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Zheng Z, Liu Y, Mu R, Guo X, Feng Y, Guo C, Yang L, Qiu W, Zhang Q, Yang W, Dong Z, Qiu S, Dong Y, Cui Y. A small population of stress-responsive neurons in the hypothalamus-habenula circuit mediates development of depression-like behavior in mice. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00660-3. [PMID: 39389052 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.09.012] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that various brain functions are associated with experience-activated neuronal ensembles. However, whether such neuronal ensembles are engaged in the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression remains elusive. Utilizing activity-dependent viral strategies in mice, we identified a small population of stress-responsive neurons, primarily located in the middle part of the lateral hypothalamus (mLH) and the medial part of the lateral habenula (LHbM). These neurons serve as "starter cells" to transmit stress-related information and mediate the development of depression-like behaviors during chronic stress. Starter cells in the mLH and LHbM form dominant connections, which are selectively potentiated by chronic stress. Silencing these connections during chronic stress prevents the development of depression-like behaviors, whereas activating these connections directly elicits depression-like behaviors without stress experience. Collectively, our findings dissect a core functional unit within the LH-LHb circuit that mediates the development of depression-like behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yiqin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ruiqi Mu
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yirong Feng
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenxi Qiu
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoqi Dong
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shuang Qiu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yiyan Dong
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yihui Cui
- Department of Psychiatry of Sir Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Neurology and International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Choi TY, Jeong S, Koo JW. Mesocorticolimbic circuit mechanisms of social dominance behavior. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1889-1899. [PMID: 39218974 PMCID: PMC11447232 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Social animals, including rodents, primates, and humans, partake in competition for finite resources, thereby establishing social hierarchies wherein an individual's social standing influences diverse behaviors. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of social dominance is imperative, given its ramifications for health, survival, and reproduction. Social dominance behavior comprises several facets, including social recognition, social decision-making, and actions, indicating the concerted involvement of multiple brain regions in orchestrating this behavior. While extensive research has been dedicated to elucidating the neurobiology of social interaction, recent studies have increasingly delved into adverse social behaviors such as social competition and hierarchy. This review focuses on the latest advancements in comprehending the mechanisms of the mesocorticolimbic circuit governing social dominance, with a specific focus on rodent studies, elucidating the intricate dynamics of social hierarchies and their implications for individual well-being and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Yong Choi
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sejin Jeong
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Wook Koo
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Kim KS, Park JS, Hwang E, Park MJ, Shin HY, Lee YH, Kim KM, Gautron L, Godschall E, Portillo B, Grose K, Jung SH, Baek SL, Yun YH, Lee D, Kim E, Ajwani J, Yoo SH, Güler AD, Williams KW, Choi HJ. GLP-1 increases preingestive satiation via hypothalamic circuits in mice and humans. Science 2024; 385:438-446. [PMID: 38935778 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj2537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are effective antiobesity drugs. However, the precise central mechanisms of GLP-1RAs remain elusive. We administered GLP-1RAs to patients with obesity and observed a heightened sense of preingestive satiation. Analysis of human and mouse brain samples pinpointed GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) as candidates for encoding preingestive satiation. Optogenetic manipulation of DMHGLP-1R neurons caused satiation. Calcium imaging demonstrated that these neurons are actively involved in encoding preingestive satiation. GLP-1RA administration increased the activity of DMHGLP-1R neurons selectively during eating behavior. We further identified that an intricate interplay between DMHGLP-1R neurons and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARCNPY/AgRP neurons) occurs to regulate food intake. Our findings reveal a hypothalamic mechanism through which GLP-1RAs control preingestive satiation, offering previously unexplored neural targets for obesity and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sik Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seok Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsang Hwang
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Min Jung Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Yun Shin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Laurent Gautron
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Bryan Portillo
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kyle Grose
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sang-Ho Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - So Lin Baek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hyun Yun
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Eunseong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jason Ajwani
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Seong Ho Yoo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali D Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kevin W Williams
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hyung Jin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, 101 Dabyeonbat-gil, Hwachon-myeon, Gangwon-do 25159, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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4
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Onishi T, Hirose K, Sakaba T. Molecular tools to capture active neural circuits. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1449459. [PMID: 39100199 PMCID: PMC11294111 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1449459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
To understand how neurons and neural circuits function during behaviors, it is essential to record neuronal activity in the brain in vivo. Among the various technologies developed for recording neuronal activity, molecular tools that induce gene expression in an activity-dependent manner have attracted particular attention for their ability to clarify the causal relationships between neuronal activity and behavior. In this review, we summarize recently developed activity-dependent gene expression tools and their potential contributions to the study of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Onishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Kenzo Hirose
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakaba
- Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan
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Yagishita H, Sasaki T. Integrating physiological and transcriptomic analyses at the single-neuron level. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00065-8. [PMID: 38821412 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.05.003] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Neurons generate various spike patterns to execute different functions. Understanding how these physiological neuronal spike patterns are related to their molecular characteristics is a long-standing issue in neuroscience. Herein, we review the results of recent studies that have addressed this issue by integrating physiological and transcriptomic techniques. A sequence of experiments, including in vivo recording and/or labeling, brain tissue slicing, cell collection, and transcriptomic analysis, have identified the gene expression profiles of brain neurons at the single-cell level, with activity patterns recorded in living animals. Although these techniques are still in the early stages, this methodological idea is principally applicable to various brain regions and neuronal activity patterns. Accumulating evidence will contribute to a deeper understanding of neuronal characteristics by integrating insights from molecules to cells, circuits, and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruya Yagishita
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan; Department of Neuropharmacology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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6
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Eom K, Jung J, Kim B, Hyun JH. Molecular tools for recording and intervention of neuronal activity. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100048. [PMID: 38521352 PMCID: PMC11021360 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Observing the activity of neural networks is critical for the identification of learning and memory processes, as well as abnormal activities of neural circuits in disease, particularly for the purpose of tracking disease progression. Methodologies for describing the activity history of neural networks using molecular biology techniques first utilized genes expressed by active neurons, followed by the application of recently developed techniques including optogenetics and incorporation of insights garnered from other disciplines, including chemistry and physics. In this review, we will discuss ways in which molecular biological techniques used to describe the activity of neural networks have evolved along with the potential for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisang Eom
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhwan Jung
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungsoo Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Ho Hyun
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea; Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Muysers H, Chen HL, Hahn J, Folschweiller S, Sigurdsson T, Sauer JF, Bartos M. A persistent prefrontal reference frame across time and task rules. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2115. [PMID: 38459033 PMCID: PMC10923947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavior can be remarkably consistent, even over extended time periods, yet whether this is reflected in stable or 'drifting' neuronal responses to task features remains controversial. Here, we find a persistently active ensemble of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice that reliably maintains trajectory-specific tuning over several weeks while performing an olfaction-guided spatial memory task. This task-specific reference frame is stabilized during learning, upon which repeatedly active neurons show little representational drift and maintain their trajectory-specific tuning across long pauses in task exposure and across repeated changes in cue-target location pairings. These data thus suggest a 'core ensemble' of prefrontal neurons forming a reference frame of task-relevant space for the performance of consistent behavior over extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Muysers
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hung-Ling Chen
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Johannes Hahn
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shani Folschweiller
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center and Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Torfi Sigurdsson
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas-Frederic Sauer
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
| | - Marlene Bartos
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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Cui M, Lee S, Ban SH, Ryu JR, Shen M, Yang SH, Kim JY, Choi SK, Han J, Kim Y, Han K, Lee D, Sun W, Kwon HB, Lee D. A single-component, light-assisted uncaging switch for endoproteolytic release. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:353-364. [PMID: 37973890 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteases function as pivotal molecular switches, initiating numerous biological events. Notably, potyviral protease, derived from plant viruses, has emerged as a trusted proteolytic switch in synthetic biological circuits. To harness their capabilities, we have developed a single-component photocleavable switch, termed LAUNCHER (Light-Assisted UNcaging switCH for Endoproteolytic Release), by employing a circularly permutated tobacco etch virus protease and a blue-light-gated substrate, which are connected by fine-tuned intermodular linkers. As a single-component system, LAUNCHER exhibits a superior signal-to-noise ratio compared with multi-component systems, enabling precise and user-controllable release of payloads. This characteristic renders LAUNCHER highly suitable for diverse cellular applications, including transgene expression, tailored subcellular translocation and optochemogenetics. Additionally, the plug-and-play integration of LAUNCHER into existing synthetic circuits facilitates the enhancement of circuit performance. The demonstrated efficacy of LAUNCHER in improving existing circuitry underscores its significant potential for expanding its utilization in various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingguang Cui
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Ban
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ryun Ryu
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meiying Shen
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemin Han
- Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonhee Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kihoon Han
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neuroscience, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghun Lee
- Department of Physics, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Bae Kwon
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dongmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Azadi R, Lopez E, Taubert J, Patterson A, Afraz A. Inactivation of face-selective neurons alters eye movements when free viewing faces. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309906121. [PMID: 38198528 PMCID: PMC10801883 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309906121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
During free viewing, faces attract gaze and induce specific fixation patterns corresponding to the facial features. This suggests that neurons encoding the facial features are in the causal chain that steers the eyes. However, there is no physiological evidence to support a mechanistic link between face-encoding neurons in high-level visual areas and the oculomotor system. In this study, we targeted the middle face patches of the inferior temporal (IT) cortex in two macaque monkeys using an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) localizer. We then utilized muscimol microinjection to unilaterally suppress IT neural activity inside and outside the face patches and recorded eye movements while the animals free viewing natural scenes. Inactivation of the face-selective neurons altered the pattern of eye movements on faces: The monkeys found faces in the scene but neglected the eye contralateral to the inactivation hemisphere. These findings reveal the causal contribution of the high-level visual cortex in eye movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Azadi
- Unit on Neurons, Circuits and Behavior, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Emily Lopez
- Unit on Neurons, Circuits and Behavior, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jessica Taubert
- Section on Neurocircuitry, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Amanda Patterson
- Section on Neurocircuitry, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Arash Afraz
- Unit on Neurons, Circuits and Behavior, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
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10
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Pang B, Wu X, Chen H, Yan Y, Du Z, Yu Z, Yang X, Wang W, Lu K. Exploring the memory: existing activity-dependent tools to tag and manipulate engram cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1279032. [PMID: 38259503 PMCID: PMC10800721 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1279032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The theory of engrams, proposed several years ago, is highly crucial to understanding the progress of memory. Although it significantly contributes to identifying new treatments for cognitive disorders, it is limited by a lack of technology. Several scientists have attempted to validate this theory but failed. With the increasing availability of activity-dependent tools, several researchers have found traces of engram cells. Activity-dependent tools are based on the mechanisms underlying neuronal activity and use a combination of emerging molecular biological and genetic technology. Scientists have used these tools to tag and manipulate engram neurons and identified numerous internal connections between engram neurons and memory. In this review, we provide the background, principles, and selected examples of applications of existing activity-dependent tools. Using a combination of traditional definitions and concepts of engram cells, we discuss the applications and limitations of these tools and propose certain developmental directions to further explore the functions of engram cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailun Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Yan
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zibo Du
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihan Yu
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiai Yang
- Department of Neurology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, China
| | - Wanshan Wang
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci. and Tech. Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangrong Lu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Li R, Huang J, Li L, Zhao Z, Liang S, Liang S, Wang M, Liao X, Lyu J, Zhou Z, Wang S, Jin W, Chen H, Holder D, Liu H, Zhang J, Li M, Tang Y, Remy S, Pakan JMP, Chen X, Jia H. Holistic bursting cells store long-term memory in auditory cortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8090. [PMID: 38062015 PMCID: PMC10703882 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The sensory neocortex has been suggested to be a substrate for long-term memory storage, yet which exact single cells could be specific candidates underlying such long-term memory storage remained neither known nor visible for over a century. Here, using a combination of day-by-day two-photon Ca2+ imaging and targeted single-cell loose-patch recording in an auditory associative learning paradigm with composite sounds in male mice, we reveal sparsely distributed neurons in layer 2/3 of auditory cortex emerged step-wise from quiescence into bursting mode, which then invariably expressed holistic information of the learned composite sounds, referred to as holistic bursting (HB) cells. Notably, it was not shuffled populations but the same sparse HB cells that embodied the behavioral relevance of the learned composite sounds, pinpointing HB cells as physiologically-defined single-cell candidates of an engram underlying long-term memory storage in auditory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Li
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence and School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Junjie Huang
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Longhui Li
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zhikai Zhao
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Susu Liang
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Xiang Liao
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Jing Lyu
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Zhenqiao Zhou
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Sibo Wang
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Wenjun Jin
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
| | - Haiyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Damaris Holder
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hongbang Liu
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence and School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Jianxiong Zhang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Min Li
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Yuguo Tang
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Stefan Remy
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Janelle M P Pakan
- Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China.
| | - Hongbo Jia
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence and School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience and the SyNergy Cluster, Technical University of Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany.
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12
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Berndt A, Cai D, Cohen A, Juarez B, Iglesias JT, Xiong H, Qin Z, Tian L, Slesinger PA. Current Status and Future Strategies for Advancing Functional Circuit Mapping In Vivo. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7587-7598. [PMID: 37940594 PMCID: PMC10634581 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1391-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain represents one of the most complex biological systems, containing billions of neurons interconnected through trillions of synapses. Inherent to the brain is a biochemical complexity involving ions, signaling molecules, and peptides that regulate neuronal activity and allow for short- and long-term adaptations. Large-scale and noninvasive imaging techniques, such as fMRI and EEG, have highlighted brain regions involved in specific functions and visualized connections between different brain areas. A major shortcoming, however, is the need for more information on specific cell types and neurotransmitters involved, as well as poor spatial and temporal resolution. Recent technologies have been advanced for neuronal circuit mapping and implemented in behaving model organisms to address this. Here, we highlight strategies for targeting specific neuronal subtypes, identifying, and releasing signaling molecules, controlling gene expression, and monitoring neuronal circuits in real-time in vivo Combined, these approaches allow us to establish direct causal links from genes and molecules to the systems level and ultimately to cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise Cai
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhenpeng Qin
- University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Lin Tian
- University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616
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Azadi R, Lopez E, Taubert J, Patterson A, Afraz A. Inactivation of face selective neurons alters eye movements when free viewing faces. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.20.544678. [PMID: 37502993 PMCID: PMC10370202 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.20.544678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
During free viewing, faces attract gaze and induce specific fixation patterns corresponding to the facial features. This suggests that neurons encoding the facial features are in the causal chain that steers the eyes. However, there is no physiological evidence to support a mechanistic link between face encoding neurons in high-level visual areas and the oculomotor system. In this study, we targeted the middle face patches of inferior temporal (IT) cortex in two macaque monkeys using an fMRI localizer. We then utilized muscimol microinjection to unilaterally suppress IT neural activity inside and outside the face patches and recorded eye movements while the animals free viewing natural scenes. Inactivation of the face selective neurons altered the pattern of eye movements on faces: the monkeys found faces in the scene but neglected the eye contralateral to the inactivation hemisphere. These findings reveal the causal contribution of the high-level visual cortex in eye movements. Significance It has been shown, for more than half a century, that eye movements follow distinctive patterns when free viewing faces. This suggests causal involvement of the face-encoding visual neurons in the eye movements. However, the literature is scant of evidence for this possibility and has focused mostly on the link between low-level image saliency and eye movements. Here, for the first time, we bring causal evidence showing how face-selective neurons in inferior temporal cortex inform and steer eye movements when free viewing faces.
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