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Takatani H, Fujita N, Imai F, Yoshida Y. Forelimb motor recovery by modulating extrinsic and intrinsic signaling as well as neuronal activity after the cervical spinal cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.22.600167. [PMID: 38979293 PMCID: PMC11230274 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.22.600167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Singular strategies for promoting axon regeneration and motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) have been attempted with limited success. Here, we propose the combinatorial approach of deleting extrinsic and intrinsic factors paired with neural stimulation, will enhance adaptive axonal growth and motor recovery after SCI. We previously showed the deletion of RhoA and Pten in corticospinal neurons inhibits axon dieback and promotes axon sprouting after lumbar SCI. Here, we examined the effects of RhoA;Pten deletion coupled with neural stimulation after cervical SCI. This combinatorial approach promoted more boutons on injured corticospinal neurons in the spinal cord compared to sole RhoA;Pten deletion. Although RhoA;Pten deletion does not promote motor recovery in the forelimb after SCI, stimulating corticospinal neurons in those mice results in partial motor recovery. These results demonstrate that a combinatorial approach that pairs genetic modifications with neuronal stimulation can promote axon sprouting and motor recovery following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohide Takatani
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Fujita
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiyasu Imai
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
- Neural Circuit Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- Lead contact
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Nentwig TB, Obray JD, Kruyer A, Wilkes ET, Vaughan DT, Scofield MD, Chandler LJ. Central Amygdala Astrocyte Plasticity Underlies GABAergic Dysregulation in Ethanol Dependence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598470. [PMID: 38915577 PMCID: PMC11195260 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598470] [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
Dependence is a hallmark of alcohol use disorder characterized by excessive alcohol intake and withdrawal symptoms. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key brain structure underlying the synaptic and behavioral consequences of ethanol dependence. While accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and behavior, there is a limited understanding of the role astrocytes play in ethanol dependence. The present study used a combination of viral labeling, super resolution confocal microscopy, 3D image analysis, and slice electrophysiology to determine the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on astrocyte plasticity in the CeA. During withdrawal from CIE exposure, we observed increased GABA transmission, an upregulation in astrocytic GAT3 levels, and an increased proximity of astrocyte processes near CeA synapses. Furthermore, GAT3 levels and synaptic proximity were positively associated with voluntary ethanol drinking in dependent rats. Slice electrophysiology confirmed that the upregulation in astrocytic GAT3 levels was functional, as CIE exposure unmasked a GAT3-sensitive tonic GABA current in the CeA. A causal role for astrocytic GAT3 in ethanol dependence was assessed using viral-mediated GAT3 overexpression and knockdown approaches. However, GAT3 knockdown or overexpression had no effect on somatic withdrawal symptoms, dependence-escalated ethanol intake, aversion-resistant drinking, or post-dependent ethanol drinking in male or female rats. Moreover, intra-CeA pharmacological inhibition of GAT3 also did not alter dependent ethanol drinking. Together, these findings indicate that ethanol dependence induces GABAergic dysregulation and astrocyte plasticity in the CeA. However, astrocytic GAT3 does not appear necessary for the drinking related phenotypes associated with dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd B. Nentwig
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - J. Daniel Obray
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Erik T Wilkes
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - Dylan T. Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - L. Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
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Han X, Cramer SR, Chan DCY, Zhang N. Exploring memory-related network via dorsal hippocampus suppression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597201. [PMID: 38895299 PMCID: PMC11185736 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Memory is a complex brain process that requires coordinated activities in a large-scale brain network. However, the relationship between coordinated brain network activities and memory-related behavior is not well understood. In this study, we investigated this issue by suppressing the activity in the dorsal hippocampus (dHP) using chemogenetics and measuring the corresponding changes in brain-wide resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and memory behavior in awake rats. We identified an extended brain network contributing to the performance in a spatial-memory related task. Our results were cross-validated using two different chemogenetic actuators, clozapine (CLZ) and clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). This study provides a brain network interpretation of memory performance, indicating that memory is associated with coordinated brain-wide neural activities. Significance Statement Successful memory processes require coordinated activity in a large-scale brain network, extending beyond a few key, well-known brain regions like the hippocampus. However, the specific brain regions involved and how they orchestrate their activity that is pertinent to memory processing remain unclear. Our study, using a chemogenetics-rsfMRI- behavior approach in awake rats, elucidates a comprehensive framework of the extended memory-associated network. This knowledge offers a broader interpretation of memory processes, enhancing our understanding of the neural mechanisms behind memory function, particularly from a network perspective.
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Clark PJ, Brodnik ZD, España RA. Chemogenetic Signaling in Space and Time: Considerations for Designing Neuroscience Experiments Using DREADDs. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:328-346. [PMID: 36408535 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221134587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The use of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) has led to significant advances in our understanding of the neural circuits that govern behavior. By allowing selective control over cellular activity and signaling, DREADDs have become an integral tool for defining the pathways and cellular phenotypes that regulate sleep, pain, motor activity, goal-directed behaviors, and a variety of other processes. In this review, we provide a brief overview of DREADDs and discuss notable discoveries in the neurosciences with an emphasis on circuit mechanisms. We then highlight methodological approaches to achieve pathway specific activation of DREADDs. Finally, we discuss spatial and temporal constraints of DREADDs signaling and how these features can be incorporated into experimental designs to precisely dissect circuits of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Clark
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary D Brodnik
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rodrigo A España
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Kovács P, Kitka T, Bali ZK, Nagy LV, Bodó A, Kovács-Öller T, Péterfi Z, Hernádi I. Chemogenetic inhibition of the lateral hypothalamus effectively reduces food intake in rats in a translational proof-of-concept study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11402. [PMID: 38762561 PMCID: PMC11102470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62014-1] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic potential of chemogenetics, the method lacks comprehensive preclinical validation, hindering its progression to human clinical trials. We aimed to validate a robust but simple in vivo efficacy assay in rats which could support chemogenetic drug discovery by providing a quick, simple and reliable animal model. Key methodological parameters such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype, actuator drug, dose, and application routes were investigated by measuring the food-intake-reducing effect of chemogenetic inhibition of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) by hM4D(Gi) designer receptor stimulation. Subcutaneous deschloroclozapine in rats transfected with AAV9 resulted in a substantial reduction of food-intake, comparable to the efficacy of exenatide. We estimated that the effect of deschloroclozapine lasts 1-3 h post-administration. AAV5, oral administration of deschloroclozapine, and clozapine-N-oxide were also effective but with slightly less potency. The strongest effect on food-intake occurred within the first 30 min after re-feeding, suggesting this as the optimal experimental endpoint. This study demonstrates that general chemogenetic silencing of the LH can be utilized as an optimal, fast and reliable in vivo experimental model for conducting preclinical proof-of-concept studies in order to validate the in vivo effectiveness of novel chemogenetic treatments. We also hypothesize based on our results that universal LH silencing with existing and human translatable genetic neuroengineering techniques might be a viable strategy to affect food intake and influence obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Kovács
- VRG Therapeutics, Füvészkert utca 3., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kitka
- VRG Therapeutics, Füvészkert utca 3., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kristóf Bali
- Grastyán Endre Translational Research Centre, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 20 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
| | - Lili Veronika Nagy
- Grastyán Endre Translational Research Centre, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 20 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Angelika Bodó
- Grastyán Endre Translational Research Centre, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 20 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Histology and Light Microscopy Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 20 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Zalán Péterfi
- VRG Therapeutics, Füvészkert utca 3., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - István Hernádi
- Grastyán Endre Translational Research Centre, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 20 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 6 Ifjúság str., Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti út, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
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Huang Z, Wei X, Tian J, Fu Y, Dong J, Wang Y, Shi J, Lu L, Zhang W. A disinhibitory microcircuit of the orbitofrontal cortex mediates cocaine preference in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02579-5. [PMID: 38698268 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02579-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Both clinical and animal studies showed that the impaired functions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) underlie the compulsive drug-seeking behavior of drug addiction. However, the functional changes of the microcircuit in the OFC and the underlying molecular mechanisms in drug addiction remain elusive, and little is known for whether microcircuits in the OFC contributed to drug addiction-related behaviors. Utilizing the cocaine-induced conditioned-place preference model, we found that the malfunction of the microcircuit led to disinhibition in the OFC after cocaine withdrawal. We further showed that enhanced Somatostatin-Parvalbumin (SST-PV) inhibitory synapse strength changed microcircuit function, and SST and PV inhibitory neurons showed opposite contributions to the drug addiction-related behavior of mice. Brevican of the perineuronal nets of PV neurons regulated SST-PV synapse strength, and the knockdown of Brevican alleviated cocaine preference. These results reveal a novel molecular mechanism of the regulation of microcircuit function and a novel circuit mechanism of the OFC in gating cocaine preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziran Huang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wei
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Tian
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yangxue Fu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jihui Dong
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yihui Wang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital); Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Kovács P, Beloate LN, Zhang N. Perturbing cortical networks: in vivo electrophysiological consequences of pan-neuronal chemogenetic manipulations using deschloroclozapine. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1396978. [PMID: 38726028 PMCID: PMC11079238 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1396978] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chemogenetic techniques, specifically the use of Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), have become invaluable tools in neuroscience research. Yet, the understanding of how Gq- and Gicoupled DREADDs alter local field potential (LFP) oscillations in vivo remains incomplete. Methods This study investigates the in vivo electrophysiological effects of DREADD actuation by deschloroclozapine, on spontaneous firing rate and LFP oscillations recorded from the anterior cingulate cortex in lightly anesthetized male rats. Results Unexpectedly, in response to the administration of deschloroclozapine, we observed inhibitory effects with pan-neuronal hM3D(Gq) stimulation, and excitatory effects with pan-neuronal hM4D(Gi) stimulation in a significant portion of neurons. These results emphasize the need to account for indirect perturbation effects at the local neuronal network level in vivo, particularly when not all neurons express the chemogenetic receptors uniformly. In the current study, for instance, the majority of cells that were transduced with both hM3D(Gq) and hM4D(Gi) were GABAergic. Moreover, we found that panneuronal cortical chemogenetic modulation can profoundly alter oscillatory neuronal activity, presenting a potential research tool or therapeutic strategy in several neuropsychiatric models and diseases. Discussion These findings help to optimize the use of chemogenetic techniques in neuroscience research and open new possibilities for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Kovács
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Lauren N. Beloate
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Nanyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Center for Neural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotechnology in Mental Health Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Puhl AC, Raman R, Havener TM, Minerali E, Hickey AJ, Ekins S. Identification of New Modulators and Inhibitors of Palmitoyl-Protein Thioesterase 1 for CLN1 Batten Disease and Cancer. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:11870-11882. [PMID: 38496939 PMCID: PMC10938339 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) is an understudied enzyme that is gaining attention due to its role in the depalmitoylation of several proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. PPT1 is overexpressed in several cancers, specifically cholangiocarcinoma and esophageal cancers. Inhibitors of PPT1 lead to cell death and have been shown to enhance the killing of tumor cells alongside known chemotherapeutics. PPT1 is hence a viable target for anticancer drug development. Furthermore, mutations in PPT1 cause a lysosomal storage disorder called infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN1 disease). Molecules that can inhibit, stabilize, or modulate the activity of this target are needed to address these diseases. We used PPT1 enzymatic assays to identify molecules that were subsequently tested by using differential scanning fluorimetry and microscale thermophoresis. Selected compounds were also tested in neuroblastoma cell lines. The resulting PPT1 screening data was used for building machine learning models to help select additional compounds for testing. We discovered two of the most potent PPT1 inhibitors reported to date, orlistat (IC50 178.8 nM) and palmostatin B (IC50 11.8 nM). When tested in HepG2 cells, it was found that these molecules had decreased activity, indicating that they were likely not penetrating the cells. The combination of in vitro enzymatic and biophysical assays enabled the identification of several molecules that can bind or inhibit PPT1 and may aid in the discovery of modulators or chaperones. The molecules identified could be used as a starting point for further optimization as treatments for other potential therapeutic applications outside CLN1 disease, such as cancer and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Puhl
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Renuka Raman
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Tammy M. Havener
- UNC
Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Eni Minerali
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Anthony J. Hickey
- UNC
Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- RTI
International, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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Robinson HL, Nicholson KL, Shelton KL, Hamilton PJ, Banks ML. Comparison of three DREADD agonists acting on Gq-DREADDs in the ventral tegmental area to alter locomotor activity in tyrosine hydroxylase:Cre male and female rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 455:114674. [PMID: 37722510 PMCID: PMC10918529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114674] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Despite the increasingly pervasive use of chemogenetic tools in preclinical neuroscience research, the in vivo pharmacology of DREADD agonists remains poorly understood. The pharmacological effects of any ligand acting at receptors, engineered or endogenous, are influenced by numerous factors including potency, time course, and receptor selectivity. Thus, rigorous comparison of the potency and time course of available DREADD ligands may provide an empirical foundation for ligand selection. OBJECTIVES Compare the behavioral pharmacology of three different DREADD ligands clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), compound 21 (C21), and deschloroclozapine (DCZ) in a locomotor activity assay in tyrosine hydroxylase:cre recombinase (TH:Cre) male and female rats. METHODS Locomotor activity in nine adult TH:Cre Sprague-Dawley rats (5 female, 4 male) was monitored for two hours following administration of d-amphetamine (vehicle, 0.1-3.2 mg/kg, IP), DCZ (vehicle, 0.32-320 µg/kg, IP), CNO (vehicle, 0.32-10 mg/kg), and C21 (vehicle, 0.1-3.2 mg/kg, IP). Behavioral sessions were conducted twice per week prior to and starting three weeks after bilateral intra-VTA hM3Dq DREADD virus injection. RESULTS d-Amphetamine significantly increased locomotor activity pre- and post-DREADD virus injection. DCZ, CNO, and C21 did not alter locomotor activity pre-DREADD virus injection. There was no significant effect of DCZ, CNO, and C21 on locomotor activity post-DREADD virus injection; however, large individual differences in both behavioral response and receptor expression were observed. CONCLUSIONS Large individual variability was observed in both DREADD agonist behavioral effects and receptor expression. These results suggest further basic research would facilitate the utility of these chemogenetic tools for behavioral neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Katherine L Nicholson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Keith L Shelton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Peter J Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Lawson KA, Ruiz CM, Mahler SV. A head-to-head comparison of two DREADD agonists for suppressing operant behavior in rats via VTA dopamine neuron inhibition. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2101-2110. [PMID: 37530882 PMCID: PMC10794001 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06429-0] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are a tool for "remote control" of defined neuronal populations during behavior. These receptors are inert unless bound by an experimenter-administered designer drug, commonly clozapine-n-oxide (CNO). However, questions have emerged about the suitability of CNO as a systemically administered DREADD agonist. OBJECTIVES Second-generation agonists such as JHU37160 (J60) have been developed, which may have more favorable properties than CNO. Here we sought to directly compare effects of CNO (0, 1, 5, & 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and J60 (0, 0.03, 0.3, & 3 mg/kg, i.p.) on operant food pursuit. METHODS Male and female TH:Cre + rats and their wildtype (WT) littermates received cre-dependent hM4Di-mCherry vector injections into ventral tegmental area (VTA), causing inhibitory DREADD expression in VTA dopamine neurons of TH:Cre + rats. All rats were trained to stably lever press for palatable food on a fixed ratio 10 schedule, and doses of both agonists were tested on separate days in counterbalanced order. RESULTS All three CNO doses reduced operant rewards earned in rats with DREADDs, and no CNO dose had behavioral effects in WT controls. The highest J60 dose tested significantly reduced responding in DREADD rats, but this dose also increased responding in WTs, indicating non-specific effects. The magnitude of CNO and J60 effects in TH:Cre + rats were correlated and were present in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate the usefulness of directly comparing DREADD agonists when optimizing behavioral chemogenetics, and highlight the importance of proper controls, regardless of the DREADD agonist employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Lawson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Pereira MJ, Ayana R, Holt MG, Arckens L. Chemogenetic manipulation of astrocyte activity at the synapse- a gateway to manage brain disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193130. [PMID: 37534103 PMCID: PMC10393042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193130] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the major glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS). Initially regarded as supportive cells, it is now recognized that this highly heterogeneous cell population is an indispensable modulator of brain development and function. Astrocytes secrete neuroactive molecules that regulate synapse formation and maturation. They also express hundreds of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that, once activated by neurotransmitters, trigger intracellular signalling pathways that can trigger the release of gliotransmitters which, in turn, modulate synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. Considering this, it is not surprising that astrocytic dysfunction, leading to synaptic impairment, is consistently described as a factor in brain diseases, whether they emerge early or late in life due to genetic or environmental factors. Here, we provide an overview of the literature showing that activation of genetically engineered GPCRs, known as Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), to specifically modulate astrocyte activity partially mimics endogenous signalling pathways in astrocytes and improves neuronal function and behavior in normal animals and disease models. Therefore, we propose that expressing these genetically engineered GPCRs in astrocytes could be a promising strategy to explore (new) signalling pathways which can be used to manage brain disorders. The precise molecular, functional and behavioral effects of this type of manipulation, however, differ depending on the DREADD receptor used, targeted brain region and timing of the intervention, between healthy and disease conditions. This is likely a reflection of regional and disease/disease progression-associated astrocyte heterogeneity. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the effects of such astrocyte manipulation(s) must be conducted considering the specific cellular and molecular environment characteristic of each disease and disease stage before this has therapeutic applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Pereira
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rajagopal Ayana
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Laboratory of Synapse Biology, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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Suthard RL, Jellinger AL, Surets M, Shpokayte M, Pyo AY, Buzharsky MD, Senne RA, Dorst K, Leblanc H, Ramirez S. Chronic Gq activation of ventral hippocampal neurons and astrocytes differentially affects memory and behavior. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 125:9-31. [PMID: 36801699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.01.007] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Network dysfunction is implicated in numerous diseases and psychiatric disorders, and the hippocampus serves as a common origin for these abnormalities. To test the hypothesis that chronic modulation of neurons and astrocytes induces impairments in cognition, we activated the hM3D(Gq) pathway in CaMKII+ neurons or GFAP+ astrocytes within the ventral hippocampus across 3, 6, and 9 months. CaMKII-hM3Dq activation impaired fear extinction at 3 months and acquisition at 9 months. Both CaMKII-hM3Dq manipulation and aging had differential effects on anxiety and social interaction. GFAP-hM3Dq activation impacted fear memory at 6 and 9 months. GFAP-hM3Dq activation impacted anxiety in the open field only at the earliest time point. CaMKII-hM3Dq activation modified the number of microglia, while GFAP-hM3Dq activation impacted microglial morphological characteristics, but neither affected these measures in astrocytes. Overall, our study elucidates how distinct cell types can modify behavior through network dysfunction, while adding a more direct role for glia in modulating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Suthard
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra L Jellinger
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Surets
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monika Shpokayte
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela Y Pyo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ryan A Senne
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Dorst
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heloise Leblanc
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Lawson KA, Ruiz CM, Mahler SV. A head-to-head comparison of two DREADD agonists for suppressing operant behavior in rats via VTA dopamine neuron inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.27.534429. [PMID: 37034819 PMCID: PMC10081263 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.27.534429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are a tool for "remote control" of defined neuronal populations during behavior. These receptors are inert unless bound by an experimenter-administered designer drug, most commonly clozapine-n-oxide (CNO). However, questions have emerged about the suitability of CNO as a systemically administered DREADD agonist. Objectives Second-generation agonists such as JHU37160 (J60) have been developed, which may have more favorable properties than CNO. Here we sought to directly compare effects of CNO (0, 1, 5, & 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and J60 (0, 0.03, 0.3, & 3 mg/kg, i.p.) on operant food pursuit. Methods Male and female TH:Cre+ rats and their wildtype (WT) littermates received cre-dependent hM4Di-mCherry vector injections into ventral tegmental area (VTA), causing inhibitory DREADD expression in VTA dopamine neurons in TH:Cre+ rats. Rats were trained to stably lever press for palatable food on a fixed ratio 10 schedule, and doses of both agonists were tested on separate days in a counterbalanced order. Results All three CNO doses reduced operant food seeking in rats with DREADDs, and no CNO dose had behavioral effects in WT controls. The highest tested J60 dose significantly reduced responding in DREADD rats, but this dose also increased responding in WTs, indicating non-specific effects. The magnitude of CNO and J60 effects in TH:Cre+ rats were correlated and were present in both sexes. Conclusions Findings demonstrate the usefulness of directly comparing DREADD agonists when optimizing behavioral chemogenetics, and highlight the importance of proper controls, regardless of the DREADD agonist employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Lawson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
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Cerpa JC, Piccin A, Dehove M, Lavigne M, Kremer EJ, Wolff M, Parkes SL, Coutureau E. Inhibition of noradrenergic signalling in rodent orbitofrontal cortex impairs the updating of goal-directed actions. eLife 2023; 12:81623. [PMID: 36804007 PMCID: PMC9988255 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In a constantly changing environment, organisms must track the current relationship between actions and their specific consequences and use this information to guide decision-making. Such goal-directed behaviour relies on circuits involving cortical and subcortical structures. Notably, a functional heterogeneity exists within the medial prefrontal, insular, and orbitofrontal cortices (OFC) in rodents. The role of the latter in goal-directed behaviour has been debated, but recent data indicate that the ventral and lateral subregions of the OFC are needed to integrate changes in the relationships between actions and their outcomes. Neuromodulatory agents are also crucial components of prefrontal functions and behavioural flexibility might depend upon the noradrenergic modulation of the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, we assessed whether noradrenergic innervation of the OFC plays a role in updating action-outcome relationships in male rats. We used an identity-based reversal task and found that depletion or chemogenetic silencing of noradrenergic inputs within the OFC rendered rats unable to associate new outcomes with previously acquired actions. Silencing of noradrenergic inputs in the prelimbic cortex or depletion of dopaminergic inputs in the OFC did not reproduce this deficit. Together, our results suggest that noradrenergic projections to the OFC are required to update goal-directed actions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marina Lavigne
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, University of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Eric J Kremer
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, University of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
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Ferrari LL, Ogbeide-Latario OE, Gompf HS, Anaclet C. Validation of DREADD agonists and administration route in a murine model of sleep enhancement. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 380:109679. [PMID: 35914577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemogenetics is a powerful tool to study the role of specific neuronal populations in physiology and diseases. Of particular interest, in mice, acute and specific activation of parafacial zone (PZ) GABAergic neurons expressing the Designer Receptors Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) hM3Dq (PZGABA-hM3Dq) enhances slow-wave-sleep (SWS), and this effect lasts for up to 6 h, allowing prolonged and detailed study of SWS. However, the most widely used DREADDs ligand, clozapine N-oxide (CNO), is metabolized into clozapine which has the potential of inducing non-specific effects. In addition, CNO is usually injected intraperitoneally (IP) in mice, limiting the number and frequency of repeated administration. NEW METHODS The present study is designed to validate the use of alternative DREADDs ligands-deschloroclozapine (DCZ) and compound 21 (C21)-and a new administration route, the voluntary oral administration. RESULTS We show that IP injections of DCZ and C21 dose-dependently enhance SWS in PZGABA-hM3Dq mice, similar to CNO. We also show that oral administration of CNO, DCZ and C21 induces the same sleep phenotype as compared with IP injection. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS AND CONCLUSION Therefore, DCZ and C21 are powerful alternatives to the use of CNO. Moreover, the voluntary oral administration is suitable for repeated dosing of DREADDs ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris L Ferrari
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Oghomwen E Ogbeide-Latario
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA; Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Heinrich S Gompf
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, USA
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, USA.
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