1
|
Limone F, Mordes DA, Couto A, Joseph BJ, Mitchell JM, Therrien M, Ghosh SD, Meyer D, Zhang Y, Goldman M, Bortolin L, Cobos I, Stevens B, McCarroll SA, Kadiu I, Burberry A, Pietiläinen O, Eggan K. Single-nucleus sequencing reveals enriched expression of genetic risk factors in extratelencephalic neurons sensitive to degeneration in ALS. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:984-997. [PMID: 38907103 PMCID: PMC11257952 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of motor function linked to degenerating extratelencephalic neurons/Betz cells (ETNs). The reasons why these neurons are selectively affected remain unclear. Here, to understand the unique molecular properties that may sensitize ETNs to ALS, we performed RNA sequencing of 79,169 single nuclei from cortices of patients and controls. In both patients and unaffected individuals, we found significantly higher expression of ALS risk genes in THY1+ ETNs, regardless of diagnosis. In patients, this was accompanied by the induction of genes involved in protein homeostasis and stress responses that were significantly induced in a wide collection of ETNs. Examination of oligodendroglial and microglial nuclei revealed patient-specific downregulation of myelinating genes in oligodendrocytes and upregulation of an endolysosomal reactive state in microglia. Our findings suggest that selective vulnerability of extratelencephalic neurons is partly connected to their intrinsic molecular properties sensitizing them to genetics and mechanisms of degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Limone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Daniel A Mordes
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Couto
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Joseph
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jana M Mitchell
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martine Therrien
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sulagna Dia Ghosh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Meyer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Bortolin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Inma Cobos
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beth Stevens
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven A McCarroll
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irena Kadiu
- Neuroinflammation Focus Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Aaron Burberry
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Olli Pietiläinen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pineda SS, Lee H, Ulloa-Navas MJ, Linville RM, Garcia FJ, Galani K, Engelberg-Cook E, Castanedes MC, Fitzwalter BE, Pregent LJ, Gardashli ME, DeTure M, Vera-Garcia DV, Hucke ATS, Oskarsson BE, Murray ME, Dickson DW, Heiman M, Belzil VV, Kellis M. Single-cell dissection of the human motor and prefrontal cortices in ALS and FTLD. Cell 2024; 187:1971-1989.e16. [PMID: 38521060 PMCID: PMC11086986 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.031] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) share many clinical, pathological, and genetic features, but a detailed understanding of their associated transcriptional alterations across vulnerable cortical cell types is lacking. Here, we report a high-resolution, comparative single-cell molecular atlas of the human primary motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices and their transcriptional alterations in sporadic and familial ALS and FTLD. By integrating transcriptional and genetic information, we identify known and previously unidentified vulnerable populations in cortical layer 5 and show that ALS- and FTLD-implicated motor and spindle neurons possess a virtually indistinguishable molecular identity. We implicate potential disease mechanisms affecting these cell types as well as non-neuronal drivers of pathogenesis. Finally, we show that neuron loss in cortical layer 5 tracks more closely with transcriptional identity rather than cellular morphology and extends beyond previously reported vulnerable cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sebastian Pineda
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA
| | - Hyeseung Lee
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Raleigh M Linville
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA
| | - Francisco J Garcia
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kyriakitsa Galani
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA
| | | | | | - Brent E Fitzwalter
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Luc J Pregent
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Michael DeTure
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Andre T S Hucke
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Melissa E Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Myriam Heiman
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | | | - Manolis Kellis
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ferguson R, van Es MA, van den Berg LH, Subramanian V. Neural stem cell homeostasis is affected in cortical organoids carrying a mutation in Angiogenin. J Pathol 2024; 262:410-426. [PMID: 38180358 DOI: 10.1002/path.6244] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in Angiogenin (ANG) and TARDBP encoding the 43 kDa transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). ANG is neuroprotective and plays a role in stem cell dynamics in the haematopoietic system. We obtained skin fibroblasts from members of an ALS-FTD family, one with mutation in ANG, one with mutation in both TARDBP and ANG, and one with neither mutation. We reprogrammed these fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and generated cortical organoids as well as induced stage-wise differentiation of the iPSCs to neurons. Using these two approaches we investigated the effects of FTD-associated mutations in ANG and TARDBP on neural precursor cells, neural differentiation, and response to stress. We observed striking neurodevelopmental defects such as abnormal and persistent rosettes in the organoids accompanied by increased self-renewal of neural precursor cells. There was also a propensity for differentiation to later-born neurons. In addition, cortical neurons showed increased susceptibility to stress, which is exacerbated in neurons carrying mutations in both ANG and TARDBP. The cortical organoids and neurons generated from patient-derived iPSCs carrying ANG and TARDBP gene variants recapitulate dysfunctions characteristic of frontotemporal lobar degeneration observed in FTD patients. These dysfunctions were ameliorated upon treatment with wild type ANG. In addition to its well-established role during the stress response of mature neurons, ANG also appears to play a role in neural progenitor dynamics. This has implications for neurogenesis and may indicate that subtle developmental defects play a role in disease susceptibility or onset. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Ferguson
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hansen JY, Cauzzo S, Singh K, García-Gomar MG, Shine JM, Bianciardi M, Misic B. Integrating brainstem and cortical functional architectures. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3569352. [PMID: 38076888 PMCID: PMC10705693 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3569352/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The brainstem is a fundamental component of the central nervous system yet it is typically excluded from in vivo human brain mapping efforts, precluding a complete understanding of how the brainstem influences cortical function. Here we use high-resolution 7 Tesla fMRI to derive a functional connectome encompassing cortex as well as 58 brainstem nuclei spanning the midbrain, pons and medulla. We identify a compact set of integrative hubs in the brainstem with widespread connectivity with cerebral cortex. Patterns of connectivity between brainstem and cerebral cortex manifest as multiple emergent phenomena including neurophysiological oscillatory rhythms, patterns of cognitive functional specialization, and the unimodal-transmodal functional hierarchy. This persistent alignment between cortical functional topographies and brainstem nuclei is shaped by the spatial arrangement of multiple neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. We replicate all findings using 3 Tesla data from the same participants. Collectively, we find that multiple organizational features of cortical activity can be traced back to the brainstem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Y. Hansen
- Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Simone Cauzzo
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, Center for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kavita Singh
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Multiscale Imaging and Integrative Biophysics Unit, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - María Guadalupe García-Gomar
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - James M. Shine
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Bianciardi
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bratislav Misic
- Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hansen JY, Cauzzo S, Singh K, García-Gomar MG, Shine JM, Bianciardi M, Misic B. Integrating brainstem and cortical functional architectures. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.26.564245. [PMID: 37961347 PMCID: PMC10634864 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.564245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The brainstem is a fundamental component of the central nervous system yet it is typically excluded from in vivo human brain mapping efforts, precluding a complete understanding of how the brainstem influences cortical function. Here we use high-resolution 7 Tesla fMRI to derive a functional connectome encompassing cortex as well as 58 brainstem nuclei spanning the midbrain, pons and medulla. We identify a compact set of integrative hubs in the brainstem with widespread connectivity with cerebral cortex. Patterns of connectivity between brainstem and cerebral cortex manifest as multiple emergent phenomena including neurophysiological oscillatory rhythms, patterns of cognitive functional specialization, and the unimodal-transmodal functional hierarchy. This persistent alignment between cortical functional topographies and brainstem nuclei is shaped by the spatial arrangement of multiple neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. We replicate all findings using 3 Tesla data from the same participants. Collectively, we find that multiple organizational features of cortical activity can be traced back to the brainstem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Y. Hansen
- Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Simone Cauzzo
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, Center for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kavita Singh
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Multiscale Imaging and Integrative Biophysics Unit, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - María Guadalupe García-Gomar
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - James M. Shine
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Bianciardi
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bratislav Misic
- Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Froberg JE, Durak O, Macklis JD. Development of nanoRibo-seq enables study of regulated translation by cortical neuron subtypes, showing uORF translation in synaptic-axonal genes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112995. [PMID: 37624698 PMCID: PMC10591829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigation of translation in rare cell types or subcellular contexts is challenging due to large input requirements for standard approaches. Here, we present "nanoRibo-seq" an optimized approach using 102- to 103-fold less input material than bulk approaches. nanoRibo-seq exhibits rigorous quality control features consistent with quantification of ribosome protected fragments with as few as 1,000 cells. We compare translatomes of two closely related cortical neuron subtypes, callosal projection neurons (CPN) and subcerebral projection neurons (SCPN), during their early postnatal development. We find that, while translational efficiency is highly correlated between CPN and SCPN, several dozen mRNAs are differentially translated. We further examine upstream open reading frame (uORF) translation and identify that mRNAs involved in synapse organization and axon development are highly enriched for uORF translation in both subtypes. nanoRibo-seq enables investigation of translational regulation of rare cell types in vivo and offers a flexible approach for globally quantifying translation from limited input material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John E Froberg
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Omer Durak
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gaus R, Popal M, Heinsen H, Schmitt A, Falkai P, Hof PR, Schmitz C, Vollhardt A. Reduced cortical neuron number and neuron density in schizophrenia with focus on area 24: a post-mortem case-control study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1209-1223. [PMID: 36350376 PMCID: PMC10449727 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01513-6] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Structural and functional abnormalities of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) have frequently been identified in schizophrenia. Alterations of von Economo neurons (VENs), a class of specialized projection neurons, have been found in different neuropsychiatric disorders and are also suspected in schizophrenia. To date, however, no definitive conclusions can be drawn about quantitative histologic changes in the ACC in schizophrenia because of a lack of rigorous, design-based stereologic studies. In the present study, the volume, total neuron number and total number of VENs in layer V of area 24 were determined in both hemispheres of postmortem brains from 12 male patients with schizophrenia and 11 age-matched male controls. To distinguish global from local effects, volume and total neuron number were also determined in the whole area 24 and whole cortical gray matter (CGM). Measurements were adjusted for hemisphere, age, postmortem interval and fixation time using an ANCOVA model. Compared to controls, patients with schizophrenia showed alterations, with lower mean total neuron number in CGM (- 14.9%, P = 0.007) and in layer V of area 24 (- 21.1%, P = 0.002), and lower mean total number of VENs (- 28.3%, P = 0.027). These data provide evidence for ACC involvement in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and complement neuroimaging findings of impaired ACC connectivity in schizophrenia. Furthermore, these results support the hypothesis that the clinical presentation of schizophrenia, particularly deficits in social cognition, is associated with pathology of VENs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gaus
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Popal
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Heinsen
- Morphological Brain Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Christoph Schmitz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Alisa Vollhardt
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cabeen RP, Toga AW, Allman JM. Mapping frontoinsular cortex from diffusion microstructure. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:2715-2733. [PMID: 35753692 PMCID: PMC10016069 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a novel method for mapping the location, surface area, thickness, and volume of frontoinsular cortex (FI) using structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. FI lies in the ventral part of anterior insular cortex and is characterized by its distinctive population von Economo neurons (VENs). Functional neuroimaging studies have revealed its involvement in affective processing, and histopathology has implicated VEN loss in behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia and chronic alcoholism; however, structural neuroimaging of FI has been relatively limited. We delineated FI by jointly modeling cortical surface geometry and its coincident diffusion microstructure parameters. We found that neurite orientation dispersion in cortical gray matter can be used to map FI in specific individuals, and the derived measures reflect a range of behavioral factors in young adults from the Human Connectome Project (N=1052). FI volume was larger in the left hemisphere than the right (31%), and the percentage volume of FI was larger in women than men (15.3%). FI volume was associated with measures of decision-making (delay discounting, substance abuse), emotion (negative intrusive thinking and perception of hostility), and social behavior (theory of mind and working memory for faces). The common denominator is that larger FI size is related to greater self-control and social awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Cabeen
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States
| | - Arthur W Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States
| | - John M Allman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brasso C, Stanziano M, Bosco FM, Morese R, Valentini MC, Vercelli A, Rocca P. Alteration of the Functional Connectivity of the Cortical Areas Characterized by the Presence of Von Economo Neurons in Schizophrenia, a Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041377. [PMID: 36835913 PMCID: PMC9962963 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Von Economo neurons (VENs) are rod, stick, or corkscrew cells mostly located in layer V of the frontoinsular and anterior cingulate cortices. VENs are projection neurons related to human-like social cognitive abilities. Post-mortem histological studies found VEN alterations in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SZ). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the role of VEN-containing areas in shaping patterns of resting-state brain activation in patients with SZ (n = 20) compared to healthy controls (HCs; n = 20). We performed a functional connectivity analysis seeded in the cortical areas with the highest density of VENs followed by fuzzy clustering. The alterations found in the SZ group were correlated with psychopathological, cognitive, and functioning variables. We found a frontotemporal network that was shared by four clusters overlapping with the salience, superior-frontal, orbitofrontal, and central executive networks. Differences between the HC and SZ groups emerged only in the salience network. The functional connectivity of the right anterior insula and ventral tegmental area within this network were negatively correlated with experiential negative symptoms and positively correlated with functioning. This study provides some evidence to show that in vivo, VEN-enriched cortical areas are associated with an altered resting-state brain activity in people with SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Brasso
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Struttura Complessa di Psichiatria Universitaria, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Salute Mentale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-670-7720
| | - Mario Stanziano
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Marina Bosco
- Research Group on Inferential Processes in Social Interaction (GIPSI), Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Rosalba Morese
- Faculty of Communication Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Consuelo Valentini
- Struttura Complessa di Neuroradiologia, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Struttura Complessa di Psichiatria Universitaria, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Salute Mentale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Renner J, Rasia-Filho AA. Morphological Features of Human Dendritic Spines. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:367-496. [PMID: 37962801 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spine features in human neurons follow the up-to-date knowledge presented in the previous chapters of this book. Human dendrites are notable for their heterogeneity in branching patterns and spatial distribution. These data relate to circuits and specialized functions. Spines enhance neuronal connectivity, modulate and integrate synaptic inputs, and provide additional plastic functions to microcircuits and large-scale networks. Spines present a continuum of shapes and sizes, whose number and distribution along the dendritic length are diverse in neurons and different areas. Indeed, human neurons vary from aspiny or "relatively aspiny" cells to neurons covered with a high density of intermingled pleomorphic spines on very long dendrites. In this chapter, we discuss the phylogenetic and ontogenetic development of human spines and describe the heterogeneous features of human spiny neurons along the spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, basal ganglia, amygdala, hippocampal regions, and neocortical areas. Three-dimensional reconstructions of Golgi-impregnated dendritic spines and data from fluorescence microscopy are reviewed with ultrastructural findings to address the complex possibilities for synaptic processing and integration in humans. Pathological changes are also presented, for example, in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Basic morphological data can be linked to current techniques, and perspectives in this research field include the characterization of spines in human neurons with specific transcriptome features, molecular classification of cellular diversity, and electrophysiological identification of coexisting subpopulations of cells. These data would enlighten how cellular attributes determine neuron type-specific connectivity and brain wiring for our diverse aptitudes and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josué Renner
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lv X, Gao F, Cao X. Skeletal interoception in bone homeostasis and pain. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1914-1931. [PMID: 36257317 PMCID: PMC9742337 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that interoception maintains proper physiological status and orchestrates metabolic homeostasis by regulating feeding behaviors, glucose balance, and lipid metabolism. Continuous skeletal remodeling consumes a tremendous amount of energy to provide skeletal scaffolding, support muscle movement, store vital minerals, and maintain a niche for hematopoiesis, which are processes that also contribute to overall metabolic balance. Although skeletal innervation has been described for centuries, recent work has shown that skeletal metabolism is tightly regulated by the nervous system and that skeletal interoception regulates bone homeostasis. Here, we provide a general discussion of interoception and its effects on the skeleton and whole-body metabolism. We also discuss skeletal interoception-mediated regulation in the context of pathological conditions and skeletal pain as well as future challenges to our understanding of these process and how they can be leveraged for more effective therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lv
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xu Cao
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
López-Ojeda W, Hurley RA. Von Economo Neuron Involvement in Social Cognitive and Emotional Impairments in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 34:302-306. [PMID: 36239479 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20220136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfredo López-Ojeda
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W. G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Hurley)
| | - Robin A Hurley
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W. G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Hurley)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taniguchi M, Iwahashi M, Oka Y, Tiong SYX, Sato M. Fezf2-positive fork cell-like neurons in the mouse insular cortex. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274170. [PMID: 36067159 PMCID: PMC9447900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The fork cell and von Economo neuron, which are found in the insular cortex and/or the anterior cingulate cortex, are defined by their unique morphologies. Their shapes are not pyramidal; the fork cell has two primary apical dendrites and the von Economo neurons are spindle-shaped (bipolar). Presence of such neurons are reported only in the higher animals, especially in human and great ape, indicating that they are specific for most evolved species. Although it is likely that these neurons are involved in higher brain function, lack of results with experimental animals makes further investigation difficult. We here ask whether equivalent neurons exist in the mouse insular cortex. In human, Fezf2 has been reported to be highly expressed in these morphologically distinctive neurons and thus, we examined the detailed morphology of Fezf2-positive neurons in the mouse brain. Although von Economo-like neurons were not identified, Fezf2-positive fork cell-like neurons with two characteristic apical dendrites, were discovered. Examination with electron microscope indicated that these neurons did not embrace capillaries, rather they held another cell. We here term such neurons as holding neurons. We further observed several molecules, including neuromedin B (NMB) and gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) that are known to be localized in the fork cells and/or von Economo cells in human, were localized in the mouse insular cortex. Based on these observations, it is likely that an equivalent of the fork cell is present in the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Taniguchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Misaki Iwahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Oka
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Molecular Brain Science, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development (UGSCD), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Sheena Y. X. Tiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Molecular Brain Science, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development (UGSCD), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Makoto Sato
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Molecular Brain Science, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development (UGSCD), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
González‐Acosta CA, Ortiz‐Muñoz D, Becerra‐Hernández LV, Casanova MF, Buriticá E. Von Economo neurons: Cellular specialization of human limbic cortices? J Anat 2022; 241:20-32. [PMID: 35178703 PMCID: PMC9178382 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Von Economo neurons (VENs) have been mentioned in the medical literature since the second half of the 19th century; however, it was not until the second decade of the 20th century that their cytomorphology was described in detail. To date, VENs have been found in limbic sectors of the frontal, temporal and insular lobes. In humans, their density seems to decrease in the caudo-rostral and ventro-dorsal direction; that is, from the anterior regions of the cingulate and insular cortices towards the frontal pole and the superior frontal gyrus. Several studies have provided similar descriptions of the shape of the VEN soma, but the size of the soma varies from one cortical region to another. There is consensus among different authors about the selective vulnerability of VENs in certain pathologies, in which a deterioration of the capacities involved in social behaviour is observed. In this review, we propose that the restriction of VENs towards the sectors linked to limbic information processing in Homo sapiens gives them a possible functional role in relation to the structures in which they are located. However, given the divergence in characteristics such as location, density, size and biochemical profile among VENs of different cortical sectors, the activities in which they participate could allow them to partake in a wide spectrum of neurological functions, including autonomic responses and executive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Ortiz‐Muñoz
- Centro de Estudios Cerebrales, Facultad de SaludUniversidad del ValleCaliColombia
| | | | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Center for Childhood NeurotherapeuticsUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine GreenvilleGreenvilleSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Efraín Buriticá
- Centro de Estudios Cerebrales, Facultad de SaludUniversidad del ValleCaliColombia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Suzuki IK. Evolutionary innovations of human cerebral cortex viewed through the lens of high-throughput sequencing. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:476-494. [PMID: 35765158 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Humans had acquired a tremendously enlarged cerebral cortex containing a huge quantity and variety of cells during evolution. Such evolutionary uniqueness offers a neural basis of our cognitive innovation and human-specific features of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Since human brain is hardly examined in vivo with experimental approaches commonly applied on animal models, the recent advancement of sequencing technologies offers an indispensable viewpoint of human brain anatomy and development. This review introduces the recent findings on the unique features in the adult and the characteristic developmental processes of the human cerebral cortex, based on high throughput DNA sequencing technologies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo K Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Das A, Myers J, Mathura R, Shofty B, Metzger BA, Bijanki K, Wu C, Jacobs J, Sheth SA. Spontaneous neuronal oscillations in the human insula are hierarchically organized traveling waves. eLife 2022; 11:76702. [PMID: 35616527 PMCID: PMC9200407 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The insula plays a fundamental role in a wide range of adaptive human behaviors, but its electrophysiological dynamics are poorly understood. Here, we used human intracranial electroencephalographic recordings to investigate the electrophysiological properties and hierarchical organization of spontaneous neuronal oscillations within the insula. We analyzed the neuronal oscillations of the insula directly and found that rhythms in the theta and beta frequency oscillations are widespread and spontaneously present. These oscillations are largely organized along the anterior–posterior (AP) axis of the insula. Both the left and right insula showed anterior-to-posterior decreasing gradients for the power of oscillations in the beta frequency band. The left insula also showed a posterior-to-anterior decreasing frequency gradient and an anterior-to-posterior decreasing power gradient in the theta frequency band. In addition to measuring the power of these oscillations, we also examined the phase of these signals across simultaneous recording channels and found that the insula oscillations in the theta and beta bands are traveling waves. The strength of the traveling waves in each frequency was positively correlated with the amplitude of each oscillation. However, the theta and beta traveling waves were uncoupled to each other in terms of phase and amplitude, which suggested that insular traveling waves in the theta and beta bands operate independently. Our findings provide new insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics and hierarchical organization of neuronal oscillations within the insula, which, given its rich connectivity with widespread cortical regions, indicates that oscillations and traveling waves have an important role in intrainsular and interinsular communications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anup Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - John Myers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Raissa Mathura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Ben Shofty
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Brian A Metzger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Kelly Bijanki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Chengyuan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Joshua Jacobs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Sameer A Sheth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fuentealba-Villarroel FJ, Renner J, Hilbig A, Bruton OJ, Rasia-Filho AA. Spindle-Shaped Neurons in the Human Posteromedial (Precuneus) Cortex. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 13:769228. [PMID: 35087390 PMCID: PMC8787311 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.769228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The human posteromedial cortex (PMC), which includes the precuneus (PC), represents a multimodal brain area implicated in emotion, conscious awareness, spatial cognition, and social behavior. Here, we describe the presence of Nissl-stained elongated spindle-shaped neurons (suggestive of von Economo neurons, VENs) in the cortical layer V of the anterior and central PC of adult humans. The adapted "single-section" Golgi method for postmortem tissue was used to study these neurons close to pyramidal ones in layer V until merging with layer VI polymorphic cells. From three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images, we describe the cell body, two main longitudinally oriented ascending and descending dendrites as well as the occurrence of spines from proximal to distal segments. The primary dendritic shafts give rise to thin collateral branches with a radial orientation, and pleomorphic spines were observed with a sparse to moderate density along the dendritic length. Other spindle-shaped cells were observed with straight dendritic shafts and rare branches or with an axon emerging from the soma. We discuss the morphology of these cells and those considered VENs in cortical areas forming integrated brain networks for higher-order activities. The presence of spindle-shaped neurons and the current discussion on the morphology of putative VENs address the need for an in-depth neurochemical and transcriptomic characterization of the PC cytoarchitecture. These findings would include these spindle-shaped cells in the synaptic and information processing by the default mode network and for general intelligence in healthy individuals and in neuropsychiatric disorders involving the PC in the context of the PMC functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Fuentealba-Villarroel
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Josué Renner
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Arlete Hilbig
- Department of Medical Clinics/Neurology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Oliver J Bruton
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Badihian N. Ideas on a possible neural pathway in depression. Med Hypotheses 2021; 156:110688. [PMID: 34628112 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110688] [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: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the second leading cause of disability in the world. Despite developing some efficacious treatments, many patients do not respond to the treatment well due to the complexity of depression and unknown mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. It has been reported that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience autonomic dysfunctions in different aspects. Evidence suggests that modulation of the autonomic nervous system may improve depression. Von Economo neurons (VENs) are shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of some of the neurological and psychological diseases. VENs are also important for the "ego" formation, sense of empathy, intuition, and cognition. These neurons express a high level of adrenoreceptor alpha 1a, which confirms their role in the autonomic function. Here, based on some evidence, I propose the hypothesis that these neurons may play a role in depression, possibly through being involved in the autonomic function. More focused studies on VENs and their possible role in depression is suggested in future. This pathway may open a new window in the treatment of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Badihian
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Banovac I, Sedmak D, Judaš M, Petanjek Z. Von Economo Neurons - Primate-Specific or Commonplace in the Mammalian Brain? Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:714611. [PMID: 34539353 PMCID: PMC8440978 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.714611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pioneering work by von Economo in 1925 on the cytoarchitectonics of the cerebral cortex revealed a specialized and unique cell type in the adult human fronto-insular (FI) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In modern studies, these neurons are termed von Economo neurons (VENs). In his work, von Economo described them as stick, rod or corkscrew cells because of their extremely elongated and relatively thin cell body clearly distinguishable from common oval or spindle-shaped infragranular principal neurons. Before von Economo, in 1899 Cajal depicted the unique somato-dendritic morphology of such cells with extremely elongated soma in the FI. However, although VENs are increasingly investigated, Cajal’s observation is still mainly being neglected. On Golgi staining in humans, VENs have a thick and long basal trunk with horizontally oriented terminal branching (basilar skirt) from where the axon arises. They are clearly distinguishable from a spectrum of modified pyramidal neurons found in infragranular layers, including oval or spindle-shaped principal neurons. Spindle-shaped cells with highly elongated cell body were also observed in the ACC of great apes, but despite similarities in soma shape, their dendritic and axonal morphology has still not been described in sufficient detail. Studies identifying VENs in non-human species are predominantly done on Nissl or anti-NeuN staining. In most of these studies, the dendritic and axonal morphology of the analyzed cells was not demonstrated and many of the cells found on Nissl or anti-NeuN staining had a cell body shape characteristic for common oval or spindle-shaped cells. Here we present an extensive literature overview on VENs, which demonstrates that human VENs are specialized elongated principal cells with unique somato-dendritic morphology found abundantly in the FI and ACC of the human brain. More research is needed to properly evaluate the presence of such specialized cells in other primates and non-primate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Banovac
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research and Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research and Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miloš Judaš
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research and Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research and Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen WG, Schloesser D, Arensdorf AM, Simmons JM, Cui C, Valentino R, Gnadt JW, Nielsen L, Hillaire-Clarke CS, Spruance V, Horowitz TS, Vallejo YF, Langevin HM. The Emerging Science of Interoception: Sensing, Integrating, Interpreting, and Regulating Signals within the Self. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:3-16. [PMID: 33378655 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interoception refers to the representation of the internal states of an organism, and includes the processes by which it senses, interprets, integrates, and regulates signals from within itself. This review presents a unified research framework and attempts to offer definitions for key terms to describe the processes involved in interoception. We elaborate on these definitions through illustrative research findings, and provide brief overviews of central aspects of interoception, including the anatomy and function of neural and non-neural pathways, diseases and disorders, manipulations and interventions, and predictive modeling. We conclude with discussions about major research gaps and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen G Chen
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Dana Schloesser
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Angela M Arensdorf
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Janine M Simmons
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changhai Cui
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rita Valentino
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James W Gnadt
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lisbeth Nielsen
- National Institute on Aging (NIA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Victoria Spruance
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Todd S Horowitz
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yolanda F Vallejo
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Helene M Langevin
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jacob J, Kent M, Benson-Amram S, Herculano-Houzel S, Raghanti MA, Ploppert E, Drake J, Hindi B, Natale NR, Daniels S, Fanelli R, Miller A, Landis T, Gilbert A, Johnson S, Lai A, Hyer M, Rzucidlo A, Anchor C, Gehrt S, Lambert K. Cytoarchitectural characteristics associated with cognitive flexibility in raccoons. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3375-3388. [PMID: 34076254 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
With rates of psychiatric illnesses such as depression continuing to rise, additional preclinical models are needed to facilitate translational neuroscience research. In the current study, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) was investigated due to its similarities with primate brains, including comparable proportional neuronal densities, cortical magnification of the forepaw area, and cortical gyrification. Specifically, we report on the cytoarchitectural characteristics of raccoons profiled as high, intermediate, or low solvers in a multiaccess problem-solving task. Isotropic fractionation indicated that high-solvers had significantly more cells in the hippocampus (HC) than the other solving groups; further, a nonsignificant trend suggested that this increase in cell profile density was due to increased nonneuronal (e.g., glial) cells. Group differences were not observed in the cellular density of the somatosensory cortex. Thionin-based staining confirmed the presence of von Economo neurons (VENs) in the frontoinsular cortex, although no impact of solving ability on VEN cell profile density levels was observed. Elongated fusiform cells were quantified in the HC dentate gyrus where high-solvers were observed to have higher levels of this cell type than the other solving groups. In sum, the current findings suggest that varying cytoarchitectural phenotypes contribute to cognitive flexibility. Additional research is necessary to determine the translational value of cytoarchitectural distribution patterns on adaptive behavioral outcomes associated with cognitive performance and mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Jacob
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Molly Kent
- Department of Biology, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah Benson-Amram
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily Ploppert
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jack Drake
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Bilal Hindi
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nick R Natale
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah Daniels
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Rachel Fanelli
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Anderson Miller
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tim Landis
- Department of Psychology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia, USA
| | - Amy Gilbert
- USDA-APHIS-WS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Shylo Johnson
- USDA-APHIS-WS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Annie Lai
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Molly Hyer
- Department of Psychology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia, USA
| | - Amanda Rzucidlo
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County, River Forest, Illinois, USA
| | - Chris Anchor
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County, River Forest, Illinois, USA
| | - Stan Gehrt
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kelly Lambert
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Is there a “g-neuron”? Establishing a systematic link between general intelligence (g) and the von Economo neuron. INTELLIGENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2021.101540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
23
|
Jacot-Descombes S, Keshav N, Brosch CMS, Wicinski B, Warda T, Norcliffe-Kaufmann L, Kaufmann H, Varghese M, Hof PR. Von Economo Neuron Pathology in Familial Dysautonomia: Quantitative Assessment and Possible Implications. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 79:1072-1083. [PMID: 32954436 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Von Economo neurons (VENs) and fork cells are principally located in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the frontoinsular cortex (FI). Both of these regions integrate inputs from the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and are involved in decision-making and perception of the emotional states of self and others. Familial dysautonomia (FD) is an orphan disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction and behavioral abnormalities including repetitive behavior and emotional rigidity, which are also seen in autism spectrum disorder. To understand a possible link between the ANS and the cortical regions implicated in emotion regulation we studied VENs and fork cells in an autonomic disorder. We determined the densities of VENs, fork cells, and pyramidal neurons and the ratio of VENs and fork cells to pyramidal neurons in ACC and FI in 4 FD patient and 6 matched control brains using a stereologic approach. We identified alterations in densities of VENs and pyramidal neurons and their distributions in the ACC and FI in FD brains. These data suggest that alterations in migration and numbers of VENs may be involved in FD pathophysiology thereby supporting the notion of a functional link between VENs, the ANS and the peripheral nervous system in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jacot-Descombes
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Friedman Brain Institute.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne - Geneva, Geneva University Hospitals
| | - Neha Keshav
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Friedman Brain Institute.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment
| | - Carla Micaela Santos Brosch
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals and School of Medicine Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bridget Wicinski
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Friedman Brain Institute
| | - Tahia Warda
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Friedman Brain Institute
| | - Lucy Norcliffe-Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Horacio Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Dysautonomia Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Merina Varghese
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Friedman Brain Institute
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience.,Friedman Brain Institute.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shafi R, Crawley AP, Tartaglia MC, Tator CH, Green RE, Mikulis DJ, Colantonio A. Sex-specific differences in resting-state functional connectivity of large-scale networks in postconcussion syndrome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21982. [PMID: 33319807 PMCID: PMC7738671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Concussions are associated with a range of cognitive, neuropsychological and behavioral sequelae that, at times, persist beyond typical recovery times and are referred to as postconcussion syndrome (PCS). There is growing support that concussion can disrupt network-based connectivity post-injury. To date, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding the sex-specific impact of concussion on resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC). The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the injury-based rs-FC differences across three large-scale neural networks and (2) explore the sex-specific impact of injury on network-based connectivity. MRI data was collected from a sample of 80 concussed participants who fulfilled the criteria for postconcussion syndrome and 31 control participants who did not have any history of concussion. Connectivity maps between network nodes and brain regions were used to assess connectivity using the Functional Connectivity (CONN) toolbox. Network based statistics showed that concussed participants were significantly different from healthy controls across both salience and fronto-parietal network nodes. More specifically, distinct subnetwork components were identified in the concussed sample, with hyperconnected frontal nodes and hypoconnected posterior nodes across both the salience and fronto-parietal networks, when compared to the healthy controls. Node-to-region analyses showed sex-specific differences across association cortices, however, driven by distinct networks. Sex-specific network-based alterations in rs-FC post concussion need to be examined to better understand the underlying mechanisms and associations to clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reema Shafi
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada. .,KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada.
| | - Adrian P Crawley
- Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.,Canadian Concussion Center, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour-Systems Neuroscience, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Charles H Tator
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Canadian Concussion Center, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Robin E Green
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada.,KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Canadian Concussion Center, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - David J Mikulis
- Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Canadian Concussion Center, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Angela Colantonio
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada.,KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Humans are highly social animals whose survival and well-being depend on their capacity to cooperate in complex social settings. Advances in anthropology and psychology have demonstrated the importance of cooperation for enhancing social cohesion and minimizing conflict. The understanding of social behavior is informed by the notion of social cognition, a set of mental operations including emotion perception, mentalizing, and empathy. The social brain hypothesis posits that the mammalian brain has enlarged over evolution to meet the challenges of social life, culminating in a large human brain well adapted for social cognition. The structures subserving social cognition are mainly located in the frontal and temporal lobes, and although gray matter is critical, social cognition also requires white matter. Whereas the social brain hypothesis assumes that brain enlargement has been driven by neocortical expansion, cerebral white matter has expanded even more robustly than the neocortex, coinciding with the emergence of social cognition. White matter expansion is most evident in the frontal and temporal lobes, where it enhances connectivity between regions critical for social cognition. Myelination has, in turn, conferred adaptive social advantages by enabling prompt empathic concern for offspring and by strengthening networks that support cooperation and the related capacities of altruism and morality. Social cognition deficits related to myelinated tract involvement occur in many disorders, including stroke, Binswanger disease, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, glioma, and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. The contribution of white matter to social cognition can be conceptualized as the enhancement of cooperation through brain connectivity.
Collapse
|
26
|
Banovac I, Sedmak D, Džaja D, Jalšovec D, Jovanov Milošević N, Rašin MR, Petanjek Z. Somato-dendritic morphology and axon origin site specify von Economo neurons as a subclass of modified pyramidal neurons in the human anterior cingulate cortex. J Anat 2020; 235:651-669. [PMID: 31435943 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Von Economo neurons (VENs) are modified pyramidal neurons characterized by an extremely elongated rod-shaped soma. They are abundant in layer V of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and fronto-insular cortex (FI) of the human brain, and have long been described as a human-specific neuron type. Recently, VENs have been reported in the ACC of apes and the FI of macaque monkeys. The first description of the somato-dendritic morphology of VENs in the FI by Cajal in 1899 (Textura del Sistema Nervioso del Hombre y de los Vertebrados, Tomo II. Madrid: Nicolas Moya) strongly suggested that they were a unique neuron subtype with specific morphological features. It is surprising that a clarification of this extremely important observation has not yet been attempted, especially as possible misidentification of other oval or fusiform cells as VENs has become relevant in many recently published studies. Here, we analyzed sections of Brodmann area 24 (ACC) stained with rapid Golgi and Golgi-Cox in five adult human specimens, and confirmed Cajal's observations. In addition, we established a comprehensive morphological description of VENs. VENs have a distinct somato-dendritic morphology that allows their clear distinction from other modified pyramidal neurons. We established that VENs have a perpendicularly oriented, stick-shaped core part consisting of the cell body and two thick extensions - an apical and basal stem. The perpendicular length of the core part was 150-250 μm and the thickness was 10-21 μm. The core part was characterized by a lack of clear demarcation between the cell body and the two extensions. Numerous thin, spiny and horizontally oriented side dendrites arose from the cell body. The basal extension of the core part typically ended by giving numerous smaller dendrites with a brush-like branching pattern. The apical extension had a topology typical for apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons. The dendrites arising from the core part had a high dendritic spine density. The most distinct feature of VENs was the distant origin site of the axon, which arose from the ending of the basal extension, often having a common origin with a dendrite. Quantitative analysis found that VENs could be divided into two groups based on total dendritic length - small VENs with a peak total dendritic length of 1500-2500 μm and large VENs with a peak total dendritic length of 5000-6000 μm. Comparative morphological analysis of VENs and other oval and fusiform modified pyramidal neurons showed that on Nissl sections small VENs might be difficult to identify, and that oval and fusiform neurons could be misidentified as VENs. Our analysis of Golgi slides of Brodmann area 9 from a total of 32 adult human subjects revealed only one cell resembling VEN morphology. Thus, our data show that the numerous recent reports on the presence of VENs in non-primates in other layers and regions of the cortex need further confirmation by showing the dendritic and axonal morphology of these cells. In conclusion, our study provides a foundation for further comprehensive morphological and functional studies on VENs between different species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Banovac
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Džaja
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravko Jalšovec
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nataša Jovanov Milošević
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mladen Roko Rašin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pasquini L, Nana AL, Toller G, Brown JA, Deng J, Staffaroni A, Kim EJ, Hwang JHL, Li L, Park Y, Gaus SE, Allen I, Sturm VE, Spina S, Grinberg LT, Rankin KP, Kramer JH, Rosen HJ, Miller BL, Seeley WW. Salience Network Atrophy Links Neuron Type-Specific Pathobiology to Loss of Empathy in Frontotemporal Dementia. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:5387-5399. [PMID: 32500143 PMCID: PMC7566683 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Each neurodegenerative syndrome reflects a stereotyped pattern of cellular, regional, and large-scale brain network degeneration. In behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), a disorder of social-emotional function, von Economo neurons (VENs), and fork cells are among the initial neuronal targets. These large layer 5 projection neurons are concentrated in the anterior cingulate and frontoinsular (FI) cortices, regions that anchor the salience network, a large-scale system linked to social-emotional function. Here, we studied patients with bvFTD, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or both, given that these syndromes share common pathobiological and genetic factors. Our goal was to determine how neuron type-specific TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) pathobiology relates to atrophy in specific brain structures and to loss of emotional empathy, a cardinal feature of bvFTD. We combined questionnaire-based empathy assessments, in vivo structural MR imaging, and quantitative histopathological data from 16 patients across the bvFTD/ALS spectrum. We show that TDP-43 pathobiology within right FI VENs and fork cells is associated with salience network atrophy spanning insular, medial frontal, and thalamic regions. Gray matter degeneration within these structures mediated loss of emotional empathy, suggesting a chain of influence linking the cellular, regional/network, and behavioral levels in producing signature bvFTD clinical features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pasquini
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Alissa L Nana
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Gianina Toller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Jesse A Brown
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Jersey Deng
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Adam Staffaroni
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Eun-Joo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Ji-Hye L Hwang
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Libo Li
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukui N St, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Youngsoon Park
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Stephanie E Gaus
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Isabel Allen
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Virginia E Sturm
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Lea T Grinberg
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Katherine P Rankin
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Howard J Rosen
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Correa-Júnior ND, Renner J, Fuentealba-Villarroel F, Hilbig A, Rasia-Filho AA. Dendritic and Spine Heterogeneity of von Economo Neurons in the Human Cingulate Cortex. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:25. [PMID: 32733229 PMCID: PMC7360805 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human cingulate cortex (CC), included in the paralimbic cortex, participates in emotion, visceral responses, attention, cognition, and social behaviors. The CC has spindle-shaped/fusiform cell body neurons in its layer V, the von Economo neurons (VENs). VENs have further developed in primates, and the characterization of human VENs can benefit from the detailed descriptions of the shape of dendrites and spines. Here, we advance this issue and studied VENs in the anterior and midcingulate cortex from four neurologically normal adult subjects. We used the thionin technique and the adapted “single-section” Golgi method for light microscopy. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were carried out for the visualization of Golgi-impregnated VENs’ cell body, ascending and descending dendrites, and collateral branches. We also looked for the presence, density, and shape of spines from proximal to distal dendrites. These neurons have a similar aspect for the soma, but features of spiny dendrites evidenced a morphological heterogeneity of CC VENs. Only for the description of this continuum of shapes, we labeled the most common feature as VEN 1, which has main dendritic shafts but few branches and sparse spines. VEN 2 shows an intermediate aspect, whereas VEN 3 displays the most profuse dendritic ramification and more spines with varied shapes from proximal to distal branches. Morphometric data exemplify the dendritic features of these cells. The heterogeneity of the dendritic architecture and spines suggests additional functional implications for the synaptic and information processing in VENs in integrated networks of normal and, possibly, neurological/psychiatric conditions involving the human CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nivaldo D Correa-Júnior
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Josué Renner
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Arlete Hilbig
- Department of Medical Clinics/Neurology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Morphology and Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang L, Yang Y, Yuan J, Sun Y, Dai J, Su B. Transcriptomic Landscape of von Economo Neurons in Human Anterior Cingulate Cortex Revealed by Microdissected-Cell RNA Sequencing. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:838-851. [PMID: 30535007 PMCID: PMC6319179 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The von Economo neurons (VENs) are specialized large bipolar projection neurons with restricted distribution in the human brain, and they are far more abundant in humans than in non-human primates. However, VEN functions remain elusive due to the difficulty of isolating VENs and dissecting their connections in the brain. Here, we combined laser-capture-microdissection with RNA sequencing to describe the transcriptomic profile of VENs from human anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Using pyramidal neurons as reference cells, we identified 344 genes with VEN-associated expression differences, including 215 higher and 129 lower expression genes. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction network analyses showed that these genes with VEN-associated expression differences are involved in VEN morphogenesis and functions, such as dendrite branching and axon myelination, and many of them are associated with human social-emotional disorders. With the use of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry assays, we validated four novel VEN markers (VAT1L, CHST8, LYPD1, and SULF2). Collectively, we generated a full-spectrum expression profile of VENs from human ACC, greatly enlarging the pool of genes with VEN-associated expression differences that can help researchers to understand the role of VENs in normal and disordered human brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yandong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiamiao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Chinese Brain Bank Center, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiapei Dai
- Chinese Brain Bank Center, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hodge RD, Miller JA, Novotny M, Kalmbach BE, Ting JT, Bakken TE, Aevermann BD, Barkan ER, Berkowitz-Cerasano ML, Cobbs C, Diez-Fuertes F, Ding SL, McCorrison J, Schork NJ, Shehata SI, Smith KA, Sunkin SM, Tran DN, Venepally P, Yanny AM, Steemers FJ, Phillips JW, Bernard A, Koch C, Lasken RS, Scheuermann RH, Lein ES. Transcriptomic evidence that von Economo neurons are regionally specialized extratelencephalic-projecting excitatory neurons. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1172. [PMID: 32127543 PMCID: PMC7054400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
von Economo neurons (VENs) are bipolar, spindle-shaped neurons restricted to layer 5 of human frontoinsula and anterior cingulate cortex that appear to be selectively vulnerable to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, although little is known about other VEN cellular phenotypes. Single nucleus RNA-sequencing of frontoinsula layer 5 identifies a transcriptomically-defined cell cluster that contained VENs, but also fork cells and a subset of pyramidal neurons. Cross-species alignment of this cell cluster with a well-annotated mouse classification shows strong homology to extratelencephalic (ET) excitatory neurons that project to subcerebral targets. This cluster also shows strong homology to a putative ET cluster in human temporal cortex, but with a strikingly specific regional signature. Together these results suggest that VENs are a regionally distinctive type of ET neuron. Additionally, we describe the first patch clamp recordings of VENs from neurosurgically-resected tissue that show distinctive intrinsic membrane properties relative to neighboring pyramidal neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brian E Kalmbach
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan T Ting
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles Cobbs
- The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy Bernard
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Richard H Scheuermann
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Zhang Y, Suo X, Ding H, Liang M, Yu C, Qin W. Structural connectivity profile supports laterality of the salience network. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:5242-5255. [PMID: 31436006 PMCID: PMC6864895 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The salience network (SN) is mainly involved in detecting and filtering multimodal salient stimuli, and mediating the switch between the default mode network and central executive network. Early studies have indicated a right‐sided dominance in the functional organization of the SN; however, the anatomical basis of the functional lateralization remains unclear. Here, we hypothesized that the structural connectivity profile between the frontoinsular cortex (FIC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), which are two core hubs of the SN, is also dominant in the right hemisphere. Based on diffusion and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI) of adult healthy volunteers in independent datasets, we found a stable right‐sided laterality of both the FIC‐dACC structural and functional connectivity in both the human connectome project cohort and a local Chinese cohort. Furthermore, a significant effect of aging on the integrity of the right FIC‐dACC structural connectivity was also identified. The right‐sided laterality of the structural organization of the SN may help us to better understand the functional roles of the SN in the normal human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaodan Zhang
- From the Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinjun Suo
- From the Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Ding
- From the Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Liang
- From the Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunshui Yu
- From the Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Qin
- From the Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Long perceived as a primitive and poorly differentiated brain structure, the primate insular cortex recently emerged as a highly evolved, organized and richly connected cortical hub interfacing bodily states with sensorimotor, environmental, and limbic activities. This insular interface likely substantiates emotional embodiment and has the potential to have a key role in the interoceptive shaping of cognitive processes, including perceptual awareness. In this review, we present a novel working model of the insular cortex, based on an accumulation of neuroanatomical and functional evidence obtained essentially in the macaque monkey. This model proposes that interoceptive afferents that represent the ongoing physiological status of all the organs of the body are first being received in the granular dorsal fundus of the insula or “primary interoceptive cortex,” then processed through a series of dysgranular poly-modal “insular stripes,” and finally integrated in anterior agranular areas that serve as an additional sensory platform for visceral functions and as an output stage for efferent autonomic regulation. One of the agranular areas hosts the specialized von Economo and Fork neurons, which could provide a decisive evolutionary advantage for the role of the anterior insula in the autonomic and emotional binding inherent to subjective awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry C Evrard
- Functional and Comparative Neuroanatomy Laboratory, Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Vatsavayai SC, Nana AL, Yokoyama JS, Seeley WW. C9orf72-FTD/ALS pathogenesis: evidence from human neuropathological studies. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 137:1-26. [PMID: 30368547 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1921-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
What are the most important and treatable pathogenic mechanisms in C9orf72-FTD/ALS? Model-based efforts to address this question are forging ahead at a blistering pace, often with conflicting results. But what does the human neuropathological literature reveal? Here, we provide a critical review of the human studies to date, seeking to highlight key gaps or uncertainties in our knowledge. First, we engage the C9orf72-specific mechanisms, including C9orf72 haploinsufficiency, repeat RNA foci, and dipeptide repeat protein inclusions. We then turn to some of the most prominent C9orf72-associated features, such as TDP-43 loss-of-function, TDP-43 aggregation, and nuclear transport defects. Finally, we review potential disease-modifying epigenetic and genetic factors and the natural history of the disease across the lifespan. Throughout, we emphasize the importance of anatomical precision when studying how candidate mechanisms relate to neuronal, regional, and behavioral findings. We further highlight methodological approaches that may help address lingering knowledge gaps and uncertainties, as well as other logical next steps for the field. We conclude that anatomically oriented human neuropathological studies have a critical role to play in guiding this fast-moving field toward effective new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarat C Vatsavayai
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alissa L Nana
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jennifer S Yokoyama
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - William W Seeley
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, Box 1207, San Francisco, CA, 94143-1207, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nana AL, Sidhu M, Gaus SE, Hwang JHL, Li L, Park Y, Kim EJ, Pasquini L, Allen IE, Rankin KP, Toller G, Kramer JH, Geschwind DH, Coppola G, Huang EJ, Grinberg LT, Miller BL, Seeley WW. Neurons selectively targeted in frontotemporal dementia reveal early stage TDP-43 pathobiology. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 137:27-46. [PMID: 30511086 PMCID: PMC6339592 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1942-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation is the most common pathological hallmark in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and characterizes nearly all patients with motor neuron disease (MND). The earliest stages of TDP-43 pathobiology are not well-characterized, and whether neurodegeneration results from TDP-43 loss-of-function or aggregation remains unclear. In the behavioral variant of FTD (bvFTD), patients undergo selective dropout of von Economo neurons (VENs) and fork cells within the frontoinsular (FI) and anterior cingulate cortices. Here, we examined TDP-43 pathobiology within these vulnerable neurons in the FI across a clinical spectrum including 17 patients with sporadic bvFTD, MND, or both. In an exploratory analysis based on our initial observations, we further assessed ten patients with C9orf72-associated bvFTD/MND. VENs and fork cells showed early, disproportionate TDP-43 aggregation that correlated with anatomical and clinical severity, including loss of emotional empathy. The presence of a TDP-43 inclusion was associated with striking nuclear and somatodendritic atrophy. An intriguing minority of neurons lacked detectable nuclear TDP-43 despite the apparent absence of a cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusion. These cells showed neuronal atrophy comparable to inclusion-bearing neurons, suggesting that the loss of nuclear TDP-43 function promotes neurodegeneration, even when TDP-43 aggregation is inconspicuous or absent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alissa L Nana
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Manu Sidhu
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie E Gaus
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ji-Hye L Hwang
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Libo Li
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Youngsoon Park
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eun-Joo Kim
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Pasquini
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Isabel E Allen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine P Rankin
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gianina Toller
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lea T Grinberg
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Issa HA, Staes N, Diggs-Galligan S, Stimpson CD, Gendron-Fitzpatrick A, Taglialatela JP, Hof PR, Hopkins WD, Sherwood CC. Comparison of bonobo and chimpanzee brain microstructure reveals differences in socio-emotional circuits. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 224:239-251. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
37
|
Von Economo and fork neurons in the monkey insula, implications for evolution of cognition. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
38
|
Specialized Subpopulations of Deep-Layer Pyramidal Neurons in the Neocortex: Bridging Cellular Properties to Functional Consequences. J Neurosci 2018; 38:5441-5455. [PMID: 29798890 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0150-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neocortical pyramidal neurons with somata in layers 5 and 6 are among the most visually striking and enigmatic neurons in the brain. These deep-layer pyramidal neurons (DLPNs) integrate a plethora of cortical and extracortical synaptic inputs along their impressive dendritic arbors. The pattern of cortical output to both local and long-distance targets is sculpted by the unique physiological properties of specific DLPN subpopulations. Here we revisit two broad DLPN subpopulations: those that send their axons within the telencephalon (intratelencephalic neurons) and those that project to additional target areas outside the telencephalon (extratelencephalic neurons). While neuroscientists across many subdisciplines have characterized the intrinsic and synaptic physiological properties of DLPN subpopulations, our increasing ability to selectively target and manipulate these output neuron subtypes advances our understanding of their distinct functional contributions. This Viewpoints article summarizes our current knowledge about DLPNs and highlights recent work elucidating the functional differences between DLPN subpopulations.
Collapse
|
39
|
Yang Y, Halliday GM, Hodges JR, Tan RH. von Economo Neuron Density and Thalamus Volumes in Behavioral Deficits in Frontotemporal Dementia Cases with and without a C9ORF72 Repeat Expansion. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 58:701-709. [PMID: 28482638 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early and selective loss of von Economo neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex has been linked to behavioral deficits in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Importantly, whether these neurons are also targeted in patients with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion has yet to be established. This is of particular interest given the recent evidence highlighting the thalamus rather than anterior cingulate cortex as a region of significant degeneration in patients with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. OBJECTIVE To assess the von Economo neuron density and thalamus volumes in behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) cases with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion, sporadic bvFTD, sporadic ALS, and controls. METHODS Volumetric and quantitative cell counting methods were employed to assess the von Economo neuron density and thalamus volumes in 37 pathologically-confirmed cases comprised of patients with bvFTD (n = 13) cases with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion (62% with psychosis), sporadic bvFTD (n = 8), sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 7) and controls (n = 9). RESULTS von Economo neuron density was significantly reduced in sporadic bvFTD cases only. Thalamus degeneration was identified only in bvFTD cases with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion, and to a similar extent in cases with and without psychosis. No significant difference in von Economo neuron density or thalamus degeneration was seen between bvFTD cases with or without the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. CONCLUSION The present histological findings converge with neuroimaging results to corroborate the anterior cingulate cortex as a core region involved in sporadic bvFTD, and the thalamus as a major region targeted in patients with the C9ORF72 expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John R Hodges
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel H Tan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gefen T, Papastefan ST, Rezvanian A, Bigio EH, Weintraub S, Rogalski E, Mesulam MM, Geula C. Von Economo neurons of the anterior cingulate across the lifespan and in Alzheimer's disease. Cortex 2018; 99:69-77. [PMID: 29175073 PMCID: PMC5801202 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the human aging lifespan, neurons acquire an unusually high burden of wear and tear; this is likely why age is considered the strongest risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Von Economo neurons (VENs) are rare, spindle-shaped cells mostly populated in anterior cingulate cortex. In a prior study, "SuperAgers" (individuals older than 80 years of age with outstanding memory ability) showed higher VEN densities compared to elderly controls with average memory, and those with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI). The intrinsic vulnerabilities of these neurons are unclear, and their contribution to neurodegeneration is unknown. The current study investigated the influence of age and the severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on VEN density. METHODS VEN and total neuronal densities were quantitated using unbiased stereological methods in the anterior cingulate cortex of postmortem samples from the following subject groups: younger controls (age 20-60), SuperAgers, cognitively average elderly controls (age 65+), individuals diagnosed antemortem with aMCI, and individuals diagnosed antemortem with dementia of AD (N = 5, per group). RESULTS The AD group showed significantly lower VEN density compared to younger and older controls (p < .05), but not compared to the aMCI group, and VENs bearing neurofibrillary tangles were discovered in AD cases. The aMCI group showed lower VEN density than elderly controls, but this was not significant. There was a significant negative correlation between VEN density and Braak stages of AD (p < .001). Consistent with prior findings, SuperAgers showed highest mean VEN density, even when compared to younger cases. CONCLUSIONS VENs in human anterior cingulate cortex are vulnerable to AD pathology, particularly in later stages of pathogenesis. Their densities do not change throughout aging in individuals with average cognition, and they are more numerous in SuperAgers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Gefen
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Steven T Papastefan
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Aras Rezvanian
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Eileen H Bigio
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Emily Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - M-Marsel Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Changiz Geula
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Dijkstra AA, Lin LC, Nana AL, Gaus SE, Seeley WW. Von Economo Neurons and Fork Cells: A Neurochemical Signature Linked to Monoaminergic Function. Cereb Cortex 2018; 28:131-144. [PMID: 27913432 PMCID: PMC6075576 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human anterior cingulate and frontoinsular cortices are distinguished by 2 unique Layer 5 neuronal morphotypes, the von Economo neurons (VENs) and fork cells, whose biological identity remains mysterious. Insights could impact research on diverse neuropsychiatric diseases to which these cells have been linked. Here, we leveraged the Allen Brain Atlas to evaluate mRNA expression of 176 neurotransmitter-related genes and identified vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit θ (GABRQ), and adrenoreceptor α-1A (ADRA1A) expression in human VENs, fork cells, and a minority of neighboring Layer 5 neurons. We confirmed these results using immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization. VMAT2 and GABRQ expression was absent in mouse cerebral cortex. Although VMAT2 is known to package monoamines into synaptic vesicles, in VENs and fork cells its expression occurs in the absence of monoamine-synthesizing enzymes or reuptake transporters. Thus, VENs and fork cells may possess a novel, uncharacterized mode of cortical monoaminergic function that distinguishes them from most other mammalian Layer 5 neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke A Dijkstra
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Alissa L Nana
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Stephanie E Gaus
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - William W Seeley
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Floeter MK, Danielian LE, Braun LE, Wu T. Longitudinal diffusion imaging across the C9orf72 clinical spectrum. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:53-60. [PMID: 29054917 PMCID: PMC6454927 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-316799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Discrepancies between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings and functional rating scales in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be due to symptom heterogeneity, particularly coexisting cognitive-behavioural dysfunction affecting non-motor regions of the brain. Carriers of expansion mutations in the C9orf72 gene, whose motor and cognitive-behavioural symptoms span a range from ALS to frontotemporal dementia, present an opportunity to evaluate the relationship between symptom heterogeneity and DTI changes. METHODS Twenty-eight C9orf72 mutation carriers with varied cognitive and motor symptoms underwent clinical evaluation and DTI imaging. Twenty returned for two or more follow-up evaluations. Each evaluation included motor, executive and behavioural scales and disease staging using the King's college staging system. RESULTS Widespread reduction of white matter integrity occurred in C9orf72 mutation carriers compared with 28 controls. The ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and King's stage correlated with DTI measures of the corticospinal tract and mid-callosum. Cognitive and behavioural scores correlated with diffusion measures of frontal white matter. King's stage, but not ALSFRS-R, correlated with anterior callosum DTI measures. Over a 6-month follow-up, DTI changes spread from anterior to posterior, and from deep to superficial subcortical white matter. In C9orf72 carriers with ALS or ALS-FTD, changes in corticospinal tractography measures correlated with changes in ALSFRS-R. CONCLUSION Discrepancies between DTI findings and clinical measures of disease severity in ALS may partly be accounted for by cognitive-behavioural deficits affecting extramotor white matter tracts. Both ALSFRS-R and King's stage correlated with corticospinal DTI measures. Group-level DTI changes could be detected over 6 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kay Floeter
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura E Danielian
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura E Braun
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tianxia Wu
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Furlan G, Cuccioli V, Vuillemin N, Dirian L, Muntasell AJ, Coolen M, Dray N, Bedu S, Houart C, Beaurepaire E, Foucher I, Bally-Cuif L. Life-Long Neurogenic Activity of Individual Neural Stem Cells and Continuous Growth Establish an Outside-In Architecture in the Teleost Pallium. Curr Biol 2017; 27:3288-3301.e3. [PMID: 29107546 PMCID: PMC5678050 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal variations of neurogenesis are thought to account for the evolution of brain shape. In the dorsal telencephalon (pallium) of vertebrates, it remains unresolved which ancestral neurogenesis mode prefigures the highly divergent cytoarchitectures that are seen in extant species. To gain insight into this question, we developed genetic tools to generate here the first 4-dimensional (3D + birthdating time) map of pallium construction in the adult teleost zebrafish. Using a Tet-On-based genetic birthdating strategy, we identify a “sequential stacking” construction mode where neurons derived from the zebrafish pallial germinal zone arrange in outside-in, age-related layers from a central core generated during embryogenesis. We obtained no evidence for overt radial or tangential neuronal migrations. Cre-lox-mediated tracing, which included following Brainbow clones, further demonstrates that this process is sustained by the persistent neurogenic activity of individual pallial neural stem cells (NSCs) from embryo to adult. Together, these data demonstrate that the spatiotemporal control of NSC activity is an important driver of the macroarchitecture of the zebrafish adult pallium. This simple mode of pallium construction shares distinct traits with pallial genesis in mammals and non-mammalian amniotes such as birds or reptiles, suggesting that it may exemplify the basal layout from which vertebrate pallial architectures were elaborated. Neurons of the teleost pallium are arranged in concentric age-dependent layers Neurons of the central pallial domain, Dc, are born during embryogenesis Most pallial neurons are generated from ventricular her4-positive radial glia The majority of individual pallial radial glia are neurogenic throughout life
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Furlan
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Valentina Cuccioli
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Unit Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nelly Vuillemin
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7645 and INSERM U1182, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Lara Dirian
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anna Janue Muntasell
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Marion Coolen
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Unit Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Dray
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Unit Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Bedu
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Unit Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Corinne Houart
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Emmanuel Beaurepaire
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7645 and INSERM U1182, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Isabelle Foucher
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Unit Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Laure Bally-Cuif
- Team Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neuroscience (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS-Université Paris-Sud, Avenue de la Terrasse, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Unit Zebrafish Neurogenetics, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Department, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Krause M, Theiss C, Brüne M. Ultrastructural Alterations of Von Economo Neurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Schizophrenia. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 300:2017-2024. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krause
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy; Ruhr-University Bochum; Bochum 44780 Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy; Ruhr-University Bochum; Bochum 44780 Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum; Ruhr-University Bochum; Bochum 44791 Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Krause M, Brüne M, Theiss C. Preparation of human formalin-fixed brain slices for electron microscopic investigations. Ann Anat 2016; 206:27-33. [PMID: 27136748 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ultra-structural analysis of human post-mortem brain tissue is important for investigations into the pathomechanism of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially those lacking alternative models of studying human-specific morphological features. For example, Von Economo Neurons (VENs) mainly located in the anterior cingulate cortex and in the anterior part of the insula, which seem to play a role in a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including frontotemporal dementia, autism and schizophrenia, can hardly be studied in nonhuman animals. Accordingly, little is known about the ultra-structural alterations of these neurons, though important research using qualitative stereological methods has revealed that protein expression of the VENs assigns them a role in immune function. Formaldehyde, which is the most common fixative in human pathology, interferes with the immunoreactivity of the tissue, possibly leading to unreliable results. Therefore, a method for ultra-structural investigations independent of antigenic properties of the fixated tissue is needed. Here, we propose an approach using electron microscopy to examine cytoskeletal structures, synapses and mitochondria in these cells. We also show that our methodology is able to keep tissue consumption to a minimum, while still allowing for the specimens to be handled with ease by using agar embedded slices in contrast to blocks for the embedding procedure. Accordingly, a stepwise protocol utilising 60μm thick human post mortem brain sections for electron microscopic ultra-structural investigations is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krause
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- LWL University Hospital Bochum, Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Benítez-Burraco A, Boeckx C. Possible functional links among brain- and skull-related genes selected in modern humans. Front Psychol 2015; 6:794. [PMID: 26136701 PMCID: PMC4468360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sequencing of the genomes from extinct hominins has revealed that changes in some brain-related genes have been selected after the split between anatomically-modern humans and Neanderthals/Denisovans. To date, no coherent view of these changes has been provided. Following a line of research we initiated in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014a), we hypothesize functional links among most of these genes and their products, based on the existing literature for each of the gene discussed. The genes we focus on are found mutated in different cognitive disorders affecting modern populations and their products are involved in skull and brain morphology, and neural connectivity. If our hypothesis turns out to be on the right track, it means that the changes affecting most of these proteins resulted in a more globular brain and ultimately brought about modern cognition, with its characteristic generativity and capacity to form and exploit cross-modular concepts, properties most clearly manifested in language.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies , Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Santillo AF, Englund E. Greater loss of von Economo neurons than loss of layer II and III neurons in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2014; 3:64-71. [PMID: 25232511 PMCID: PMC4162587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown a selective reduction of von Economo neurons (VENs) in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). However, the alleged selectivity rests on the comparison between VENs and other neurons in cortical layer V, while it has been established that neurons in the superficial cortical layers (I-III) are particularly affected in bvFTD. The purpose of this study was to examine loss the loss of VENs in comparison with that of non-VEN-neurons of superficial cortical layers. VENs and non-VEN-neurons of cortical layer V and layers II+III were quantified in the anterior cingulate cortex in 16 cases of bvFTD, 12 non-demented controls and 10 cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In bvFTD VENs were more depleted than non-VEN-neurons of layers V and II+III. Also, non-VEN-neurons of layer II+III showed a greater density reduction than those of layer V in bvFTD. VEN density was also reduced in AD, albeit to a lesser extent than in bvFTD, and the differences between bvFTD and AD were only significant when relating VEN loss to that of layer V neurons. Our study strengthens the view of VENs as a particularly sensitive neuronal type of bvFTD, and appears to be on a continuum with the loss of other neurons both in bvFTD and between conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Santillo
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Lund University Lund, Sweden ; Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Medicine, Lund University Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Paşca SP, Panagiotakos G, Dolmetsch RE. Generating Human Neurons In Vitro and Using Them to Understand Neuropsychiatric Disease. Annu Rev Neurosci 2014; 37:479-501. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-062012-170328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu P. Paşca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305;
| | - Georgia Panagiotakos
- Doctoral Program in Neurosciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305;
| | | |
Collapse
|