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Kaneko M, Hoseini MS, Waschek JA, Stryker MP. Stimulus-specific enhancement in mouse visual cortex requires GABA but not VIP-peptide release from VIP interneurons. J Neurophysiol 2024; 132:34-44. [PMID: 38774975 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00463.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
When adult mice are repeatedly exposed to a particular visual stimulus for as little as 1 h per day for several days while their visual cortex (V1) is in the high-gain state produced by locomotion, that specific stimulus elicits much stronger responses in V1 neurons for the following several weeks, even when measured in anesthetized animals. Such stimulus-specific enhancement (SSE) is not seen if locomotion is prevented. The effect of locomotion on cortical responses is mediated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) positive interneurons, which can release both the peptide and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Previous studies have examined the role of VIP-ergic interneurons, but none have distinguished the individual roles of peptide from GABA release. Here, we used genetic ablation to determine which of those molecules secreted by VIP-ergic neurons is responsible for SSE. SSE was not impaired by VIP deletion but was prevented by compromising release of GABA from VIP cells. This finding suggests that SSE may result from Hebbian mechanisms that remain present in adult V1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Many neurons package and release a peptide along with a conventional neurotransmitter. The conventional view is that such peptides exert late, slow effects on plasticity. We studied a form of cortical plasticity that depends on the activity of neurons that express both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. GABA release accounted for their action on plasticity, with no effect of deleting the peptide on this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Kaneko
- Department of Physiology and Kavli Institute For Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Mahmood S Hoseini
- Department of Physiology and Kavli Institute For Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - James A Waschek
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Michael P Stryker
- Department of Physiology and Kavli Institute For Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
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2
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Qiu F, Zeng C, Liu Y, Pan H, Ke C. J147 ameliorates sepsis-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice by attenuating neuroinflammation through regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:725-738. [PMID: 37676534 PMCID: PMC10635911 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10147-4] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of depression. The molecular mechanism of depressive-like behavior caused by sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is incompletely understood. J147 (an analog of curcumin) has been reported to improve memory and has neuroprotective activity, but its biological function in the depressive-like behavior observed in SAE is not known. We investigated the effects of J147 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory, depressive-like behaviors, and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signal pathway in the mouse hippocampus and microglia (BV2 cells). The forced-swimming test (FST) and tail-suspension test (TST) were undertaken for assessment of depressive-like behaviors. Expression of the proinflammatory genes interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Microglia activation was detected using immunofluorescence staining. The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was studied using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. J147 pretreatment markedly downregulated expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and the mean fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter protein-1 in microglia. J147 restrained LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB) degradation, and TLR4 activation in microglia. J147 administration inhibited bodyweight loss, mortality, microglia activation, and depressive-like behaviors in LPS-treated mice. In conclusion, J147 ameliorated the sepsis-induced depressive-like behaviors induced by neuroinflammation through attenuating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Qiu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, Guangdong, China
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518025, Guangdong, China.
| | - Haobo Pan
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Changneng Ke
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, Guangdong, China.
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3
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Kozlova EV, Bishay AE, Denys ME, Chinthirla BD, Valdez MC, Spurgin KA, Krum JM, Basappa KR, Currás-Collazo MC. Gene deletion of the PACAP/VIP receptor, VPAC2R, alters glycemic responses during metabolic and psychogenic stress in adult female mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13354. [PMID: 37946684 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13354] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and the homologous peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), participate in glucose homeostasis using insulinotropic and counterregulatory processes. The role of VIP receptor 2 (VPAC2R) in these opposing actions needs further characterization. In this study, we examined the participation of VPAC2R on basal glycemia, fasted levels of glucoregulatory hormones and on glycemia responses during metabolic and psychogenic stress using gene-deleted (Vipr2-/- ) female mice. The mean basal glycemia was significantly greater in Vipr2-/- in the fed state and after an 8-h overnight fast as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Insulin tolerance testing following a 5-h fast (morning fast, 0.38 U/kg insulin) indicated no effect of genotype. However, during a more intense metabolic challenge (8 h, ON fast, 0.25 U/kg insulin), Vipr2-/- females displayed significantly impaired insulin hypoglycemia. During immobilization stress, the hyperglycemic response and plasma epinephrine levels were significantly elevated above basal in Vipr2-/- , but not WT mice, in spite of similar stress levels of plasma corticosterone. Together, these results implicate participation of VPAC2R in upregulated counterregulatory processes influenced by enhanced sympathoexcitation. Moreover, the suppression of plasma GLP-1 levels in Vipr2-/- mice may have removed the inhibition on hepatic glucose production and the promotion of glucose disposal by GLP-1. qPCR analysis indicated deregulation of central gene markers of PACAP/VIP signaling in Vipr2-/- , upregulated medulla tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) and downregulated hypothalamic Vip transcripts. These results demonstrate a physiological role for VPAC2R in glucose metabolism, especially during insulin challenge and psychogenic stress, likely involving the participation of sympathoadrenal activity and/or metabolic hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Maximilian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari D Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Matthew C Valdez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Kurt A Spurgin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Julia M Krum
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Karthik R Basappa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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4
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Taylor SR, Kobayashi M, Vilella A, Tiwari D, Zolboot N, Du JX, Spencer KR, Hartzell A, Girgiss C, Abaci YT, Shao Y, De Sanctis C, Bellenchi GC, Darnell RB, Gross C, Zoli M, Berg DK, Lippi G. MicroRNA-218 instructs proper assembly of hippocampal networks. eLife 2023; 12:e82729. [PMID: 37862092 PMCID: PMC10637775 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of the mammalian brain is orchestrated by temporally coordinated waves of gene expression. Post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) is a key aspect of this program. Indeed, deletion of neuron-enriched miRNAs induces strong developmental phenotypes, and miRNA levels are altered in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the mechanisms used by miRNAs to instruct brain development remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified miR-218 as a critical regulator of hippocampal assembly. MiR-218 is highly expressed in the hippocampus and enriched in both excitatory principal neurons (PNs) and GABAergic inhibitory interneurons (INs). Early life inhibition of miR-218 results in an adult brain with a predisposition to seizures. Changes in gene expression in the absence of miR-218 suggest that network assembly is impaired. Indeed, we find that miR-218 inhibition results in the disruption of early depolarizing GABAergic signaling, structural defects in dendritic spines, and altered intrinsic membrane excitability. Conditional knockout of Mir218-2 in INs, but not PNs, is sufficient to recapitulate long-term instability. Finally, de-repressing Kif21b and Syt13, two miR-218 targets, phenocopies the effects on early synchronous network activity induced by miR-218 inhibition. Taken together, the data suggest that miR-218 orchestrates formative events in PNs and INs to produce stable networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth R Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Mariko Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Durgesh Tiwari
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Norjin Zolboot
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Jessica X Du
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Kathryn R Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Andrea Hartzell
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Carol Girgiss
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Yusuf T Abaci
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Yufeng Shao
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | | | - Gian Carlo Bellenchi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A Buzzati-TraversoNaplesItaly
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa LuciaRomeItaly
| | - Robert B Darnell
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Christina Gross
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Darwin K Berg
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Giordano Lippi
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
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5
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Zolboot N, Xiao Y, Du JX, Ghanem MM, Choi SY, Junn MJ, Zampa F, Huang Z, MacRae IJ, Lippi G. MicroRNAs are necessary for the emergence of Purkinje cell identity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.560023. [PMID: 37808721 PMCID: PMC10557743 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.560023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Brain computations are dictated by the unique morphology and connectivity of neuronal subtypes, features established by closely timed developmental events. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical for brain development, but current technologies lack the spatiotemporal resolution to determine how miRNAs instruct the steps leading to subtype identity. Here, we developed new tools to tackle this major gap. Fast and reversible miRNA loss-of-function revealed that miRNAs are necessary for cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) differentiation, which previously appeared miRNA-independent, and resolved distinct miRNA critical windows in PC dendritogenesis and climbing fiber synaptogenesis, key determinants of PC identity. To identify underlying mechanisms, we generated a mouse model, which enables precise mapping of miRNAs and their targets in rare cell types. With PC-specific maps, we found that the PC-enriched miR-206 drives exuberant dendritogenesis and modulates synaptogenesis. Our results showcase vastly improved approaches for dissecting miRNA function and reveal that many critical miRNA mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Highlights Fast miRNA loss-of-function with T6B impairs postnatal Purkinje cell developmentReversible T6B reveals critical miRNA windows for dendritogenesis and synaptogenesisConditional Spy3-Ago2 mouse line enables miRNA-target network mapping in rare cellsPurkinje cell-enriched miR-206 regulates its unique dendritic and synaptic morphology.
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6
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Kołosowska KA, Schratt G, Winterer J. microRNA-dependent regulation of gene expression in GABAergic interneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1188574. [PMID: 37213213 PMCID: PMC10196030 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1188574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Information processing within neuronal circuits relies on their proper development and a balanced interplay between principal and local inhibitory interneurons within those circuits. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory interneurons are a remarkably heterogeneous population, comprising subclasses based on their morphological, electrophysiological, and molecular features, with differential connectivity and activity patterns. microRNA (miRNA)-dependent post-transcriptional control of gene expression represents an important regulatory mechanism for neuronal development and plasticity. miRNAs are a large group of small non-coding RNAs (21-24 nucleotides) acting as negative regulators of mRNA translation and stability. However, while miRNA-dependent gene regulation in principal neurons has been described heretofore in several studies, an understanding of the role of miRNAs in inhibitory interneurons is only beginning to emerge. Recent research demonstrated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in interneuron subclasses, are vitally important for migration, maturation, and survival of interneurons during embryonic development and are crucial for cognitive function and memory formation. In this review, we discuss recent progress in understanding miRNA-dependent regulation of gene expression in interneuron development and function. We aim to shed light onto mechanisms by which miRNAs in GABAergic interneurons contribute to sculpting neuronal circuits, and how their dysregulation may underlie the emergence of numerous neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Lab of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Winterer
- Lab of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Jochen Winterer,
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7
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Zheng LW, Lan CN, Kong Y, Liu LH, Fan YM, Zhang CJ. Exosomal miR-150 derived from BMSCs inhibits TNF-α-mediated osteoblast apoptosis in osteonecrosis of the femoral head by GREM1/NF-κB signaling. Regen Med 2022; 17:739-753. [PMID: 35938412 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of exosomal miR-150 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Materials & methods: Cell viability and apoptosis were detected using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. Alizarin red staining was performed to detect calcium deposits. A rat model was established to assess the effects of exosomal miR-150 on ONFH in vivo. Results: Exosomes or exosomal miR-150 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibited TNF-α-induced osteoblast apoptosis and promoted osteogenic differentiation and autophagy. Exosomal miR-150 suppressed apoptosis and induced autophagy in TNF-α-treated osteoblasts by regulating the GREM1/NF-κB axis. Exosomal miR-150 also improved the pathological features of ONFH in vivo. Conclusion: Exosomal miR-150 alleviates ONFH by mediating the GREM1/NF-κB axis. This study provides a potential therapeutic strategy for ONFH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wen Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chun-Na Lan
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Li-Hong Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yong-Mei Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chang-Jie Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
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8
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Daswani R, Gilardi C, Soutschek M, Nanda P, Weiss K, Bicker S, Fiore R, Dieterich C, Germain PL, Winterer J, Schratt G. microRNA-138 controls hippocampal interneuron function and short-term memory in mice. eLife 2022; 11:74056. [PMID: 35290180 PMCID: PMC8963876 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper development and function of neuronal circuits rely on a tightly regulated balance between excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) synaptic transmission, and disrupting this balance can cause neurodevelopmental disorders, for example, schizophrenia. MicroRNA-dependent gene regulation in pyramidal neurons is important for excitatory synaptic function and cognition, but its role in inhibitory interneurons is poorly understood. Here, we identify miR138-5p as a regulator of short-term memory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the mouse hippocampus. Sponge-mediated miR138-5p inactivation specifically in mouse parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons impairs spatial recognition memory and enhances GABAergic synaptic input onto pyramidal neurons. Cellular and behavioral phenotypes associated with miR138-5p inactivation are paralleled by an upregulation of the schizophrenia (SCZ)-associated Erbb4, which we validated as a direct miR138-5p target gene. Our findings suggest that miR138-5p is a critical regulator of PV interneuron function in mice, with implications for cognition and SCZ. More generally, they provide evidence that microRNAs orchestrate neural circuit development by fine-tuning both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetu Daswani
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlotta Gilardi
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Soutschek
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pakruti Nanda
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Weiss
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Philipp University of Marburg, Marberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Bicker
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Fiore
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Winterer
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Apicella AJ, Marchionni I. VIP-Expressing GABAergic Neurons: Disinhibitory vs. Inhibitory Motif and Its Role in Communication Across Neocortical Areas. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:811484. [PMID: 35221922 PMCID: PMC8867699 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.811484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic neurons play a crucial role in shaping cortical activity. Even though GABAergic neurons constitute a small fraction of cortical neurons, their peculiar morphology and functional properties make them an intriguing and challenging task to study. Here, we review the basic anatomical features, the circuit properties, and the possible role in the relevant behavioral task of a subclass of GABAergic neurons that express vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). These studies were performed using transgenic mice in which the VIP-expressing neurons can be recognized using fluorescent proteins and optogenetic manipulation to control (or regulate) their electrical activity. Cortical VIP-expressing neurons are more abundant in superficial cortical layers than other cortical layers, where they are mainly studied. Optogenetic and paired recordings performed in ex vivo cortical preparations show that VIP-expressing neurons mainly exert their inhibitory effect onto somatostatin-expressing (SOM) inhibitory neurons, leading to a disinhibitory effect onto excitatory pyramidal neurons. However, this subclass of GABAergic neurons also releases neurotransmitters onto other GABAergic and non-GABAergic neurons, suggesting other possible circuit roles than a disinhibitory effect. The heterogeneity of VIP-expressing neurons also suggests their involvement and recruitment during different functions via the inhibition/disinhibition of GABAergic and non-GABAergic neurons locally and distally, depending on the specific local circuit in which they are embedded, with potential effects on the behavioral states of the animal. Although VIP-expressing neurons represent only a tiny fraction of GABAergic inhibitory neurons in the cortex, these neurons’ selective activation/inactivation could produce a relevant behavioral effect in the animal. Regardless of the increasing finding and discoveries on this subclass of GABAergic neurons, there is still a lot of missing information, and more studies should be done to unveil their role at the circuit and behavior level in different cortical layers and across different neocortical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Junior Apicella
- Department of Biology, Neurosciences Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ivan Marchionni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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10
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Wang D, Wu J, Liu P, Li X, Li J, He M, Li A. VIP interneurons regulate olfactory bulb output and contribute to odor detection and discrimination. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110383. [PMID: 35172159 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the olfactory bulb (OB), olfactory information represented by mitral/tufted cells (M/Ts) is extensively modulated by local inhibitory interneurons before being transmitted to the olfactory cortex. While the crucial roles of cortical vasoactive-intestinal-peptide-expressing (VIP) interneurons have been extensively studied, their precise function in the OB remains elusive. Here, we identify the synaptic connectivity of VIP interneurons onto mitral cells (MCs) and demonstrate their important role in olfactory behaviors. Optogenetic activation of VIP interneurons reduced both spontaneous and odor-evoked activity of M/Ts in awake mice. Whole-cell recordings revealed that VIP interneurons decrease MC firing through direct inhibitory synaptic connections with MCs. Furthermore, inactivation of VIP interneurons leads to increased MC firing and impaired olfactory detection and odor discrimination. Therefore, our results demonstrate that VIP interneurons control OB output and play critical roles in odor processing and olfactory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Penglai Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Anan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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11
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Simoes de Souza FM, Restrepo D. Does miRNA ablation in VIP+ interneurons of the olfactory bulb impair olfaction? Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 234:e13755. [PMID: 34951527 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio M. Simoes de Souza
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
- Center for Mathematics Computation and Cognition Federal University of ABC Sao Bernardo do Campo Brazil
| | - Diego Restrepo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
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12
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Wu J, Liu P, Mao X, Qiu F, Gong L, Wu J, Wang D, He M, Li A. Ablation of microRNAs in VIP + interneurons impairs olfactory discrimination and decreases neural activity in the olfactory bulb. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 234:e13767. [PMID: 34981885 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abundantly expressed in vasoactive intestinal peptide expressing (VIP+ ) interneurons and are indispensable for their functional maintenance and survival. Here, we blocked miRNA biogenesis in postmitotic VIP+ interneurons in mice by selectively ablating Dicer, an enzyme essential for miRNA maturation, to study whether ablation of VIP+ miRNA affects olfactory function and neural activity in olfactory centres such as the olfactory bulb, which contains a large number of VIP+ interneurons. METHODS A go/no-go odour discrimination task and a food-seeking test were used to assess olfactory discrimination and olfactory detection. In vivo electrophysiological techniques were used to record single units and local field potentials. RESULTS Olfactory detection and olfactory discrimination behaviours were impaired in VIP+ -specific Dicer-knockout mice. In vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake, head-fixed mice showed that both spontaneous and odour-evoked firing rates were decreased in mitral/tufted cells in knockout mice. The power of ongoing and odour-evoked beta local field potentials response of the olfactory bulb and anterior piriform cortex were dramatically decreased. Furthermore, the coherence of theta oscillations between the olfactory bulb and anterior piriform cortex was decreased. Importantly, Dicer knockout restricted to olfactory bulb VIP+ interneurons recapitulated the behavioural and electrophysiological results of the global knockout. CONCLUSIONS VIP+ miRNAs are an important factor in sensory processing, affecting olfactory function and olfactory neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Penglai Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Xingfeng Mao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
- Department of Anesthesiology Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Shenzhen China
| | - Ling Gong
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Jinyun Wu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Anan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
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13
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Zolboot N, Du JX, Zampa F, Lippi G. MicroRNAs Instruct and Maintain Cell Type Diversity in the Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:646072. [PMID: 33994943 PMCID: PMC8116551 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.646072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the diverse cell types that make up the nervous system is essential for understanding how the nervous system is structured and ultimately how it functions. The astonishing range of cellular diversity found in the nervous system emerges from a small pool of neural progenitor cells. These progenitors and their neuronal progeny proceed through sequential gene expression programs to produce different cell lineages and acquire distinct cell fates. These gene expression programs must be tightly regulated in order for the cells to achieve and maintain the proper differentiated state, remain functional throughout life, and avoid cell death. Disruption of developmental programs is associated with a wide range of abnormalities in brain structure and function, further indicating that elucidating their contribution to cellular diversity will be key to understanding brain health. A growing body of evidence suggests that tight regulation of developmental genes requires post-transcriptional regulation of the transcriptome by microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that function by binding to mRNA targets containing complementary sequences and repressing their translation into protein, thereby providing a layer of precise spatial and temporal control over gene expression. Moreover, the expression profiles and targets of miRNAs show great specificity for distinct cell types, brain regions and developmental stages, suggesting that they are an important parameter of cell type identity. Here, we provide an overview of miRNAs that are critically involved in establishing neural cell identities, focusing on how miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression modulates neural progenitor expansion, cell fate determination, cell migration, neuronal and glial subtype specification, and finally cell maintenance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norjin Zolboot
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jessica X Du
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Federico Zampa
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Giordano Lippi
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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