1
|
Osaki T, Duenki T, Chow SYA, Ikegami Y, Beaubois R, Levi T, Nakagawa-Tamagawa N, Hirano Y, Ikeuchi Y. Complex activity and short-term plasticity of human cerebral organoids reciprocally connected with axons. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2945. [PMID: 38600094 PMCID: PMC11006899 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46787-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
An inter-regional cortical tract is one of the most fundamental architectural motifs that integrates neural circuits to orchestrate and generate complex functions of the human brain. To understand the mechanistic significance of inter-regional projections on development of neural circuits, we investigated an in vitro neural tissue model for inter-regional connections, in which two cerebral organoids are connected with a bundle of reciprocally extended axons. The connected organoids produced more complex and intense oscillatory activity than conventional or directly fused cerebral organoids, suggesting the inter-organoid axonal connections enhance and support the complex network activity. In addition, optogenetic stimulation of the inter-organoid axon bundles could entrain the activity of the organoids and induce robust short-term plasticity of the macroscopic circuit. These results demonstrated that the projection axons could serve as a structural hub that boosts functionality of the organoid-circuits. This model could contribute to further investigation on development and functions of macroscopic neuronal circuits in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Osaki
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoya Duenki
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- LIMMS/CNRS, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Siu Yu A Chow
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ikegami
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Romain Beaubois
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS/CNRS, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- IMS Laboratory, UMR5218, University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
| | - Timothée Levi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- LIMMS/CNRS, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- IMS Laboratory, UMR5218, University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
| | - Nao Nakagawa-Tamagawa
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoji Hirano
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshiho Ikeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan.
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
- LIMMS/CNRS, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yuste R, Cossart R, Yaksi E. Neuronal ensembles: Building blocks of neural circuits. Neuron 2024; 112:875-892. [PMID: 38262413 PMCID: PMC10957317 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal ensembles, defined as groups of neurons displaying recurring patterns of coordinated activity, represent an intermediate functional level between individual neurons and brain areas. Novel methods to measure and optically manipulate the activity of neuronal populations have provided evidence of ensembles in the neocortex and hippocampus. Ensembles can be activated intrinsically or in response to sensory stimuli and play a causal role in perception and behavior. Here we review ensemble phenomenology, developmental origin, biophysical and synaptic mechanisms, and potential functional roles across different brain areas and species, including humans. As modular units of neural circuits, ensembles could provide a mechanistic underpinning of fundamental brain processes, including neural coding, motor planning, decision-making, learning, and adaptability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Yuste
- NeuroTechnology Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rosa Cossart
- Inserm, INMED, Turing Center for Living Systems Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Emre Yaksi
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Colijn MA, Carrion P, Poirier-Morency G, Rogic S, Torres I, Menon M, Lisonek M, Cook C, DeGraaf A, Thammaiah SP, Neelakant H, Willaeys V, Leonova O, White RF, Yip S, Mungall AJ, MacLeod PM, Gibson WT, Sullivan PF, Honer WG, Pavlidis P, Stowe RM. SETD1A variant-associated psychosis: A systematic review of the clinical literature and description of two new cases. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110888. [PMID: 37918557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110888] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SETD1A encodes a histone methyltransferase involved in various cell cycle regulatory processes. Loss-of-function SETD1A variants have been associated with numerous neurodevelopmental phenotypes, including intellectual disability and schizophrenia. While the association between rare coding variants in SETD1A and schizophrenia has achieved genome-wide significance by rare variant burden testing, only a few studies have described the psychiatric phenomenology of such individuals in detail. This systematic review and case report aims to characterize the neurodevelopmental and psychiatric phenotypes of SETD1A variant-associated schizophrenia. METHODS A PubMed search was completed in July 2022 and updated in May 2023. Only studies that reported individuals with a SETD1A variant as well as a primary psychotic disorder were ultimately included. Additionally, another two previously unpublished cases of SETD1A variant-associated psychosis from our own sequencing cohort are described. RESULTS The search yielded 32 articles. While 15 articles met inclusion criteria, only five provided case descriptions. In total, phenotypic information was available for 11 individuals, in addition to our own two unpublished cases. Our findings suggest that although individuals with SETD1A variant-associated schizophrenia may share a number of common features, phenotypic variability nonetheless exists. Moreover, although such individuals may exhibit numerous other neurodevelopmental features suggestive of the syndrome, their psychiatric presentations appear to be similar to those of general schizophrenia populations. CONCLUSIONS Loss-of-function SETD1A variants may underlie the development of psychosis in a small percentage of individuals with schizophrenia. Identifying such individuals may become increasingly important, given the potential for advances in precision medicine treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Colijn
- Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Prescilla Carrion
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Sanja Rogic
- Department of Psychiatry and Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ivan Torres
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mahesh Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Courtney Cook
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ashley DeGraaf
- Heart Centre, St. Paul's Hospital and Providence Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Harish Neelakant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Veerle Willaeys
- BC Psychosis Program, British Columbia Mental Health & Substance Use Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Olga Leonova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Randall F White
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew J Mungall
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patrick M MacLeod
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William T Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patrick F Sullivan
- Psychiatry and Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Karolinska Institut, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - William G Honer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Department of Psychiatry, Michael Smith Laboratories, and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert M Stowe
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology (Medicine), BC Neuropsychiatry Program, and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sakaibara M, Yamamoto H, Murota H, Monma N, Sato S, Hirano-Iwata A. Enhanced responses to inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 in micropatterned networks of cultured cortical neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 695:149379. [PMID: 38159413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cortical neurons in dissociated cultures are an indispensable model system for pharmacological research that provides insights into chemical responses in well-defined environments. However, cortical neurons plated on homogeneous substrates develop an unstructured network that exhibits excessively synchronized activity, which occasionally masks the consequences induced by external substances. Here, we show that hyperactivity and excessive synchrony in cultured cortical networks can be effectively suppressed by growing neurons in microfluidic devices. These devices feature a hierarchically modular design that resembles the in vivo network. We focused on interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and assessed its acute and chronic effects. Fluorescence calcium imaging of spontaneous neural activity for up to 20 days of culture showed detectable modulation of collective activity events and neural correlation in micropatterned neurons, which was not apparent in neurons cultured on homogeneous substrates. Our results indicate that engineered neuronal networks provide a unique platform for detecting and understanding the fundamental effects of biochemical compounds on neuronal networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Sakaibara
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yamamoto
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Hakuba Murota
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Monma
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shigeo Sato
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhuo C, Tian H, Zhu J, Fang T, Ping J, Wang L, Sun Y, Cheng L, Chen C, Chen G. Low-dose lithium adjunct to quetiapine improves cognitive task performance in mice with MK801-induced long-term cognitive impairment: Evidence from a pilot study. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:42-52. [PMID: 37506773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.104] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-dose lithium (LD-Li) has been shown to rescue cognitive impairment in mouse models of short-term mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and schizophrenia. However, few studies have characterized the effects of LD-Li, alone or in conjunction with anti-psychotics, in the mouse model of MK801-induced long term cognitive impairment. METHODS The present study used in vivo Ca2+ imaging and a battery of cognitive function assessments to investigate the long-term effects of LD-Li on cognition in mice exposed to repeated injections of MK801. Prefrontal Ca2+ activity was visualized to estimate alterations in neural activity in the model mice. Pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and fear conditioning (FC) tasks were used to characterize cognitive performance; open field activity (OFA) testing was used to observe psychotic symptoms. Two treatment strategies were tested: LD-Li [250 mg/d human equivalent dose (HED)] adjunct to quetiapine (QTP; 600 mg/d HED); and QTP-monotherapy (mt; 600 mg/d HED). RESULTS Compared to the QTP-mt group, the LD-Li + QTP group showed greatly improved cognitive performance on all measures between experimental days 29 and 85. QTP-mt improved behavioral measures compared to untreated controls, but the effects persisted only from day 29 to day 43. These data suggest that LD-Li + QTP is superior to QTP-mt for improving long-term cognitive impairments in the MK801 mouse model. LIMITATIONS There is no medical consensus regarding lithium use in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION More pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to further investigate effective treatment strategies for patients with long-term cognitive impairments, such as chronic schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjun Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAC_Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China; Animal Imaging Center (AIC), Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China; Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC_Lab), Tianjn Anding Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China.
| | - Hongjun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAC_Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- Animal Imaging Center (AIC), Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Tao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAC_Lab), Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin 300140, China
| | - Jing Ping
- Animal Imaging Center (AIC), Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC_Lab), Tianjn Anding Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC_Lab), Tianjn Anding Hospital, Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Langlang Cheng
- Animal Imaging Center (AIC), Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chunmian Chen
- Animal Imaging Center (AIC), Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Guangdong Chen
- Animal Imaging Center (AIC), Wenzhou Seventh Peoples Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yamamoto H, Spitzner FP, Takemuro T, Buendía V, Murota H, Morante C, Konno T, Sato S, Hirano-Iwata A, Levina A, Priesemann V, Muñoz MA, Zierenberg J, Soriano J. Modular architecture facilitates noise-driven control of synchrony in neuronal networks. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade1755. [PMID: 37624893 PMCID: PMC10456864 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
High-level information processing in the mammalian cortex requires both segregated processing in specialized circuits and integration across multiple circuits. One possible way to implement these seemingly opposing demands is by flexibly switching between states with different levels of synchrony. However, the mechanisms behind the control of complex synchronization patterns in neuronal networks remain elusive. Here, we use precision neuroengineering to manipulate and stimulate networks of cortical neurons in vitro, in combination with an in silico model of spiking neurons and a mesoscopic model of stochastically coupled modules to show that (i) a modular architecture enhances the sensitivity of the network to noise delivered as external asynchronous stimulation and that (ii) the persistent depletion of synaptic resources in stimulated neurons is the underlying mechanism for this effect. Together, our results demonstrate that the inherent dynamical state in structured networks of excitable units is determined by both its modular architecture and the properties of the external inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yamamoto
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - F. Paul Spitzner
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Taiki Takemuro
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Victor Buendía
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Departamento de Electromagnetismo y Física de la Materia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Hakuba Murota
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Carla Morante
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomohiro Konno
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shigeo Sato
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Anna Levina
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Viola Priesemann
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Miguel A. Muñoz
- Departamento de Electromagnetismo y Física de la Materia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto Carlos I de Física Teórica y Computacional, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
López-León CF, Soriano J, Planet R. Rheological Characterization of Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Embedded in PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels. Gels 2023; 9:642. [PMID: 37623097 PMCID: PMC10454106 DOI: 10.3390/gels9080642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the mechanical properties of the selected material; in turn, these properties may change due to neuron-matrix interactions that alter the microstructure of the material. To advance our understanding of the interplay between neurons and their environment, here we utilized a PEGylated fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for mouse primary neuronal cultures and carried out a rheological characterization of the scaffold over a three-week period, both with and without cells. We observed that the hydrogels exhibited an elastic response that could be described in terms of the Young's modulus E. The hydrogels without neurons procured a stable E≃420 Pa, while the neuron-laden hydrogels showed a higher E≃590 Pa during the early stages of development that decreased to E≃340 Pa at maturer stages. Our results suggest that neurons and their processes dynamically modify the hydrogel structure during development, potentially compromising both the stability of the material and the functional traits of the developing neuronal network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara F. López-León
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Planet
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.L.-L.); (J.S.)
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dos Santos NL, Lenert ME, Castillo ZW, Mody PH, Thompson LT, Burton MD. Age and sex drive differential behavioral and neuroimmune phenotypes during postoperative pain. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:129-144. [PMID: 36577640 PMCID: PMC9892227 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Surgical procedures in the geriatric population are steadily increasing, driven by improved healthcare technologies and longer lifespans. However, effective postoperative pain treatments are lacking, and this diminishes quality of life and recovery. Here we present one of the first preclinical studies to pursue sex- and age-specific differences in postoperative neuroimmune phenotypes and pain. We found that aged males, but not females, had a delayed onset of mechanical hypersensitivity post-surgery and faster resolution than young counterparts. This sex-specific age effect was accompanied by decreased paw innervation and increased local inflammation. Additionally, we find evidence of an age-dependent decrease in hyperalgesic priming and perioperative changes in nociceptor populations and spinal microglia in the aged. These findings suggest that impaired neuronal function and maladaptive inflammatory mechanisms influence postoperative pain development in advanced age. Elucidation of these neuroimmune phenotypes across age and sex enables the development of novel therapies that can be tailored for improved pain relief.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Dos Santos
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Melissa E Lenert
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Zachary W Castillo
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Prapti H Mody
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Lucien T Thompson
- Aging and Memory Research Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bone Tissue and the Nervous System: What Do They Have in Common? Cells 2022; 12:cells12010051. [PMID: 36611845 PMCID: PMC9818711 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative diseases affecting bone tissues and the brain represent important problems with high socio-economic impact. Certain bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, are considered risk factors for the progression of neurological disorders. Often, patients with neurodegenerative diseases have bone fractures or reduced mobility linked to osteoarthritis. The bone is a dynamic tissue involved not only in movement but also in the maintenance of mineral metabolism. Bone is also associated with the generation of both hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and thus the generation of the immune system, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Bone marrow is a lymphoid organ and contains MSCs and HSCs, both of which are involved in brain health via the production of cytokines with endocrine functions. Hence, it seems clear that bone is involved in the regulation of the neuronal system and vice versa. This review summarizes the recent knowledge on the interactions between the nervous system and bone and highlights the importance of the interaction between nerve and bone cells. In addition, experimental models that study the interaction between nerve and skeletal cells are discussed, and innovative models are suggested to better evaluate the molecular interactions between these two cell types.
Collapse
|