local ion currents are activated that depolarize the free membrane and trigger an action potential. The electrophysiological analysis of extracellular stimulation in the simple model system is a basis for its systematic optimization in neuronal networks and brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Schoen
- Department of Membrane and Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried/Munich, Germany
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