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Coutinho EA, Esparza LA, Rodriguez J, Yang J, Schafer D, Kauffman AS. Targeted inhibition of kisspeptin neurons reverses hyperandrogenemia and abnormal hyperactive LH secretion in a preclinical mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2024:deae153. [PMID: 38978296 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do hyperactive kisspeptin neurons contribute to abnormally high LH secretion and downstream hyperandrogenemia in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like conditions and can inhibition of kisspeptin neurons rescue such endocrine impairments? SUMMARY ANSWER Targeted inhibition of endogenous kisspeptin neuron activity in a mouse model of PCOS reduced the abnormally hyperactive LH pulse secretion and hyperandrogenemia to healthy control levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PCOS is a reproductive disorder characterized by hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and/or polycystic ovaries, along with a hallmark feature of abnormal LH hyper-pulsatility, but the mechanisms underlying the endocrine impairments remain unclear. A chronic letrozole (LET; aromatase inhibitor) mouse model recapitulates PCOS phenotypes, including polycystic ovaries, anovulation, high testosterone, and hyperactive LH pulses. LET PCOS-like females also have increased hypothalamic kisspeptin neuronal activation which may drive their hyperactive LH secretion and hyperandrogenemia, but this has not been tested. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Transgenic KissCRE+/hM4Di female mice or littermates Cre- controls were treated with placebo, or chronic LET (50 µg/day) to induce a PCOS-like phenotype, followed by acute (once) or chronic (2 weeks) clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) exposure to chemogenetically inhibit kisspeptin cells (n = 6 to 10 mice/group). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Key endocrine measures, including in vivo LH pulse secretion patterns and circulating testosterone levels, were assessed before and after selective kisspeptin neuron inhibition and compared between PCOS groups and healthy controls. Alterations in body weights were measured and pituitary and ovarian gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Acute targeted inhibition of kisspeptin neurons in PCOS mice successfully lowered the abnormally hyperactive LH pulse secretion (P < 0.05). Likewise, chronic selective suppression of kisspeptin neuron activity reversed the previously high LH and testosterone levels (P < 0.05) down to healthy control levels and rescued reproductive gene expression (P < 0. 05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ovarian morphology was not assessed in this study. Additionally, mouse models can offer mechanistic insights into neuroendocrine processes in PCOS-like conditions but may not perfectly mirror PCOS in women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data support the hypothesis that overactive kisspeptin neurons can drive neuroendocrine PCOS-like impairments, and this may occur in PCOS women. Our findings complement recent clinical investigations using NKB receptor antagonists to lower LH in PCOS women and suggest that pharmacological dose-dependent modulation of kisspeptin neuron activity may be a valuable future therapeutic target to clinically treat hyperandrogenism and lower elevated LH in PCOS women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by NIH grants R01 HD111650, R01 HD090161, R01 HD100580, P50 HD012303, R01 AG078185, and NIH R24 HD102061, and a pilot project award from the British Society for Neuroendocrinology. There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia A Coutinho
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lourdes A Esparza
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Julian Rodriguez
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Schafer
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Minetti A. Unlocking the potential of adeno-associated virus in neuroscience: a brief review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:563. [PMID: 38647711 PMCID: PMC11035420 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09521-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal tool in neuroscience research, owing to its remarkable versatility and efficiency in delivering genetic material to diverse cell types within the nervous system. This mini review aims to underscore the advanced applications of AAV vectors in neuroscience and their profound potential to revolutionize our understanding of brain function and therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. By providing a concise overview of the latest developments and strategies employing AAV vectors, this review illuminates the transformative role of AAV technology in unraveling the complexities of neural circuits and paving the way for innovative treatments. Through elucidating the multifaceted capabilities of AAV-mediated gene delivery, this review underscores its pivotal role as a cornerstone in contemporary neuroscience research, promising remarkable insights into the intricacies of brain biology and offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antea Minetti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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3
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Ji G, Presto P, Kiritoshi T, Chen Y, Navratilova E, Porreca F, Neugebauer V. Chemogenetic Manipulation of Amygdala Kappa Opioid Receptor Neurons Modulates Amygdala Neuronal Activity and Neuropathic Pain Behaviors. Cells 2024; 13:705. [PMID: 38667320 PMCID: PMC11049235 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080705] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) plays a key role in the modulation of pain and its aversive component. The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system in the amygdala is critical for averse-affective behaviors in pain conditions, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we used chemogenetic manipulations of amygdala KOR-expressing neurons to analyze the behavioral consequences in a chronic neuropathic pain model. For the chemogenetic inhibition or activation of KOR neurons in the CeA, a Cre-inducible viral vector encoding Gi-DREADD (hM4Di) or Gq-DREADD (hM3Dq) was injected stereotaxically into the right CeA of transgenic KOR-Cre mice. The chemogenetic inhibition of KOR neurons expressing hM4Di with a selective DREADD actuator (deschloroclozapine, DCZ) in sham control mice significantly decreased inhibitory transmission, resulting in a shift of inhibition/excitation balance to promote excitation and induced pain behaviors. The chemogenetic activation of KOR neurons expressing hM3Dq with DCZ in neuropathic mice significantly increased inhibitory transmission, decreased excitability, and decreased neuropathic pain behaviors. These data suggest that amygdala KOR neurons modulate pain behaviors by exerting an inhibitory tone on downstream CeA neurons. Therefore, activation of these interneurons or blockade of inhibitory KOR signaling in these neurons could restore control of amygdala output and mitigate pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangchen Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Takaki Kiritoshi
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Edita Navratilova
- Department of Pharmacology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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4
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Chang X, Zhang H, Chen S. Neural circuits regulating visceral pain. Commun Biol 2024; 7:457. [PMID: 38615103 PMCID: PMC11016080 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06148-y] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral hypersensitivity, a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain, which is a major challenge for both patients and health providers. Neural circuits in the brain encode, store, and transfer pain information across brain regions. In this review, we focus on the anterior cingulate cortex and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to highlight the progress in identifying the neural circuits involved in visceral pain. We also discuss several neural circuit mechanisms and emphasize the importance of cross-species, multiangle approaches and the identification of specific neurons in determining the neural circuits that control visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Shaozong Chen
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Withey SL, Pizzagalli DA, Bergman J. Translational In Vivo Assays in Behavioral Biology. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 64:435-453. [PMID: 37708432 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051921-093711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The failure of preclinical research to advance successful candidate medications in psychiatry has created a paradigmatic crisis in psychiatry. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative was designed to remedy this situation with a neuroscience-based approach that employs multimodal and cross-species in vivo methodology to increase the probability of translational findings and, consequently, drug discovery. The present review underscores the feasibility of this methodological approach by briefly reviewing, first, the use of multidimensional and cross-species methodologies in traditional behavioral pharmacology and, subsequently, the utility of this approach in contemporary neuroimaging and electrophysiology research-with a focus on the value of functionally homologous studies in nonhuman and human subjects. The final section provides a brief review of the RDoC, with a focus on the potential strengths and weaknesses of its domain-based underpinnings. Optimistically, this mechanistic and multidimensional approach in neuropsychiatric research will lead to novel therapeutics for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Withey
- Preclinical Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jack Bergman
- Preclinical Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Liaw YS, Augustine GJ. The claustrum and consciousness: An update. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100405. [PMID: 37701759 PMCID: PMC10493512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The seminal paper of Crick and Koch (2005) proposed that the claustrum, an enigmatic and thin grey matter structure that lies beside the insular cortex, may be involved in the processing of consciousness. As a result, this otherwise obscure structure has received ever-increasing interest in the search for neural correlates of consciousness. Here we review theories of consciousness and discuss the possible relationship between the claustrum and consciousness. We review relevant experimental evidence collected since the Crick and Koch (2005) paper and consider whether these findings support or contradict their hypothesis. We also explore how future experimental work can be designed to clarify how consciousness emerges from neural activity and to understand the role of the claustrum in consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Siang Liaw
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - George J. Augustine
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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7
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Lawson KA, Ruiz CM, Mahler SV. A head-to-head comparison of two DREADD agonists for suppressing operant behavior in rats via VTA dopamine neuron inhibition. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2101-2110. [PMID: 37530882 PMCID: PMC10794001 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are a tool for "remote control" of defined neuronal populations during behavior. These receptors are inert unless bound by an experimenter-administered designer drug, commonly clozapine-n-oxide (CNO). However, questions have emerged about the suitability of CNO as a systemically administered DREADD agonist. OBJECTIVES Second-generation agonists such as JHU37160 (J60) have been developed, which may have more favorable properties than CNO. Here we sought to directly compare effects of CNO (0, 1, 5, & 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and J60 (0, 0.03, 0.3, & 3 mg/kg, i.p.) on operant food pursuit. METHODS Male and female TH:Cre + rats and their wildtype (WT) littermates received cre-dependent hM4Di-mCherry vector injections into ventral tegmental area (VTA), causing inhibitory DREADD expression in VTA dopamine neurons of TH:Cre + rats. All rats were trained to stably lever press for palatable food on a fixed ratio 10 schedule, and doses of both agonists were tested on separate days in counterbalanced order. RESULTS All three CNO doses reduced operant rewards earned in rats with DREADDs, and no CNO dose had behavioral effects in WT controls. The highest J60 dose tested significantly reduced responding in DREADD rats, but this dose also increased responding in WTs, indicating non-specific effects. The magnitude of CNO and J60 effects in TH:Cre + rats were correlated and were present in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate the usefulness of directly comparing DREADD agonists when optimizing behavioral chemogenetics, and highlight the importance of proper controls, regardless of the DREADD agonist employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Lawson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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8
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Gerasimov E, Bezprozvanny I, Vlasova OL. Activation of Gq-Coupled Receptors in Astrocytes Restores Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9969. [PMID: 37373117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the current AD therapeutic developments are directed towards improving neuronal cell function or facilitating Aβ amyloid clearance from the brain. However, some recent evidence suggests that astrocytes may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of the optogenetic activation of Gq-coupled exogenous receptors expressed in astrocytes as a possible way of restoring brain function in the AD mouse model. We evaluated the effects of the optogenetic activation of astrocytes on long-term potentiation, spinal morphology and behavioral readouts in 5xFAD mouse model of AD. We determined that in vivo chronic activation of astrocytes resulted in the preservation of spine density, increased mushroom spine survival, and improved performance in cognitive behavioral tests. Furthermore, chronic optogenetic stimulation of astrocytes resulted in the elevation of EAAT-2 glutamate uptake transporter expression, which could be a possible explanation for the observed in vivo neuroprotective effects. The obtained results suggest that the persistent activation of astrocytes may be considered a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
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9
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Cushnie AK, Tang W, Heilbronner SR. Connecting Circuits with Networks in Addiction Neuroscience: A Salience Network Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9083. [PMID: 37240428 PMCID: PMC10219092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109083] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neuroimaging has demonstrated the existence of large-scale functional networks in the cerebral cortex consisting of topographically distant brain regions with functionally correlated activity. The salience network (SN), which is involved in detecting salient stimuli and mediating inter-network communication, is a crucial functional network that is disrupted in addiction. Individuals with addiction display dysfunctional structural and functional connectivity of the SN. Furthermore, while there is a growing body of evidence regarding the SN, addiction, and the relationship between the two, there are still many unknowns, and there are fundamental limitations to human neuroimaging studies. At the same time, advances in molecular and systems neuroscience techniques allow researchers to manipulate neural circuits in nonhuman animals with increasing precision. Here, we describe attempts to translate human functional networks to nonhuman animals to uncover circuit-level mechanisms. To do this, we review the structural and functional connections of the salience network and its homology across species. We then describe the existing literature in which circuit-specific perturbation of the SN sheds light on how functional cortical networks operate, both within and outside the context of addiction. Finally, we highlight key outstanding opportunities for mechanistic studies of the SN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana K. Cushnie
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 2-164 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA
| | - Sarah R. Heilbronner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 2-164 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Lawson KA, Ruiz CM, Mahler SV. A head-to-head comparison of two DREADD agonists for suppressing operant behavior in rats via VTA dopamine neuron inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.27.534429. [PMID: 37034819 PMCID: PMC10081263 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.27.534429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are a tool for "remote control" of defined neuronal populations during behavior. These receptors are inert unless bound by an experimenter-administered designer drug, most commonly clozapine-n-oxide (CNO). However, questions have emerged about the suitability of CNO as a systemically administered DREADD agonist. Objectives Second-generation agonists such as JHU37160 (J60) have been developed, which may have more favorable properties than CNO. Here we sought to directly compare effects of CNO (0, 1, 5, & 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and J60 (0, 0.03, 0.3, & 3 mg/kg, i.p.) on operant food pursuit. Methods Male and female TH:Cre+ rats and their wildtype (WT) littermates received cre-dependent hM4Di-mCherry vector injections into ventral tegmental area (VTA), causing inhibitory DREADD expression in VTA dopamine neurons in TH:Cre+ rats. Rats were trained to stably lever press for palatable food on a fixed ratio 10 schedule, and doses of both agonists were tested on separate days in a counterbalanced order. Results All three CNO doses reduced operant food seeking in rats with DREADDs, and no CNO dose had behavioral effects in WT controls. The highest tested J60 dose significantly reduced responding in DREADD rats, but this dose also increased responding in WTs, indicating non-specific effects. The magnitude of CNO and J60 effects in TH:Cre+ rats were correlated and were present in both sexes. Conclusions Findings demonstrate the usefulness of directly comparing DREADD agonists when optimizing behavioral chemogenetics, and highlight the importance of proper controls, regardless of the DREADD agonist employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Lawson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
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11
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Kravchenko JA, Goldberg EM, Mattis J. Optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation of seizure threshold in mice. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102019. [PMID: 36640370 PMCID: PMC9846020 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol using optogenetics or chemogenetics to assess the neuronal circuits contributing to seizure initiation. Both approaches allow for targeted control of neuronal populations in vivo and can be combined with experimental manipulations to acutely induce seizures in rodent models. We describe how to (1) introduce and (2) activate optogenetic or chemogenetic actuators while (3) inducing seizures via hyperthermia in a mouse model of epilepsy. This protocol can be adapted for use in other induced seizure models. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mattis et al. (2022).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Kravchenko
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Ethan M Goldberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neurology, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joanna Mattis
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Traut J, Mengual JP, Meijer EJ, McKillop LE, Alfonsa H, Hoerder-Suabedissen A, Song SH, Fehér KD, Riemann D, Molnar Z, Akerman CJ, Vyazovskiy VV, Krone LB. Effects of clozapine-N-oxide and compound 21 on sleep in laboratory mice. eLife 2023; 12:e84740. [PMID: 36892930 PMCID: PMC9998087 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are chemogenetic tools for remote control of targeted cell populations using chemical actuators that bind to modified receptors. Despite the popularity of DREADDs in neuroscience and sleep research, potential effects of the DREADD actuator clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) on sleep have never been systematically tested. Here, we show that intraperitoneal injections of commonly used CNO doses (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) alter sleep in wild-type male laboratory mice. Using electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to analyse sleep, we found a dose-dependent suppression of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, changes in EEG spectral power during non-REM (NREM) sleep, and altered sleep architecture in a pattern previously reported for clozapine. Effects of CNO on sleep could arise from back-metabolism to clozapine or binding to endogenous neurotransmitter receptors. Interestingly, we found that the novel DREADD actuator, compound 21 (C21, 3 mg/kg), similarly modulates sleep despite a lack of back-metabolism to clozapine. Our results demonstrate that both CNO and C21 can modulate sleep of mice not expressing DREADD receptors. This implies that back-metabolism to clozapine is not the sole mechanism underlying side effects of chemogenetic actuators. Therefore, any chemogenetic experiment should include a DREADD-free control group injected with the same CNO, C21, or newly developed actuator. We suggest that electrophysiological sleep assessment could serve as a sensitive tool to test the biological inertness of novel chemogenetic actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Traut
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jose Prius Mengual
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Elise J Meijer
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Laura E McKillop
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Hannah Alfonsa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Seo Ho Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Kristoffer D Fehér
- Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Division of Psychiatric SpecialtiesGenevaSwitzerland
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Zoltan Molnar
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Colin J Akerman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Vladyslav V Vyazovskiy
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Lukas B Krone
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryOxfordUnited Kingdom
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of BernBernSwitzerland
- Centre for Experimental Neurology, University of BernBernSwitzerland
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13
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Goyal D, Kumar H. In Vivo and 3D Imaging Technique(s) for Spatiotemporal Mapping of Pathological Events in Experimental Model(s) of Spinal Cord Injury. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:809-819. [PMID: 36787542 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial damage, astrogliosis, microgliosis, and neuronal degeneration are the most common events after spinal cord injury (SCI). Studies highlighted that studying the spatiotemporal profile of these events might provide a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of SCI. For imaging of these events, available conventional techniques such as 2-dimensional histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are well established and frequently used to visualize and detect the altered expression of the protein of interest involved in these events. However, the technique requires the physical sectioning of the tissue, and results are also open to misinterpretation. Currently, researchers are focusing more attention toward the advanced tools for imaging the spinal cord's various physiological and pathological parameters. The tools include two-photon imaging, light sheet fluorescence microscopy, in vivo imaging system with fluorescent probes, and in vivo chemical and fluorescent protein-expressing viral-tracers. These techniques outperform the limitations associated with conventional techniques in various aspects, such as optical sectioning of tissue, 3D reconstructed imaging, and imaging of particular planes of interest. In addition to this, these techniques are minimally invasive and less time-consuming. In this review, we will discuss the various advanced imaging methodologies that will evolve in the future to explore the fundamental mechanisms after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat India, 382355
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat India, 382355
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14
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Ash AM, Regele-Blasco E, Seib DR, Chahley E, Skelton PD, Luikart BW, Snyder JS. Adult-born neurons inhibit developmentally-born neurons during spatial learning. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 198:107710. [PMID: 36572174 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) subregion of the hippocampus results in a heterogenous population of neurons. Immature adult-born neurons (ABNs) have physiological and anatomical properties that may give them a unique role in learning. For example, compared to older granule neurons, they have greater somatic excitability, which could facilitate their recruitment into memory traces. However, recruitment is also likely to depend on interactions with other DG neurons through processes such as lateral inhibition. Immature ABNs target inhibitory interneurons and, compared to older neurons, they receive less GABAergic inhibition. Thus, they may induce lateral inhibition of mature DG neurons while being less susceptible to inhibition themselves. To test this we used a chemogenetic approach to silence immature ABNs as rats learned a spatial water maze task, and measured activity (Fos expression) in ABNs and developmentally-born neurons (DBNs). A retrovirus expressing the inhibitory DREADD receptor, hM4Di, was injected into the dorsal DG of male rats at 6w to infect neurons born in adulthood. Animals were also injected with BrdU to label DBNs or ABNs. DBNs were significantly more active than immature 4-week-old ABNs. Silencing 4-week-old ABNs did not alter learning but it increased activity in DBNs. However, silencing ABNs did not affect activation in other ABNs within the DG. Silencing ABNs also did not alter Fos expression in parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons. Collectively, these results suggest that ABNs may directly inhibit DBN activity during hippocampal-dependent learning, which may be relevant for maintaining sparse hippocampal representations of experienced events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Ash
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elena Regele-Blasco
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Désirée R Seib
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin Chahley
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patrick D Skelton
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Bryan W Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Jason S Snyder
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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15
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Bauer J, Devinsky O, Rothermel M, Koch H. Autonomic dysfunction in epilepsy mouse models with implications for SUDEP research. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1040648. [PMID: 36686527 PMCID: PMC9853197 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1040648] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy has a high prevalence and can severely impair quality of life and increase the risk of premature death. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in drug-resistant epilepsy and most often results from respiratory and cardiac impairments due to brainstem dysfunction. Epileptic activity can spread widely, influencing neuronal activity in regions outside the epileptic network. The brainstem controls cardiorespiratory activity and arousal and reciprocally connects to cortical, diencephalic, and spinal cord areas. Epileptic activity can propagate trans-synaptically or via spreading depression (SD) to alter brainstem functions and cause cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mechanisms by which seizures propagate to or otherwise impair brainstem function and trigger the cascading effects that cause SUDEP are poorly understood. We review insights from mouse models combined with new techniques to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy and SUDEP. These techniques include in vivo, ex vivo, invasive and non-invasive methods in anesthetized and awake mice. Optogenetics combined with electrophysiological and optical manipulation and recording methods offer unique opportunities to study neuronal mechanisms under normal conditions, during and after non-fatal seizures, and in SUDEP. These combined approaches can advance our understanding of brainstem pathophysiology associated with seizures and SUDEP and may suggest strategies to prevent SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bauer
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,*Correspondence: Henner Koch ✉
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16
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Cushnie AK, Bullock DN, Manea AM, Tang W, Zimmermann J, Heilbronner SR. The use of chemogenetic actuator ligands in nonhuman primate DREADDs-fMRI. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 4:100072. [PMID: 36691404 PMCID: PMC9860110 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are engineered receptors that allow for genetically targeted, reversible manipulation of cellular activity via systemic drug administration. DREADD induced manipulations are initiated via the binding of an actuator ligand. Therefore, the use of DREADDs is contingent on the availability of actuator ligands. Actuator ligands low-dose clozapine (CLZ) and deschloroclozapine (DCZ) are highly selective for DREADDs, and, upon binding, induce physiological and behavioral changes in rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs). Despite this reported specificity, both CLZ and DCZ have partial affinity for a variety of endogenous receptors and can induce dose-specific changes even in naïve animals. As such, this study aimed to examine the effects of CLZ and DCZ on resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) in naïve NHPs. In doing so, we evaluated whether CLZ and DCZ - in the absence of DREADDs - are inert by examining these ligands' effects on the intrinsic functional properties of the brain. Low-dose DCZ did not induce consistent changes in rs-FC or INTs prior to the expression of DREADDs; however, a high dose resulted in subject-specific changes in rs-FC and INTs. In contrast, CLZ administration induced consistent changes in rs-FC and INTs prior to DREADD expression in our subjects. Our results caution against the use of CLZ by explicitly demonstrating the impact of off-target effects that can confound experimental results. Altogether, these data endorse the use of low dose DCZ for future DREADD-based experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana K. Cushnie
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Daniel N. Bullock
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ana M.G. Manea
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Computer Science, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, 47408, USA
| | - Jan Zimmermann
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sarah R. Heilbronner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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17
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Intertwining Neuropathogenic Impacts of Aberrant Circadian Rhythm and Impaired Neuroregenerative Plasticity in Huntington’s Disease: Neurotherapeutic Significance of Chemogenetics. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal progressive involuntary movements, cognitive deficits, sleep disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms. The onset and progression of the clinical symptoms have been linked to impaired adult neurogenesis in the brains of subjects with HD, due to the reduced neurogenic potential of neural stem cells (NSCs). Among various pathogenic determinants, an altered clock pathway appears to induce the dysregulation of neurogenesis in neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons that express the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the brain play a key role in the regulation of circadian rhythm and neuroplasticity. While an abnormal clock gene pathway has been associated with the inactivation of GABAergic VIP neurons, recent studies suggest the activation of this neuronal population in the brain positively contributes to neuroplasticity. Thus, the activation of GABAergic VIP neurons in the brain might help rectify the irregular circadian rhythm in HD. Chemogenetics refers to the incorporation of genetically engineered receptors or ion channels into a specific cell population followed by its activation using desired chemical ligands. The recent advancement of chemogenetic-based approaches represents a potential scientific tool to rectify the aberrant circadian clock pathways. Considering the facts, the defects in the circadian rhythm can be rectified by the activation of VIP-expressing GABAergic neurons using chemogenetics approaches. Thus, the chemogenetic-based rectification of an abnormal circadian rhythm may facilitate the neurogenic potentials of NSCs to restore the neuroregenerative plasticity in HD. Eventually, the increased neurogenesis in the brain can be expected to mitigate neuronal loss and functional deficits.
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18
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Mesa JR, Wesson DW, Schwendt M, Knackstedt LA. The roles of rat medial prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices in relapse to cocaine-seeking: A comparison across methods for identifying neurocircuits. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 4:100031. [PMID: 36277334 PMCID: PMC9583858 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A large body of research supports the notion that regions of the rodent frontal cortex regulate reinstatement of cocaine seeking after cessation of intravenous cocaine self-administration. However, earlier studies identifying the roles of medial (mPFC) and orbital prefrontal cortices (OFC) in reinstatement relied on pharmacological inactivation methods, which indiscriminately inhibited cells within a target region. Here, we first review the anatomical borders and pathways of the rat mPFC and OFC. Next, we compare and contrast findings from more recent cocaine seeking and reinstatement studies that used chemogenetics, optogenetics, or advanced tracing to manipulate specific local cell types or input/output projections of the mPFC and OFC subregions. We found that these studies largely corroborated the roles for mPFC subregions as ascribed by pharmacological inactivation studies. Namely, the prelimbic cortex generally drives cocaine seeking behaviors while the infralimbic cortex is recruited to inhibit cocaine seeking by extinction training but may contribute to seeking after prolonged abstinence. While the OFC remains understudied, we suggest it should not be overlooked, and, as with prelimbic and infralimbic cortices, we identify specific pathways of interest for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier R. Mesa
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. (J.R. Mesa)
| | - Daniel W. Wesson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marek Schwendt
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lori A. Knackstedt
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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19
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Kitagawa T, Nagoshi N, Okano H, Nakamura M. A Narrative Review of Advances in Neural Precursor Cell Transplantation Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury. Neurospine 2022; 19:935-945. [PMID: 36597632 PMCID: PMC9816589 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244628.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive event that causes a permanent deficit in neurological function because of poor regenerative potential. Transplantation therapies have attracted attention for restoration of the injured spinal cord, and transplantation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) has been studied worldwide. Several groups have demonstrated functional recovery via this therapeutic intervention due to the multiple beneficial effects of NPC transplantation, such as reconstruction of neuronal circuits, remyelination of axons, and neuroprotection by trophic factors. Our group developed a method to induce NPCs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and established a transplantation strategy for SCI. Functional improvement in SCI animals treated with hiPSC-NPCs was observed, and the safety of transplanting these cells was evaluated from multiple perspectives. With selection of a safe cell line and pretreatment of the cells to encourage maturation and differentiation, hiPSC-NPC transplantation therapy is now in the clinical phase of testing for subacute SCI. In addition, a research challenge will be to expand the efficacy of transplantation therapy for chronic SCI. More comprehensive strategies involving combination treatments are required to treat this problematic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan,Corresponding Author Narihito Nagoshi Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Maghsoudi S, Taghavi Shahraki B, Rameh F, Nazarabi M, Fatahi Y, Akhavan O, Rabiee M, Mostafavi E, Lima EC, Saeb MR, Rabiee N. A review on computer-aided chemogenomics and drug repositioning for rational COVID-19 drug discovery. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 100:699-721. [PMID: 36002440 PMCID: PMC9539342 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Application of materials capable of energy harvesting to increase the efficiency and environmental adaptability is sometimes reflected in the ability of discovery of some traces in an environment-either experimentally or computationally-to enlarge practical application window. The emergence of computational methods, particularly computer-aided drug discovery (CADD), provides ample opportunities for the rapid discovery and development of unprecedented drugs. The expensive and time-consuming process of traditional drug discovery is no longer feasible, for nowadays the identification of potential drug candidates is much easier for therapeutic targets through elaborate in silico approaches, allowing the prediction of the toxicity of drugs, such as drug repositioning (DR) and chemical genomics (chemogenomics). Coronaviruses (CoVs) are cross-species viruses that are able to spread expeditiously from the into new host species, which in turn cause epidemic diseases. In this sense, this review furnishes an outline of computational strategies and their applications in drug discovery. A special focus is placed on chemogenomics and DR as unique and emerging system-based disciplines on CoV drug and target discovery to model protein networks against a library of compounds. Furthermore, to demonstrate the special advantages of CADD methods in rapidly finding a drug for this deadly virus, numerous examples of the recent achievements grounded on molecular docking, chemogenomics, and DR are reported, analyzed, and interpreted in detail. It is believed that the outcome of this review assists developers of energy harvesting materials and systems for detection of future unexpected kinds of CoVs or other variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Maghsoudi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), University of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | | | | | - Masoomeh Nazarabi
- Faculty of Organic Chemistry, Department of ChemistryUniversity of KashanKashanIran
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of PharmacyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of PharmacyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Omid Akhavan
- Department of PhysicsSharif University of TechnologyTehranIran
| | - Mohammad Rabiee
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical EngineeringAmirkabir University of TechnologyTehranIran
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Eder C. Lima
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS)Porto AlegreBrazil
| | - Mohammad Reza Saeb
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of ChemistryGdańsk University of TechnologyGdańskPoland
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Department of PhysicsSharif University of TechnologyTehranIran
- School of EngineeringMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)PohangSouth Korea
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21
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Gallagher CI, Ha DA, Harvey RJ, Vandenberg RJ. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glycine Receptors and Their Potential Use in Pain Therapies. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:933-961. [PMID: 36779343 PMCID: PMC9553105 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate synaptic inhibition throughout the mammalian spinal cord, brainstem, and higher brain regions. They have recently emerged as promising targets for novel pain therapies due to their ability to produce antinociception by inhibiting nociceptive signals within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This has greatly enhanced the interest in developing positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors. Several pharmaceutical companies and research facilities have attempted to identify new therapeutic leads by conducting large-scale screens of compound libraries, screening new derivatives from natural sources, or synthesizing novel compounds that mimic endogenous compounds with antinociceptive activity. Advances in structural techniques have also led to the publication of multiple high-resolution structures of the receptor, highlighting novel allosteric binding sites and providing additional information for previously identified binding sites. This has greatly enhanced our understanding of the functional properties of glycine receptors and expanded the structure activity relationships of novel pharmacophores. Despite this, glycine receptors are yet to be used as drug targets due to the difficulties in obtaining potent, selective modulators with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles that are devoid of side effects. This review presents a summary of the structural basis for how current compounds cause positive allosteric modulation of glycine receptors and discusses their therapeutic potential as analgesics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chronic pain is a major cause of disability, and in Western societies, this will only increase as the population ages. Despite the high level of prevalence and enormous socioeconomic burden incurred, treatment of chronic pain remains limited as it is often refractory to current analgesics, such as opioids. The National Institute for Drug Abuse has set finding effective, safe, nonaddictive strategies to manage chronic pain as their top priority. Positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors may provide a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey I Gallagher
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Damien A Ha
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Harvey
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Molecular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (C.I.G., D.A.H., R.J.V.) and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia (R.J.H.)
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22
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Liu T, Choi MH, Zhu J, Zhu T, Yang J, Li N, Chen Z, Xian Q, Hou X, He D, Guo J, Fei C, Sun L, Qiu Z. Sonogenetics: Recent advances and future directions. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:1308-1317. [PMID: 36130679 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonogenetics refers to the use of genetically encoded, ultrasound-responsive mediators for noninvasive and selective control of neural activity. It is a promising tool for studying neural circuits. However, due to its infancy, basic studies and developments are still underway, including gauging key in vivo performance metrics such as spatiotemporal resolution, selectivity, specificity, and safety. In this paper, we summarize recent findings on sonogenetics to highlight technical hurdles that have been cleared, challenges that remain, and future directions for optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China
| | - Mi Hyun Choi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Jiejun Zhu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China
| | - Na Li
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China; School of Microelectronics, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China; School of Microelectronics, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Quanxiang Xian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xuandi Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dongmin He
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China
| | - Jinghui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlong Fei
- School of Microelectronics, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Zhihai Qiu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519031, China.
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23
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Ago K, Nagoshi N, Imaizumi K, Kitagawa T, Kawai M, Kajikawa K, Shibata R, Kamata Y, Kojima K, Shinozaki M, Kondo T, Iwano S, Miyawaki A, Ohtsuka M, Bito H, Kobayashi K, Shibata S, Shindo T, Kohyama J, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Okano H. A non-invasive system to monitor in vivo neural graft activity after spinal cord injury. Commun Biol 2022; 5:803. [PMID: 35948599 PMCID: PMC9365819 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Expectations for neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation as a treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) are increasing. However, whether and how grafted cells are incorporated into the host neural circuit and contribute to motor function recovery remain unknown. The aim of this project was to establish a novel non-invasive in vivo imaging system to visualize the activity of neural grafts by which we can simultaneously demonstrate the circuit-level integration between the graft and host and the contribution of graft neuronal activity to host behaviour. We introduced Akaluc, a newly engineered luciferase, under the control of enhanced synaptic activity-responsive element (E-SARE), a potent neuronal activity-dependent synthetic promoter, into NS/PCs and engrafted the cells into SCI model mice. Through the use of this system, we found that the activity of grafted cells was integrated with host behaviour and driven by host neural circuit inputs. This non-invasive system is expected to help elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of cell transplantation treatment for SCI. Visualisation of the activity of neural grafts using engineered luciferase provides insights into the integration between the graft and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ago
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Momotaro Kawai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keita Kajikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reo Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kota Kojima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kondo
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Iwano
- Laboratory for Cell Function and Dynamics, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Laboratory for Cell Function and Dynamics, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masanari Ohtsuka
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.,Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shindo
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jun Kohyama
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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Suárez-Pereira I, Llorca-Torralba M, Bravo L, Camarena-Delgado C, Soriano-Mas C, Berrocoso E. The Role of the Locus Coeruleus in Pain and Associated Stress-Related Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:786-797. [PMID: 35164940 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC)-noradrenergic system is the main source of noradrenaline in the central nervous system and is involved intensively in modulating pain and stress-related disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder and anxiety) and in their comorbidity. However, the mechanisms involving the LC that underlie these effects have not been fully elucidated, in part owing to the technical difficulties inherent in exploring such a tiny nucleus. However, novel research tools are now available that have helped redefine the LC system, moving away from the traditional view of LC as a homogeneous structure that exerts a uniform influence on neural activity. Indeed, innovative techniques such as DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) and optogenetics have demonstrated the functional heterogeneity of LC, and novel magnetic resonance imaging applications combined with pupillometry have opened the way to evaluate LC activity in vivo. This review aims to bring together the data available on the efferent activity of the LC-noradrenergic system in relation to pain and its comorbidity with anxiodepressive disorders. Acute pain triggers a robust LC stress response, producing spinal cord-mediated endogenous analgesia while promoting aversion, vigilance, and threat detection through its ascending efferents. However, this protective biological system fails in chronic pain, and LC activity produces pain facilitation, anxiety, increased aversive memory, and behavioral despair, acting at the medulla, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala levels. Thus, the activation/deactivation of specific LC projections contributes to different behavioral outcomes in the shift from acute to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Suárez-Pereira
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell Llorca-Torralba
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Bravo
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Camarena-Delgado
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carles Soriano-Mas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Shahoha M, Cohen R, Ben-Simon Y, Ashery U. cAMP-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity at the Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Terminal. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:861215. [PMID: 35444523 PMCID: PMC9013808 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.861215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a crucial second messenger involved in both pre- and postsynaptic plasticity in many neuronal types across species. In the hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) synapse, cAMP mediates presynaptic long-term potentiation and depression. The main cAMP-dependent signaling pathway linked to MF synaptic plasticity acts via the activation of the protein kinase A (PKA) molecular cascade. Accordingly, various downstream putative synaptic PKA target proteins have been linked to cAMP-dependent MF synaptic plasticity, such as synapsin, rabphilin, synaptotagmin-12, RIM1a, tomosyn, and P/Q-type calcium channels. Regulating the expression of some of these proteins alters synaptic release probability and calcium channel clustering, resulting in short- and long-term changes to synaptic efficacy. However, despite decades of research, the exact molecular mechanisms by which cAMP and PKA exert their influences in MF terminals remain largely unknown. Here, we review current knowledge of different cAMP catalysts and potential downstream PKA-dependent molecular cascades, in addition to non-canonical cAMP-dependent but PKA-independent cascades, which might serve as alternative, compensatory or competing pathways to the canonical PKA cascade. Since several other central synapses share a similar form of presynaptic plasticity with the MF, a better description of the molecular mechanisms governing MF plasticity could be key to understanding the relationship between the transcriptional and computational levels across brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishar Shahoha
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronni Cohen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoav Ben-Simon
- Department of Neurophysiology, Vienna Medical University, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Yoav Ben-Simon,
| | - Uri Ashery
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Uri Ashery,
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26
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Lovinger DM, Mateo Y, Johnson KA, Engi SA, Antonazzo M, Cheer JF. Local modulation by presynaptic receptors controls neuronal communication and behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:191-203. [PMID: 35228740 PMCID: PMC10709822 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system neurons communicate via fast synaptic transmission mediated by ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) receptors and slower neuromodulation mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors influence many neuronal functions, including presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Presynaptic LGIC and GPCR activation by locally released neurotransmitters influences neuronal communication in ways that modify effects of somatic action potentials. Although much is known about presynaptic receptors and their mechanisms of action, less is known about when and where these receptor actions alter release, especially in vivo. This Review focuses on emerging evidence for important local presynaptic receptor actions and ideas for future studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Yolanda Mateo
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sheila A Engi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mario Antonazzo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Kurt G, Kodur N, Quiles CR, Reynolds C, Eagle A, Mayer T, Brown J, Makela A, Bugescu R, Seo HD, Carroll QE, Daniels D, Robison AJ, Mazei-Robison M, Leinninger G. Time to drink: Activating lateral hypothalamic area neurotensin neurons promotes intake of fluid over food in a time-dependent manner. Physiol Behav 2022; 247:113707. [PMID: 35063424 PMCID: PMC8844224 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113707] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is essential for ingestive behavior but has primarily been studied in modulating feeding, with comparatively scant attention on drinking. This is partly because most LHA neurons simultaneously promote feeding and drinking, suggesting that ingestive behaviors track together. A notable exception are LHA neurons expressing neurotensin (LHANts neurons): activating these neurons promotes water intake but modestly restrains feeding. Here we investigated the connectivity of LHANts neurons, their necessity and sufficiency for drinking and feeding, and how timing and resource availability influence their modulation of these behaviors. LHANts neurons project broadly throughout the brain, including to the lateral preoptic area (LPO), a brain region implicated in modulating drinking behavior. LHANts neurons also receive inputs from brain regions implicated in sensing hydration and energy status. While activation of LHANts neurons is not required to maintain homeostatic water or food intake, it selectively promotes drinking during the light cycle, when ingestive drive is low. Activating LHANts neurons during this period also increases willingness to work for water or palatable fluids, regardless of their caloric content. By contrast, LHANts neuronal activation during the dark cycle does not promote drinking, but suppresses feeding during this time. Finally, we demonstrate that the activation of the LHANts → LPO projection is sufficient to mediate drinking behavior, but does not suppress feeding as observed after generally activating all LHANts neurons. Overall, our work suggests how and when LHANts neurons oppositely modulate ingestive behaviors.
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Key Words
- ARC, Arcuate nucleus
- CEA, Central amygdala
- CNO, Clozapine N-Oxide
- CPP, Conditioned place preference
- DR, Dorsal raphe
- DREADD
- DREADD, Designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs
- FR-1, Fixed ratio-1
- LHA
- LHA(Nts), Lateral hypothalamic area neuotensin-expressing
- LHA, Lateral hypothalamic area
- LPO, Lateral preoptic area
- LT, Lateral terminalis
- LepRb, Long form of the leptin receptor
- MnPO, Median preoptic area
- ModRabies, Genetically modified rabies virus, EnvA-∆G-Rabies-mCherry
- NTS, Nucleus of solitary tract
- Nts, Neurotensin
- NtsR1, Neurotensin receptor-1
- NtsR2, Neurotensin receptor-2
- OVLT, Organum vasculosum lamina terminalis
- PAG, Periaqueductal gray
- PB, Parabrachial area
- PR, Progressive ratio
- PVH, Paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus
- SFO, Subfornical organ
- SNc, Substantia nigra compacta
- SO, Supraoptic nucleus
- TVA, avian viral receptor protein
- VEH, Vehicle
- VTA, Ventral tegmental area
- WT, Wild type
- Water
- aCSF, Artificial cerebrospinal fluid
- body weight
- feeding
- homeostasis
- lHb, Lateral habenula
- lateral preoptic area (LPO)
- neurotensin receptor
- reward
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Kurt
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Nandan Kodur
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | - Chelsea Reynolds
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Andrew Eagle
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tom Mayer
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Juliette Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Anna Makela
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Raluca Bugescu
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Harim Delgado Seo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Quinn E Carroll
- Department of Psychology and the Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14226, USA
| | - Derek Daniels
- Department of Psychology and the Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14226, USA
| | - A J Robison
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | - Gina Leinninger
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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28
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The DREADDful Hurdles and Opportunities of the Chronic Chemogenetic Toolbox. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071110. [PMID: 35406674 PMCID: PMC8998042 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic character of chemogenetics has been put forward as one of the assets of the technique, particularly in comparison to optogenetics. Yet, the vast majority of chemogenetic studies have focused on acute applications, while repeated, long-term neuromodulation has only been booming in the past few years. Unfortunately, together with the rising number of studies, various hurdles have also been uncovered, especially in relation to its chronic application. It becomes increasingly clear that chronic neuromodulation warrants caution and that the effects of acute neuromodulation cannot be extrapolated towards chronic experiments. Deciphering the underlying cellular and molecular causes of these discrepancies could truly unlock the chronic chemogenetic toolbox and possibly even pave the way for chemogenetics towards clinical application. Indeed, we are only scratching the surface of what is possible with chemogenetic research. For example, most investigations are concentrated on behavioral read-outs, whereas dissecting the underlying molecular signature after (chronic) neuromodulation could reveal novel insights in terms of basic neuroscience and deregulated neural circuits. In this review, we highlight the hurdles associated with the use of chemogenetic experiments, as well as the unexplored research questions for which chemogenetics offers the ideal research platform, with a particular focus on its long-term application.
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Abstract
Social interactions can bolster and protect memory performance. However, the relationship between social stimuli and individually learned memories remains enigmatic. Our work reveals that exposure to a stressed, naïve nonfamiliar conspecific or to the ambient olfactory–auditory cues of a recently stressed familiar conspecific induces reactivation of the cellular ensembles associated with a fear memory in the hippocampus. Artificially stimulating the hippocampal ensemble active during the social experience induces fearful behaviors in animals that have previously acquired a negative memory, revealing the interaction between individual history and social experience. The neural resurgence of fear-driving ensembles during social experiences leads to a context-specific enhancement of fear recall. Our findings provide evidence that unlike direct stressors, social stimuli reactivate and amplify an individual’s memories. For group-living animals, the social environment provides salient experience that can weaken or strengthen aspects of cognition such as memory recall. Although the cellular substrates of individually acquired fear memories in the dentate gyrus (DG) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been well-studied and recent work has revealed circuit mechanisms underlying the encoding of social experience, the processes by which social experience interacts with an individual’s memories to alter recall remain unknown. Here we show that stressful social experiences enhance the recall of previously acquired fear memories in male but not female mice, and that social buffering of conspecifics’ distress blocks this enhancement. Activity-dependent tagging of cells in the DG during fear learning revealed that these ensembles were endogenously reactivated during the social experiences in males, even after extinction. These reactivated cells were shown to be functional components of engrams, as optogenetic stimulation of the cells active during the social experience in previously fear-conditioned and not naïve animals was sufficient to drive fear-related behaviors. Taken together, our findings suggest that social experiences can reactivate preexisting engrams to thereby strengthen discrete memories.
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30
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Applications of chemogenetics in non-human primates. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 64:102204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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31
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Fazekas CL, Szabó A, Török B, Bánrévi K, Correia P, Chaves T, Daumas S, Zelena D. A New Player in the Hippocampus: A Review on VGLUT3+ Neurons and Their Role in the Regulation of Hippocampal Activity and Behaviour. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:790. [PMID: 35054976 PMCID: PMC8775679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory amino acid in the central nervous system. Neurons using glutamate as a neurotransmitter can be characterised by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Among the three subtypes, VGLUT3 is unique, co-localising with other "classical" neurotransmitters, such as the inhibitory GABA. Glutamate, manipulated by VGLUT3, can modulate the packaging as well as the release of other neurotransmitters and serve as a retrograde signal through its release from the somata and dendrites. Its contribution to sensory processes (including seeing, hearing, and mechanosensation) is well characterised. However, its involvement in learning and memory can only be assumed based on its prominent hippocampal presence. Although VGLUT3-expressing neurons are detectable in the hippocampus, most of the hippocampal VGLUT3 positivity can be found on nerve terminals, presumably coming from the median raphe. This hippocampal glutamatergic network plays a pivotal role in several important processes (e.g., learning and memory, emotions, epilepsy, cardiovascular regulation). Indirect information from anatomical studies and KO mice strains suggests the contribution of local VGLUT3-positive hippocampal neurons as well as afferentations in these events. However, further studies making use of more specific tools (e.g., Cre-mice, opto- and chemogenetics) are needed to confirm these assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS) INSERM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tiago Chaves
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stéphanie Daumas
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS) INSERM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Slonina ZA, Poole KC, Bizley JK. What can we learn from inactivation studies? Lessons from auditory cortex. Trends Neurosci 2021; 45:64-77. [PMID: 34799134 PMCID: PMC8897194 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation experiments in auditory cortex (AC) produce widely varying results that complicate interpretations regarding the precise role of AC in auditory perception and ensuing behaviour. The advent of optogenetic methods in neuroscience offers previously unachievable insight into the mechanisms transforming brain activity into behaviour. With a view to aiding the design and interpretation of future studies in and outside AC, here we discuss the methodological challenges faced in manipulating neural activity. While considering AC’s role in auditory behaviour through the prism of inactivation experiments, we consider the factors that confound the interpretation of the effects of inactivation on behaviour, including the species, the type of inactivation, the behavioural task employed, and the exact location of the inactivation. Wide variation in the outcome of auditory cortex inactivation has been an impediment to clear conclusions regarding the roles of the auditory cortex in behaviour. Inactivation methods differ in their efficacy and specificity. The likelihood of observing a behavioural deficit is additionally influenced by factors such as the species being used, task design and reward. A synthesis of previous results suggests that auditory cortex involvement is critical for tasks that require integrating across multiple stimulus features, and less likely to be critical for simple feature discriminations. New methods of neural silencing provide opportunities for spatially and temporally precise manipulation of activity, allowing perturbation of individual subfields and specific circuits.
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33
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Sex differences in anxiety and depression: circuits and mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:674-684. [PMID: 34545241 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00513-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological sex differences in anxiety disorders and major depression are well characterized. Yet the circuits and mechanisms that contribute to these differences are understudied, because preclinical studies have historically excluded female rodents. This oversight is beginning to be addressed, and recent studies that include male and female rodents are identifying sex differences in neurobiological processes that underlie features of these disorders, including conflict anxiety, fear processing, arousal, social avoidance, learned helplessness and anhedonia. These findings allow us to conceptualize various types of sex differences in the brain, which in turn have broader implications for considering sex as a biological variable. Importantly, comparing the sexes could aid in the discovery of novel therapeutics.
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Contribution of animal models toward understanding resting state functional connectivity. Neuroimage 2021; 245:118630. [PMID: 34644593 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional connectivity, which reflects the spatial and temporal organization of intrinsic activity throughout the brain, is one of the most studied measures in human neuroimaging research. The noninvasive acquisition of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) allows the characterization of features designated as functional networks, functional connectivity gradients, and time-varying activity patterns that provide insight into the intrinsic functional organization of the brain and potential alterations related to brain dysfunction. Functional connectivity, hence, captures dimensions of the brain's activity that have enormous potential for both clinical and preclinical research. However, the mechanisms underlying functional connectivity have yet to be fully characterized, hindering interpretation of rs-fMRI studies. As in other branches of neuroscience, the identification of the neurophysiological processes that contribute to functional connectivity largely depends on research conducted on laboratory animals, which provide a platform where specific, multi-dimensional investigations that involve invasive measurements can be carried out. These highly controlled experiments facilitate the interpretation of the temporal correlations observed across the brain. Indeed, information obtained from animal experimentation to date is the basis for our current understanding of the underlying basis for functional brain connectivity. This review presents a compendium of some of the most critical advances in the field based on the efforts made by the animal neuroimaging community.
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Yook JS, Kim J, Kim J. Convergence Circuit Mapping: Genetic Approaches From Structure to Function. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:688673. [PMID: 34234652 PMCID: PMC8255632 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.688673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex neural circuits that underpin brain function and behavior has been a long-standing goal of neuroscience. Yet this is no small feat considering the interconnectedness of neurons and other cell types, both within and across brain regions. In this review, we describe recent advances in mouse molecular genetic engineering that can be used to integrate information on brain activity and structure at regional, cellular, and subcellular levels. The convergence of structural inputs can be mapped throughout the brain in a cell type-specific manner by antero- and retrograde viral systems expressing various fluorescent proteins and genetic switches. Furthermore, neural activity can be manipulated using opto- and chemo-genetic tools to interrogate the functional significance of this input convergence. Monitoring neuronal activity is obtained with precise spatiotemporal resolution using genetically encoded sensors for calcium changes and specific neurotransmitters. Combining these genetically engineered mapping tools is a compelling approach for unraveling the structural and functional brain architecture of complex behaviors and malfunctioned states of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang Soo Yook
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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Pickering CA, Mazarakis ND. Viral Vector Delivery of DREADDs for CNS Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:191-206. [PMID: 33573551 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210211102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are genetically modified G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), that can be activated by a synthetic ligand which is otherwise inert at endogenous receptors. DREADDs can be expressed in cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and subsequently offer the opportunity for remote and reversible silencing or activation of the target cells when the synthetic ligand is systemically administered. In neuroscience, DREADDs have thus far shown to be useful tools for several areas of research and offer considerable potential for the development of gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders. However, in order to design a DREADD-based gene therapy, it is necessary to first evaluate the viral vector delivery methods utilised in the literature to deliver these chemogenetic tools. This review evaluates each of the prominent strategies currently utilised for DREADD delivery, discussing their respective advantages and limitations. We focus on adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based and lentivirus-based systems, and the manipulation of these through cell-type specific promoters and pseudotyping. Furthermore, we address how virally mediated DREADD delivery could be improved in order to make it a viable gene therapy strategy and thus expand its translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceri A Pickering
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D Mazarakis
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ozawa A, Arakawa H. Chemogenetics drives paradigm change in the investigation of behavioral circuits and neural mechanisms underlying drug action. Behav Brain Res 2021; 406:113234. [PMID: 33741409 PMCID: PMC8110310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in chemogenetic approaches to the investigation of brain function have ushered in a paradigm change in the strategy for drug and behavior research and clinical drug-based medications. As the nature of the drug action is based on humoral regulation, it is a challenge to identify the neuronal mechanisms responsible for the expression of certain targeted behavior induced by drug application. The development of chemogenetic approaches has allowed researchers to control neural activities in targeted neurons through a toolbox, including engineered G protein-coupled receptors or ligand-gated ion channels together with exogenously inert synthetic ligands. This review provides a brief overview of the chemogenetics toolbox with an emphasis on the DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) technique used in rodent models, which is applicable to the investigation of how specific neural circuits regulate behavioral processes. The use of chemogenetics has had a significant impact on basic neuroscience for a better understanding of the relationships between brain activity and the expression of behaviors with cell- and circuit-specific orders. Furthermore, chemogenetics is potentially a useful tool to deconstruct the neuropathological mechanisms of mental diseases and its regulation by drug, and provide us with transformative therapeutics with medication. We also review recent findings in the use of chemogenetic techniques to uncover functional circuit connections of serotonergic neurons in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Department of Psychology, Tokiwa University, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Systems Physiology, University of Ryukyus, Faculty of Medicine, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan.
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Tripathi A, Sato SS, Medini P. Cortico-cortical connectivity behind acoustic information transfer to mouse orbitofrontal cortex is sensitive to neuromodulation and displays local sensory gating: relevance in disorders with auditory hallucinations? J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E371-E387. [PMID: 34043305 PMCID: PMC8327972 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory hallucinations (which occur when the distinction between thoughts and perceptions is blurred) are common in psychotic disorders. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) may be implicated, because it receives multiple inputs, including sound and affective value via the amygdala, orchestrating complex emotional responses. We aimed to elucidate the circuit and neuromodulatory mechanisms that underlie the processing of emotionally salient auditory stimuli in the OFC — mechanisms that may be involved in auditory hallucinations. METHODS We identified the cortico-cortical connectivity conveying auditory information to the mouse OFC; its sensitivity to neuromodulators involved in psychosis and postpartum depression, such as dopamine and neurosteroids; and its sensitivity to sensory gating (defective in dysexecutive syndromes). RESULTS Retrograde tracers in OFC revealed input cells in all auditory cortices. Acoustic responses were abolished by pharmacological and chemogenetic inactivation of the above-identified pathway. Acoustic responses in the OFC were reduced by local dopaminergic agonists and neurosteroids. Noticeably, apomorphine action lasted longer in the OFC than in auditory areas, and its effect was modality-specific (augmentation for visual responses), whereas neurosteroid action was sex-specific. Finally, acoustic responses in the OFC reverberated to the auditory association cortex via feedback connections and displayed sensory gating, a phenomenon of local origin, given that it was not detectable in input auditory cortices. LIMITATIONS Although our findings were for mice, connectivity and sensitivity to neuromodulation are conserved across mammals. CONCLUSION The corticocortical loop from the auditory association cortex to the OFC is dramatically sensitive to dopamine and neurosteroids. This suggests a clinically testable circuit behind auditory hallucinations. The function of OFC input–output circuits can be studied in mice with targeted and clinically relevant mutations related to their response to emotionally salient sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushree Tripathi
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden (Tripathi, Sato, Medini)
| | - Sebastian Sulis Sato
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden (Tripathi, Sato, Medini)
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Schalbetter SM, Mueller FS, Scarborough J, Richetto J, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Meyer U, Notter T. Oral application of clozapine-N-oxide using the micropipette-guided drug administration (MDA) method in mouse DREADD systems. Lab Anim (NY) 2021; 50:69-75. [PMID: 33619409 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-021-00723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) system is one of the most widely used chemogenetic techniques to modulate the activity of cell populations in the brains of behaving animals. DREADDs are activated by acute or chronic administration of their ligand, clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). There is, however, a current lack of a non-invasive CNO administration technique that can control for drug timing and dosing without inducing substantial distress for the animals. Here, we evaluated whether the recently developed micropipette-guided drug administration (MDA) method, which has been used as a non-invasive and minimally stressful alternative to oral gavages, may be applied to administer CNO orally to activate DREADDs in a dosing- and timing-controlled manner. Unlike standard intraperitoneal injections, administration of vehicle substances via MDA did not elevate plasma levels of the major stress hormone, corticosterone, and did not attenuate exploratory activity in the open field test. At the same time, however, administration of CNO via MDA or intraperitoneally was equally efficient in activating hM3DGq-expressing neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, as evident by time-dependent increases in mRNA levels of neuronal immediate early genes (cFos, Arc and Zif268) and cFos-immunoreactive neurons. Compared to vehicle given via MDA, oral administration of CNO via MDA was also found to potently increase locomotor activity in mice that express hM3DGq in prefrontal neurons. Taken together, our study confirms the effectiveness of CNO given orally via MDA and provides a novel method for non-stressful, yet well controllable CNO treatments in mouse DREADD systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina M Schalbetter
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia S Mueller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Scarborough
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina Notter
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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40
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Kato D, Wake H. Myelin plasticity modulates neural circuitry required for learning and behavior. Neurosci Res 2021; 167:11-16. [PMID: 33417972 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes, which form the myelin sheaths that insulate axons, regulate conduction velocity. Myelinated axons make up the brain's white matter and contribute to the efficiency of information processing by regulating the timing of neural activity. Traditionally, it has been thought that myelin is a static, inactive insulator around the axon. However, recent studies in humans using magnetic resonance imaging have shown that structural changes in the white matter occur during learning and training, suggesting that 1) white matter change depends on neural activity and 2) activity-dependent changes in white matter are essential for learning and behavior. Furthermore, suppression of oligodendrocytes and their progenitor cells leads to deficits in motor learning and remote fear memory consolidation, suggesting a causal relationship between glial function and the learning process. However, for technical reasons, it remains unclear how myelin-generating glia modulate neural circuitry and what underlying mechanisms they employ to affect learning and behavior. Recent advances in optical and genetic techniques have helped elucidate this mechanism. In this review, we highlight evidence that neural activities regulated by myelin plasticity play a pivotal role in learning and behavior and provide further insight into possible therapeutic targets for treating diseases accompanied by myelin impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kato
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Wake
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan.
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41
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Luchicchi A, Pattij T, Viaña JNM, de Kloet S, Marchant N. Tracing goes viral: Viruses that introduce expression of fluorescent proteins in chemically-specific neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:109004. [PMID: 33242528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.109004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the last century, there has been great progress in understanding how the brain works. In particular, the last two decades have been crucial in gaining more awareness over the complex functioning of neurotransmitter systems. The use of viral vectors in neuroscience has been pivotal for such development. Exploiting the properties of viral particles, modifying them according to the research needs, and making them target chemically-specific neurons, techniques such as optogenetics and chemogenetics have been developed, which could lead to a giant step toward gene therapy for brain disorders. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of some of the most widely used viral techniques in neuroscience. We will discuss advantages and disadvantages of these methods. In particular, attention is dedicated to the pivotal role played by the introduction of adeno-associated virus and the retrograde tracer canine-associated-2 Cre virus in order to achieve optimal visualization, and interrogation, of chemically-specific neuronal populations and their projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Luchicchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Tommy Pattij
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Noel M Viaña
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Sybren de Kloet
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nathan Marchant
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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42
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Peak J, Chieng B, Hart G, Balleine BW. Striatal direct and indirect pathway neurons differentially control the encoding and updating of goal-directed learning. eLife 2020; 9:e58544. [PMID: 33215609 PMCID: PMC7707820 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The posterior dorsomedial striatum (pDMS) is necessary for goal-directed action; however, the role of the direct (dSPN) and indirect (iSPN) spiny projection neurons in the pDMS in such actions remains unclear. In this series of experiments, we examined the role of pDMS SPNs in goal-directed action in rats and found that whereas dSPNs were critical for goal-directed learning and for energizing the learned response, iSPNs were involved in updating that learning to support response flexibility. Instrumental training elevated expression of the plasticity marker Zif268 in dSPNs only, and chemogenetic suppression of dSPN activity during training prevented goal-directed learning. Unilateral optogenetic inhibition of dSPNs induced an ipsilateral response bias in goal-directed action performance. In contrast, although initial goal-directed learning was unaffected by iSPN manipulations, optogenetic inhibition of iSPNs, but not dSPNs, impaired the updating of this learning and attenuated response flexibility after changes in the action-outcome contingency.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Peak
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Billy Chieng
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Genevra Hart
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Bernard W Balleine
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
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43
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Schwabe MR, Taxier LR, Frick KM. It takes a neural village: Circuit-based approaches for estrogenic regulation of episodic memory. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100860. [PMID: 32781195 PMCID: PMC7669700 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behaviors, such as episodic memory formation, are complex processes involving coordinated activity in multiple brain regions. However, much of the research on hormonal regulation of cognition focuses on manipulation of one region at a time or provides a single snapshot of how a systemic treatment affects multiple brain regions without investigating how these regions might interact to mediate hormone effects. Here, we use estrogenic regulation of episodic memory as an example of how circuit-based approaches may be incorporated into future studies of hormones and cognition. We first review basic episodic memory circuitry, rapid mechanisms by which 17β-estradiol can alter circuit activity, and current knowledge about 17β-estradiol's effects on episodic memory. Next, we outline approaches that researchers can employ to consider circuit effects in their estrogen research and provide examples of how these methods have been used to examine hormonal regulation of memory and other behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda R Schwabe
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
| | - Lisa R Taxier
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States.
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Goutaudier R, Coizet V, Carcenac C, Carnicella S. Compound 21, a two-edged sword with both DREADD-selective and off-target outcomes in rats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238156. [PMID: 32946510 PMCID: PMC7500623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) represent a technical revolution in integrative neuroscience. However, the first used ligands exhibited dose-dependent selectivity for their molecular target, leading to potential unspecific effects. Compound 21 (C21) was recently proposed as an alternative, but in vivo characterization of its properties is not sufficient yet. Here, we evaluated its potency to selectively modulate the activity of nigral dopaminergic (DA) neurons through the canonical DREADD receptor hM4Di using TH-Cre rats. In males, 1 mg.kg-1 of C21 strongly increased nigral neurons activity in control animals, indicative of a significant off-target effect. Reducing the dose to 0.5 mg.kg-1 circumvented this unspecific effect, while activated the inhibitory DREADDs and selectively reduced nigral neurons firing. In females, 0.5 mg.kg-1 of C21 induced a transient and residual off-target effect that may mitigated the inhibitory DREADDs-mediated effect. This study raises up the necessity to test selectivity and efficacy of chosen ligands for each new experimental condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Goutaudier
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, U1216, Université, Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Véronique Coizet
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, U1216, Université, Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Carole Carcenac
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, U1216, Université, Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Sebastien Carnicella
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, U1216, Université, Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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Deconstructing the Direct Reciprocal Hippocampal-Anterior Thalamic Pathways for Spatial Learning. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6978-6990. [PMID: 32753513 PMCID: PMC7470921 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0874-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is essential for normal memory but does not act in isolation. The anterior thalamic nuclei may represent one vital partner. Using DREADDs, the behavioral consequences of transiently disrupting anterior thalamic function were examined, followed by inactivation of the dorsal subiculum. Next, the anterograde transport of an adeno-associated virus expressing DREADDs was paired with localized intracerebral infusions of a ligand to target specific input pathways. In this way, the direct projections from the anterior thalamic nuclei to the dorsal hippocampal formation were inhibited, followed by separate inhibition of the dorsal subiculum projections to the anterior thalamic nuclei. To assay spatial working memory, all animals performed a reinforced T-maze alternation task, then a more challenging version that nullifies intramaze cues. Across all four experiments, deficits emerged on the spatial alternation task that precluded the use of intramaze cues. Inhibiting dorsal subiculum projections to the anterior thalamic nuclei produced the severest spatial working memory deficit. This deficit revealed the key contribution of dorsal subiculum projections to the anteromedial and anteroventral thalamic nuclei for the processing of allocentric information, projections not associated with head-direction information. The overall pattern of results provides consistent causal evidence of the two-way functional significance of direct hippocampal-anterior thalamic interactions for spatial processing. At the same time, these findings are consistent with hypotheses that these same, reciprocal interactions underlie the common core symptoms of temporal lobe and diencephalic anterograde amnesia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT It has long been conjectured that the anterior thalamic nuclei might be key partners with the hippocampal formation and that, respectively, they are principally responsible for diencephalic and temporal lobe amnesia. However, direct causal evidence for this functional relationship is lacking. Here, we examined the behavioral consequences of transiently silencing the direct reciprocal interconnections between these two brain regions on tests of spatial learning. Disrupting information flow from the hippocampal formation to the anterior thalamic nuclei and vice versa impaired performance on tests of spatial learning. By revealing the conjoint importance of hippocampal-anterior thalamic pathways, these findings help explain why pathology in either the medial diencephalon or the medial temporal lobes can result in profound anterograde amnesic syndromes.
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Contribution of D1R-expressing neurons of the dorsal dentate gyrus and Ca v1.2 channels in extinction of cocaine conditioned place preference. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1506-1517. [PMID: 31905369 PMCID: PMC7360569 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine-associated contextual cues can trigger relapse behavior by recruiting the hippocampus. Extinction of cocaine-associated contextual memories can reduce cocaine-seeking behavior, however the molecular mechanisms within the hippocampus that underlie contextual extinction behavior and subsequent reinstatement remain poorly understood. Here, we extend our previous findings for a role of Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channels in dopamine 1 receptor (D1R)-expressing cells in extinction of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) in adult male mice. We report that attenuated cocaine CPP extinction in mice lacking Cav1.2 channels in D1R-expressing cells (D1cre, Cav1.2fl/fl) can be rescued through chemogenetic activation of D1R-expressing cells within the dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG), but not the dorsal CA1 (dCA1). This is supported by the finding that Cav1.2 channels are required in excitatory cells of the dDG, but not in the dCA1, for cocaine CPP extinction. Examination of the role of S1928 phosphorylation of Cav1.2, a protein kinase A (PKA) site using S1928A Cav1.2 phosphomutant mice revealed no extinction deficit, likely due to homeostatic scaling up of extinction-dependent S845 GluA1 phosphorylation in the dDG. However, phosphomutant mice failed to show cocaine-primed reinstatement which can be reversed by chemogenetic manipulation of excitatory cells in the dDG during extinction training. These findings outline an essential role for the interaction between D1R, Cav1.2, and GluA1 signaling in the dDG for extinction of cocaine-associated contextual memories.
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Kuiper LB, Lucas KA, Mai V, Coolen LM. Enhancement of Drug Seeking Following Drug Taking in a Sexual Context Requires Anterior Cingulate Cortex Activity in Male Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:87. [PMID: 32670029 PMCID: PMC7330085 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual variance in vulnerability to develop addictions is influenced by social factors. Specifically, drug-taking in a sexual context appears to enhance further drug-seeking behavior in human users, as these users identify the effects of drugs to enhance sexual pleasure as a primary reason for continued drug use. Methamphetamine (Meth) is commonly used in this context. Similarly, male rats that self-administered Meth immediately followed by sexual behavior display enhanced drug-seeking behavior, including attenuation of extinction and increased reinstatement to seeking of Meth-associated cues. Hence, drug-taking in a sexual context enhances vulnerability for addiction. However, the neural mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. Here the hypothesis was tested that medial prefrontal cortex is essential for this effect of Meth and sex when experienced concurrently. First it was shown that CaMKII neurons in the anterior cingulate area (ACA) were co-activated by both Meth and sex. Next, chemogenetic inactivation of ACA CaMKII cells using AAV5-CaMKIIa-hM4Di-mCherry was shown not to affect Meth-induced locomotor activity or sexual behavior. Subsequently, chemogenetic inactivation of ACA CaMKII neurons during Meth self-administration followed by sexual behavior was shown to prevent the effects of Meth and sex on enhanced reinstatement of Meth-seeking but did not affect enhanced drug-seeking during extinction tests. These results indicate that ACA CaMKII cell activation during exposure to Meth in a sexual context plays an essential role in the subsequent enhancement of drug-seeking during reinstatement tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey B Kuiper
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Kathryn A Lucas
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Vy Mai
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Lique M Coolen
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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Rodríguez-Gómez JA, Kavanagh E, Engskog-Vlachos P, Engskog MK, Herrera AJ, Espinosa-Oliva AM, Joseph B, Hajji N, Venero JL, Burguillos MA. Microglia: Agents of the CNS Pro-Inflammatory Response. Cells 2020; 9:E1717. [PMID: 32709045 PMCID: PMC7407646 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory immune response driven by microglia is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Though the research of microglia spans over a century, the last two decades have increased our understanding exponentially. Here, we discuss the phenotypic transformation from homeostatic microglia towards reactive microglia, initiated by specific ligand binding to pattern recognition receptors including toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) or triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2), as well as pro-inflammatory signaling pathways triggered such as the caspase-mediated immune response. Additionally, new research disciplines such as epigenetics and immunometabolism have provided us with a more holistic view of how changes in DNA methylation, microRNAs, and the metabolome may influence the pro-inflammatory response. This review aimed to discuss our current knowledge of pro-inflammatory microglia from different angles, including recent research highlights such as the role of exosomes in spreading neuroinflammation and emerging techniques in microglia research including positron emission tomography (PET) scanning and the use of human microglia generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Finally, we also discuss current thoughts on the impact of pro-inflammatory microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Rodríguez-Gómez
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS)-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.A.R.-G.); (A.J.H.); (A.M.E.-O.); (J.L.V.)
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Edel Kavanagh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
| | - Pinelopi Engskog-Vlachos
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.E.-V.); (B.J.)
| | - Mikael K.R. Engskog
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Antonio J. Herrera
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS)-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.A.R.-G.); (A.J.H.); (A.M.E.-O.); (J.L.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
| | - Ana M. Espinosa-Oliva
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS)-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.A.R.-G.); (A.J.H.); (A.M.E.-O.); (J.L.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.E.-V.); (B.J.)
| | - Nabil Hajji
- Division of Brain Sciences, The John Fulcher Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Imperial College London, London W12 ONN, UK;
| | - José L. Venero
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS)-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.A.R.-G.); (A.J.H.); (A.M.E.-O.); (J.L.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
| | - Miguel A. Burguillos
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS)-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.A.R.-G.); (A.J.H.); (A.M.E.-O.); (J.L.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain;
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Durieux L, Mathis V, Herbeaux K, Muller M, Barbelivien A, Mathis C, Schlichter R, Hugel S, Majchrzak M, Lecourtier L. Involvement of the lateral habenula in fear memory. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2029-2044. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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50
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Kuner R, Kuner T. Cellular Circuits in the Brain and Their Modulation in Acute and Chronic Pain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:213-258. [PMID: 32525759 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic, pathological pain remains a global health problem and a challenge to basic and clinical sciences. A major obstacle to preventing, treating, or reverting chronic pain has been that the nature of neural circuits underlying the diverse components of the complex, multidimensional experience of pain is not well understood. Moreover, chronic pain involves diverse maladaptive plasticity processes, which have not been decoded mechanistically in terms of involvement of specific circuits and cause-effect relationships. This review aims to discuss recent advances in our understanding of circuit connectivity in the mammalian brain at the level of regional contributions and specific cell types in acute and chronic pain. A major focus is placed on functional dissection of sub-neocortical brain circuits using optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging technological tools in rodent models with a view towards decoding sensory, affective, and motivational-cognitive dimensions of pain. The review summarizes recent breakthroughs and insights on structure-function properties in nociceptive circuits and higher order sub-neocortical modulatory circuits involved in aversion, learning, reward, and mood and their modulation by endogenous GABAergic inhibition, noradrenergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and peptidergic pathways. The knowledge of neural circuits and their dynamic regulation via functional and structural plasticity will be beneficial towards designing and improving targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; and Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; and Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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