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Feldman MJ, Bliss-Moreau E, Lindquist KA. The neurobiology of interoception and affect. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:643-661. [PMID: 38395706 PMCID: PMC11222051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.01.009] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Scholars have argued for centuries that affective states involve interoception, or representations of the state of the body. Yet, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how signals from the body are transduced, transmitted, compressed, and integrated by the brains of humans to produce affective states. We suggest that to understand how the body contributes to affect, we first need to understand information flow through the nervous system's interoceptive pathways. We outline such a model and discuss how unique anatomical and physiological aspects of interoceptive pathways may give rise to the qualities of affective experiences in general and valence and arousal in particular. We conclude by considering implications and future directions for research on interoception, affect, emotions, and human mental experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Feldman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - E Bliss-Moreau
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K A Lindquist
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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2
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Wang JC, Nikpoor AR, Crosson T, Kaufmann E, Rafei M, Talbot S. BASOPHILS ACTIVATE PRURICEPTOR-LIKE VAGAL SENSORY NEURONS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598517. [PMID: 38915548 PMCID: PMC11195257 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Vagal sensory neurons convey sensations from internal organs along the vagus nerve to the brainstem. Pruriceptors are a subtype of neurons that transmit itch and induce pruritus. Despite extensive research on the molecular mechanisms of itch, studies focusing on pruriceptors in the vagal ganglia still need to be explored. In this study, we characterized vagal pruriceptor neurons by their responsiveness to pruritogens such as lysophosphatidic acid, β-alanine, chloroquine, and the cytokine oncostatin M. We discovered that lung-resident basophils produce oncostatin M and that its release can be induced by engagement of FcεRIα. Oncostatin M then sensitizes multiple populations of vagal sensory neurons, including Tac1+ and MrgprA3+ neurons in the jugular ganglia. Finally, we observed an increase in oncostatin M release in mice sensitized to the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or to the fungal allergen Alternaria alternata, highlighting a novel mechanism through which basophils and vagal sensory neurons may communicate during type I hypersensitivity diseases such as allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Chiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Amin Reza Nikpoor
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Théo Crosson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Eva Kaufmann
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Sébastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
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3
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Wu M, Song G, Li J, Song Z, Zhao B, Liang L, Li W, Hu H, Tu H, Li S, Li P, Zhang B, Wang W, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zheng W, Wang J, Wen Y, Wang K, Li A, Zhou T, Zhang Y, Li H. Innervation of nociceptor neurons in the spleen promotes germinal center responses and humoral immunity. Cell 2024; 187:2935-2951.e19. [PMID: 38772371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.027] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral sensory neurons widely innervate various tissues to continuously monitor and respond to environmental stimuli. Whether peripheral sensory neurons innervate the spleen and modulate splenic immune response remains poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that nociceptive sensory nerve fibers extensively innervate the spleen along blood vessels and reach B cell zones. The spleen-innervating nociceptors predominantly originate from left T8-T13 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), promoting the splenic germinal center (GC) response and humoral immunity. Nociceptors can be activated by antigen-induced accumulation of splenic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and then release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which further promotes the splenic GC response at the early stage. Mechanistically, CGRP directly acts on B cells through its receptor CALCRL-RAMP1 via the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway. Activating nociceptors by ingesting capsaicin enhances the splenic GC response and anti-influenza immunity. Collectively, our study establishes a specific DRG-spleen sensory neural connection that promotes humoral immunity, suggesting a promising approach for improving host defense by targeting the nociceptive nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Guangping Song
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianing Li
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Zengqing Song
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Liyun Liang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Huaibin Hu
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqing Tu
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Li
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyao Li
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Biyu Zhang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanpeng Zhang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Weifan Zheng
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarong Wang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqi Wen
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Ailing Li
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.
| | - Yucheng Zhang
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.
| | - Huiyan Li
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China.
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4
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Prescott S. The wonderful wanderer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 159-160:62-63. [PMID: 38335774 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Prescott
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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5
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Moore JP. Interoceptive signals from the heart and coronary circulation in health and disease. Auton Neurosci 2024; 253:103180. [PMID: 38677129 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103180] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
This review considers interoceptive signalling from the heart and coronary circulation. Vagal and cardiac sympathetic afferent sensory nerve endings are distributed throughout the atria, ventricles (mainly left), and coronary artery. A small proportion of cardiac receptors attached to thick myelinated vagal afferents are tonically active during the cardiac cycle. Dependent upon location, these mechanoreceptors detect fluctuations in atrial volume and coronary arterial perfusion. Atrial volume and coronary arterial signals contribute to beat-to-beat feedback control and physiological homeostasis. Most cardiac receptors are attached to thinly myelinated or nonmyelinated C fibres, many of which are unresponsive to the cardiac cycle. Of these, there are many chemically sensitive cardiac receptors which are activated during myocardial stress by locally released endogenous substances. In contrast, some tonically inactive receptors become activated by irregular ventricular wall mechanics or by distortion of the ischaemic myocardium. Furthermore, some are excited both by chemical mediators of ischaemia and wall abnormalities. Reflex responses arising from cardiac receptors attached to thinly myelinated or nonmyelinated are complex. Impulses that project centrally through vagal afferents elicit sympathoinhibition and hypotension, whereas impulses travelling in cardiac sympathetic afferents and spinal pathways elicit sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Two opposing cardiac reflexes may provide a mechanism for fine-tuning a composite haemodynamic response during myocardial stress. Sympathetic afferents provide the primary pathway for transmission of cardiac nociception to the central nervous system. However, activation of sympathetic afferents may increase susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias. Notably, the cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex predominates in pathophysiological states including hypertension and heart failure.
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6
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Ki SY, Jeong YT. Neural circuits for taste sensation. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100078. [PMID: 38825187 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100078] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The sense of taste arises from the detection of chemicals in food by taste buds, the peripheral cellular detectors for taste. Although numerous studies have extensively investigated taste buds, research on neural circuits from primary taste neurons innervating taste buds to the central nervous system has only recently begun owing to recent advancements in neuroscience research tools. This minireview focuses primarily on recent reports utilizing advanced neurogenetic tools across relevant brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Young Ki
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taek Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Habecker BA, Bers DM, Birren SJ, Chang R, Herring N, Kay MW, Li D, Mendelowitz D, Mongillo M, Montgomery JM, Ripplinger CM, Tampakakis E, Winbo A, Zaglia T, Zeltner N, Paterson DJ. Molecular and cellular neurocardiology in heart disease. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38778747 DOI: 10.1113/jp284739] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper updates and builds on a previous White Paper in this journal that some of us contributed to concerning the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac neurobiology of heart disease. Here we focus on recent findings that underpin cardiac autonomic development, novel intracellular pathways and neuroplasticity. Throughout we highlight unanswered questions and areas of controversy. Whilst some neurochemical pathways are already demonstrating prognostic viability in patients with heart failure, we also discuss the opportunity to better understand sympathetic impairment by using patient specific stem cells that provides pathophysiological contextualization to study 'disease in a dish'. Novel imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics are also facilitating a road map for target discovery of molecular pathways that may form a therapeutic opportunity to treat cardiac dysautonomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Habecker
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Medicine Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Susan J Birren
- Department of Biology, Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Rui Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Neil Herring
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - David J Paterson
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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8
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Jo YH. Differential transcriptional profiles of vagal sensory neurons in female and male mice. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1393196. [PMID: 38808032 PMCID: PMC11131592 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1393196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Differences in metabolic homeostasis, diabetes, and obesity between males and females are evident in rodents and humans. Vagal sensory neurons in the vagus nerve ganglia innervate a variety of visceral organs and use specialized nerve endings to sense interoceptive signals. This visceral organ-brain axis plays a role in relaying interoceptive signals to higher brain centers, as well as in regulating the vago-vagal reflex. I hypothesized that molecularly distinct populations of vagal sensory neurons would play a role in causing differences in metabolic homeostasis between the sexes. Methods SnRNA-Seq was conducted on dissociated cells from the vagus nerve ganglia using the 10X Genomics Chromium platform. Results Single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis of vagal sensory neurons from female and male mice revealed differences in the transcriptional profiles of cells in the vagus nerve ganglia. These differences are linked to the expression of sex-specific genes such as Xist, Tsix, and Ddx3y. Among the 13 neuronal clusters, one-fourth of the neurons in male mice were located in the Ddx3y-enriched VN1 and VN8 clusters, which displayed higher enrichment of Trpv1, Piezo2, Htr3a, and Vip genes. In contrast, 70% of the neurons in females were found in Xist-enriched clusters VN4, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 13, which showed enriched genes such as Fgfr1, Lpar1, Cpe, Esr1, Nrg1, Egfr, and Oprm1. Two clusters of satellite cells were identified, one of which contained oligodendrocyte precursor cells in male mice. A small population of cells expressed Ucp1 and Plin1, indicating that they are epineural adipocytes. Discussion Understanding the physiological implications of distinct transcriptomic profiles in vagal sensory neurons on energy balance and metabolic homeostasis would help develop sex-specific treatments for obesity and metabolic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hwan Jo
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Yang L, Liu F, Hahm H, Okuda T, Li X, Zhang Y, Kalyanaraman V, Heitmeier MR, Samineni VK. Projection-TAGs enable multiplex projection tracing and multi-modal profiling of projection neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.24.590975. [PMID: 38712231 PMCID: PMC11071495 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.24.590975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell multiomic techniques have sparked immense interest in developing a comprehensive multi-modal map of diverse neuronal cell types and their brain wide projections. However, investigating the spatial organization, transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of brain wide projection neurons is hampered by the lack of efficient and easily adoptable tools. Here we introduce Projection-TAGs, a retrograde AAV platform that allows multiplex tagging of projection neurons using RNA barcodes. By using Projection-TAGs, we performed multiplex projection tracing of the mouse cortex and high-throughput single-cell profiling of the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of the cortical projection neurons. Projection-TAGs can be leveraged to obtain a snapshot of activity-dependent recruitment of distinct projection neurons and their molecular features in the context of a specific stimulus. Given its flexibility, usability, and compatibility, we envision that Projection-TAGs can be readily applied to build a comprehensive multi-modal map of brain neuronal cell types and their projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lite Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hannah Hahm
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Takao Okuda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Yufen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Vani Kalyanaraman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Monique R. Heitmeier
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Vijay K. Samineni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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10
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Hwang J, Okada J, Pessin JE, Chua SC, Schwartz GJ, Jo YH. Liver-innervating vagal sensory neurons play an indispensable role in the development of hepatic steatosis and anxiety-like behavior in mice fed a high-fat diet. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.20.581228. [PMID: 38659949 PMCID: PMC11042226 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.20.581228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims The visceral organ-brain axis, mediated by vagal sensory neurons in the vagal nerve ganglion, is essential for maintaining various physiological functions. In this study, we investigated the impact of liver-projecting vagal sensory neurons on energy balance, hepatic steatosis, and anxiety-like behavior in mice under obesogenic conditions. Methods We performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing of vagal sensory neurons innervating the liver. Based on our snRNA-Seq results, we used the Avil CreERT2 strain to identify vagal sensory neurons that innervate the liver. Results A small subset of polymodal sensory neurons innervating the liver was located in the left and right ganglia, projecting centrally to the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, area postrema, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and peripherally to the periportal areas in the liver. Male and female control mice developed diet-induced obesity (DIO) during high-fat diet feeding. Deleting liver-projecting advillin-positive vagal sensory neurons prevented DIO in male and female mice, and these outcomes are associated with increased energy expenditure. Although males and females exhibited improved glucose homeostasis following disruption of liver-projecting vagal sensory neurons, only male mice displayed increased insulin sensitivity. The loss of liver-projecting vagal sensory neurons limited the progression of hepatic steatosis in male and female mice fed a steatogenic diet. Finally, mice lacking liver-innervating vagal sensory neurons exhibited less anxiety-like behavior compared to the control mice. Conclusions The liver-brain axis contributes to the regulation of energy balance, glucose tolerance, hepatic steatosis, and anxiety-like behavior depending on the nutrient status in healthy and obesogenic conditions.
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11
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Gupta S, Viotti A, Eichwald T, Roger A, Kaufmann E, Othman R, Ghasemlou N, Rafei M, Foster SL, Talbot S. Navigating the blurred path of mixed neuroimmune signaling. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:924-938. [PMID: 38373475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.02.006] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Evolution has created complex mechanisms to sense environmental danger and protect tissues, with the nervous and immune systems playing pivotal roles. These systems work together, coordinating local and systemic reflexes to restore homeostasis in response to tissue injury and infection. By sharing receptors and ligands, they influence the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recently, a less-explored aspect of neuroimmune communication has emerged: the release of neuropeptides from immune cells and cytokines/chemokines from sensory neurons. This article reviews evidence of this unique neuroimmune interplay and its impact on the development of allergy, inflammation, itch, and pain. We highlight the effects of this neuroimmune signaling on vital processes such as host defense, tissue repair, and inflammation resolution, providing avenues for exploration of the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of this signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Gupta
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alice Viotti
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Tuany Eichwald
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anais Roger
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Eva Kaufmann
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahmeh Othman
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Ghasemlou
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Simmie L Foster
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Chen J, Lai X, Song Y, Su X. Neuroimmune recognition and regulation in the respiratory system. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:240008. [PMID: 38925790 PMCID: PMC11216688 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0008-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune recognition and regulation in the respiratory system is a complex and highly coordinated process involving interactions between the nervous and immune systems to detect and respond to pathogens, pollutants and other potential hazards in the respiratory tract. This interaction helps maintain the health and integrity of the respiratory system. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions between the respiratory nervous system and immune system is critical to maintaining lung health and developing treatments for respiratory diseases. In this review, we summarise the projection distribution of different types of neurons (trigeminal nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, spinal dorsal root nerve, sympathetic nerve) in the respiratory tract. We also introduce several types of cells in the respiratory epithelium that closely interact with nerves (pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, brush cells, solitary chemosensory cells and tastebuds). These cells are primarily located at key positions in the respiratory tract, where nerves project to them, forming neuroepithelial recognition units, thus enhancing the ability of neural recognition. Furthermore, we summarise the roles played by these different neurons in sensing or responding to specific pathogens (influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, herpes viruses, Sendai parainfluenza virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, amoebae), allergens, atmospheric pollutants (smoking, exhaust pollution), and their potential roles in regulating interactions among different pathogens. We also summarise the prospects of bioelectronic medicine as a third therapeutic approach following drugs and surgery, as well as the potential mechanisms of meditation breathing as an adjunct therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Xiaoyun Lai
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Su
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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13
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Isabella AJ, Moens CB. Development and regeneration of the vagus nerve. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:219-227. [PMID: 37537116 PMCID: PMC10830892 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.008] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The vagus nerve, with its myriad constituent axon branches and innervation targets, has long been a model of anatomical complexity in the nervous system. The branched architecture of the vagus nerve is now appreciated to be highly organized around the topographic and/or molecular identities of the neurons that innervate each target tissue. However, we are only just beginning to understand the developmental mechanisms by which heterogeneous vagus neuron identity is specified, patterned, and used to guide the axons of particular neurons to particular targets. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the complex topographic and molecular organization of the vagus nerve, the developmental basis of neuron specification and patterned axon guidance that supports this organization, and the regenerative mechanisms that promote, or inhibit, the restoration of vagus nerve organization after nerve damage. Finally, we highlight key unanswered questions in these areas and discuss potential strategies to address these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Isabella
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Cecilia B Moens
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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14
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Rajendran PS, Hadaya J, Khalsa SS, Yu C, Chang R, Shivkumar K. The vagus nerve in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology: From evolutionary insights to clinical medicine. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:190-200. [PMID: 36641366 PMCID: PMC10336178 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.01.001] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve exerts profound influence over the heart. Together with the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for fine-tuned regulation of all aspects of cardiovascular function, including heart rate, rhythm, contractility, and blood pressure. In this review, we highlight vagal efferent and afferent innervation of the heart, with a focus on insights from comparative biology and advances in understanding the molecular and genetic diversity of vagal neurons, as well as interoception, parasympathetic dysfunction in heart disease, and the therapeutic potential of targeting the parasympathetic nervous system in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Hadaya
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Ok, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Ok, USA
| | - Chuyue Yu
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rui Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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15
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Cao Y, Li R, Bai L. Vagal sensory pathway for the gut-brain communication. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:228-243. [PMID: 37558522 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.009] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The communication between the gut and brain is crucial for regulating various essential physiological functions, such as energy balance, fluid homeostasis, immune response, and emotion. The vagal sensory pathway plays an indispensable role in connecting the gut to the brain. Recently, our knowledge of the vagal gut-brain axis has significantly advanced through molecular genetic studies, revealing a diverse range of vagal sensory cell types with distinct peripheral innervations, response profiles, and physiological functions. Here, we review the current understanding of how vagal sensory neurons contribute to gut-brain communication. First, we highlight recent transcriptomic and genetic approaches that have characterized different vagal sensory cell types. Then, we focus on discussing how different subtypes encode numerous gut-derived signals and how their activities are translated into physiological and behavioral regulations. The emerging insights into the diverse cell types and functional properties of vagal sensory neurons have paved the way for exciting future directions, which may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for disorders involving gut-brain communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Cao
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Rui Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
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16
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Borgmann D, Fenselau H. Vagal pathways for systemic regulation of glucose metabolism. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:244-252. [PMID: 37500301 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.010] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining blood glucose at an appropriate physiological level requires precise coordination of multiple organs and tissues. The vagus nerve bidirectionally connects the central nervous system with peripheral organs crucial to glucose mobilization, nutrient storage, and food absorption, thereby presenting a key pathway for the central control of blood glucose levels. However, the precise mechanisms by which vagal populations that target discrete tissues participate in glucoregulation are much less clear. Here we review recent advances unraveling the cellular identity, neuroanatomical organization, and functional contributions of both vagal efferents and vagal afferents in the control of systemic glucose metabolism. We focus on their involvement in relaying glucoregulatory cues from the brain to peripheral tissues, particularly the pancreatic islet, and by sensing and transmitting incoming signals from ingested food to the brain. These recent findings - largely driven by advances in viral approaches, RNA sequencing, and cell-type selective manipulations and tracings - have begun to clarify the precise vagal neuron populations involved in the central coordination of glucose levels, and raise interesting new possibilities for the treatment of glucose metabolism disorders such as diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diba Borgmann
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne 50931, Germany.
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17
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Sun H, Undem BJ. Selective KCNQ2/3 Potassium Channel Opener ICA-069673 Inhibits Excitability in Mouse Vagal Sensory Neurons. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:118-127. [PMID: 38290975 PMCID: PMC10949160 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001959] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Heightened excitability of vagal sensory neurons in inflammatory visceral diseases contributes to unproductive and difficult-to-treat neuronally based symptoms such as visceral pain and dysfunction. Identification of targets and modulators capable of regulating the excitability of vagal sensory neurons may lead to novel therapeutic options. KCNQ1-KCNQ5 genes encode KV7.1-7.5 potassium channel α-subunits. Homotetrameric or heterotetrameric KV7.2-7.5 channels can generate the so-called M-current (IM) known to decrease the excitability of neurons including visceral sensory neurons. This study aimed to address the hypothesis that KV7.2/7.3 channels are key regulators of vagal sensory neuron excitability by evaluating the effects of KCNQ2/3-selective activator, ICA-069673, on IM in mouse nodose neurons and determining its effects on excitability and action potential firings using patch clamp technique. The results showed that ICA-069673 enhanced IM density, accelerated the activation, and delayed the deactivation of M-channels in a concentration-dependent manner. ICA-069673 negatively shifted the voltage-dependent activation of IM and increased the maximal conductance. Consistent with its effects on IM, ICA-069673 induced a marked hyperpolarization of resting potential and reduced the input resistance. The hyperpolarizing effect was more pronounced in partially depolarized neurons. Moreover, ICA-069673 caused a 3-fold increase in the minimal amount of depolarizing current needed to evoke an action potential, and significantly limited the action potential firings in response to sustained suprathreshold stimulations. ICA-069673 had no effect on membrane currents when Kcnq2 and Kcnq3 were deleted. These results indicate that opening KCNQ2/3-mediated M-channels is sufficient to suppress the excitability and enhance spike accommodation in vagal visceral sensory neurons. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study supports the hypothesis that selectively activating KCNQ2/3-mediated M-channels is sufficient to suppress the excitability and action potential firings in vagal sensory neurons. These results provide evidence in support of further investigations into the treatment of various visceral disorders that involve nociceptor hyperexcitability with selective KCNQ2/3 M-channel openers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bradley J Undem
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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18
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Zhao W, Zhang K, Dong WY, Tang HD, Sun JQ, Huang JY, Wan GL, Guan RR, Guo XT, Cheng PK, Tao R, Sun JW, Zhang Z, Zhu X. A pharynx-to-brain axis controls pharyngeal inflammation-induced anxiety. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312136121. [PMID: 38446848 PMCID: PMC10945766 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312136121] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety is a remarkably common condition among patients with pharyngitis, but the relationship between these disorders has received little research attention, and the underlying neural mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that the densely innervated pharynx transmits signals induced by pharyngeal inflammation to glossopharyngeal and vagal sensory neurons of the nodose/jugular/petrosal (NJP) superganglia in mice. Specifically, the NJP superganglia project to norepinephrinergic neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTSNE). These NTSNE neurons project to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) that induces anxiety-like behaviors in a murine model of pharyngeal inflammation. Inhibiting this pharynx→NJP→NTSNE→vBNST circuit can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors associated with pharyngeal inflammation. This study thus defines a pharynx-to-brain axis that mechanistically links pharyngeal inflammation and emotional response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wan-Ying Dong
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao-Di Tang
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Laboratory, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Qiang Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-Ye Huang
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guang-Lun Wan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui-Rui Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Tao Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping-Kai Cheng
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei230601, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Wu Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
- The Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine, Institute of Health and Medicine, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Hamed YMF, Ghosh B, Marshall KL. PIEZO ion channels: force sensors of the interoceptive nervous system. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38456626 DOI: 10.1113/jp284077] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Many organs are designed to move: the heart pumps each second, the gastrointestinal tract squeezes and churns to digest food, and we contract and relax skeletal muscles to move our bodies. Sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system detect signals from bodily tissues, including the forces generated by these movements, to control physiology. The processing of these internal signals is called interoception, but this is a broad term that includes a wide variety of both chemical and mechanical sensory processes. Mechanical senses are understudied, but rapid progress has been made in the last decade, thanks in part to the discovery of the mechanosensory PIEZO ion channels (Coste et al., 2010). The role of these mechanosensors within the interoceptive nervous system is the focus of this review. In defining the transduction molecules that govern mechanical interoception, we will have a better grasp of how these signals drive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen M F Hamed
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Britya Ghosh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kara L Marshall
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Lead contact
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20
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Teckentrup V, Kroemer NB. Mechanisms for survival: vagal control of goal-directed behavior. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:237-251. [PMID: 38036309 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.11.001] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Survival is a fundamental physiological drive, and neural circuits have evolved to prioritize actions that meet the energy demands of the body. This fine-tuning of goal-directed actions based on metabolic states ('allostasis') is deeply rooted in our brain, and hindbrain nuclei orchestrate the vital communication between the brain and body through the vagus nerve. Despite mounting evidence for vagal control of allostatic behavior in animals, its broader function in humans is still contested. Based on stimulation studies, we propose that the vagal afferent pathway supports transitions between survival modes by gating the integration of ascending bodily signals, thereby regulating reward-seeking. By reconceptualizing vagal signals as catalysts for goal-directed behavior, our perspective opens new avenues for theory-driven translational work in mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Teckentrup
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; School of Psychology and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Nils B Kroemer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Section of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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21
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Alonso AM, Cork SC, Phuah P, Hansen B, Norton M, Cheng S, Xu X, Suba K, Ma Y, Dowsett GK, Tadross JA, Lam BY, Yeo GS, Herzog H, Bloom SR, Arnold M, Distaso W, Murphy KG, Salem V. The vagus nerve mediates the physiological but not pharmacological effects of PYY 3-36 on food intake. Mol Metab 2024; 81:101895. [PMID: 38340808 PMCID: PMC10877939 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide YY (PYY3-36) is a post-prandially released gut hormone with potent appetite-reducing activity, the mechanism of action of which is not fully understood. Unravelling how this system physiologically regulates food intake may help unlock its therapeutic potential, whilst minimising unwanted effects. Here we demonstrate that germline and post-natal targeted knockdown of the PYY3-36 preferring receptor (neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y2 receptor (Y2R)) in the afferent vagus nerve is required for the appetite inhibitory effects of physiologically-released PYY3-36, but not peripherally administered pharmacological doses. Post-natal knockdown of the Y2R results in a transient body weight phenotype that is not evident in the germline model. Loss of vagal Y2R signalling also results in altered meal patterning associated with accelerated gastric emptying. These results are important for the design of PYY-based anti-obesity agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldara Martin Alonso
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Cork
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine & Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Phyllis Phuah
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Hansen
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Norton
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sijing Cheng
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kinga Suba
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yue Ma
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Kc Dowsett
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John A Tadross
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Yh Lam
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Giles Sh Yeo
- Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Stephen R Bloom
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myrtha Arnold
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Walter Distaso
- Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin G Murphy
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Salem
- Section of Investigative Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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22
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Wang Y, Ye L. The Afferent Function of Adipose Innervation. Diabetes 2024; 73:348-354. [PMID: 38377447 PMCID: PMC10882147 DOI: 10.2337/dbi23-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Adipose tissue innervation is critical for regulating metabolic and energy homeostasis. While the sympathetic efferent innervation of fat is well characterized, the role of sensory or afferent innervation remains less explored. This article reviews previous work on adipose innervation and recent advances in the study of sensory innervation of adipose tissues. We discuss key open questions, including the physiological implications of adipose afferents in homeostasis as well as potential cross talk with sympathetic neurons, the immune system, and hormonal pathways. We also outline the general technical challenges of studying dorsal root ganglia innervating fat, along with emerging technologies that may overcome these barriers. Finally, we highlight areas for further research to deepen our understanding of the afferent function of adipose innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Neuroscience and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
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23
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Schappe MS, Brinn PA, Joshi NR, Greenberg RS, Min S, Alabi AA, Zhang C, Liberles SD. A vagal reflex evoked by airway closure. Nature 2024; 627:830-838. [PMID: 38448588 PMCID: PMC10972749 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Airway integrity must be continuously maintained throughout life. Sensory neurons guard against airway obstruction and, on a moment-by-moment basis, enact vital reflexes to maintain respiratory function1,2. Decreased lung capacity is common and life-threatening across many respiratory diseases, and lung collapse can be acutely evoked by chest wall trauma, pneumothorax or airway compression. Here we characterize a neuronal reflex of the vagus nerve evoked by airway closure that leads to gasping. In vivo vagal ganglion imaging revealed dedicated sensory neurons that detect airway compression but not airway stretch. Vagal neurons expressing PVALB mediate airway closure responses and innervate clusters of lung epithelial cells called neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs). Stimulating NEBs or vagal PVALB neurons evoked gasping in the absence of airway threats, whereas ablating NEBs or vagal PVALB neurons eliminated gasping in response to airway closure. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that NEBs uniformly express the mechanoreceptor PIEZO2, and targeted knockout of Piezo2 in NEBs eliminated responses to airway closure. NEBs were dispensable for the Hering-Breuer inspiratory reflex, which indicated that discrete terminal structures detect airway closure and inflation. Similar to the involvement of Merkel cells in touch sensation3,4, NEBs are PIEZO2-expressing epithelial cells and, moreover, are crucial for an aspect of lung mechanosensation. These findings expand our understanding of neuronal diversity in the airways and reveal a dedicated vagal pathway that detects airway closure to help preserve respiratory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Schappe
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip A Brinn
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Narendra R Joshi
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel S Greenberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soohong Min
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - AbdulRasheed A Alabi
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen D Liberles
- Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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24
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Baumer-Harrison C, Elsaafien K, Johnson DN, Peñaloza Aponte JD, de Araujo A, Patel S, Bruce EB, Harden SW, Frazier CJ, Scott KA, de Lartigue G, Krause EG, de Kloet AD. Alleviating Hypertension by Selectively Targeting Angiotensin Receptor-Expressing Vagal Sensory Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1154232023. [PMID: 38242697 PMCID: PMC10904025 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1154-23.2023] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular homeostasis is maintained, in part, by neural signals arising from arterial baroreceptors that apprise the brain of blood volume and pressure. Here, we test whether neurons within the nodose ganglia that express angiotensin type-1a receptors (referred to as NGAT1aR) serve as baroreceptors that differentially influence blood pressure (BP) in male and female mice. Using Agtr1a-Cre mice and Cre-dependent AAVs to direct tdTomato to NGAT1aR, neuroanatomical studies revealed that NGAT1aR receive input from the aortic arch, project to the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and synthesize mechanosensitive ion channels, Piezo1/2 To evaluate the functionality of NGAT1aR, we directed the fluorescent calcium indicator (GCaMP6s) or the light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) to Agtr1a-containing neurons. Two-photon intravital imaging in Agtr1a-GCaMP6s mice revealed that NGAT1aR couple their firing to elevated BP, induced by phenylephrine (i.v.). Furthermore, optical excitation of NGAT1aR at their soma or axon terminals within the caudal NTS of Agtr1a-ChR2 mice elicited robust frequency-dependent decreases in BP and heart rate, indicating that NGAT1aR are sufficient to elicit appropriate compensatory responses to vascular mechanosensation. Optical excitation also elicited hypotensive and bradycardic responses in ChR2-expressing mice that were subjected to deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension; however, the duration of these effects was altered, suggestive of hypertension-induced impairment of the baroreflex. Similarly, increased GCaMP6s fluorescence observed after administration of phenylephrine was delayed in mice subjected to DOCA-salt or chronic delivery of angiotensin II. Collectively, these results reveal the structure and function of NGAT1aR and suggest that such neurons may be exploited to discern and relieve hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Baumer-Harrison
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Khalid Elsaafien
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302
| | - Dominique N Johnson
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302
| | - Jesus D Peñaloza Aponte
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Alan de Araujo
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Sagar Patel
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Erin B Bruce
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Scott W Harden
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Charles J Frazier
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Karen A Scott
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302
| | | | - Eric G Krause
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302
| | - Annette D de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302
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25
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Su Y, Xu J, Zhu Z, Chin J, Xu L, Yu H, Nudell V, Dash B, Moya EA, Ye L, Nimmerjahn A, Sun X. Brainstem Dbh+ Neurons Control Chronic Allergen-Induced Airway Hyperreactivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.04.527145. [PMID: 36778350 PMCID: PMC9915738 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.04.527145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure of the lung to irritants such as allergen is a primary cause of asthma characterized by exaggerated airway constriction, also called hyperreactivity, which can be life-threatening. Aside from immune cells, vagal sensory neurons are important for airway hyperreactivity 1-4 . However, the identity and signature of the downstream nodes of this adaptive circuit remains poorly understood. Here we show that a single population of Dbh + neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS) of the brainstem, and downstream neurons in the nucleus ambiguous (NA), are both necessary and sufficient for chronic allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity. We found that repeated exposures of mice to inhaled allergen activates nTS neurons in a mast cell-, interleukin 4 (IL-4)-and vagal nerve-dependent manner. Single-nucleus RNA-seq of the nTS at baseline and following allergen challenges reveals that a Dbh + population is preferentially activated. Ablation or chemogenetic inactivation of Dbh + nTS neurons blunted, while chemogenetic activation promoted hyperreactivity. Viral tracing indicates that Dbh + nTS neurons, capable of producing norepinephrine, project to the NA, and NA neurons are necessary and sufficient to relay allergen signals to postganglionic neurons that then directly drive airway constriction. Focusing on transmitters, delivery of norepinephrine antagonists to the NA blunted allergen-induced hyperreactivity. Together, these findings provide molecular, anatomical and functional definitions of key nodes of a canonical allergen response circuit. The knowledge opens the possibility of targeted neural modulation as an approach to control refractory allergen-induced airway constriction.
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Gour N, Yong HM, Magesh A, Atakkatan A, Andrade F, Lajoie S, Dong X. A GPCR-neuropeptide axis dampens hyperactive neutrophils by promoting an alternative-like polarization during bacterial infection. Immunity 2024; 57:333-348.e6. [PMID: 38295799 PMCID: PMC10940224 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The notion that neutrophils exist as a homogeneous population is being replaced with the knowledge that neutrophils adopt different functional states. Neutrophils can have a pro-inflammatory phenotype or an anti-inflammatory state, but how these states are regulated remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the neutrophil-expressed G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Mrgpra1 is a negative regulator of neutrophil bactericidal functions. Mrgpra1-mediated signaling was driven by its ligand, neuropeptide FF (NPFF), which dictated the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory programming. Specifically, the Mrgpra1-NPFF axis counter-regulated interferon (IFN) γ-mediated neutrophil polarization during acute lung infection by favoring an alternative-like polarization, suggesting that it may act to balance overzealous neutrophilic responses. Distinct, cross-regulated populations of neutrophils were the primary source of NPFF and IFNγ during infection. As a subset of neutrophils at steady state expressed NPFF, these findings could have broad implications in various infectious and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a neutrophil-intrinsic pathway determines their cellular fate, function, and magnitude of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Gour
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hwan Mee Yong
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aishwarya Magesh
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aishwarya Atakkatan
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Felipe Andrade
- Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephane Lajoie
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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27
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Wang RL, Chang RB. The Coding Logic of Interoception. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:301-327. [PMID: 38061018 PMCID: PMC11103614 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-023455] [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] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Interoception, the ability to precisely and timely sense internal body signals, is critical for life. The interoceptive system monitors a large variety of mechanical, chemical, hormonal, and pathological cues using specialized organ cells, organ innervating neurons, and brain sensory neurons. It is important for maintaining body homeostasis, providing motivational drives, and regulating autonomic, cognitive, and behavioral functions. However, compared to external sensory systems, our knowledge about how diverse body signals are coded at a system level is quite limited. In this review, we focus on the unique features of interoceptive signals and the organization of the interoceptive system, with the goal of better understanding the coding logic of interoception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi L Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Rui B Chang
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
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28
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McDougle M, de Araujo A, Singh A, Yang M, Braga I, Paille V, Mendez-Hernandez R, Vergara M, Woodie LN, Gour A, Sharma A, Urs N, Warren B, de Lartigue G. Separate gut-brain circuits for fat and sugar reinforcement combine to promote overeating. Cell Metab 2024; 36:393-407.e7. [PMID: 38242133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Food is a powerful natural reinforcer that guides feeding decisions. The vagus nerve conveys internal sensory information from the gut to the brain about nutritional value; however, the cellular and molecular basis of macronutrient-specific reward circuits is poorly understood. Here, we monitor in vivo calcium dynamics to provide direct evidence of independent vagal sensing pathways for the detection of dietary fats and sugars. Using activity-dependent genetic capture of vagal neurons activated in response to gut infusions of nutrients, we demonstrate the existence of separate gut-brain circuits for fat and sugar sensing that are necessary and sufficient for nutrient-specific reinforcement. Even when controlling for calories, combined activation of fat and sugar circuits increases nigrostriatal dopamine release and overeating compared with fat or sugar alone. This work provides new insights into the complex sensory circuitry that mediates motivated behavior and suggests that a subconscious internal drive to consume obesogenic diets (e.g., those high in both fat and sugar) may impede conscious dieting efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly McDougle
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alan de Araujo
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Arashdeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mingxin Yang
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Isadora Braga
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vincent Paille
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; UMR1280 Physiopathologie des adaptations nutritionnelles, INRAE, Institut des maladies de l'appareil digestif, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Rebeca Mendez-Hernandez
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Macarena Vergara
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lauren N Woodie
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abhishek Gour
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nikhil Urs
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brandon Warren
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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29
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Zhang A, Jin L, Yao S, Matsuyama M, van Velthoven CTJ, Sullivan HA, Sun N, Kellis M, Tasic B, Wickersham I, Chen X. Rabies virus-based barcoded neuroanatomy resolved by single-cell RNA and in situ sequencing. eLife 2024; 12:RP87866. [PMID: 38319699 PMCID: PMC10942611 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87866] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mapping the connectivity of diverse neuronal types provides the foundation for understanding the structure and function of neural circuits. High-throughput and low-cost neuroanatomical techniques based on RNA barcode sequencing have the potential to map circuits at cellular resolution and a brain-wide scale, but existing Sindbis virus-based techniques can only map long-range projections using anterograde tracing approaches. Rabies virus can complement anterograde tracing approaches by enabling either retrograde labeling of projection neurons or monosynaptic tracing of direct inputs to genetically targeted postsynaptic neurons. However, barcoded rabies virus has so far been only used to map non-neuronal cellular interactions in vivo and synaptic connectivity of cultured neurons. Here we combine barcoded rabies virus with single-cell and in situ sequencing to perform retrograde labeling and transsynaptic labeling in the mouse brain. We sequenced 96 retrogradely labeled cells and 295 transsynaptically labeled cells using single-cell RNA-seq, and 4130 retrogradely labeled cells and 2914 transsynaptically labeled cells in situ. We found that the transcriptomic identities of rabies virus-infected cells can be robustly identified using both single-cell RNA-seq and in situ sequencing. By associating gene expression with connectivity inferred from barcode sequencing, we distinguished long-range projecting cortical cell types from multiple cortical areas and identified cell types with converging or diverging synaptic connectivity. Combining in situ sequencing with barcoded rabies virus complements existing sequencing-based neuroanatomical techniques and provides a potential path for mapping synaptic connectivity of neuronal types at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Zhang
- Allen Institute for Brain ScienceSeattleUnited States
| | - Lei Jin
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Shenqin Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain ScienceSeattleUnited States
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Heather Anne Sullivan
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Ian Wickersham
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Xiaoyin Chen
- Allen Institute for Brain ScienceSeattleUnited States
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30
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Jameson KG, Kazmi SA, Son C, Mazdeyasnan D, Leshan E, Vuong HE, Paramo J, Lopez-Romero A, Yang L, Schweizer FE, Hsiao EY. Vagal interoception of microbial metabolites from the small intestinal lumen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.572257. [PMID: 38187610 PMCID: PMC10769238 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The vagus nerve is proposed to enable communication between the gut microbiome and brain, but activity-based evidence is lacking. Herein, we assess the extent of gut microbial influences on afferent vagal activity and metabolite signaling mechanisms involved. We find that mice reared without microbiota (germ-free, GF) exhibit decreased vagal afferent tone relative to conventionally colonized mice (specific pathogen-free, SPF), which is reversed by colonization with SPF microbiota. Perfusing non-absorbable antibiotics (ABX) into the small intestine of SPF mice, but not GF mice, acutely decreases vagal activity, which is restored upon re-perfusion with bulk lumenal contents or sterile filtrates from the small intestine and cecum of SPF, but not GF, mice. Of several candidates identified by metabolomic profiling, microbiome-dependent short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and 3-indoxyl sulfate stimulate vagal activity with varied response kinetics, which is blocked by co-perfusion of pharmacological antagonists of FFAR2, TGR5, and TRPA1, respectively, into the small intestine. At the single-unit level, serial perfusion of each metabolite class elicits more singly responsive neurons than dually responsive neurons, suggesting distinct neuronal detection of different microbiome- and macronutrient-dependent metabolites. Finally, microbial metabolite-induced increases in vagal activity correspond with activation of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract, which is also blocked by co-administration of their respective receptor antagonists. Results from this study reveal that the gut microbiome regulates select metabolites in the intestinal lumen that differentially activate chemosensory vagal afferent neurons, thereby enabling microbial modulation of interoceptive signals for gut-brain communication. HIGHLIGHTS Microbiota colonization status modulates afferent vagal nerve activityGut microbes differentially regulate metabolites in the small intestine and cecumSelect microbial metabolites stimulate vagal afferents with varied response kineticsSelect microbial metabolites activate vagal afferent neurons and brainstem neurons via receptor-dependent signaling.
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31
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Hsu IU, Lin Y, Guo Y, Xu QJ, Shao Y, Wang RL, Yin D, Zhao J, Young LH, Zhao H, Zhang L, Chang RB. Differential developmental blueprints of organ-intrinsic nervous systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571306. [PMID: 38168446 PMCID: PMC10759999 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The organ-intrinsic nervous system is a major interface between visceral organs and the brain, mediating important sensory and regulatory functions in the body-brain axis and serving as critical local processors for organ homeostasis. Molecularly, anatomically, and functionally, organ-intrinsic neurons are highly specialized for their host organs. However, the underlying mechanism that drives this specialization is largely unknown. Here, we describe the differential strategies utilized to achieve organ-specific organization between the enteric nervous system (ENS) 1 and the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) 2 , a neuronal network essential for heart performance but poorly characterized. Integrating high-resolution whole-embryo imaging, single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, we uncover that unlike the ENS which is highly mobile and colonizes the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the ICNS uses a rich set of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes that match with surrounding heart cells and an intermediate dedicated neuronal progenitor state to stabilize itself for a 'beads-on-the-necklace' organization on heart atria. While ICNS- and ENS-precursors are genetically similar, their differentiation paths are influenced by their host-organs, leading to distinct mature neuron types. Co-culturing ENS-precursors with heart cells shifts their identity towards the ICNS and induces the expression of heart-matching ECM genes. Our cross-organ study thus reveals fundamental principles for the maturation and specialization of organ-intrinsic neurons.
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32
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Patil MJ, Kim SH, Bahia PK, Nair SS, Darcey TS, Fiallo J, Zhu XX, Frisina RD, Hadley SH, Taylor-Clark TE. A Novel Flp Reporter Mouse Shows That TRPA1 Expression Is Largely Limited to Sensory Neuron Subsets. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0350-23.2023. [PMID: 37989590 PMCID: PMC10698635 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0350-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a polymodal cation channel that is activated by electrophilic irritants, oxidative stress, cold temperature, and GPCR signaling. TRPA1 expression has been primarily identified in subsets of nociceptive sensory afferents and is considered a target for future analgesics. Nevertheless, TRPA1 has been implicated in other cell types including keratinocytes, epithelium, enterochromaffin cells, endothelium, astrocytes, and CNS neurons. Here, we developed a knock-in mouse that expresses the recombinase FlpO in TRPA1-expressing cells. We crossed the TRPA1Flp mouse with the R26ai65f mouse that expresses tdTomato in a Flp-sensitive manner. We found tdTomato expression correlated well with TRPA1 mRNA expression and sensitivity to TRPA1 agonists in subsets of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1)-expressing neurons in the vagal ganglia and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), although tdTomato expression efficiency was limited in DRG. We observed tdTomato-expressing afferent fibers centrally (in the medulla and spinal cord) and peripherally in the esophagus, gut, airways, bladder, and skin. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation of TRPA1-expressing nerves in the paw evoked flinching behavior. tdTomato expression was very limited in other cell types. We found tdTomato in subepithelial cells in the gut mucosa but not in enterochromaffin cells. tdTomato was also observed in supporting cells within the cochlea, but not in hair cells. Lastly, tdTomato was occasionally observed in neurons in the somatomotor cortex and the piriform area, but not in astrocytes or vascular endothelium. Thus, this novel mouse strain may be useful for mapping and manipulating TRPA1-expressing cells and deciphering the role of TRPA1 in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur J Patil
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Seol-Hee Kim
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Parmvir K Bahia
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Sanjay S Nair
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Teresa S Darcey
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Jailene Fiallo
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Xiao Xia Zhu
- Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620
| | - Robert D Frisina
- Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620
| | - Stephen H Hadley
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Thomas E Taylor-Clark
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
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33
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Leon‐Mercado L, Tinajero A, Gautron L. Evidence of extraganglionic vagal mechanoreceptors in the mouse vagus nerve. J Anat 2023; 243:936-950. [PMID: 37403978 PMCID: PMC10641042 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13925] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagal afferent neuronal somas are in the nodose and jugular ganglia. In this study, we identified extraganglionic neurons in whole-mount preparations of the vagus nerves from Phox2b-Cre-ZsGreen transgenic mice. These neurons are typically arranged in small clusters and monolayers along the cervical vagus nerve. Although infrequent, these neurons were sometimes observed along the thoracic and esophageal vagus. We performed RNAscope in situ hybridization and confirmed that the extraganglionic neurons detected in this transgenic mouse strain expressed vagal afferent markers (i.e., Phox2b and Slc17a6) as well as markers that identify them as potential gastrointestinal mechanoreceptors (i.e., Tmc3 and Glp1r). We also identified extraganglionic neurons in the vagus nerves of wild-type mice that were injected intraperitoneally with Fluoro-Gold, thereby ruling out possible anatomical discrepancies specific for transgenic mice. In wild-type mice, extraganglionic cells were positive for peripherin, confirming their neuronal nature. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously undiscovered population of extraganglionic neurons associated with the vagus nerve. Going forward, it is important to consider the possible existence of extraganglionic mechanoreceptors that transmit signals from the abdominal viscera in future studies related to vagal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Leon‐Mercado
- Department of Internal MedicineCenter for Hypothalamic Research, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Arely Tinajero
- Department of Internal MedicineCenter for Hypothalamic Research, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Laurent Gautron
- Department of Internal MedicineCenter for Hypothalamic Research, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
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34
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Zhang A, Jin L, Yao S, Matsuyama M, van Velthoven C, Sullivan H, Sun N, Kellis M, Tasic B, Wickersham IR, Chen X. Rabies virus-based barcoded neuroanatomy resolved by single-cell RNA and in situ sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532873. [PMID: 36993334 PMCID: PMC10055146 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mapping the connectivity of diverse neuronal types provides the foundation for understanding the structure and function of neural circuits. High-throughput and low-cost neuroanatomical techniques based on RNA barcode sequencing have the potential to map circuits at cellular resolution and a brain-wide scale, but existing Sindbis virus-based techniques can only map long-range projections using anterograde tracing approaches. Rabies virus can complement anterograde tracing approaches by enabling either retrograde labeling of projection neurons or monosynaptic tracing of direct inputs to genetically targeted postsynaptic neurons. However, barcoded rabies virus has so far been only used to map non-neuronal cellular interactions in vivo and synaptic connectivity of cultured neurons. Here we combine barcoded rabies virus with single-cell and in situ sequencing to perform retrograde labeling and transsynaptic labeling in the mouse brain. We sequenced 96 retrogradely labeled cells and 295 transsynaptically labeled cells using single-cell RNA-seq, and 4,130 retrogradely labeled cells and 2,914 transsynaptically labeled cells in situ. We found that the transcriptomic identities of rabies virus-infected cells can be robustly identified using both single-cell RNA-seq and in situ sequencing. By associating gene expression with connectivity inferred from barcode sequencing, we distinguished long-range projecting cortical cell types from multiple cortical areas and identified cell types with converging or diverging synaptic connectivity. Combining in situ sequencing with barcoded rabies virus complements existing sequencing-based neuroanatomical techniques and provides a potential path for mapping synaptic connectivity of neuronal types at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Zhang
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA
| | - Lei Jin
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Current address: Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenqin Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Current address: Metcela Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Heather Sullivan
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Ian R. Wickersham
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
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35
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Lovelace JW, Ma J, Yadav S, Chhabria K, Shen H, Pang Z, Qi T, Sehgal R, Zhang Y, Bali T, Vaissiere T, Tan S, Liu Y, Rumbaugh G, Ye L, Kleinfeld D, Stringer C, Augustine V. Vagal sensory neurons mediate the Bezold-Jarisch reflex and induce syncope. Nature 2023; 623:387-396. [PMID: 37914931 PMCID: PMC10632149 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Visceral sensory pathways mediate homeostatic reflexes, the dysfunction of which leads to many neurological disorders1. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR), first described2,3 in 1867, is a cardioinhibitory reflex that is speculated to be mediated by vagal sensory neurons (VSNs) that also triggers syncope. However, the molecular identity, anatomical organization, physiological characteristics and behavioural influence of cardiac VSNs remain mostly unknown. Here we leveraged single-cell RNA-sequencing data and HYBRiD tissue clearing4 to show that VSNs that express neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (NPY2R) predominately connect the heart ventricular wall to the area postrema. Optogenetic activation of NPY2R VSNs elicits the classic triad of BJR responses-hypotension, bradycardia and suppressed respiration-and causes an animal to faint. Photostimulation during high-resolution echocardiography and laser Doppler flowmetry with behavioural observation revealed a range of phenotypes reflected in clinical syncope, including reduced cardiac output, cerebral hypoperfusion, pupil dilation and eye-roll. Large-scale Neuropixels brain recordings and machine-learning-based modelling showed that this manipulation causes the suppression of activity across a large distributed neuronal population that is not explained by changes in spontaneous behavioural movements. Additionally, bidirectional manipulation of the periventricular zone had a push-pull effect, with inhibition leading to longer syncope periods and activation inducing arousal. Finally, ablating NPY2R VSNs specifically abolished the BJR. Combined, these results demonstrate a genetically defined cardiac reflex that recapitulates characteristics of human syncope at physiological, behavioural and neural network levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Lovelace
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jingrui Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Saurabh Yadav
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Hanbing Shen
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhengyuan Pang
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tianbo Qi
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ruchi Sehgal
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tushar Bali
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Vaissiere
- University of Florida-Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Shawn Tan
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuejia Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gavin Rumbaugh
- University of Florida-Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Kleinfeld
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Vineet Augustine
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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36
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Yang D, Almanzar N, Chiu IM. The role of cellular and molecular neuroimmune crosstalk in gut immunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1259-1269. [PMID: 37336989 PMCID: PMC10616093 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is densely innervated by the peripheral nervous system and populated by the immune system. These two systems critically coordinate the sensations of and adaptations to dietary, microbial, and damaging stimuli from the external and internal microenvironment during tissue homeostasis and inflammation. The brain receives and integrates ascending sensory signals from the gut and transduces descending signals back to the gut via autonomic neurons. Neurons regulate intestinal immune responses through the action of local axon reflexes or through neuronal circuits via the gut-brain axis. This neuroimmune crosstalk is critical for gut homeostatic maintenance and disease resolution. In this review, we discuss the roles of distinct types of gut-innervating neurons in the modulation of intestinal mucosal immunity. We will focus on the molecular mechanisms governing how different immune cells respond to neural signals in host defense and inflammation. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of strategies targeting neuroimmune crosstalk for intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daping Yang
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nicole Almanzar
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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37
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Mohanta SK, Sun T, Lu S, Wang Z, Zhang X, Yin C, Weber C, Habenicht AJR. The Impact of the Nervous System on Arteries and the Heart: The Neuroimmune Cardiovascular Circuit Hypothesis. Cells 2023; 12:2485. [PMID: 37887328 PMCID: PMC10605509 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202485] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Three systemic biological systems, i.e., the nervous, the immune, and the cardiovascular systems, form a mutually responsive and forward-acting tissue network to regulate acute and chronic cardiovascular function in health and disease. Two sub-circuits within the cardiovascular system have been described, the artery brain circuit (ABC) and the heart brain circuit (HBC), forming a large cardiovascular brain circuit (CBC). Likewise, the nervous system consists of the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system with their functional distinct sensory and effector arms. Moreover, the immune system with its constituents, i.e., the innate and the adaptive immune systems, interact with the CBC and the nervous system at multiple levels. As understanding the structure and inner workings of the CBC gains momentum, it becomes evident that further research into the CBC may lead to unprecedented classes of therapies to treat cardiovascular diseases as multiple new biologically active molecules are being discovered that likely affect cardiovascular disease progression. Here, we weigh the merits of integrating these recent observations in cardiovascular neurobiology into previous views of cardiovascular disease pathogeneses. These considerations lead us to propose the Neuroimmune Cardiovascular Circuit Hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarajo K. Mohanta
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Easemedcontrol R&D, Schraudolphstraße 5, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Ting Sun
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Shu Lu
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510030, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Changjun Yin
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Easemedcontrol R&D, Schraudolphstraße 5, 80799 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510030, China
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas J. R. Habenicht
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (T.S.); (S.L.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Easemedcontrol R&D, Schraudolphstraße 5, 80799 Munich, Germany
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38
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Brüning JC, Fenselau H. Integrative neurocircuits that control metabolism and food intake. Science 2023; 381:eabl7398. [PMID: 37769095 DOI: 10.1126/science.abl7398] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Systemic metabolism has to be constantly adjusted to the variance of food intake and even be prepared for anticipated changes in nutrient availability. Therefore, the brain integrates multiple homeostatic signals with numerous cues that predict future deviations in energy supply. Recently, our understanding of the neural pathways underlying these regulatory principles-as well as their convergence in the hypothalamus as the key coordinator of food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose metabolism-have been revealed. These advances have changed our view of brain-dependent control of metabolic physiology. In this Review, we discuss new concepts about how alterations in these pathways contribute to the development of prevalent metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and how this emerging knowledge may provide new targets for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Research Group Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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39
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Shaffer C, Barrett LF, Quigley KS. Signal processing in the vagus nerve: Hypotheses based on new genetic and anatomical evidence. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108626. [PMID: 37419401 PMCID: PMC10563766 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Each organism must regulate its internal state in a metabolically efficient way as it interacts in space and time with an ever-changing and only partly predictable world. Success in this endeavor is largely determined by the ongoing communication between brain and body, and the vagus nerve is a crucial structure in that dialogue. In this review, we introduce the novel hypothesis that the afferent vagus nerve is engaged in signal processing rather than just signal relay. New genetic and structural evidence of vagal afferent fiber anatomy motivates two hypotheses: (1) that sensory signals informing on the physiological state of the body compute both spatial and temporal viscerosensory features as they ascend the vagus nerve, following patterns found in other sensory architectures, such as the visual and olfactory systems; and (2) that ascending and descending signals modulate one another, calling into question the strict segregation of sensory and motor signals, respectively. Finally, we discuss several implications of our two hypotheses for understanding the role of viscerosensory signal processing in predictive energy regulation (i.e., allostasis) as well as the role of metabolic signals in memory and in disorders of prediction (e.g., mood disorders).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Shaffer
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lisa Feldman Barrett
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Karen S Quigley
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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40
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Servin-Vences MR, Lam RM, Koolen A, Wang Y, Saade DN, Loud M, Kacmaz H, Frausto S, Zhang Y, Beyder A, Marshall KL, Bönnemann CG, Chesler AT, Patapoutian A. PIEZO2 in somatosensory neurons controls gastrointestinal transit. Cell 2023; 186:3386-3399.e15. [PMID: 37541196 PMCID: PMC10501318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is in a state of constant motion. These movements are tightly regulated by the presence of food and help digestion by mechanically breaking down and propelling gut content. Mechanical sensing in the gut is thought to be essential for regulating motility; however, the identity of the neuronal populations, the molecules involved, and the functional consequences of this sensation are unknown. Here, we show that humans lacking PIEZO2 exhibit impaired bowel sensation and motility. Piezo2 in mouse dorsal root, but not nodose ganglia is required to sense gut content, and this activity slows down food transit rates in the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Indeed, Piezo2 is directly required to detect colon distension in vivo. Our study unveils the mechanosensory mechanisms that regulate the transit of luminal contents throughout the gut, which is a critical process to ensure proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rocio Servin-Vences
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Ruby M Lam
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; NIH-Brown University Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Providence, RI, USA; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alize Koolen
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Dimah N Saade
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Meaghan Loud
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Halil Kacmaz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program (ENSP), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Suzanne Frausto
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Arthur Beyder
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Enteric Neuroscience Program (ENSP), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kara L Marshall
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander T Chesler
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Ardem Patapoutian
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, San Diego, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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41
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Lowenstein ED, Ruffault PL, Misios A, Osman KL, Li H, Greenberg RS, Thompson R, Song K, Dietrich S, Li X, Vladimirov N, Woehler A, Brunet JF, Zampieri N, Kühn R, Liberles SD, Jia S, Lewin GR, Rajewsky N, Lever TE, Birchmeier C. Prox2 and Runx3 vagal sensory neurons regulate esophageal motility. Neuron 2023; 111:2184-2200.e7. [PMID: 37192624 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Vagal sensory neurons monitor mechanical and chemical stimuli in the gastrointestinal tract. Major efforts are underway to assign physiological functions to the many distinct subtypes of vagal sensory neurons. Here, we use genetically guided anatomical tracing, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to identify and characterize vagal sensory neuron subtypes expressing Prox2 and Runx3 in mice. We show that three of these neuronal subtypes innervate the esophagus and stomach in regionalized patterns, where they form intraganglionic laminar endings. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that they are low-threshold mechanoreceptors but possess different adaptation properties. Lastly, genetic ablation of Prox2 and Runx3 neurons demonstrated their essential roles for esophageal peristalsis in freely behaving mice. Our work defines the identity and function of the vagal neurons that provide mechanosensory feedback from the esophagus to the brain and could lead to better understanding and treatment of esophageal motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah D Lowenstein
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, CharitéUniversitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre-Louis Ruffault
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aristotelis Misios
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, CharitéUniversitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kate L Osman
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Huimin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rachel S Greenberg
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rebecca Thompson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kun Song
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Dietrich
- Development and Function of Neural Circuits, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xun Li
- Immune Regulation and Cancer, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikita Vladimirov
- Systems Biology Imaging, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew Woehler
- Systems Biology Imaging, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-François Brunet
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Inserm, CNRS, École normale supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Niccolò Zampieri
- Development and Function of Neural Circuits, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Kühn
- Genome Engineering & Disease Models, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephen D Liberles
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shiqi Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gary R Lewin
- Molecular Physiology of Somatic Sensation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Rajewsky
- Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa E Lever
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, CharitéUniversitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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42
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van Weperen VYH, Vaseghi M. Cardiac vagal afferent neurotransmission in health and disease: review and knowledge gaps. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1192188. [PMID: 37351426 PMCID: PMC10282187 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1192188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The meticulous control of cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic tone regulates all facets of cardiac function. This precise calibration of cardiac efferent innervation is dependent on sensory information that is relayed from the heart to the central nervous system. The vagus nerve, which contains vagal cardiac afferent fibers, carries sensory information to the brainstem. Vagal afferent signaling has been predominantly shown to increase parasympathetic efferent response and vagal tone. However, cardiac vagal afferent signaling appears to change after cardiac injury, though much remains unknown. Even though subsequent cardiac autonomic imbalance is characterized by sympathoexcitation and parasympathetic dysfunction, it remains unclear if, and to what extent, vagal afferent dysfunction is involved in the development of vagal withdrawal. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of cardiac vagal afferent signaling under in health and in the setting of cardiovascular disease, especially after myocardial infarction, and to highlight the knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Y. H. van Weperen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marmar Vaseghi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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43
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Park H, Jo SH, Lee RH, Macks CP, Ku T, Park J, Lee CW, Hur JK, Sohn CH. Spatial Transcriptomics: Technical Aspects of Recent Developments and Their Applications in Neuroscience and Cancer Research. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206939. [PMID: 37026425 PMCID: PMC10238226 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Spatial transcriptomics is a newly emerging field that enables high-throughput investigation of the spatial localization of transcripts and related analyses in various applications for biological systems. By transitioning from conventional biological studies to "in situ" biology, spatial transcriptomics can provide transcriptome-scale spatial information. Currently, the ability to simultaneously characterize gene expression profiles of cells and relevant cellular environment is a paradigm shift for biological studies. In this review, recent progress in spatial transcriptomics and its applications in neuroscience and cancer studies are highlighted. Technical aspects of existing technologies and future directions of new developments (as of March 2023), computational analysis of spatial transcriptome data, application notes in neuroscience and cancer studies, and discussions regarding future directions of spatial multi-omics and their expanding roles in biomedical applications are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han‐Eol Park
- Center for NanomedicineInstitute for Basic ScienceYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program in Nanobiomedical EngineeringAdvanced Science InstituteYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
- School of Biological SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Song Hyun Jo
- Graduate School of Medical Science and EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon34141Republic of Korea
| | - Rosalind H. Lee
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)Gwangju61005Republic of Korea
| | - Christian P. Macks
- Center for NanomedicineInstitute for Basic ScienceYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program in Nanobiomedical EngineeringAdvanced Science InstituteYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyun Ku
- Graduate School of Medical Science and EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon34141Republic of Korea
| | - Jihwan Park
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)Gwangju61005Republic of Korea
| | - Chung Whan Lee
- Department of ChemistryGachon UniversitySeongnamGyeonggi‐do13120Republic of Korea
| | - Junho K. Hur
- Department of GeneticsCollege of MedicineHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ho Sohn
- Center for NanomedicineInstitute for Basic ScienceYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program in Nanobiomedical EngineeringAdvanced Science InstituteYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
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44
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Yadav S, Waldeck-Weiermair M, Spyropoulos F, Bronson R, Pandey AK, Das AA, Sisti AC, Covington TA, Thulabandu V, Caplan S, Chutkow W, Steinhorn B, Michel T. Sensory ataxia and cardiac hypertrophy caused by neurovascular oxidative stress in chemogenetic transgenic mouse lines. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3094. [PMID: 37248315 PMCID: PMC10227029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is associated with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we report studies of neurovascular oxidative stress in chemogenetic transgenic mouse lines expressing yeast D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) in neurons and vascular endothelium. When these transgenic mice are fed D-amino acids, DAAO generates hydrogen peroxide in target tissues. DAAO-TGCdh5 transgenic mice express DAAO under control of the putatively endothelial-specific Cdh5 promoter. When we provide these mice with D-alanine, they rapidly develop sensory ataxia caused by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons within dorsal root ganglia and nodose ganglia innervating the heart. DAAO-TGCdh5 mice also develop cardiac hypertrophy after chronic chemogenetic oxidative stress. This combination of ataxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiac hypertrophy is similar to findings in patients with Friedreich's ataxia. Our observations indicate that neurovascular oxidative stress is sufficient to cause sensory ataxia and cardiac hypertrophy. Studies of DAAO-TGCdh5 mice could provide mechanistic insights into Friedreich's ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambhu Yadav
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Markus Waldeck-Weiermair
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fotios Spyropoulos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roderick Bronson
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arvind K Pandey
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Apabrita Ayan Das
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexander C Sisti
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Taylor A Covington
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Venkata Thulabandu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shari Caplan
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - William Chutkow
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Benjamin Steinhorn
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Thomas Michel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Abstract
The cardiovascular system is hardwired to the brain via multilayered afferent and efferent polysynaptic axonal connections. Two major anatomically and functionally distinct though closely interacting subcircuits within the cardiovascular system have recently been defined: The artery-brain circuit and the heart-brain circuit. However, how the nervous system impacts cardiovascular disease progression remains poorly understood. Here, we review recent findings on the anatomy, structures, and inner workings of the lesser-known artery-brain circuit and the better-established heart-brain circuit. We explore the evidence that signals from arteries or the heart form a systemic and finely tuned cardiovascular brain circuit: afferent inputs originating in the arterial tree or the heart are conveyed to distinct sensory neurons in the brain. There, primary integration centers act as hubs that receive and integrate artery-brain circuit-derived and heart-brain circuit-derived signals and process them together with axonal connections and humoral cues from distant brain regions. To conclude the cardiovascular brain circuit, integration centers transmit the constantly modified signals to efferent neurons which transfer them back to the cardiovascular system. Importantly, primary integration centers are wired to and receive information from secondary brain centers that control a wide variety of brain traits encoded in engrams including immune memory, stress-regulating hormone release, pain, reward, emotions, and even motivated types of behavior. Finally, we explore the important possibility that brain effector neurons in the cardiovascular brain circuit network connect efferent signals to other peripheral organs including the immune system, the gut, the liver, and adipose tissue. The enormous recent progress vis-à-vis the cardiovascular brain circuit allows us to propose a novel neurobiology-centered cardiovascular disease hypothesis that we term the neuroimmune cardiovascular circuit hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarajo K Mohanta
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany (S.K.M., C.Y., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance (S.K.M., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
| | - Changjun Yin
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany (S.K.M., C.Y., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (C.Y.)
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany (S.K.M., C.Y., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance (S.K.M., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
| | - Cristina Godinho-Silva
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal (C.G.-S., H.V.-F.)
| | | | - Qian J Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (Q.J.X., R.B.C.)
| | - Rui B Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (Q.J.X., R.B.C.)
| | - Andreas J R Habenicht
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany (S.K.M., C.Y., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance (S.K.M., C.W., A.J.R.H.)
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46
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de Araujo AM, Braga I, Leme G, Singh A, McDougle M, Smith J, Vergara M, Yang M, Lin M, Khoshbouei H, Krause E, de Oliveira AG, de Lartigue G. Asymmetric control of food intake by left and right vagal sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539627. [PMID: 37214924 PMCID: PMC10197596 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the lateralization of gut-innervating vagal sensory neurons and their roles in feeding behavior. Using genetic, anatomical, and behavioral analyses, we discovered a subset of highly lateralized vagal sensory neurons with distinct sensory responses to intestinal stimuli. Our results demonstrated that left vagal sensory neurons (LNG) are crucial for distension-induced satiety, while right vagal sensory neurons (RNG) mediate preference for nutritive foods. Furthermore, these lateralized neurons engage different central circuits, with LNG neurons recruiting brain regions associated with energy balance and RNG neurons activating areas related to salience, memory, and reward. Altogether, our findings unveil the diverse roles of asymmetrical gut-vagal-brain circuits in feeding behavior, offering new insights for potential therapeutic interventions targeting vagal nerve stimulation in metabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Moreira de Araujo
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Isadora Braga
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Gabriel Leme
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Arashdeep Singh
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Molly McDougle
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Justin Smith
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Macarena Vergara
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Mingxing Yang
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - M Lin
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - H Khoshbouei
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Eric Krause
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Andre G de Oliveira
- Dept of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Dept of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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Gee MM, Hornung E, Gupta S, Newton AJH, Cheng ZJ, Lytton WW, Lenhoff AM, Schwaber JS, Vadigepalli R. Unpacking the multimodal, multi-scale data of the fast and slow lanes of the cardiac vagus through computational modelling. Exp Physiol 2023:10.1113/EP090865. [PMID: 37120805 PMCID: PMC10613580 DOI: 10.1113/ep090865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of this review? The vagus nerve is a crucial regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis, and its activity is linked to heart health. Vagal activity originates from two brainstem nuclei: the nucleus ambiguus (fast lane) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (slow lane), nicknamed for the time scales that they require to transmit signals. What advances does it highlight? Computational models are powerful tools for organizing multi-scale, multimodal data on the fast and slow lanes in a physiologically meaningful way. A strategy is laid out for how these models can guide experiments aimed at harnessing the cardiovascular health benefits of differential activation of the fast and slow lanes. ABSTRACT The vagus nerve is a key mediator of brain-heart signaling, and its activity is necessary for cardiovascular health. Vagal outflow stems from the nucleus ambiguus, responsible primarily for fast, beat-to-beat regulation of heart rate and rhythm, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, responsible primarily for slow regulation of ventricular contractility. Due to the high-dimensional and multimodal nature of the anatomical, molecular and physiological data on neural regulation of cardiac function, data-derived mechanistic insights have proven elusive. Elucidating insights has been complicated further by the broad distribution of the data across heart, brain and peripheral nervous system circuits. Here we lay out an integrative framework based on computational modelling for combining these disparate and multi-scale data on the two vagal control lanes of the cardiovascular system. Newly available molecular-scale data, particularly single-cell transcriptomic analyses, have augmented our understanding of the heterogeneous neuronal states underlying vagally mediated fast and slow regulation of cardiac physiology. Cellular-scale computational models built from these data sets represent building blocks that can be combined using anatomical and neural circuit connectivity, neuronal electrophysiology, and organ/organismal-scale physiology data to create multi-system, multi-scale models that enable in silico exploration of the fast versus slow lane vagal stimulation. The insights from the computational modelling and analyses will guide new experimental questions on the mechanisms regulating the fast and slow lanes of the cardiac vagus toward exploiting targeted vagal neuromodulatory activity to promote cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Gee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eden Hornung
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suranjana Gupta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Adam J H Newton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Zixi Jack Cheng
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - William W Lytton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Abraham M Lenhoff
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - James S Schwaber
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rajanikanth Vadigepalli
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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48
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Strain MM, Espinoza L, Fedorchak S, Littlejohn EL, Andrade MA, Toney GM, Boychuk CR. Early central cardiovagal dysfunction after high fat diet in a murine model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6550. [PMID: 37085567 PMCID: PMC10121716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32492-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
High fat diet (HFD) promotes cardiovascular disease and blunted cardiac vagal regulation. Temporal onset of loss of cardiac vagal control and its underlying mechanism are presently unclear. We tested our hypothesis that reduced central vagal regulation occurs early after HFD and contributes to poor cardiac regulation using cardiovascular testing paired with pharmacology in mice, molecular biology, and a novel bi-transgenic mouse line. Results show HFD, compared to normal fat diet (NFD), significantly blunted cardio/pulmonary chemoreflex bradycardic responses after 15 days, extending as far as tested (> 30 days). HFD produced resting tachycardia by day 3, reflected significant loss of parasympathetic tone. No differences in bradycardic responses to graded electrical stimulation of the distal cut end of the cervical vagus indicated diet-induced differences in vagal activity were centrally mediated. In nucleus ambiguus (NA), surface expression of δ-subunit containing type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA(δ)R) increased at day 15 of HFD. Novel mice lacking δ-subunit expression in vagal motor neurons (ChAT-δnull) failed to exhibit blunted reflex bradycardia or resting tachycardia after two weeks of HFD. Thus, reduced parasympathetic output contributes to early HFD-induced HR dysregulation, likely through increased GABAA(δ)Rs. Results underscore need for research on mechanisms of early onset increases in GABAA(δ)R expression and parasympathetic dysfunction after HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty M Strain
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA
| | - Liliana Espinoza
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA
| | - Stephanie Fedorchak
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA
| | - Erica L Littlejohn
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA
| | - Mary Ann Andrade
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA
| | - Glenn M Toney
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA
| | - Carie R Boychuk
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7746, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3901, USA.
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49
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Huerta TS, Haider B, Adamovich-Zeitlin R, Chen AC, Chaudhry S, Zanos TP, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ, Chang EH. Calcium imaging and analysis of the jugular-nodose ganglia enables identification of distinct vagal sensory neuron subsets. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:10.1088/1741-2552/acbe1e. [PMID: 36920156 PMCID: PMC10790314 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acbe1e] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Sensory nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) transmit afferent signals from the body to the brain. These peripheral nerves are composed of distinct subsets of fibers and associated cell bodies, which reside in peripheral ganglia distributed throughout the viscera and along the spinal cord. The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is a complex polymodal nerve that transmits a wide array of sensory information, including signals related to mechanical, chemical, and noxious stimuli. To understand how stimuli applied to the vagus nerve are encoded by vagal sensory neurons in the jugular-nodose ganglia, we developed a framework for micro-endoscopic calcium imaging and analysis.Approach.We developed novel methods forin vivoimaging of the intact jugular-nodose ganglion using a miniature microscope (Miniscope) in transgenic mice with the genetically-encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6f. We adapted the Python-based analysis package Calcium Imaging Analysis (CaImAn) to process the resulting one-photon fluorescence data into calcium transients for subsequent analysis. Random forest classification was then used to identify specific types of neuronal responders.Results.We demonstrate that recordings from the jugular-nodose ganglia can be accomplished through careful surgical dissection and ganglia stabilization. Using a customized acquisition and analysis pipeline, we show that subsets of vagal sensory neurons respond to different chemical stimuli applied to the vagus nerve. Successful classification of the responses with a random forest model indicates that certain calcium transient features, such as amplitude and duration, are important for encoding these stimuli by sensory neurons.Significance.This experimental approach presents a new framework for investigating how individual vagal sensory neurons encode various stimuli on the vagus nerve. Our surgical and analytical approach can be applied to other PNS ganglia in rodents and other small animal species to elucidate previously unexplored roles for peripheral neurons in a diverse set of physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás S Huerta
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
| | - Bilal Haider
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Richard Adamovich-Zeitlin
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
| | - Adrian C Chen
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
| | - Saher Chaudhry
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Theodoros P Zanos
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
- Institute of Health System Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Eric H Chang
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
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50
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Sun T, Tsaava T, Peragine J, Crosfield C, Lopez MF, Modi R, Sharma R, Li C, Sohal H, Chang EH, Rieth L. Flexible IrO x neural electrode for mouse vagus nerve stimulation. Acta Biomater 2023; 159:394-409. [PMID: 36669547 PMCID: PMC10823593 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.026] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is being actively explored as a treatment for multiple conditions as part of bioelectronic medicine research. Reliable and safe VNS in mouse models is a critical need for understanding mechanisms of these. We report on the development and evaluation of a microfabricated cuff electrode (MouseFlex) constructed of polyimide (PI) and with iridium oxide (IrOx) electrodes that is thermoformed to 86 µm ± 12 µm radius to interface the mouse cervical vagus nerve (r ≈ 50 µm). Innovative bench-top methods were used to evaluate the stimulation stability and electrochemical properties of electrodes. Our aggressive stimulation stability (Stim-Stab) test utilized 1 billion pulses at a 1000 Hz with a current density of 6.28 A/cm2 (1.51 mC/cm2/phase) delivering 3023 × 103 C/cm2 to evaluate electrode lifetimes, and all electrodes remained functional. We also investigated the effects of thermoforming on their impedance, charge storage capacity (CSC), and charge injection capacity (CIC). The modest changes in electrochemical properties indicate that the thermoforming process was well tolerated. Thermoformed electrode safety and efficacy were evaluated in-vivo by performing acute VNS in mice and monitoring their heart and respiration rate as biomarkers. Their electrochemical properties were also measured before, during and after VNS. Bradycardia and bradypnea were reliably induced at stimulation currents of 100 to 200 µA, well below the in-vivo CIC of ∼1250 µA (∼0.5 mC/cm2), supporting their safety and efficacy. The electrode impedance increased and CIC decreased during in-vivo use, but largely reversed these changes in in-vitro testing after enzymatic cleaning, supporting their tolerance for surgical use. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a rapidly growing aspect of healthcare and bioelectronic medicine research. Reliable and safe VNS in mice with small diameter (d ≈ 100 µm) nerves has been a challenge due to achieving intimate contact with the nerve, and the stimulation stability of commonly used electrodes. We demonstrate a microfabricated (MouseFlex) cuff electrode constructed of polyimide with IrOx electrodes that is thermoformed to contact the mouse cervical vagus. Bench studies highlight the stimulation stability exceeded 109 pulses at 6.28 A/cm2 and their electrochemical properties were measured before, during, and after bench and nerve stimulation. Nerve stimulation induced bradycardia and bradypnea at currents below the in-vivo charge injection capacity, supporting their safety, efficacy, and tolerance for surgical handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering & Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States
| | - Téa Tsaava
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | - Joanne Peragine
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | - Christine Crosfield
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | | | - Romil Modi
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States; Applied Biosensors, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, United States
| | - Chunyan Li
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | | | - Eric H Chang
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, United States
| | - Loren Rieth
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering & Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States.
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