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Kuo CC, McCall JG. Neural circuit-selective, multiplexed pharmacological targeting of prefrontal cortex-projecting locus coeruleus neurons drives antinociception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.08.598059. [PMID: 38895281 PMCID: PMC11185789 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.08.598059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Selective manipulation of neural circuits using optogenetics and chemogenetics holds great translational potential but requires genetic access to neurons. Here, we demonstrate a general framework for identifying genetic tool-independent, pharmacological strategies for neural circuit-selective modulation. We developed an economically accessible calcium imaging-based approach for large-scale pharmacological scans of endogenous receptor-mediated neural activity. As a testbed for this approach, we used the mouse locus coeruleus due to the combination of its widespread, modular efferent neural circuitry and its wide variety of endogenously expressed GPCRs. Using machine learning-based action potential deconvolution and retrograde tracing, we identified an agonist cocktail that selectively inhibits medial prefrontal cortex-projecting locus coeruleus neurons. In vivo, this cocktail produces synergistic antinociception, consistent with selective pharmacological blunting of this neural circuit. This framework has broad utility for selective targeting of other neural circuits under different physiological and pathological states, facilitating non-genetic translational applications arising from cell type-selective discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jordan G. McCall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Villalobos N. Disinhibition Is an Essential Network Motif Coordinated by GABA Levels and GABA B Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1340. [PMID: 38279339 PMCID: PMC10816949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021340] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Network dynamics are crucial for action and sensation. Changes in synaptic physiology lead to the reorganization of local microcircuits. Consequently, the functional state of the network impacts the output signal depending on the firing patterns of its units. Networks exhibit steady states in which neurons show various activities, producing many networks with diverse properties. Transitions between network states determine the output signal generated and its functional results. The temporal dynamics of excitation/inhibition allow a shift between states in an operational network. Therefore, a process capable of modulating the dynamics of excitation/inhibition may be functionally important. This process is known as disinhibition. In this review, we describe the effect of GABA levels and GABAB receptors on tonic inhibition, which causes changes (due to disinhibition) in network dynamics, leading to synchronous functional oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Villalobos
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
- Sección de Estudios Posgrado e Investigación de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
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Tapia GP, Agostinelli LJ, Chenausky SD, Padilla JVS, Navarro VI, Alagh A, Si G, Thompson RH, Balivada S, Khan AM. Glycemic Challenge Is Associated with the Rapid Cellular Activation of the Locus Ceruleus and Nucleus of Solitary Tract: Circumscribed Spatial Analysis of Phosphorylated MAP Kinase Immunoreactivity. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2483. [PMID: 37048567 PMCID: PMC10095283 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072483] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent studies indicate that impaired glucose utilization or hypoglycemia is associated with the cellular activation of neurons in the medulla (Winslow, 1733) (MY), believed to control feeding behavior and glucose counterregulation. However, such activation has been tracked primarily within hours of the challenge, rather than sooner, and has been poorly mapped within standardized brain atlases. Here, we report that, within 15 min of receiving 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG; 250 mg/kg, i.v.), which can trigger glucoprivic feeding behavior, marked elevations were observed in the numbers of rhombic brain (His, 1893) (RB) neuronal cell profiles immunoreactive for the cellular activation marker(s), phosphorylated p44/42 MAP kinases (phospho-ERK1/2), and that some of these profiles were also catecholaminergic. We mapped their distributions within an open-access rat brain atlas and found that 2-DG-treated rats (compared to their saline-treated controls) displayed greater numbers of phospho-ERK1/2+ neurons in the locus ceruleus (Wenzel and Wenzel, 1812) (LC) and the nucleus of solitary tract (>1840) (NTS). Thus, the 2-DG-activation of certain RB neurons is more rapid than perhaps previously realized, engaging neurons that serve multiple functional systems and which are of varying cellular phenotypes. Mapping these populations within standardized brain atlas maps streamlines their targeting and/or comparable mapping in preclinical rodent models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geronimo P. Tapia
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Ph.D. Program in Bioscience, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Lindsay J. Agostinelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sarah D. Chenausky
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- M.S. Program in Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Jessica V. Salcido Padilla
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- M.S. Program in Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Vanessa I. Navarro
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Ph.D. Program in Bioscience, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Amy Alagh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Gabriel Si
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Richard H. Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Sivasai Balivada
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Arshad M. Khan
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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Hansen N, Rediske AI. The Locus Coeruleus Noradrenaline System in Delirium. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:784356. [PMID: 34955815 PMCID: PMC8692941 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.784356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Delirium is a brain state involving severe brain dysfunction affecting cognitive and attentional capacities. Our opinion statement review aims to elucidate the relationship between abnormal arousal and locus coeruleus (LC) activity in cognitive dysfunction and inattention in delirium states. We propose (1) that enhanced noradrenaline release caused by altered arousal in hyperactive delirium states leads to increased noradrenergic transmission within the LC and subcortical and cortical brain regions including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, thus affecting how attention and cognition function. In hypoactive delirium states, however, we are presuming (2) that less arousal will cause the release of noradrenaline to diminish in the LC, followed by reduced noradrenergic transmission in cortical and subcortical brain areas concentrated within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, leading to deficient attention and cognitive processing. Studies addressing the measurement of noradrenaline and its derivatives in biomaterial probes regarding delirium are also covered in this article. In conclusion, the LC-NA system plays a crucial role in generating delirium. Yet there have been no large-scale studies investigating biomarkers of noradrenaline to help us draw conclusions for improving delirium's diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and to better understand its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Sahu R, Upadhayay S, Mehan S. Inhibition of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 signaling pathway in the prevention of ALS: Target inhibitors and influences on neurological dysfunctions. Eur J Cell Biol 2021; 100:151179. [PMID: 34560374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2021.151179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell signal transduction pathways are essential modulators of several physiological and pathological processes in the brain. During overactivation, these signaling processes may lead to disease progression. Abnormal protein kinase activation is associated with several biological dysfunctions that facilitate neurodegeneration under different biological conditions. As a result, these signaling pathways are essential in understanding brain disorders' development or progression. Recent research findings indicate the crucial role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2) signaling during the neuronal development process. ERK-1/2 is a key component of its mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) group, controlling certain neurological activities by regulating metabolic pathways, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. ERK-1/2 also influences neuronal elastic properties, nerve growth, and neurological and cognitive processing during brain injuries. The primary goal of this review is to elucidate the activation of ERK1/2 signaling, which is involved in the development of several ALS-related neuropathological dysfunctions. ALS is a rare neurological disorder category that mainly affects the nerve cells responsible for regulating voluntary muscle activity. ALS is progressive, which means that the symptoms are getting worse over time, and there is no cure for ALS and no effective treatment to avoid or reverse. Genetic abnormalities, oligodendrocyte degradation, glial overactivation, and immune deregulation are associated with ALS progression. Furthermore, the current review also identifies ERK-1/2 signaling inhibitors that can promote neuroprotection and neurotrophic effects against the clinical-pathological presentation of ALS. As a result, in the future, the potential ERK-1/2 signaling inhibitors could be used in the treatment of ALS and related neurocomplications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sahu
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Shubham Upadhayay
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India.
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