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Castaneda AN, Huda A, Whitaker IBM, Reilly JE, Shelby GS, Bai H, Ni L. Functional labeling of individualized postsynaptic neurons using optogenetics and trans-Tango in Drosophila (FLIPSOT). PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011190. [PMID: 38483970 PMCID: PMC10965055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A population of neurons interconnected by synapses constitutes a neural circuit, which performs specific functions upon activation. It is essential to identify both anatomical and functional entities of neural circuits to comprehend the components and processes necessary for healthy brain function and the changes that characterize brain disorders. To date, few methods are available to study these two aspects of a neural circuit simultaneously. In this study, we developed FLIPSOT, or functional labeling of individualized postsynaptic neurons using optogenetics and trans-Tango. FLIPSOT uses (1) trans-Tango to access postsynaptic neurons genetically, (2) optogenetic approaches to activate (FLIPSOTa) or inhibit (FLIPSOTi) postsynaptic neurons in a random and sparse manner, and (3) fluorescence markers tagged with optogenetic genes to visualize these neurons. Therefore, FLIPSOT allows using a presynaptic driver to identify the behavioral function of individual postsynaptic neurons. It is readily applied to identify functions of individual postsynaptic neurons and has the potential to be adapted for use in mammalian circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N. Castaneda
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ainul Huda
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Iona B. M. Whitaker
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Julianne E. Reilly
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Grace S. Shelby
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Hua Bai
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lina Ni
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
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Ohhara Y, Yamanaka N. Internal sensory neurons regulate stage-specific growth in Drosophila. Development 2022; 149:dev200440. [PMID: 36227580 PMCID: PMC10496149 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Animals control their developmental schedule in accordance with internal states and external environments. In Drosophila larvae, it is well established that nutrient status is sensed by different internal organs, which in turn regulate production of insulin-like peptides and thereby control growth. In contrast, the impact of the chemosensory system on larval development remains largely unclear. Here, we performed a genetic screen to identify gustatory receptor (Gr) neurons regulating growth and development, and found that Gr28a-expressing neurons are required for proper progression of larval growth. Gr28a is expressed in a subset of peripheral internal sensory neurons, which directly extend their axons to insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in the central nervous system. Silencing of Gr28a-expressing neurons blocked insulin-like peptide release from IPCs and suppressed larval growth during the mid-larval period. These results indicate that Gr28a-expressing neurons promote larval development by directly regulating growth-promoting endocrine signaling in a stage-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Ohhara
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamanaka
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Kolesov DV, Sokolinskaya EL, Lukyanov KA, Bogdanov AM. Molecular Tools for Targeted Control of Nerve Cell Electrical Activity. Part II. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:17-32. [PMID: 35127143 PMCID: PMC8807539 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern life sciences, the issue of a specific, exogenously directed manipulation of a cell's biochemistry is a highly topical one. In the case of electrically excitable cells, the aim of the manipulation is to control the cells' electrical activity, with the result being either excitation with subsequent generation of an action potential or inhibition and suppression of the excitatory currents. The techniques of electrical activity stimulation are of particular significance in tackling the most challenging basic problem: figuring out how the nervous system of higher multicellular organisms functions. At this juncture, when neuroscience is gradually abandoning the reductionist approach in favor of the direct investigation of complex neuronal systems, minimally invasive methods for brain tissue stimulation are becoming the basic element in the toolbox of those involved in the field. In this review, we describe three approaches that are based on the delivery of exogenous, genetically encoded molecules sensitive to external stimuli into the nervous tissue. These approaches include optogenetics (overviewed in Part I), as well as chemogenetics and thermogenetics (described here, in Part II), which is significantly different not only in the nature of the stimuli and structure of the appropriate effector proteins, but also in the details of experimental applications. The latter circumstance is an indication that these are rather complementary than competing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. V. Kolesov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - E. L. Sokolinskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - K. A. Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - A. M. Bogdanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
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Xiao R, Xu XZS. Temperature Sensation: From Molecular Thermosensors to Neural Circuits and Coding Principles. Annu Rev Physiol 2020; 83:205-230. [PMID: 33085927 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-031220-095215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is a universal cue and regulates many essential processes ranging from enzymatic reactions to species migration. Due to the profound impact of temperature on physiology and behavior, animals and humans have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to detect temperature changes. Studies from animal models, such as mouse, Drosophila, and C. elegans, have revealed many exciting principles of thermosensation. For example, conserved molecular thermosensors, including thermosensitive channels and receptors, act as the initial detectors of temperature changes across taxa. Additionally, thermosensory neurons and circuits in different species appear to adopt similar logic to transduce and process temperature information. Here, we present the current understanding of thermosensation at the molecular and cellular levels. We also discuss the fundamental coding strategies of thermosensation at the circuit level. A thorough understanding of thermosensation not only provides key insights into sensory biology but also builds a foundation for developing better treatments for various sensory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiao
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging and Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA;
| | - X Z Shawn Xu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA;
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Mishra A, Cronley P, Ganesan M, Schulz DJ, Zars T. Dopaminergic neurons can influence heat-box place learning in Drosophila. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:115-122. [PMID: 31997669 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1715974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine provides crucial neuromodulatory functions in several insect and rodent learning and memory paradigms. However, an early study suggested that dopamine may be dispensable for aversive place memory in Drosophila. Here we tested the involvement of particular dopaminergic neurons in place learning and memory. We used the thermogenetic tool Gr28bD to activate protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) cluster and non-PAM dopaminergic neurons in an operant way in heat-box place learning. We show that activation of PAM neurons influences performance during place learning, but not during memory testing. These findings provide a gateway to explore how dopamine influences place learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Mishra
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Patrick Cronley
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Mathangi Ganesan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - David J Schulz
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Troy Zars
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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Wolf R, Heisenberg M, Brembs B, Waddell S, Mishra A, Kehrer A, Simenson A. Memory, anticipation, action – working with Troy D. Zars. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:9-20. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1715976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Wolf
- Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Björn Brembs
- Institut für Zoologie-Neurogenetik, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Scott Waddell
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aditi Mishra
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Abigail Kehrer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Angelynn Simenson
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Abstract
Preference for spatial locations to maximize favorable outcomes and minimize aversive experiences helps animals survive and adapt to the changing environment. Both visual and non-visual cues play a critical role in spatial navigation and memory of a place supports and guides these strategies. Here we present the neural, genetic and behavioral processes involved in place memory formation using Drosophila melanogaster with a focus on non-visual cue based spatial memories. The work presented here highlights the work done by Dr. Troy Zars and his colleagues with an emphasis on role of biogenic amines in learning, cell biological mechanisms of neural systems and behavioral plasticity of place conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Sitaraman
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, California State University-East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Holly LaFerriere
- Department of Biology, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN, USA
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Giraldo D, Adden A, Kuhlemann I, Gras H, Geurten BRH. Correcting locomotion dependent observation biases in thermal preference of Drosophila. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3974. [PMID: 30850647 PMCID: PMC6408449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40459-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensing environmental temperatures is essential for the survival of ectothermic organisms. In Drosophila, two of the most used methodologies to study temperature preferences (TP) and the genes involved in thermosensation are two-choice assays and temperature gradients. Whereas two-choice assays reveal a relative TP, temperature gradients can identify the absolute Tp. One drawback of gradients is that small ectothermic animals are susceptible to cold-trapping: a physiological inability to move at the cold area of the gradient. Often cold-trapping cannot be avoided, biasing the resulting TP to lower temperatures. Two mathematical models were previously developed to correct for cold-trapping. These models, however, focus on group behaviour which can lead to overestimation of cold-trapping due to group aggregation. Here we present a mathematical model that simulates the behaviour of individual Drosophila in temperature gradients. The model takes the spatial dimension and temperature difference of the gradient into account, as well as the rearing temperature of the flies. Furthermore, it allows the quantification of cold-trapping and reveals unbiased TP. Additionally, our model reveals that flies have a range of tolerable temperatures, and this measure is more informative about the behaviour than commonly used TP. Online simulation is hosted at http://igloo.uni-goettingen.de. The code can be accessed at https://github.com/zerotonin/igloo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Giraldo
- Department for Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Adden
- Department for Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Vision Group, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ilyas Kuhlemann
- Department for Biophysical Chemistry, Institute for Physical Chemistry, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heribert Gras
- Department for Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bart R H Geurten
- Department for Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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