1
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Horton S, Mastrolia V, Jackson RE, Kemlo S, Pereira Machado PM, Carbajal MA, Hindges R, Fleck RA, Aguiar P, Neves G, Burrone J. Excitatory and inhibitory synapses show a tight subcellular correlation that weakens over development. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114361. [PMID: 38900634 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons receive correlated levels of excitation and inhibition, a feature that is important for proper brain function. However, how this relationship between excitatory and inhibitory inputs is established during the dynamic period of circuit wiring remains unexplored. Using multiple techniques, including in utero electroporation, electron microscopy, and electrophysiology, we reveal a tight correlation in the distribution of excitatory and inhibitory synapses along the dendrites of developing CA1 hippocampal neurons. This correlation was present within short dendritic stretches (<20 μm) and, surprisingly, was most pronounced during early development, sharply declining with maturity. The tight matching between excitation and inhibition was unexpected, as inhibitory synapses lacked an active zone when formed and exhibited compromised evoked release. We propose that inhibitory synapses form as a stabilizing scaffold to counterbalance growing excitation levels. This relationship diminishes over time, suggesting a critical role for a subcellular balance in early neuronal function and circuit formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Horton
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Vincenzo Mastrolia
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Rachel E Jackson
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Sarah Kemlo
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Pedro M Pereira Machado
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging (CUI), Kings College London, New Hunts House, Guys Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Maria Alejandra Carbajal
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging (CUI), Kings College London, New Hunts House, Guys Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Robert Hindges
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Roland A Fleck
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging (CUI), Kings College London, New Hunts House, Guys Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Paulo Aguiar
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Neves
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Juan Burrone
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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2
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Muralidharan A, Boukany PE. Electrotransfer for nucleic acid and protein delivery. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:780-798. [PMID: 38102019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.009] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfer of nucleic acids and proteins has become crucial in biotechnology for gene augmentation and genome editing. This review explores the applications of electrotransfer in both ex vivo and in vivo scenarios, emphasizing biomedical uses. We provide insights into completed clinical trials and successful instances of nucleic acid and protein electrotransfer into therapeutically relevant cells such as immune cells and stem and progenitor cells. In addition, we delve into emerging areas of electrotransfer where nanotechnology and deep learning techniques overcome the limitations of traditional electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Muralidharan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
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3
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Elam HB, Perez SM, Donegan JJ, Eassa NE, Lodge DJ. Knockdown of Lhx6 during embryonic development results in neurophysiological alterations and behavioral deficits analogous to schizophrenia in adult rats. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:113-121. [PMID: 38531158 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.03.032] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
A decreased expression of specific interneuron subtypes, containing either the calcium binding protein parvalbumin (PV) or the neurotransmitter somatostatin (SST), are observed in the cortex and hippocampus of both patients with schizophrenia and rodent models used to study the disorder. Moreover, preclinical studies suggest that this loss of inhibitory function is a key pathological mechanism underlying the symptoms of schizophrenia. Interestingly, decreased expression of Lhx6, a key transcriptional regulator specific to the development and migration of PV and SST interneurons, is seen in human postmortem studies and following multiple developmental disruptions used to model schizophrenia preclinically. These results suggest that disruptions in interneuron development in utero may contribute to the pathology of the disorder. To recapitulate decreased Lhx6 expression during development, we used in utero electroporation to introduce an Lhx6 shRNA plasmid and knockdown Lhx6 expression in the brains of rats on gestational day 17. We then examined schizophrenia-like neurophysiological and behavioral alterations in the offspring once they reached adulthood. In utero Lhx6 knockdown resulted in increased ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron population activity and a sex-specific increase in locomotor response to a psychotomimetic, consistent with positive symptomology of schizophrenia. However, Lhx6 knockdown had no effect on social interaction or spatial working memory, suggesting behaviors associated with negative and cognitive symptom domains were unaffected. These results suggest that knockdown of Lhx6 during development results in neurophysiological and behavioral alterations consistent with the positive symptom domain of schizophrenia in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Elam
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Stephanie M Perez
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jennifer J Donegan
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nicole E Eassa
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Daniel J Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division, San Antonio, USA
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4
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Meka DP, Richter M, Rücker T, Voss H, Rissiek A, Krisp C, Kumar NH, Schwanke B, Fornasiero EF, Schlüter H, Calderon de Anda F. Protocol for differential multi-omic analyses of distinct cell types in the mouse cerebral cortex. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102793. [PMID: 38157295 PMCID: PMC10792265 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102793] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol for differential multi-omic analyses of distinct cell types in the developing mouse cerebral cortex. We describe steps for in utero electroporation, subsequent flow-cytometry-based isolation of developing mouse cortical cells, bulk RNA sequencing or quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analyses. This protocol can be applied to compare the proteomes and transcriptomes of developing mouse cortical cell populations after various manipulations (e.g., epigenetic). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Meka et al. (2022).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Praveen Meka
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Richter
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tabitha Rücker
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Hannah Voss
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Rissiek
- Cytometry und Cell Sorting Core Unit, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nisha Hemandhar Kumar
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Schwanke
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Diagnostic Center, Section Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Froylan Calderon de Anda
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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5
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Almacellas Barbanoj A, Graham RT, Maffei B, Carpenter JC, Leite M, Hoke J, Hardjo F, Scott-Solache J, Chimonides C, Schorge S, Kullmann DM, Magloire V, Lignani G. Anti-seizure gene therapy for focal cortical dysplasia. Brain 2024; 147:542-553. [PMID: 38100333 PMCID: PMC10834237 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad387] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasias are a common subtype of malformation of cortical development, which frequently presents with a spectrum of cognitive and behavioural abnormalities as well as pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Focal cortical dysplasia type II is typically caused by somatic mutations resulting in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) hyperactivity, and is the commonest pathology found in children undergoing epilepsy surgery. However, surgical resection does not always result in seizure freedom, and is often precluded by proximity to eloquent brain regions. Gene therapy is a promising potential alternative treatment and may be appropriate in cases that represent an unacceptable surgical risk. Here, we evaluated a gene therapy based on overexpression of the Kv1.1 potassium channel in a mouse model of frontal lobe focal cortical dysplasia. An engineered potassium channel (EKC) transgene was placed under control of a human promoter that biases expression towards principal neurons (CAMK2A) and packaged in an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9). We used an established focal cortical dysplasia model generated by in utero electroporation of frontal lobe neural progenitors with a constitutively active human Ras homolog enriched in brain (RHEB) plasmid, an activator of mTOR complex 1. We characterized the model by quantifying electrocorticographic and behavioural abnormalities, both in mice developing spontaneous generalized seizures and in mice only exhibiting interictal discharges. Injection of AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC in the dysplastic region resulted in a robust decrease (∼64%) in the frequency of seizures. Despite the robust anti-epileptic effect of the treatment, there was neither an improvement nor a worsening of performance in behavioural tests sensitive to frontal lobe function. AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC had no effect on interictal discharges or behaviour in mice without generalized seizures. AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC gene therapy is a promising therapy with translational potential to treat the epileptic phenotype of mTOR-related malformations of cortical development. Cognitive and behavioural co-morbidities may, however, resist an intervention aimed at reducing circuit excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Almacellas Barbanoj
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Robert T Graham
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Benito Maffei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jenna C Carpenter
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Marco Leite
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Justin Hoke
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Felisia Hardjo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - James Scott-Solache
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Christos Chimonides
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Vincent Magloire
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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6
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Pochinok I, Stöber TM, Triesch J, Chini M, Hanganu-Opatz IL. A developmental increase of inhibition promotes the emergence of hippocampal ripples. Nat Commun 2024; 15:738. [PMID: 38272901 PMCID: PMC10810866 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44983-z] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sharp wave-ripples (SPW-Rs) are a hippocampal network phenomenon critical for memory consolidation and planning. SPW-Rs have been extensively studied in the adult brain, yet their developmental trajectory is poorly understood. While SPWs have been recorded in rodents shortly after birth, the time point and mechanisms of ripple emergence are still unclear. Here, we combine in vivo electrophysiology with optogenetics and chemogenetics in 4 to 12-day-old mice to address this knowledge gap. We show that ripples are robustly detected and induced by light stimulation of channelrhodopsin-2-transfected CA1 pyramidal neurons only from postnatal day 10 onwards. Leveraging a spiking neural network model, we mechanistically link the maturation of inhibition and ripple emergence. We corroborate these findings by reducing ripple rate upon chemogenetic silencing of CA1 interneurons. Finally, we show that early SPW-Rs elicit a more robust prefrontal cortex response than SPWs lacking ripples. Thus, development of inhibition promotes ripples emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Pochinok
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), Hamburg Center of Neuroscience (HCNS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan M Stöber
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jochen Triesch
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mattia Chini
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), Hamburg Center of Neuroscience (HCNS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), Hamburg Center of Neuroscience (HCNS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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7
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Pracucci E, Graham RT, Alberio L, Nardi G, Cozzolino O, Pillai V, Pasquini G, Saieva L, Walsh D, Landi S, Zhang J, Trevelyan AJ, Ratto GM. Daily rhythm in cortical chloride homeostasis underpins functional changes in visual cortex excitability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7108. [PMID: 37925453 PMCID: PMC10625537 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical activity patterns are strongly modulated by fast synaptic inhibition mediated through ionotropic, chloride-conducting receptors. Consequently, chloride homeostasis is ideally placed to regulate activity. We therefore investigated the stability of baseline [Cl-]i in adult mouse neocortex, using in vivo two-photon imaging. We found a two-fold increase in baseline [Cl-]i in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons, from day to night, with marked effects upon both physiological cortical processing and seizure susceptibility. Importantly, the night-time activity can be converted to the day-time pattern by local inhibition of NKCC1, while inhibition of KCC2 converts day-time [Cl-]i towards night-time levels. Changes in the surface expression and phosphorylation of the cation-chloride cotransporters, NKCC1 and KCC2, matched these pharmacological effects. When we extended the dark period by 4 h, mice remained active, but [Cl-]i was modulated as for animals in normal light cycles. Our data thus demonstrate a daily [Cl-]i modulation with complex effects on cortical excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pracucci
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Robert T Graham
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Laura Alberio
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gabriele Nardi
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Olga Cozzolino
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vinoshene Pillai
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pasquini
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luciano Saieva
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Darren Walsh
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Silvia Landi
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, Pisa, Italy
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, College of Medicine and Institute of Health, University of Exeter, Hatherly Laboratories, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology. Research Center of Chemical Kinomics, Shangai. Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Andrew J Trevelyan
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Gian-Michele Ratto
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, Pisa, Italy.
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Padova, Italy.
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8
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Liu B, Li Y, Ren M, Li X. Targeted approaches to delineate neuronal morphology during early development. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1259360. [PMID: 37854514 PMCID: PMC10579594 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1259360] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the developmental changes that affect neurons is a key step in exploring the assembly and maturation of neural circuits in the brain. For decades, researchers have used a number of labeling techniques to visualize neuronal morphology at different stages of development. However, the efficiency and accuracy of neuronal labeling technologies are limited by the complexity and fragility of neonatal brains. In this review, we illustrate the various labeling techniques utilized for examining the neurogenesis and morphological changes occurring during the early stages of development. We compare the advantages and limitations of each technique from different aspects. Then, we highlight the gaps remaining in our understanding of the structure of neurons in the neonatal mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Miao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiangning Li
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Research Unit of Multimodal Cross Scale Neural Signal Detection and Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, China
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9
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Kim SJ, Affan RO, Frostig H, Scott BB, Alexander AS. Advances in cellular resolution microscopy for brain imaging in rats. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:044304. [PMID: 38076724 PMCID: PMC10704261 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.4.044304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Rats are used in neuroscience research because of their physiological similarities with humans and accessibility as model organisms, trainability, and behavioral repertoire. In particular, rats perform a wide range of sophisticated social, cognitive, motor, and learning behaviors within the contexts of both naturalistic and laboratory environments. Further progress in neuroscience can be facilitated by using advanced imaging methods to measure the complex neural and physiological processes during behavior in rats. However, compared with the mouse, the rat nervous system offers a set of challenges, such as larger brain size, decreased neuron density, and difficulty with head restraint. Here, we review recent advances in in vivo imaging techniques in rats with a special focus on open-source solutions for calcium imaging. Finally, we provide suggestions for both users and developers of in vivo imaging systems for rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Kim
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Rifqi O. Affan
- Boston University, Center for Systems Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Boston University, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Hadas Frostig
- Boston University, Center for Systems Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Benjamin B. Scott
- Boston University, Center for Systems Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center and Photonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andrew S. Alexander
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Santa Barbara, California, United States
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10
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Richardson RR, Steyert M, Khim SN, Crutcher GW, Brandenburg C, Robertson CD, Romanowski AJ, Inen J, Altas B, Poulopoulos A. Enhancing Precision and Efficiency of Cas9-Mediated Knockin Through Combinatorial Fusions of DNA Repair Proteins. CRISPR J 2023; 6:447-461. [PMID: 37713292 PMCID: PMC10611978 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cas9 targets genomic loci with high specificity. For knockin with double-strand break repair, however, Cas9 often leads to unintended on-target knockout rather than intended edits. This imprecision is a barrier for direct in vivo editing where clonal selection is not feasible. In this study, we demonstrate a high-throughput workflow to comparatively assess on-target efficiency and precision of editing outcomes. Using this workflow, we screened combinations of donor DNA and Cas9 variants, as well as fusions to DNA repair proteins. This yielded novel high-performance double-strand break repair editing agents and combinatorial optimizations, yielding increases in knockin efficiency and precision. Cas9-RC, a novel fusion Cas9 flanked by eRad18 and CtIP[HE], increased knockin performance in vitro and in vivo in the developing mouse brain. Continued comparative assessment of editing efficiency and precision with this framework will further the development of high-performance editing agents for in vivo knockin and future genome therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R. Richardson
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marilyn Steyert
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Saovleak N. Khim
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Garrett W. Crutcher
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheryl Brandenburg
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Colin D. Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea J. Romanowski
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Inen
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bekir Altas
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and UM-MIND, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Yang C, Shitamukai A, Yang S, Kawaguchi A. Advanced Techniques Using In Vivo Electroporation to Study the Molecular Mechanisms of Cerebral Development Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14128. [PMID: 37762431 PMCID: PMC10531473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814128] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex undergoes a strictly regulated developmental process. Detailed in situ visualizations, imaging of these dynamic processes, and in vivo functional gene studies significantly enhance our understanding of brain development and related disorders. This review introduces basic techniques and recent advancements in in vivo electroporation for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral diseases. In utero electroporation (IUE) is extensively used to visualize and modify these processes, including the forced expression of pathological mutants in human diseases; thus, this method can be used to establish animal disease models. The advent of advanced techniques, such as genome editing, including de novo knockout, knock-in, epigenetic editing, and spatiotemporal gene regulation, has further expanded our list of investigative tools. These tools include the iON expression switch for the precise control of timing and copy numbers of exogenous genes and TEMPO for investigating the temporal effects of genes. We also introduce the iGONAD method, an improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery approach, as a novel genome-editing technique that has accelerated brain development exploration. These advanced in vivo electroporation methods are expected to provide valuable insights into pathological conditions associated with human brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Atsunori Shitamukai
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shucai Yang
- Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ayano Kawaguchi
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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12
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Royero P, Quatraccioni A, Früngel R, Silva MH, Bast A, Ulas T, Beyer M, Opitz T, Schultze JL, Graham ME, Oberlaender M, Becker A, Schoch S, Beck H. Circuit-selective cell-autonomous regulation of inhibition in pyramidal neurons by Ste20-like kinase. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111757. [PMID: 36476865 PMCID: PMC9756112 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111757] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining an appropriate balance between excitation and inhibition is critical for neuronal information processing. Cortical neurons can cell-autonomously adjust the inhibition they receive to individual levels of excitatory input, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We describe that Ste20-like kinase (SLK) mediates cell-autonomous regulation of excitation-inhibition balance in the thalamocortical feedforward circuit, but not in the feedback circuit. This effect is due to regulation of inhibition originating from parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, while inhibition via somatostatin-expressing interneurons is unaffected. Computational modeling shows that this mechanism promotes stable excitatory-inhibitory ratios across pyramidal cells and ensures robust and sparse coding. Patch-clamp RNA sequencing yields genes differentially regulated by SLK knockdown, as well as genes associated with excitation-inhibition balance participating in transsynaptic communication and cytoskeletal dynamics. These data identify a mechanism for cell-autonomous regulation of a specific inhibitory circuit that is critical to ensure that a majority of cortical pyramidal cells participate in information coding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Royero
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53105 Bonn, Germany,International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne Quatraccioni
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, 53127 Bonn, Germany,International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rieke Früngel
- In Silico Brain Sciences Group, Max-Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – Caesar, Bonn, Germany,International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mariella Hurtado Silva
- Synapse Proteomics, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arco Bast
- In Silico Brain Sciences Group, Max-Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – Caesar, Bonn, Germany,International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Ulas
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) e.V., Bonn, Germany,PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) e.V. and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Genomics & Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Beyer
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) e.V. and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V., Bonn, Germany
| | - Thoralf Opitz
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim L. Schultze
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) e.V., Bonn, Germany,PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) e.V. and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Genomics & Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mark E. Graham
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcel Oberlaender
- In Silico Brain Sciences Group, Max-Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – Caesar, Bonn, Germany
| | - Albert Becker
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Heinz Beck
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53105 Bonn, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V., Bonn, Germany,Corresponding author
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13
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Qian X, DeGennaro EM, Talukdar M, Akula SK, Lai A, Shao DD, Gonzalez D, Marciano JH, Smith RS, Hylton NK, Yang E, Bazan JF, Barrett L, Yeh RC, Hill RS, Beck SG, Otani A, Angad J, Mitani T, Posey JE, Pehlivan D, Calame D, Aydin H, Yesilbas O, Parks KC, Argilli E, England E, Im K, Taranath A, Scott HS, Barnett CP, Arts P, Sherr EH, Lupski JR, Walsh CA. Loss of non-motor kinesin KIF26A causes congenital brain malformations via dysregulated neuronal migration and axonal growth as well as apoptosis. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2381-2396.e13. [PMID: 36228617 PMCID: PMC10585591 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Kinesins are canonical molecular motors but can also function as modulators of intracellular signaling. KIF26A, an unconventional kinesin that lacks motor activity, inhibits growth-factor-receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2)- and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-dependent signal transduction, but its functions in the brain have not been characterized. We report a patient cohort with biallelic loss-of-function variants in KIF26A, exhibiting a spectrum of congenital brain malformations. In the developing brain, KIF26A is preferentially expressed during early- and mid-gestation in excitatory neurons. Combining mice and human iPSC-derived organoid models, we discovered that loss of KIF26A causes excitatory neuron-specific defects in radial migration, localization, dendritic and axonal growth, and apoptosis, offering a convincing explanation of the disease etiology in patients. Single-cell RNA sequencing in KIF26A knockout organoids revealed transcriptional changes in MAPK, MYC, and E2F pathways. Our findings illustrate the pathogenesis of KIF26A loss-of-function variants and identify the surprising versatility of this non-motor kinesin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Qian
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ellen M DeGennaro
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Maya Talukdar
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shyam K Akula
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard, MIT MD/PhD Program, Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abbe Lai
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Diane D Shao
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dilenny Gonzalez
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jack H Marciano
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Richard S Smith
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Norma K Hylton
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard, MIT MD/PhD Program, Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Lee Barrett
- Department of Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rebecca C Yeh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R Sean Hill
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samantha G Beck
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aoi Otani
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jolly Angad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tadahiro Mitani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer E Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel Calame
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hatip Aydin
- Centre of Genetics Diagnosis, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Yesilbas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon 61080, Turkey
| | - Kendall C Parks
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Emanuela Argilli
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Eleina England
- Center for Mendelian Genomics, Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kiho Im
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ajay Taranath
- Department of Medical Imaging, South Australia Medical Imaging, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hamish S Scott
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance Between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; ACRF Cancer Genomics Facility, Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance Between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Australian Genomics, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher P Barnett
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Pediatric and Reproductive Genetics Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peer Arts
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance Between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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14
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Lee A, Kondapalli C, Virga DM, Lewis TL, Koo SY, Ashok A, Mairet-Coello G, Herzig S, Foretz M, Viollet B, Shaw R, Sproul A, Polleux F. Aβ42 oligomers trigger synaptic loss through CAMKK2-AMPK-dependent effectors coordinating mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4444. [PMID: 35915085 PMCID: PMC9343354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32130-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in both mouse models and human patients, soluble forms of Amyloid-β 1-42 oligomers (Aβ42o) trigger loss of excitatory synapses (synaptotoxicity) in cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons (PNs) prior to the formation of insoluble amyloid plaques. In a transgenic AD mouse model, we observed a spatially restricted structural remodeling of mitochondria in the apical tufts of CA1 PNs dendrites corresponding to the dendritic domain where the earliest synaptic loss is detected in vivo. We also observed AMPK over-activation as well as increased fragmentation and loss of mitochondrial biomass in Ngn2-induced neurons derived from a new APPSwe/Swe knockin human ES cell line. We demonstrate that Aβ42o-dependent over-activation of the CAMKK2-AMPK kinase dyad mediates synaptic loss through coordinated phosphorylation of MFF-dependent mitochondrial fission and ULK2-dependent mitophagy. Our results uncover a unifying stress-response pathway causally linking Aβ42o-dependent structural remodeling of dendritic mitochondria to synaptic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center New York, New York, NY, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA
- The Integrated Graduate Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chandana Kondapalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center New York, New York, NY, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel M Virga
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center New York, New York, NY, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tommy L Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center New York, New York, NY, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Aging & Metabolism Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - So Yeon Koo
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Archana Ashok
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Sebastien Herzig
- Molecular & Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marc Foretz
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Reuben Shaw
- Molecular & Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Sproul
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Franck Polleux
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Yamashiro K, Ikegaya Y, Matsumoto N. In Utero Electroporation for Manipulation of Specific Neuronal Populations. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050513. [PMID: 35629839 PMCID: PMC9147339 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of brain functions is supported by the heterogeneity of brain tissue and millisecond-scale information processing. Understanding how complex neural circuits control animal behavior requires the precise manipulation of specific neuronal subtypes at high spatiotemporal resolution. In utero electroporation, when combined with optogenetics, is a powerful method for precisely controlling the activity of specific neurons. Optogenetics allows for the control of cellular membrane potentials through light-sensitive ion channels artificially expressed in the plasma membrane of neurons. Here, we first review the basic mechanisms and characteristics of in utero electroporation. Then, we discuss recent applications of in utero electroporation combined with optogenetics to investigate the functions and characteristics of specific regions, layers, and cell types. These techniques will pave the way for further advances in understanding the complex neuronal and circuit mechanisms that underlie behavioral outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Yamashiro
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Correspondence:
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16
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Kumamoto T, Ohtaka-Maruyama C. Visualizing Cortical Development and Evolution: A Toolkit Update. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:876406. [PMID: 35495046 PMCID: PMC9039325 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.876406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visualizing the process of neural circuit formation during neurogenesis, using genetically modified animals or somatic transgenesis of exogenous plasmids, has become a key to decipher cortical development and evolution. In contrast to the establishment of transgenic animals, the designing and preparation of genes of interest into plasmids are simple and easy, dispensing with time-consuming germline modifications. These advantages have led to neuron labeling based on somatic transgenesis. In particular, mammalian expression plasmid, CRISPR-Cas9, and DNA transposon systems, have become widely used for neuronal visualization and functional analysis related to lineage labeling during cortical development. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these recently developed techniques.
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17
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Cwetsch AW, Ziogas I, Narducci R, Savardi A, Bolla M, Pinto B, Perlini LE, Bassani S, Passafaro M, Cancedda L. A rat model of a focal mosaic expression of PCDH19 replicates human brain developmental abnormalities and behaviors. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac091. [PMID: 35528232 PMCID: PMC9070467 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin 19 gene-related epilepsy or protocadherin 19 clustering epilepsy is an infantile-onset epilepsy syndrome characterized by psychiatric (including autism-related), sensory, and cognitive impairment of varying degrees. Protocadherin 19 clustering epilepsy is caused by X-linked protocadherin 19 protein loss of function. Due to random X-chromosome inactivation, protocadherin 19 clustering epilepsy-affected females present a mosaic population of healthy and protocadherin 19-mutant cells. Unfortunately, to date, no current mouse model can fully recapitulate both the brain histological and behavioural deficits present in people with protocadherin 19 clustering epilepsy. Thus, the search for a proper understanding of the disease and possible future treatment is hampered. By inducing a focal mosaicism of protocadherin 19 expression using in utero electroporation in rats, we found here that protocadherin 19 signalling in specific brain areas is implicated in neuronal migration, heat-induced epileptic seizures, core/comorbid behaviours related to autism and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej W Cwetsch
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
- Instituto de Biotecnologia y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ilias Ziogas
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Narducci
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Savardi
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Italy
| | - Maria Bolla
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura E Perlini
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Cancedda
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Italy
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18
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Szczurkowska J, Guo A, Martin J, Lee SI, Martinez E, Chien CT, Khan TA, Singh R, Dadson D, Tran TS, Pautot S, Shelly M. Semaphorin3A/PlexinA3 association with the Scribble scaffold for cGMP increase is required for apical dendrite development. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110483. [PMID: 35294878 PMCID: PMC8994670 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the apical dendrite from the leading process of the bipolar pyramidal neuron might be directed by spatially organized extrinsic cues acting on localized intrinsic determinants. The extracellular cues regulating apical dendrite polarization remain elusive. We show that leading process and apical dendrite development are directed by class III Semaphorins and mediated by a localized cGMP-synthesizing complex. The scaffolding protein Scribble that associates with the cGMP-synthesizing enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) also associates with the Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) co-receptor PlexinA3. Deletion or knockdown of PlexinA3 and Sema3A or disruption of PlexinA3-Scribble association prevents Sema3A-mediated cGMP increase and causes defects in apical dendrite development. These manipulations also impair bipolar polarity and leading process establishment. Local cGMP elevation or sGC expression rescues the effects of PlexinA3 knockdown or PlexinA3-Scribble complex disruption. During neuronal polarization, leading process and apical dendrite development are directed by a scaffold that links Semaphorin cue to cGMP increase. Szczurkowska et al. show that spatially directed Sema3A may promote development of the leading process and the apical dendrite via the co-receptor PlexinA3 by orchestrating localized cGMP increase on the scaffold protein, Scribble, at the leading edge of developing pyramidal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szczurkowska
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Alan Guo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jacqueline Martin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Seong-Il Lee
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Edward Martinez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Chia Te Chien
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Tamor A Khan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Ravnit Singh
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Doreen Dadson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Tracy S Tran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | | | - Maya Shelly
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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19
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D'Amico G, Ruhrberg C. The Embryonic Mouse Hindbrain Model to Study Sprouting Angiogenesis In Vivo. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2441:3-18. [PMID: 35099724 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2059-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessel growth is a fundamental process for organ development and wound healing but is also associated with ischemic diseases and cancer. The growth of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature, termed sprouting angiogenesis, is the predominant mode of blood vessel growth in central nervous system vascularization and pathological vessel growth. Accordingly, studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of angiogenesis holds the promise to find novel therapeutic targets to stimulate new vessel formation in ischemic tissues or inhibit pathological vessel growth in disease. The embryonic mouse hindbrain provides an excellent model to study sprouting angiogenesis in vivo by histochemical or fluorescent wholemount immunolabeling, thus allowing high-resolution image capture of nascent vasculature and subsequent quantification of relevant angiogenic parameters. This chapter describes how to use the mouse embryonic hindbrain as a model to study physiological angiogenesis, including detailed protocols for hindbrain dissection, wholemount staining, and angiogenic parameters analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela D'Amico
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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20
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Kremer LP, Cerrizuela S, Dehler S, Stiehl T, Weinmann J, Abendroth H, Kleber S, Laure A, El Andari J, Anders S, Marciniak-Czochra A, Grimm D, Martin-Villalba A. High throughput screening of novel AAV capsids identifies variants for transduction of adult NSCs within the subventricular zone. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:33-50. [PMID: 34553001 PMCID: PMC8427210 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The adult mammalian brain entails a reservoir of neural stem cells (NSCs) generating glial cells and neurons. However, NSCs become increasingly quiescent with age, which hampers their regenerative capacity. New means are therefore required to genetically modify adult NSCs for re-enabling endogenous brain repair. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are ideal gene-therapy vectors due to an excellent safety profile and high transduction efficiency. We thus conducted a high-throughput screening of 177 intraventricularly injected barcoded AAV variants profiled by RNA sequencing. Quantification of barcoded AAV mRNAs identified two synthetic capsids, peptide-modified derivative of wild-type AAV9 (AAV9_A2) and peptide-modified derivative of wild-type AAV1 (AAV1_P5), both of which transduce active and quiescent NSCs. Further optimization of AAV1_P5 by judicious selection of the promoter and dose of injected viral genomes enabled labeling of 30%–60% of the NSC compartment, which was validated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses and single-cell RNA sequencing. Importantly, transduced NSCs readily produced neurons. The present study identifies AAV variants with a high regional tropism toward the ventricular-subventricular zone (v-SVZ) with high efficiency in targeting adult NSCs, thereby paving the way for preclinical testing of regenerative gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas P.M. Kremer
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Santiago Cerrizuela
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sascha Dehler
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Stiehl
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Weinmann
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Abendroth
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kleber
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Laure
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jihad El Andari
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Anders
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Marciniak-Czochra
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana Martin-Villalba
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Corresponding author: Ana Martin-Villalba, Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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21
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Girskis KM, Stergachis AB, DeGennaro EM, Doan RN, Qian X, Johnson MB, Wang PP, Sejourne GM, Nagy MA, Pollina EA, Sousa AMM, Shin T, Kenny CJ, Scotellaro JL, Debo BM, Gonzalez DM, Rento LM, Yeh RC, Song JHT, Beaudin M, Fan J, Kharchenko PV, Sestan N, Greenberg ME, Walsh CA. Rewiring of human neurodevelopmental gene regulatory programs by human accelerated regions. Neuron 2021; 109:3239-3251.e7. [PMID: 34478631 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Human accelerated regions (HARs) are the fastest-evolving regions of the human genome, and many are hypothesized to function as regulatory elements that drive human-specific gene regulatory programs. We interrogate the in vitro enhancer activity and in vivo epigenetic landscape of more than 3,100 HARs during human neurodevelopment, demonstrating that many HARs appear to act as neurodevelopmental enhancers and that sequence divergence at HARs has largely augmented their neuronal enhancer activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate PPP1R17 to be a putative HAR-regulated gene that has undergone remarkable rewiring of its cell type and developmental expression patterns between non-primates and primates and between non-human primates and humans. Finally, we show that PPP1R17 slows neural progenitor cell cycle progression, paralleling the cell cycle length increase seen predominantly in primate and especially human neurodevelopment. Our findings establish HARs as key components in rewiring human-specific neurodevelopmental gene regulatory programs and provide an integrated resource to study enhancer activity of specific HARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Girskis
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew B Stergachis
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ellen M DeGennaro
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryan N Doan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xuyu Qian
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew B Johnson
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter P Wang
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Sejourne
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Aurel Nagy
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Pollina
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taehwan Shin
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - Connor J Kenny
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia L Scotellaro
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian M Debo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dilenny M Gonzalez
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lariza M Rento
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C Yeh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet H T Song
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Beaudin
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jean Fan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter V Kharchenko
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael E Greenberg
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Szczurkowska J, Lee SI, Guo A, Cwetsch AW, Khan T, Rao S, Walz G, Huber TB, Cancedda L, Pautot S, Shelly M. A Localized Scaffold for cGMP Increase Is Required for Apical Dendrite Development. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107519. [PMID: 32294442 PMCID: PMC7293895 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in cultured neurons have established that axon specification instructs neuronal polarization and is necessary for dendrite development. However, dendrite formation in vivo occurs when axon formation is prevented. The mechanisms promoting dendrite development remain elusive. We find that apical dendrite development is directed by a localized cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-synthesizing complex. We show that the scaffolding protein Scribble associates with cGMP-synthesizing enzymes soluble-guanylate-cyclase (sGC) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The Scribble scaffold is preferentially localized to and mediates cGMP increase in dendrites. These events are regulated by kinesin KifC2. Knockdown of Scribble, sGC-β1, or KifC2 or disrupting their associations prevents cGMP increase in dendrites and causes severe defects in apical dendrite development. Local cGMP elevation or sGC expression rescues the effects of Scribble knockdown on dendrite development, indicating that Scribble is an upstream regulator of cGMP. During neuronal polarization, dendrite development is directed by the Scribble scaffold that might link extracellular cues to localized cGMP increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szczurkowska
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - Seong-Il Lee
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - Alan Guo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - Andrzej W Cwetsch
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy; Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Tanvir Khan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - Sneha Rao
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - Gerd Walz
- Department of Medicine IV, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Italy
| | | | - Maya Shelly
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Ultrasound modulates the electrical activity of excitable cells and offers advantages over other neuromodulatory techniques; for example, it can be noninvasively transmitted through the skull and focused to deep brain regions. However, the fundamental cellular, molecular, and mechanistic bases of ultrasonic neuromodulation are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate ultrasound activation of the mechanosensitive K+ channel TRAAK with submillisecond kinetics to an extent comparable to canonical mechanical activation. Single-channel recordings reveal a common basis for ultrasonic and mechanical activation with stimulus-graded destabilization of long-duration closures and promotion of full conductance openings. Ultrasonic energy is transduced to TRAAK through the membrane in the absence of other cellular components, likely increasing membrane tension to promote channel opening. We further demonstrate ultrasonic modulation of neuronally expressed TRAAK. These results suggest mechanosensitive channels underlie physiological responses to ultrasound and could serve as sonogenetic actuators for acoustic neuromodulation of genetically targeted cells.
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24
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Xu X, Song L, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Knock-Down of Hippocampal DISC1 in Immune-Challenged Mice Impairs the Prefrontal-Hippocampal Coupling and the Cognitive Performance Throughout Development. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1240-1258. [PMID: 33037815 PMCID: PMC7786359 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene represents an intracellular hub of developmental processes. When combined with early environmental stressors, such as maternal immune activation, but not in the absence of thereof, whole-brain DISC1 knock-down leads to memory and executive deficits as result of impaired prefrontal–hippocampal communication throughout development. While synaptic dysfunction in neonatal prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been recently identified as one source of abnormal long-range coupling, the contribution of hippocampus (HP) is still unknown. Here, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by combining in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics with morphological and behavioral assessment of immune-challenged mice with DISC1 knock-down either in the whole brain (GE) or restricted to pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA1 area (GHPE). We found abnormal network activity, sharp-waves, and neuronal firing in CA1 that complement the deficits in upper layer of PFC. Moreover, optogenetic activating CA1 pyramidal neurons fails to activate the prefrontal local circuits. These deficits that persist till prejuvenile age relate to dendrite sparsification and loss of spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons. As a long-term consequence, DISC1 knock-down in HP leads to poorer recognition memory at prejuvenile age. Thus, DISC1-controlled developmental processes in HP in immune-challenged mice are critical for circuit function and cognitive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Xu
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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25
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Trovato F, Parra R, Pracucci E, Landi S, Cozzolino O, Nardi G, Cruciani F, Pillai V, Mosti L, Cwetsch AW, Cancedda L, Gritti L, Sala C, Verpelli C, Maset A, Lodovichi C, Ratto GM. Modelling genetic mosaicism of neurodevelopmental disorders in vivo by a Cre-amplifying fluorescent reporter. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6194. [PMID: 33273479 PMCID: PMC7713426 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19864-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mosaicism, a condition in which an organ includes cells with different genotypes, is frequently present in monogenic diseases of the central nervous system caused by the random inactivation of the X-chromosome, in the case of X-linked pathologies, or by somatic mutations affecting a subset of neurons. The comprehension of the mechanisms of these diseases and of the cell-autonomous effects of specific mutations requires the generation of sparse mosaic models, in which the genotype of each neuron is univocally identified by the expression of a fluorescent protein in vivo. Here, we show a dual-color reporter system that, when expressed in a floxed mouse line for a target gene, leads to the creation of mosaics with tunable degree. We demonstrate the generation of a knockout mosaic of the autism/epilepsy related gene PTEN in which the genotype of each neuron is reliably identified, and the neuronal phenotype is accurately characterized by two-photon microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Trovato
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Parra
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Pracucci
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Landi
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Olga Cozzolino
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nardi
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Cruciani
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vinoshene Pillai
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Mosti
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrzej W Cwetsch
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Università degli studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Istituto Telethon Dulbecco, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Sala
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Maset
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Padova Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Lodovichi
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Padova Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, Padua, Italy
| | - Gian Michele Ratto
- National Enterprise for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Tomorsky J, Parker PRL, Doe CQ, Niell CM. Precise levels of nectin-3 are required for proper synapse formation in postnatal visual cortex. Neural Dev 2020; 15:13. [PMID: 33160402 PMCID: PMC7648993 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00150-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing cortical neurons express a tightly choreographed sequence of cytoskeletal and transmembrane proteins to form and strengthen specific synaptic connections during circuit formation. Nectin-3 is a cell-adhesion molecule with previously described roles in synapse formation and maintenance. This protein and its binding partner, nectin-1, are selectively expressed in upper-layer neurons of mouse visual cortex, but their role in the development of cortical circuits is unknown. METHODS Here we block nectin-3 expression (via shRNA) or overexpress nectin-3 in developing layer 2/3 visual cortical neurons using in utero electroporation. We then assay dendritic spine densities at three developmental time points: eye opening (postnatal day (P)14), one week following eye opening after a period of heightened synaptogenesis (P21), and at the close of the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity (P35). RESULTS Knockdown of nectin-3 beginning at E15.5 or ~ P19 increased dendritic spine densities at P21 or P35, respectively. Conversely, overexpressing full length nectin-3 at E15.5 decreased dendritic spine densities when all ages were considered together. The effects of nectin-3 knockdown and overexpression on dendritic spine densities were most significant on proximal secondary apical dendrites. Interestingly, an even greater decrease in dendritic spine densities, particularly on basal dendrites at P21, was observed when we overexpressed nectin-3 lacking its afadin binding domain. CONCLUSION These data collectively suggest that the proper levels and functioning of nectin-3 facilitate normal synapse formation after eye opening on apical and basal dendrites in layer 2/3 of visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Tomorsky
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
- Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Philip R L Parker
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Chris Q Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Cristopher M Niell
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
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Plantier V, Watrin F, Buhler E, Martineau FS, Sahu S, Manent JB, Bureau I, Represa A. Direct and Collateral Alterations of Functional Cortical Circuits in a Rat Model of Subcortical Band Heterotopia. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:4253-4262. [PMID: 30534979 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH), also known as double-cortex syndrome, is a neuronal migration disorder characterized by an accumulation of neurons in a heterotopic band below the normotopic cortex. The majority of patients with SBH have mild to moderate intellectual disability and intractable epilepsy. However, it is still not clear how cortical networks are organized in SBH patients and how this abnormal organization contributes to improper brain function. In this study, cortical networks were investigated in the barrel cortex in an animal model of SBH induced by in utero knockdown of Dcx, main causative gene of this condition in human patients. When the SBH was localized below the Barrel Field (BF), layer (L) four projection to correctly positioned L2/3 pyramidal cells was weakened due to lower connectivity. Conversely, when the SBH was below an adjacent cortical region, the excitatory L4 to L2/3 projection was stronger due to increased L4 neuron excitability, synaptic strength and excitation/inhibition ratio of L4 to L2/3 connection. We propose that these developmental alterations contribute to the spectrum of clinical dysfunctions reported in patients with SBH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Plantier
- INMED, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1249, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Françoise Watrin
- INMED, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1249, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Emmanuelle Buhler
- INMED, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1249, Marseille 13009, France
| | | | - Surajit Sahu
- INMED, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1249, Marseille 13009, France
| | | | - Ingrid Bureau
- INMED, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1249, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Alfonso Represa
- INMED, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1249, Marseille 13009, France
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28
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Nagahama K, Sakoori K, Watanabe T, Kishi Y, Kawaji K, Koebis M, Nakao K, Gotoh Y, Aiba A, Uesaka N, Kano M. Setd1a Insufficiency in Mice Attenuates Excitatory Synaptic Function and Recapitulates Schizophrenia-Related Behavioral Abnormalities. Cell Rep 2020; 32:108126. [PMID: 32937141 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SETD1A encodes a histone methyltransferase whose de novo mutations are identified in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and confer a large increase in disease risk. Here, we generate Setd1a mutant mice carrying the frameshift mutation that closely mimics a loss-of-function variant of SCZ. Our Setd1a (+/-) mice display various behavioral abnormalities relevant to features of SCZ, impaired excitatory synaptic transmission in layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and altered expression of diverse genes related to neurodevelopmental disorders and synaptic functions in the mPFC. RNAi-mediated Setd1a knockdown (KD) specifically in L2/3 pyramidal neurons of the mPFC only recapitulates impaired sociality among multiple behavioral abnormalities of Setd1a (+/-) mice. Optogenetics-assisted selective stimulation of presynaptic neurons combined with Setd1a KD reveals that Setd1a at postsynaptic site is essential for excitatory synaptic transmission. Our findings suggest that reduced SETD1A may attenuate excitatory synaptic function and contribute to the pathophysiology of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Nagahama
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuto Sakoori
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takaki Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kishi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keita Kawaji
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Michinori Koebis
- Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakao
- Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yukiko Gotoh
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsu Aiba
- Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrated Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Naofumi Uesaka
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.
| | - Masanobu Kano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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29
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Costa RO, Martins H, Martins LF, Cwetsch AW, Mele M, Pedro JR, Tomé D, Jeon NL, Cancedda L, Jaffrey SR, Almeida RD. Synaptogenesis Stimulates a Proteasome-Mediated Ribosome Reduction in Axons. Cell Rep 2020; 28:864-876.e6. [PMID: 31340150 PMCID: PMC6686882 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomes and a subset of cellular mRNAs are trafficked into axons of developing neurons. The axonal localization of translational machinery allows new proteins to be rapidly and locally synthesized during axonal growth and pathfinding. However, in mature neurons, axonal ribosomes are significantly reduced or even absent. The mechanism that elicits this removal is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that synapse formation is the trigger for ribosome reduction in mature axons. In vivo analysis shows that axonal ribosome levels decrease in rat brain at a developmental stage coincident with synapse formation. Next, we observe in vitro that different synaptogenic inducers trigger an overall decrease of ribosomal proteins and rRNA in the axons of spinal motor neurons. We further observe that this process is dependent on the ubiquitin-proteasome system but not on autophagy. Together, these data identify synaptogenesis as the long missing biological trigger that leads to ribosome disappearance during axonal maturation. The mechanism behind the striking loss of ribosomes from axons during neuronal maturation is unknown. Using in vivo and in vitro models, including neuron-muscle co-cultures and combining biochemistry and imaging techniques, Costa et al. demonstrate that synapse formation triggers ribosome reduction by a mechanism involving the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui O Costa
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Helena Martins
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís F Martins
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrzej W Cwetsch
- NBT - Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Miranda Mele
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana R Pedro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Tomé
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Laura Cancedda
- NBT - Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Roma, Italy
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ramiro D Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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30
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Two-Photon Voltage Imaging of Spontaneous Activity from Multiple Neurons Reveals Network Activity in Brain Tissue. iScience 2020; 23:101363. [PMID: 32717641 PMCID: PMC7393527 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recording the electrical activity of multiple neurons simultaneously would greatly facilitate studies on the function of neuronal circuits. The combination of the fast scanning by random-access multiphoton microscopy (RAMP) and the latest two-photon-compatible high-performance fluorescent genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) has enabled action potential detection in deep layers in in vivo brain. However, neuron connectivity analysis on optically recorded action potentials from multiple neurons in brain tissue has yet to be achieved. With high expression of a two-photon-compatible GEVI, ASAP3, via in utero electroporation and RAMP, we achieved voltage recording of spontaneous activities from multiple neurons in brain slice. We provide evidence for the developmental changes in intralaminar horizontal connections in somatosensory cortex layer 2/3 with a greater sensitivity than calcium imaging. This method thus enables investigation of neuronal network connectivity at the cellular resolution in brain tissue.
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31
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Tarkowski B, Kuchcinska K, Blazejczyk M, Jaworski J. Pathological mTOR mutations impact cortical development. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2107-2119. [PMID: 30789219 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mosaic mutations of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) have recently been found in patients with cortical malformations, such as hemimegalencephaly (HME) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Although all of them should activate mTOR signaling, comparisons of the impact of different mTOR mutations on brain development have been lacking. Also it remains unknown if any potential differences these mutations may have on cortical development are directly related to a degree of mTOR signaling increase. The present study assessed levels of mTORC1 pathway activity in cell lines and rat primary neurons overexpressing several mTOR mutants that were previously found in HME, FCD, cancer patients and in vitro mutagenesis screens. Next we introduced the mutants, enhancing mTORC1 signaling most potently, into developing mouse brains and assessed electroporated cell morphology and migratory phenotype using immunofluorescent staining. We observed the differential inhibition of neuronal progenitor cortical migration, which partly corresponded with a degree of mTORC1 signaling enhancement these mutants induced in cultured cells. The most potent quadruple mutant prevented most of the progenitors from entering the cortical plate. Cells that expressed less potent, single-point, mTOR mutants entered the cortical plate but failed to reach its upper layers and had enlarged soma. Our findings suggest a correlation between the potency of mTOR mutation to activate mTORC1 pathway and disruption of cortical migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Tarkowski
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Kuchcinska
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Jaworski
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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32
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piggyBac-Based Non-Viral In Vivo Gene Delivery Useful for Production of Genetically Modified Animals and Organs. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12030277. [PMID: 32204422 PMCID: PMC7151002 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo gene delivery involves direct injection of nucleic acids (NAs) into tissues, organs, or tail-veins. It has been recognized as a useful tool for evaluating the function of a gene of interest (GOI), creating models for human disease and basic research targeting gene therapy. Cargo frequently used for gene delivery are largely divided into viral and non-viral vectors. Viral vectors have strong infectious activity and do not require the use of instruments or reagents helpful for gene delivery but bear immunological and tumorigenic problems. In contrast, non-viral vectors strictly require instruments (i.e., electroporator) or reagents (i.e., liposomes) for enhanced uptake of NAs by cells and are often accompanied by weak transfection activity, with less immunological and tumorigenic problems. Chromosomal integration of GOI-bearing transgenes would be ideal for achieving long-term expression of GOI. piggyBac (PB), one of three transposons (PB, Sleeping Beauty (SB), and Tol2) found thus far, has been used for efficient transfection of GOI in various mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we outline recent achievements of PB-based production of genetically modified animals and organs and will provide some experimental concepts using this system.
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33
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Comer AL, Jinadasa T, Sriram B, Phadke RA, Kretsge LN, Nguyen TPH, Antognetti G, Gilbert JP, Lee J, Newmark ER, Hausmann FS, Rosenthal S, Liu Kot K, Liu Y, Yen WW, Dejanovic B, Cruz-Martín A. Increased expression of schizophrenia-associated gene C4 leads to hypoconnectivity of prefrontal cortex and reduced social interaction. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000604. [PMID: 31935214 PMCID: PMC6959572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with an unclear pathophysiology. Increased expression of the immune gene C4 has been linked to a greater risk of developing schizophrenia; however, it is not known whether C4 plays a causative role in this brain disorder. Using confocal imaging and whole-cell electrophysiology, we demonstrate that overexpression of C4 in mouse prefrontal cortex neurons leads to perturbations in dendritic spine development and hypoconnectivity, which mirror neuropathologies found in schizophrenia patients. We find evidence that microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment is enhanced with increased expression of C4. We also show that C4-dependent circuit dysfunction in the frontal cortex leads to decreased social interactions in juvenile and adult mice. These results demonstrate that increased expression of the schizophrenia-associated gene C4 causes aberrant circuit wiring in the developing prefrontal cortex and leads to deficits in juvenile and adult social behavior, suggesting that altered C4 expression contributes directly to schizophrenia pathogenesis. Elevated expression of the gene encoding complement C4 is associated with an enhanced risk of schizophrenia, but the mechanism underlying this link is unclear. This study shows that overexpression of the C4 gene in mice leads to mis-wiring of the prefrontal cortex and deficits in social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Comer
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- The Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tushare Jinadasa
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Balaji Sriram
- Research and Early Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rhushikesh A. Phadke
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lisa N. Kretsge
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- The Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thanh P. H. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Giovanna Antognetti
- Biologics Drug Discovery, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James P. Gilbert
- External Innovations and New Indications, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jungjoon Lee
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elena R. Newmark
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Frances S. Hausmann
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - SaraAnn Rosenthal
- Department of Biology, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kevin Liu Kot
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yenyu Liu
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - William W. Yen
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Borislav Dejanovic
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alberto Cruz-Martín
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- The Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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34
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Abstract
In utero electroporation is a rapid and powerful technique to study the development of many brain regions. This approach presents several advantages over other methods to study specific steps of brain development in vivo, from proliferation to synaptic integration. Here, we describe in detail the individual steps necessary to carry out the technique. We also highlight the variations that can be implemented to target different cerebral structures and to study specific steps of development.
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35
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Fischer J, Heide M, Huttner WB. Genetic Modification of Brain Organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:558. [PMID: 31920558 PMCID: PMC6928125 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids have become increasingly used systems allowing 3D-modeling of human brain development, evolution, and disease. To be able to make full use of these modeling systems, researchers have developed a growing toolkit of genetic modification techniques. These techniques can be applied to mature brain organoids or to the preceding embryoid bodies (EBs) and founding cells. This review will describe techniques used for transient and stable genetic modification of brain organoids and discuss their current use and respective advantages and disadvantages. Transient approaches include adeno-associated virus (AAV) and electroporation-based techniques, whereas stable genetic modification approaches make use of lentivirus (including viral stamping), transposon and CRISPR/Cas9 systems. Finally, an outlook as to likely future developments and applications regarding genetic modifications of brain organoids will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Fischer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Heide
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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36
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Vagni P, Perlini LE, Chenais NAL, Marchetti T, Parrini M, Contestabile A, Cancedda L, Ghezzi D. Gene Editing Preserves Visual Functions in a Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:945. [PMID: 31551698 PMCID: PMC6748340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large and heterogeneous group of degenerative diseases caused by mutations in various genes. Given the favorable anatomical and immunological characteristics of the eye, gene therapy holds great potential for their treatment. Our goal is to validate the preservation of visual functions by viral-free homology directed repair (HDR) in an autosomal recessive loss of function mutation. We used a tailored gene editing system based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) to prevent retinal photoreceptor death in the retinal degeneration 10 (Rd10) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. We tested the gene editing tool in vitro and then used in vivo subretinal electroporation to deliver it to one of the retinas of mouse pups at different stages of photoreceptor differentiation. Three months after gene editing, the treated eye exhibited a higher visual acuity compared to the untreated eye. Moreover, we observed preservation of light-evoked responses both in explanted retinas and in the visual cortex of treated animals. Our study validates a CRISPR/Cas9-based therapy as a valuable new approach for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa caused by autosomal recessive loss-of-function point mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vagni
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura E Perlini
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Naïg A L Chenais
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Marchetti
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martina Parrini
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Contestabile
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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37
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Saito S, Kawamura K, Matsuda Y, Suzuki T. Brilliant Blue as an alternative dye to Fast Green for in ovo electroporation. Dev Growth Differ 2019; 61:402-409. [PMID: 31612477 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12629] [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: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chick embryo electroporation is a powerful tool for the introduction of transgenes into tissues of interest for the study of developmental biology. This method often uses Fast Green to visualize the injected area by staining the solution containing DNA green. Here, we show that Fast Green fluoresces in a red color after electroporation, suggesting that researchers need to be cautious when detecting red fluorescence. Fast Green solution did not show any fluorescence before injection into chick embryos, but fluoresced red within 3 min post-injection into chick embryos. We identified Brilliant Blue as suitable alternative dye for use as an indicator of injection sites in ovo electroporation. We found that 0.2% of Brilliant Blue was sufficient to track the area of DNA injection. In addition, this chemical did not show red fluorescence after electroporation. Our findings demonstrate that Brilliant Blue can be used for detecting red fluorescent proteins introduced into chick embryos by electroporation. Our study also shows useful examples for the application of Brilliant Blue for the precise quantification of two fluorescence intensities after EGFP and mCherry co-electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Saito
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kawamura
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsuda
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Szczurkowska J, Pischedda F, Pinto B, Managò F, Haas CA, Summa M, Bertorelli R, Papaleo F, Schäfer MK, Piccoli G, Cancedda L. NEGR1 and FGFR2 cooperatively regulate cortical development and core behaviours related to autism disorders in mice. Brain 2019; 141:2772-2794. [PMID: 30059965 PMCID: PMC6113639 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions with diverse aetiologies, all characterized by common core symptoms such as impaired social skills and communication, as well as repetitive behaviour. Cell adhesion molecules, receptor tyrosine kinases and associated downstream signalling have been strongly implicated in both neurodevelopment and autism spectrum disorders. We found that downregulation of the cell adhesion molecule NEGR1 or the receptor tyrosine kinase fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) similarly affects neuronal migration and spine density during mouse cortical development in vivo and results in impaired core behaviours related to autism spectrum disorders. Mechanistically, NEGR1 physically interacts with FGFR2 and modulates FGFR2-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signalling by decreasing FGFR2 degradation from the plasma membrane. Accordingly, FGFR2 overexpression rescues all defects due to Negr1 knockdown in vivo. Negr1 knockout mice present phenotypes similar to Negr1-downregulated animals. These data indicate that NEGR1 and FGFR2 cooperatively regulate cortical development and suggest a role for defective NEGR1-FGFR2 complex and convergent downstream ERK and AKT signalling in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szczurkowska
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy.,Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Pischedda
- Laboratory of Biology of Synapse. Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy.,Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Managò
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carola A Haas
- Experimental Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Summa
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosalia Bertorelli
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michael K Schäfer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Giovanni Piccoli
- Laboratory of Biology of Synapse. Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Varese Street 16b - 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy.,Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Varese Street 16b - 00185 Rome, Italy
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39
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The development of synaptic transmission is time-locked to early social behaviors in rats. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1195. [PMID: 30867422 PMCID: PMC6416358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of functional synapses is a sequential process preserved across many brain areas. Here, we show that glutamatergic postsynaptic currents anticipated GABAergic currents in Layer II/III of the rat neocortex, in contrast to the pattern described for other brain areas. The frequencies of both glutamatergic and GABAergic currents increased abruptly at the beginning of the second postnatal week, supported by a serotonin upsurge. Integrative behaviors arose on postnatal day (P)9, while most motor and sensory behaviors, which are fundamental for pup survival, were already in place at approximately P7. A reduction in serotonin reuptake accelerated the development of functional synapses and integrative huddling behavior, while sparing motor and sensory function development. A decrease in synaptic transmission in Layer II/III induced by a chemogenetic approach only inhibited huddling. Thus, precise developmental sequences mediate early, socially directed behaviors for which neurotransmission and its modulation in supragranular cortical layers play key roles. The development of functional synapses is a key milestone in neurodevelopment. Here, the authors show how serotonin signalling coordinates development of glutamatergic and GABAergic currents and triggers the emergence of integrative behavior (huddling) in rat pups.
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40
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) represent common cortical malformations that are frequently associated with epilepsy. They have so far not been well understood in terms of their molecular pathogenesis, and with respect to mechanisms of seizure emergence. RECENT FINDINGS Several recent studies have succeeded in making significant advances in understanding the molecular genetics, in particular FCD type II. A second major advance has been the development of novel rodent models of FCDs that replicate a somatic mutation seen in humans, lead to a focal lesion, and recapitulate many phenotypic features of human FCDs. We will discuss these recent advances. SUMMARY These advances promise significant advances in understanding the heterogeneity of FCDs at the molecular genetic level. They also promise a much better understanding of cell-intrinsic and network mechanisms underlying increased seizure susceptibility and altered cognition. Systematic studies utilizing the approaches summarized here promise to lead to specific strategies regarding when and how to treat specific subgroups of FCDs.
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41
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Bassani S, Cwetsch AW, Gerosa L, Serratto GM, Folci A, Hall IF, Mazzanti M, Cancedda L, Passafaro M. The female epilepsy protein PCDH19 is a new GABAAR-binding partner that regulates GABAergic transmission as well as migration and morphological maturation of hippocampal neurons. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1027-1038. [PMID: 29360992 PMCID: PMC5886308 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The PCDH19 gene (Xp22.1) encodes the cell-adhesion protein protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) and is responsible for a neurodevelopmental pathology characterized by female-limited epilepsy, cognitive impairment and autistic features, the pathogenic mechanisms of which remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified a new interaction between PCDH19 and GABAA receptor (GABAAR) alpha subunits in the rat brain. PCDH19 shRNA-mediated downregulation reduces GABAAR surface expression and affects the frequency and kinetics of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in cultured hippocampal neurons. In vivo, PCDH19 downregulation impairs migration, orientation and dendritic arborization of CA1 hippocampal neurons and increases rat seizure susceptibility. In sum, these data indicate a role for PCDH19 in GABAergic transmission as well as migration and morphological maturation of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrzej W Cwetsch
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, Italy
| | - Laura Gerosa
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milan 20129, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michele Mazzanti
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, Italy.,Telethon Dulbecco Institute, Milan, Italy
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42
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Sahu S, Buhler E, Vermoyal JC, Watrin F, Represa A, Manent JB. Spontaneous epileptiform activity in a rat model of bilateral subcortical band heterotopia. Epilepsia 2018; 60:337-348. [PMID: 30597542 PMCID: PMC7027481 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Malformations of cortical development are common causes of intellectual disability and epilepsy, yet there is a crucial lack of relevant preclinical models associating seizures and cortical malformations. Here, we describe a novel rat model with bilateral subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) and examine whether this model develops spontaneous epileptic seizures. METHODS To generate bilateral SBH in rats, we combined RNAi-mediated knockdown of Dcx and in utero electroporation with a tripolar electrode configuration enabling simultaneous transfection of the two brain hemispheres. To determine whether bilateral SBH leads to epileptiform activity, rats of various ages were implanted for telemetric electrocorticographic recordings and histopathological examination was carried out at the end of the recording sessions. RESULTS By 2 months, rats with bilateral SBH showed nonconvulsive spontaneous seizures consisting of spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) with dominant frequencies in the alpha and theta bands and secondarily in higher-frequency bands. SWDs occurred during both the dark and the light period, but were more frequent during quiet awake state than during sleep. Also, SWDs were more frequent and lasted longer at older ages. No sex differences were found. Although frequencies and durations of SWDs were found to be uncorrelated with the size of SBH, SWDs were initiated in some occasions from brain hemispheres comprising a larger SBH. Lastly, SWDs exhibited absence-like pharmacological properties, being temporarily alleviated by ethosuximide administration. SIGNIFICANCE This novel model of bilateral SBH with spontaneous epilepsy may potentially provide valuable new insights into causality between cortical malformations and seizures, and help translational research aiming at designing novel treatment strategies for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit Sahu
- Neurobiology Institute of the Mediterranean (INMED), Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Buhler
- Neurobiology Institute of the Mediterranean (INMED), Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Vermoyal
- Neurobiology Institute of the Mediterranean (INMED), Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Françoise Watrin
- Neurobiology Institute of the Mediterranean (INMED), Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Alfonso Represa
- Neurobiology Institute of the Mediterranean (INMED), Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR1249, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Bernard Manent
- Neurobiology Institute of the Mediterranean (INMED), Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR1249, Marseille, France
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43
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Cwetsch AW, Pinto B, Savardi A, Cancedda L. In vivo methods for acute modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 168:69-85. [PMID: 29694844 PMCID: PMC6080705 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Accurate and timely expression of specific genes guarantees the healthy development and function of the brain. Indeed, variations in the correct amount or timing of gene expression lead to improper development and/or pathological conditions. Almost forty years after the first successful gene transfection in in vitro cell cultures, it is currently possible to regulate gene expression in an area-specific manner at any step of central nervous system development and in adulthood in experimental animals in vivo, even overcoming the very poor accessibility of the brain. Here, we will review the diverse approaches for acute gene transfer in vivo, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages with respect to the efficiency and specificity of transfection as well as to brain accessibility. In particular, we will present well-established chemical, physical and virus-based approaches suitable for different animal models, pointing out their current and future possible applications in basic and translational research as well as in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej W Cwetsch
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Savardi
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Balbi, 5, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; DulbeccoTelethon Institute, Italy.
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44
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Piccini A, Castroflorio E, Valente P, Guarnieri FC, Aprile D, Michetti C, Bramini M, Giansante G, Pinto B, Savardi A, Cesca F, Bachi A, Cattaneo A, Wren JD, Fassio A, Valtorta F, Benfenati F, Giovedì S. APache Is an AP2-Interacting Protein Involved in Synaptic Vesicle Trafficking and Neuronal Development. Cell Rep 2018; 21:3596-3611. [PMID: 29262337 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission is critically dependent on synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling. Although the precise mechanisms of SV retrieval are still debated, it is widely accepted that a fundamental role is played by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, a form of endocytosis that capitalizes on the clathrin/adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) coat and several accessory factors. Here, we show that the previously uncharacterized protein KIAA1107, predicted by bioinformatics analysis to be involved in the SV cycle, is an AP2-interacting clathrin-endocytosis protein (APache). We found that APache is highly enriched in the CNS and is associated with clathrin-coated vesicles via interaction with AP2. APache-silenced neurons exhibit a severe impairment of maturation at early developmental stages, reduced SV density, enlarged endosome-like structures, and defects in synaptic transmission, consistent with an impaired clathrin/AP2-mediated SV recycling. Our data implicate APache as an actor in the complex regulation of SV trafficking, neuronal development, and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piccini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia C Guarnieri
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giansante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy; Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Savardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; Local Micro-environment and Brain Development Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Angela Bachi
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Angela Cattaneo
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Jonathan D Wren
- Department of Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5005, USA
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Silvia Giovedì
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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Ahlbeck J, Song L, Chini M, Bitzenhofer SH, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Glutamatergic drive along the septo-temporal axis of hippocampus boosts prelimbic oscillations in the neonatal mouse. eLife 2018; 7:33158. [PMID: 29631696 PMCID: PMC5896876 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-range coupling within prefrontal-hippocampal networks that account for cognitive performance emerges early in life. The discontinuous hippocampal theta bursts have been proposed to drive the generation of neonatal prefrontal oscillations, yet the cellular substrate of these early interactions is still unresolved. Here, we selectively target optogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic projection neurons in the CA1 area of either dorsal or intermediate/ventral hippocampus at neonatal age to elucidate their contribution to the emergence of prefrontal oscillatory entrainment. We show that despite stronger theta and ripples power in dorsal hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex is mainly coupled with intermediate/ventral hippocampus by phase-locking of neuronal firing via dense direct axonal projections. Theta band-confined activation by light of pyramidal neurons in intermediate/ventral but not dorsal CA1 that were transfected by in utero electroporation with high-efficiency channelrhodopsin boosts prefrontal oscillations. Our data causally elucidate the cellular origin of the long-range coupling in the developing brain. When memories are stored, or mental tasks performed, different parts of the brain need to communicate with each other to process and extract information from the environment. For example, the communication between two brain areas called the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex is essential for memory and attention. However, it is still unclear how these interactions are established when the brain develops. Now, by looking at how the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex ‘work’ together in newborn mouse pups, Ahlbeck et al. hope to understand how these brain areas start to connect. In particular, the groups of neurons that kick start the development of the circuits required for information processing need to be identified. Recording the brains of the pups revealed that electrical activity in a particular sub-division of the hippocampus activated neurons in the prefrontal cortex. In fact, a specific population of neurons in this area was needed for the circuits in the prefrontal cortex to mature. In further experiments, the neurons from this population in the hippocampus were manipulated so they could be artificially activated in the brain using light. When stimulated, these neurons generated electrical activity, which was then relayed through the neurons all the way to the prefrontal cortex. There, this signal triggered local neuronal circuits. Thanks to this activation, these circuits could ‘wire’ together, and start establishing the connections necessary for mental tasks or memory in adulthood. The brain of the mouse pups used by Ahlbeck et al. was approximately in the same developmental state as the brain of human fetuses in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. These findings may therefore inform on how the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex start connecting in humans. Problems in the way brain areas interact during early development could be partly responsible for certain neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Understanding these processes at the cellular level may therefore be the first step towards finding potential targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Ahlbeck
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mattia Chini
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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46
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Becker AJ. Review: Animal models of acquired epilepsy: insights into mechanisms of human epileptogenesis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 44:112-129. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Becker
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research; Department of Neuropathology; University of Bonn Medical Center; Bonn Germany
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47
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Gobbo F, Marchetti L, Jacob A, Pinto B, Binini N, Pecoraro Bisogni F, Alia C, Luin S, Caleo M, Fellin T, Cancedda L, Cattaneo A. Activity-dependent expression of Channelrhodopsin at neuronal synapses. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1629. [PMID: 29158498 PMCID: PMC5696361 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01699-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to the importance of dendritic spines in the formation and allocation of memories, and alterations of spine number and physiology are associated to memory and cognitive disorders. Modifications of the activity of subsets of synapses are believed to be crucial for memory establishment. However, the development of a method to directly test this hypothesis, by selectively controlling the activity of potentiated spines, is currently lagging. Here we introduce a hybrid RNA/protein approach to regulate the expression of a light-sensitive membrane channel at activated synapses, enabling selective tagging of potentiated spines following the encoding of a novel context in the hippocampus. This approach can be used to map potentiated synapses in the brain and will make it possible to re-activate the neuron only at previously activated synapses, extending current neuron-tagging technologies in the investigation of memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gobbo
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Marchetti
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ajesh Jacob
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruno Pinto
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Noemi Binini
- Optical Approaches to Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Pecoraro Bisogni
- Optical Approaches to Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudia Alia
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Luin
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Caleo
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Fellin
- Optical Approaches to Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy.,Dulbecco Telethon Institute, via Varese 16b, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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48
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Simultaneous two-photon imaging of intracellular chloride concentration and pH in mouse pyramidal neurons in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E8770-E8779. [PMID: 28973889 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702861114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular chloride ([Cl-]i) and pH (pHi) are fundamental regulators of neuronal excitability. They exert wide-ranging effects on synaptic signaling and plasticity and on development and disorders of the brain. The ideal technique to elucidate the underlying ionic mechanisms is quantitative and combined two-photon imaging of [Cl-]i and pHi, but this has never been performed at the cellular level in vivo. Here, by using a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor that includes a spectroscopic reference (an element insensitive to Cl- and pH), we show that ratiometric imaging is strongly affected by the optical properties of the brain. We have designed a method that fully corrects for this source of error. Parallel measurements of [Cl-]i and pHi at the single-cell level in the mouse cortex showed the in vivo presence of the widely discussed developmental fall in [Cl-]i and the role of the K-Cl cotransporter KCC2 in this process. Then, we introduce a dynamic two-photon excitation protocol to simultaneously determine the changes of pHi and [Cl-]i in response to hypercapnia and seizure activity.
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49
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Bitzenhofer SH, Ahlbeck J, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Methodological Approach for Optogenetic Manipulation of Neonatal Neuronal Networks. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:239. [PMID: 28848399 PMCID: PMC5554786 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated patterns of electrical activity are critical for the functional maturation of neuronal networks, yet their interrogation has proven difficult in the developing brain. Optogenetic manipulations strongly contributed to the mechanistic understanding of network activation in the adult brain, but difficulties to specifically and reliably express opsins at neonatal age hampered similar interrogation of developing circuits. Here, we introduce a protocol that enables to control the activity of specific neuronal populations by light, starting from early postnatal development. We show that brain area-, layer- and cell type-specific expression of opsins by in utero electroporation (IUE), as exemplified for the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP), permits the manipulation of neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo. Both individual and population responses to different patterns of light stimulation are monitored by extracellular multi-site recordings in the medial PFC of neonatal mice. The expression of opsins via IUE provides a flexible approach to disentangle the cellular mechanism underlying early rhythmic network activity, and to elucidate the role of early neuronal activity for brain maturation, as well as its contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Ahlbeck
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburg, Germany
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Hanai S, Sukigara S, Dai H, Owa T, Horike SI, Otsuki T, Saito T, Nakagawa E, Ikegaya N, Kaido T, Sato N, Takahashi A, Sugai K, Saito Y, Sasaki M, Hoshino M, Goto YI, Koizumi S, Itoh M. Pathologic Active mTOR Mutation in Brain Malformation with Intractable Epilepsy Leads to Cell-Autonomous Migration Delay. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:1177-1185. [PMID: 28427592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKTs-mammalian target of rapamycin cell signaling pathway leads to cell overgrowth and abnormal migration and results in various types of cortical malformations, such as hemimegalencephaly (HME), focal cortical dysplasia, and tuberous sclerosis complex. However, the pathomechanism underlying abnormal cell migration remains unknown. With the use of fetal mouse brain, we performed causative gene analysis of the resected brain tissues from a patient with HME and investigated the pathogenesis. We obtained a novel somatic mutation of the MTOR gene, having approximately 11% and 7% mutation frequency in the resected brain tissues. Moreover, we revealed that the MTOR mutation resulted in hyperphosphorylation of its downstream molecules, S6 and 4E-binding protein 1, and delayed cell migration on the radial glial fiber and did not affect other cells. We suspect cell-autonomous migration arrest on the radial glial foot by the active MTOR mutation and offer potential explanations for why this may lead to cortical malformations such as HME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Hanai
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Sayuri Sukigara
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Hongmei Dai
- Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Tomoo Owa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Horike
- Division of Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Center Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Taisuke Otsuki
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Child Neurology, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Eiji Nakagawa
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Child Neurology, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Naoki Ikegaya
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Takanobu Kaido
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Noriko Sato
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Radiology, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Akio Takahashi
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Kenji Sugai
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Child Neurology, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sasaki
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Child Neurology, Hospital of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yu-Ichi Goto
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Itoh
- Epilepsy Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan; Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan.
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