Altered thalamocortical rhythmicity and connectivity in mice lacking CaV3.1 T-type Ca2+ channels in unconsciousness

Analgesic Buxus alkaloids with Enhanced Selectivity for the Low-Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1 through a New Binding Mode

Low-voltage-gated calcium channels (LVGCCs; Cav 3.1-3.3) represent promising drug targets for epilepsy, pain, and essential tremor. At present, modulators with heightened selectivity for a subtype of LVGCCs are still highly desired. In this study we explored three classes of Buxus alkaloids and identified 9(10/19)abeo-artanes Buxusemine H and Buxusemine L (BXSL) as an unprecedented type of Cav 3.2 inhibitors. Particularly, BXSL exhibited Cav 3.2 inhibition comparable to Z944, a non-subtype-selective LVGCCs inhibitor under clinical trial. While lacking specificity for Cav 3.3, BXSL showed a 30-fold selectivity of Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1. As compared to several well-known inhibitors, the experimental and computational studies suggested BXSL exhibits a distinct binding mode to Cav 3.2, notably through the essential interaction with serine-1543 in domain III. Furthermore, BXSL showed minimal impact on various recombinant and native nociceptive ion channels, while significantly reducing the excitability of isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. Animal studies in wild-type and Cav 3.2 knock-out mice revealed that BXSL (5 mg/kg), by inhibiting Cav 3.2, exhibits an analgesic effect equivalent to Z944 (10 mg/kg) or mibefradil (10 mg/kg). Moreover, we proposed a structural rationale for the high selectivity of 9(10/19)abeo-artane-type alkaloids towards Cav 3.2 over Cav 3.1. This study introduces a novel analgesic agent and valuable molecular insight for structure-based innovative Cav 3.2 drug development.

The role of voltage-gated calcium channels in the mechanisms of anesthesia and perioperative analgesia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A family of neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) have received only recently a significant consideration regarding the mechanisms of anesthesia because VGCC inhibition may be important in anesthetic action by decreasing neuronal excitability and presynaptic excitatory transmission. The T-type VGCCs channels (T-channels), although rarely involved in synaptic neurotransmitter release, play an important role in controlling neuronal excitability and in generating spontaneous oscillatory bursting of groups of neurons in the thalamus thought to be involved in regulating the state of arousal and sleep. Furthermore, these channels are important regulators of neuronal excitability in pain pathway. This review will provide an overview of historic perspective and the recent literature on the role of VGCCs and T-channel inhibition in particular in the mechanisms of action of anesthetics and analgesics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research in the field of novel mechanisms of hypnotic action of anesthetics revealed significant contribution of the Ca V 3.1 isoform of T-channels expressed in the thalamus. Furthermore, perioperative analgesia can be achieved by targeting Ca V 3.2 isoform of these channels that is abundantly expressed in pain pathways.

SUMMARY

The review summarizes current knowledge regarding the contribution of T-channels in hypnosis and analgesia. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate their potential for developing novel anesthetics and new perioperative pain therapies.

Circuits and components of delta wave regulation

Sleep is vital and the deepest stages of sleep occur within Non-rapid-eye-movement sleep (NREM), defined by high electroencephalographic power in the delta (~0.5-4Hz) wave frequency range. Delta waves are thought to facilitate a myriad of physical and mental health functions. This review aims to comprehensively cover the historical and recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms orchestrating NREM delta waves. We discuss a complete neurocircuit - focusing on one leg of the circuit at a time - and delve deeply into the molecular mechanistic components that contribute to NREM delta wave regulation. We also discuss the relatively localized nature in which these mechanisms have been defined, and how likely they might generalize across distinct sensory and higher order modalities in the brain.

Effects of Axonal Demyelination, Inflammatory Cytokines and Divalent Cation Chelators on Thalamic HCN Channels and Oscillatory Bursting

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by the progressive loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin and is associated with thalamic dysfunction. Cuprizone (CPZ)-induced general demyelination in rodents is a valuable model for studying different aspects of MS pathology. CPZ feeding is associated with the altered distribution and expression of different ion channels along neuronal somata and axons. However, it is largely unknown whether the copper chelator CPZ directly influences ion channels. Therefore, we assessed the effects of different divalent cations (copper; zinc) and trace metal chelators (EDTA; Tricine; the water-soluble derivative of CPZ, BiMPi) on hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels that are major mediators of thalamic function and pathology. In addition, alterations of HCN channels induced by CPZ treatment and MS-related proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β; IL-6; INF-α; INF-β) were characterized in C57Bl/6J mice. Thus, the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I_h) was recorded in thalamocortical (TC) neurons and heterologous expression systems (mHCN2 expressing HEK cells; hHCN4 expressing oocytes). A number of electrophysiological characteristics of I_h (potential of half-maximal activation (V_0.5); current density; activation kinetics) were unchanged following the extracellular application of trace metals and divalent cation chelators to native neurons, cell cultures or oocytes. Mice were fed a diet containing 0.2% CPZ for 35 days, resulting in general demyelination in the brain. Withdrawal of CPZ from the diet resulted in rapid remyelination, the effects of which were assessed at three time points after stopping CPZ feeding (Day1, Day7, Day25). In TC neurons, I_h was decreased on Day1 and Day25 and revealed a transient increased availability on Day7. In addition, we challenged naive TC neurons with INF-α and IL-1β. It was found that I_h parameters were differentially altered by the application of the two cytokines to thalamic cells, while IL-1β increased the availability of HCN channels (depolarized V_0.5; increased current density) and the excitability of TC neurons (depolarized resting membrane potential (RMP); increased the number of action potentials (APs); produced a larger voltage sag; promoted higher input resistance; increased the number of burst spikes; hyperpolarized the AP threshold), INF-α mediated contrary effects. The effect of cytokine modulation on thalamic bursting was further assessed in horizontal slices and a computational model of slow thalamic oscillations. Here, IL-1β and INF-α increased and reduced oscillatory bursting, respectively. We conclude that HCN channels are not directly modulated by trace metals and divalent cation chelators but are subject to modulation by different MS-related cytokines.

Neocortical localization and thalamocortical modulation of neuronal hyperexcitability contribute to Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a monogenetic form of intellectual disability and autism in which well-established knockout (KO) animal models point to neuronal hyperexcitability and abnormal gamma-frequency physiology as a basis for key disorder features. Translating these findings into patients may identify tractable treatment targets. Using source modeling of resting-state electroencephalography data, we report findings in FXS, including 1) increases in localized gamma activity, 2) pervasive changes of theta/alpha activity, indicative of disrupted thalamocortical modulation coupled with elevated gamma power, 3) stepwise moderation of low and high-frequency abnormalities based on female sex, and 4) relationship of this physiology to intellectual disability and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Our observations extend findings in Fmr1-/- KO mice to patients with FXS and raise a key role for disrupted thalamocortical modulation in local hyperexcitability. This systems-level mechanism has received limited preclinical attention but has implications for understanding fundamental disease mechanisms.

Thalamic T-Type Calcium Channels as Targets for Hypnotics and General Anesthetics

General anesthetics mainly act by modulating synaptic inhibition on the one hand (the potentiation of GABA transmission) or synaptic excitation on the other (the inhibition of NMDA receptors), but they can also have effects on numerous other proteins, receptors, and channels. The effects of general anesthetics on ion channels have been the subject of research since the publication of reports of direct actions of these drugs on ion channel proteins. In particular, there is considerable interest in T-type voltage-gated calcium channels that are abundantly expressed in the thalamus, where they control patterns of cellular excitability and thalamocortical oscillations during awake and sleep states. Here, we summarized and discussed our recent studies focused on the Ca_V3.1 isoform of T-channels in the nonspecific thalamus (intralaminar and midline nuclei), which acts as a key hub through which natural sleep and general anesthesia are initiated. We used mouse genetics and in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology to study the role of thalamic T-channels in hypnosis induced by a standard general anesthetic, isoflurane, as well as novel neuroactive steroids. From the results of this study, we conclude that Ca_V3.1 channels contribute to thalamocortical oscillations during anesthetic-induced hypnosis, particularly the slow-frequency range of δ oscillations (0.5–4 Hz), by generating “window current” that contributes to the resting membrane potential. We posit that the role of the thalamic Ca_V3.1 isoform of T-channels in the effects of various classes of general anesthetics warrants consideration.

Robust switches in thalamic network activity require a timescale separation between sodium and T-type calcium channel activations

Switches in brain states, synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation are fundamental processes in our brain that take place concomitantly across several spatial and timescales. All these processes target neuron intrinsic properties and connectivity to achieve specific physiological goals, raising the question of how they can operate without interfering with each other. Here, we highlight the central importance of a timescale separation in the activation of sodium and T-type calcium channels to sustain robust switches in brain states in thalamic neurons that are compatible with synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation. We quantify the role of this timescale separation by comparing the robustness of rhythms of six published conductance-based models at the cellular, circuit and network levels. We show that robust rhythm generation requires a T-type calcium channel activation whose kinetics are situated between sodium channel activation and T-type calcium channel inactivation in all models despite their quantitative differences.

Our brain is constantly processing information either from the environment to quickly react to incoming events or learning from experience to shape our memory. These brain states translate a collective activity of neurons interconnected via synaptic connections. Here, we focus on the thalamic network showing a transition from an active to an oscillatory mode at the population level, reverberating a switch from tonic to bursting mode at the cellular level. We are questioning how these activity fluctuations can be robustly modeled despite synaptic plasticity affecting the network configuration and the presence of neuromodulators affecting neuron intrinsic properties. To do so, we investigate six conductance-based models and their ability to reproduce activity switches at the cellular, circuit and population levels. We highlight that the robustness requires the timescale separation between the fast activation of sodium channels compared to the slow activation of T-type calcium channels. Our results show that this kinetics difference is not a computational detail but rather makes a model suitable and robust to study the interaction between switches in brain states, synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation.

The T-type calcium channel isoform Cav3.1 is a target for the hypnotic effect of the anaesthetic neurosteroid (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying the role of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) in thalamocortical excitability and oscillations in vivo during neurosteroid-induced hypnosis are largely unknown.

METHODS

We used patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from acute brain slices ex vivo, recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) from the central medial thalamic nucleus in vivo, and wild-type (WT) and Cav3.1 knock-out mice to investigate the molecular mechanisms of hypnosis induced by the neurosteroid analogue (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile (3β-OH).

RESULTS

Patch-clamp recordings showed that 3β-OH inhibited isolated T-currents but had no effect on phasic or tonic γ-aminobutyric acid A currents. Also in acute brain slices, 3β-OH inhibited the spike firing mode more profoundly in WT than in Cav3.1 knockout mice. Furthermore, 3β-OH significantly hyperpolarised neurones, reduced the amplitudes of low threshold spikes, and diminished rebound burst firing only in WT mice. We found that 80 mg kg-1 i.p. injections of 3β-OH induced hypnosis in >60% of WT mice but failed to induce hypnosis in the majority of mutant mice. A subhypnotic dose of 3β-OH (20 mg kg-1 i.p.) accelerated induction of hypnosis by isoflurane only in WT mice, but had similar effects on the maintenance of isoflurane-induced hypnosis in both WT and Cav3.1 knockout mice. In vivo recordings of LFPs showed that a hypnotic dose of 3β-OH increased δ, θ, α, and β oscillations in WT mice in comparison with Cav3.1 knock-out mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cav3.1 T-channel isoform is critical for diminished thalamocortical excitability and oscillations that underlie neurosteroid-induced hypnosis.

Alterations in Oscillatory Behavior of Central Medial Thalamic Neurons Demonstrate a Key Role of CaV3.1 Isoform of T-Channels During Isoflurane-Induced Anesthesia

Although the central medial nucleus (CeM) of the thalamus is an essential part of the arousal system for sleep and anesthesia initiation, the precise mechanisms that regulate its activity are not well studied. We examined the role of CaV3.1 isoform of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) in the excitability and rhythmic activity of CeM neurons during isoflurane (ISO)-induced anesthesia by using mouse genetics and selective pharmacology. Patch-clamp recordings taken from acute brain slices revealed that CaV3.1 channels in CeM are inhibited by prototypical volatile anesthetic ISO (250 and 500 μM) and selective T-channels blocker 3,5-dichloro-N-[1-(2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)-4-fluoro-piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-benzamide (TTA-P2). Both TTA-P2 and ISO attenuated tonic and burst firing modes, and hyperpolarized CeM neurons from wild type (WT) mice. These effects were greatly diminished or abolished in CaV3.1 null mice. Our ensuing in vivo local field potential (LFP) recordings from CeM indicated that the ability of TTA-P2 and anesthetic concentrations of ISO to promote δ oscillation was substantially weakened in CaV3.1 null mice. Furthermore, escalating ISO concentrations induced stronger burst-suppression LFP pattern in mutant than in WT mice. Our results demonstrate for the first time the importance of CaV3.1 channels in thalamocortical oscillations from the non-specific thalamic nuclei that underlie clinically important effects of ISO.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3: The missing link to aberrant circuit function in disorders of cognitive dysfunction?

Elevated GSK-3 activity has been implicated in cognitive dysfunction associated with various disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, type 2 diabetes, traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Further, aberrant neural oscillatory activity in, and between, cortical regions and the hippocampus is consistently present within these same cognitive disorders. In this review, we will put forth the idea that increased GSK-3 activity serves as a pathological convergence point across cognitive disorders, inducing similar consequent impacts on downstream signaling mechanisms implicated in the maintenance of processes critical to brain systems communication and normal cognitive functioning. In this regard we suggest that increased activation of GSK-3 and neuronal oscillatory dysfunction are early pathological changes that may be functionally linked. Mechanistic commonalities between these disorders of cognitive dysfunction will be discussed and potential downstream targets of GSK-3 that may contribute to neuronal oscillatory dysfunction identified.

Genetic Associations between Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatric disorders are mental, behavioral or emotional disorders. These conditions are prevalent, one in four adults suffer from any type of psychiatric disorders world-wide. It has always been observed that psychiatric disorders have a genetic component, however, new methods to sequence full genomes of large cohorts have identified with high precision genetic risk loci for these conditions. Psychiatric disorders include, but are not limited to, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Several risk loci for psychiatric disorders fall within genes that encode for voltage-gated calcium channels (CaVs). Calcium entering through CaVs is crucial for multiple neuronal processes. In this review, we will summarize recent findings that link CaVs and their auxiliary subunits to psychiatric disorders. First, we will provide a general overview of CaVs structure, classification, function, expression and pharmacology. Next, we will summarize tools to study risk loci associated with psychiatric disorders. We will examine functional studies of risk variations in CaV genes when available. Finally, we will review pharmacological evidence of the use of CaV modulators to treat psychiatric disorders. Our review will be of interest for those studying pathophysiological aspects of CaVs.

The Neurobiological Basis of Sleep and Sleep Disorders

The functions of sleep remain a mystery. Yet they must be important since sleep is highly conserved, and its chronic disruption is associated with various metabolic, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review will cover our evolving understanding of the mechanisms by which sleep is controlled and the complex relationship between sleep and disease states.

Out of thin air: Hyperventilation-triggered seizures

Voluntary hyperventilation triggers seizures in the vast majority of people with absence epilepsy. The mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon remain unknown. Herein, we review observations - many made long ago - that provide insight into the relationship between breathing and absence seizures.

Looking toward predicting functional recovery in disorders of consciousness: can sensorimotor integration help us?

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Only a few objective prognostic markers are available for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). We assessed whether the magnitude of short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) might be a useful predictor of responsiveness recovery and functional outcome in patients with DoC.

RESEARCH DESIGN

We enrolled 40 patients with prolonged Minimally Conscious State (MCS) and Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) in a longitudinal, observational study.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Clinical features (including Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, CRS-R, and Glasgow Outcome Scale, GOS) and SAI were collected at the study entry and after 18 months from study inclusion, to assess a correlation between SAI and the clinical outcome.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

At the follow-up, 19 patients remained in their baseline condition, whereas 7 UWS evolved into MCS or emerged-from-MCS (EMCS), eight MCS evolved into EMCS, and two MCS- evolved into MCS+. Two UWS and one MCS+ died for cardiopulmonary complications. The patients who showed the highest GOS, the highest CRS-R and the lowest SAI strength at study entry, improved at the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that an objective and simple neurophysiologic measure as SAI strength could provide useful information to predict the outcome and the behavioral responsiveness of patients with DoC.

Nucleocytoplasmic export of HDAC5 and SIRT2 downregulation: two epigenetic mechanisms by which antidepressants enhance synaptic plasticity markers

RATIONALE

Antidepressant action has been linked to increased synaptic plasticity in which epigenetic mechanisms such as histone posttranslational acetylation could be involved. Interestingly, the histone deacetylases HDAC5 and SIRT2 are oppositely regulated by stress and antidepressants in mice prefrontal cortex (PFC). Besides, the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y line is an in vitro neuronal model reliable to study drug effects with clear advantages over animals.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to characterize in vitro the role of HDAC5 and SIRT2 in antidepressant regulation of neuroplasticity.

METHODS

SH-SY5Y cultures were incubated with imipramine, fluoxetine, and reboxetine (10 μM, 2 and 24 h) as well as the selective HDAC5 (MC3822, 5 μM, 24 h) or SIRT2 (33i, 5 μM, 24 h) inhibitors. The regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), the acetylated histones 3 (AcH3) and 4 (AcH4), HDAC5, and SIRT2 was studied. Comparatively, the long-term effects of these antidepressants (21 days, i.p.) in the mice (C57BL6, 8 weeks) PFC were studied.

RESULTS

Antidepressants increased both in vitro and in vivo expression of BDNF, VGLUT1, AcH3, and AcH4. Moreover, imipramine and reboxetine increased the phosphorylated form of HDAC5 (P-HDAC5), mediating its cytoplasmic export. Further, SIRT2 was downregulated by all antidepressants. Finally, specific inhibition of HDAC5 and SIRT2 increased neuroplasticity markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the validity of the SH-SY5Y model for studying epigenetic changes linked to synaptic plasticity induced by antidepressants as well as the effect of selective HDAC inhibitors. Particularly, nucleocytoplasmic export of HDAC5 and SIRT2 downregulation mediated by antidepressants could enhance synaptic plasticity markers leading to antidepressant action.

Sleep-wake control and the thalamus

Sleep is an essential component of animal behavior, controlled by both circadian and homeostatic processes. Typical brain oscillations for sleep and wake states are distinctive and reflect recurrent activity amongst neural circuits spanning localized to global brain regions. Since the original discovery of hypothalamic centers controlling both sleep and wakefulness, current views now implicate networks of neuronal and non-neuronal cells distributed brain-wide. Yet the mechanisms of sleep-wake control remain unclear. In light of recent studies, here we review experimental evidence from lesional, correlational, pharmacological and genetics studies, which support a role for the thalamus in several aspects of sleep-wake states. How these thalamo-cortical network mechanisms contribute to other executive functions such as memory consolidation and cognition, remains an open question with direct implications for neuro-psychiatric diseases and stands as a future challenge for basic science and healthcare research.

VGF function in depression and antidepressant efficacy

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a critical effector of depression-like behaviors and antidepressant responses. Here, we show that VGF (non-acronymic), which is robustly regulated by BDNF/TrkB signaling, is downregulated in hippocampus (male/female) and upregulated in nucleus accumbens (NAc) (male) in depressed human subjects and in mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-Cre-mediated Vgf ablation in floxed VGF mice, in dorsal hippocampus (dHc) or NAc, led to pro-depressant or antidepressant behaviors, respectively, while dHc- or NAc-AAV-VGF overexpression induced opposite outcomes. Mice with reduced VGF levels in the germ line (Vgf+/-) or in dHc (AAV-Cre-injected floxed mice) showed increased susceptibility to CSDS and impaired responses to ketamine treatment in the forced swim test. Floxed mice with conditional pan-neuronal (Synapsin-Cre) but not those with forebrain (αCaMKII-Cre) Vgf ablation displayed increased susceptibility to subthreshold social defeat stress, suggesting that neuronal VGF, expressed in part in inhibitory interneurons, regulates depression-like behavior. Acute antibody-mediated sequestration of VGF-derived C-terminal peptides AQEE-30 and TLQP-62 in dHc induced pro-depressant effects. Conversely, dHc TLQP-62 infusion had rapid antidepressant efficacy, which was reduced in BDNF floxed mice injected in dHc with AAV-Cre, and in NBQX- and rapamycin-pretreated wild-type mice, these compounds blocking α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, respectively. VGF is therefore a critical modulator of depression-like behaviors in dHc and NAc. In hippocampus, the antidepressant response to ketamine is associated with rapid VGF translation, is impaired by reduced VGF expression, and as previously reported, requires coincident, rapid BDNF translation and release.

Nodding behavior couples to vigilance fluctuation in a high-calorie diet model of drowsiness

Drowsiness is an awake state with increased sleep drive, yet the neural correlates and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we established a mouse model of drowsiness, where mice are fasted for 1 day and then allowed to overeat high-fat food (to promote sleep) while positioned in an open-field box (to promote vigilance). They fall into a long-lasting drowsy state, as reflected by repeated and open-eyed nodding of the head while in a standing position. Simultaneous recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) and neck electromyogram (EMG) readouts revealed that this drowsy state including nodding state had multiple stages in terms of the relationship between the level of vigilance and head movement: delta oscillations decreased in power prior to the head-nodding period and increased during the non-nodding period. Cav3.1-knockout mice, which have reduced delta oscillations, showed frequent head nodding with reduced duration of nodding episodes compared to wild-type mice. This suggests that the balance of drive is tilted in favor of wakefulness, likely due to their previously proposed decrease in sleep-promoting functions. Our findings indicate that delta oscillations play a dominant role in controlling vigilance dynamics during sleep/wake competition and that our novel mouse model may be useful for studying drowsiness and related neurological disorders.

Switchable slow cellular conductances determine robustness and tunability of network states

Neuronal information processing is regulated by fast and localized fluctuations of brain states. Brain states reliably switch between distinct spatiotemporal signatures at a network scale even though they are composed of heterogeneous and variable rhythms at a cellular scale. We investigated the mechanisms of this network control in a conductance-based population model that reliably switches between active and oscillatory mean-fields. Robust control of the mean-field properties relies critically on a switchable negative intrinsic conductance at the cellular level. This conductance endows circuits with a shared cellular positive feedback that can switch population rhythms on and off at a cellular resolution. The switch is largely independent from other intrinsic neuronal properties, network size and synaptic connectivity. It is therefore compatible with the temporal variability and spatial heterogeneity induced by slower regulatory functions such as neuromodulation, synaptic plasticity and homeostasis. Strikingly, the required cellular mechanism is available in all cell types that possess T-type calcium channels but unavailable in computational models that neglect the slow kinetics of their activation.

Brain information processing involves electrophysiological signals at multiple temporal and spatial timescales, from the single neuron level to whole brain areas. A fast and local control of these signals by neurochemicals called neuromodulators is essential in complex tasks such as movement initiation and attentional focus. The neuromodulators act at the cellular scale to control signals that propagate at potentially much larger scales. The present paper highlights the critical role of a cellular switch of excitability for the fast and localized control of cellular and network states. By turning ON and OFF the cellular switch, neuromodulators can robustly switch large populations between distinct network states. We stress the importance of controlling the switch at a cellular level and independently of the connectivity to allow for tunable spatiotemporal signatures of the network states.

The antidepressant action of 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid is mediated by phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 5

3-(2-Carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, produces rapid antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these behavioral actions remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CPP rapidly stimulates histone deacetylase (HDAC) 5 phosphorylation and nuclear export in rat hippocampal neurons. These effects are accompanied by calcium/calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) and protein kinase D (PKD) phosphorylation. Behavioral experiments revealed that viral-mediated hippocampal knockdown of HDAC5 blocked the antidepressant effects of CPP in stressed animals. Taken together, our results imply that CPP acts via HDAC5 and suggest that HDAC5 is a common regulator contributing to the antidepressant actions of NMDA receptor antagonists such as CPP.

Contribution of S4 segments and S4-S5 linkers to the low-voltage activation properties of T-type CaV3.3 channels

Voltage-gated calcium channels contain four highly conserved transmembrane helices known as S4 segments that exhibit a positively charged residue every third position, and play the role of voltage sensing. Nonetheless, the activation range between high-voltage (HVA) and low-voltage (LVA) activated calcium channels is around 30–40 mV apart, despite the high level of amino acid similarity within their S4 segments. To investigate the contribution of S4 voltage sensors for the low-voltage activation characteristics of Ca_V3.3 channels we constructed chimeras by swapping S4 segments between this LVA channel and the HVA Ca_V1.2 channel. The substitution of S4 segment of Domain II in Ca_V3.3 by that of Ca_V1.2 (chimera IIS4C) induced a ~35 mV shift in the voltage-dependence of activation towards positive potentials, showing an I-V curve that almost overlaps with that of Ca_V1.2 channel. This HVA behavior induced by IIS4C chimera was accompanied by a 2-fold decrease in the voltage-dependence of channel gating. The IVS4 segment had also a strong effect in the voltage sensing of activation, while substitution of segments IS4 and IIIS4 moved the activation curve of Ca_V3.3 to more negative potentials. Swapping of IIS4 voltage sensor influenced additional properties of this channel such as steady-state inactivation, current decay, and deactivation. Notably, Domain I voltage sensor played a major role in preventing Ca_V3.3 channels to inactivate from closed states at extreme hyperpolarized potentials. Finally, site-directed mutagenesis in the Ca_V3.3 channel revealed a partial contribution of the S4-S5 linker of Domain II to LVA behavior, with synergic effects observed in double and triple mutations. These findings indicate that IIS4 and, to a lesser degree IVS4, voltage sensors are crucial in determining the LVA properties of Ca_V3.3 channels, although the accomplishment of this function involves the participation of other structural elements like S4-S5 linkers.

Targeting glutamate signalling in depression: progress and prospects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is severely disabling, and current treatments have limited efficacy. The glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine was recently repurposed as a rapidly acting antidepressant, catalysing the vigorous investigation of glutamate-signalling modulators as novel therapeutic agents for depressive disorders. In this Review, we discuss the progress made in the development of such modulators for the treatment of depression, and examine recent preclinical and translational studies that have investigated the mechanisms of action of glutamate-targeting antidepressants. Fundamental questions remain regarding the future prospects of this line of drug development, including questions concerning safety and tolerability, efficacy, dose-response relationships and therapeutic mechanisms.

An unaware agenda: interictal consciousness impairments in epileptic patients

Consciousness impairments have been described as a cornerstone of epilepsy. Generalized seizures are usually characterized by a complete loss of consciousness, whereas focal seizures have more variable degrees of responsiveness. In addition to these impairments that occur during ictal episodes, alterations of consciousness have also been repeatedly observed between seizures (i.e. during interictal periods). In this opinion article, we review evidence supporting the novel hypothesis that epilepsy produces consciousness impairments which remain present interictally. Then, we discuss therapies aimed to reduce seizure frequency, which may modulate consciousness between epileptic seizures. We conclude with a consideration of relevant pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, the thalamocortical network seems to be involved in both seizure generation and interictal consciousness impairments, which could inaugurate a promising translational agenda for epilepsy studies.

Understanding of anesthesia - Why consciousness is essential for life and not based on genes

Anesthesia and consciousness represent 2 mysteries not only for biology but also for physics and philosophy. Although anesthesia was introduced to medicine more than 160 y ago, our understanding of how it works still remains a mystery. The most prevalent view is that the human brain and its neurons are necessary to impose the effects of anesthetics. However, the fact is that all life can be anesthesized. Numerous theories have been generated trying to explain the major impact of anesthetics on our human-specific consciousness; switching it off so rapidly, but no single theory resolves this enduring mystery. The speed of anesthetic actions precludes any direct involvement of genes. Lipid bilayers, cellular membranes, and critical proteins emerge as the most probable primary targets of anesthetics. Recent findings suggest, rather surprisingly, that physical forces underlie both the anesthetic actions on living organisms as well as on consciousness in general.