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O'Herron PJ, Hartmann DA, Xie K, Kara P, Shih AY. 3D optogenetic control of arteriole diameter in vivo. eLife 2022; 11:72802. [PMID: 36107146 PMCID: PMC9481242 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of brain arteriole diameter is critical for maintaining cerebral blood pressure and controlling regional hyperemia during neural activity. However, studies of hemodynamic function in health and disease have lacked a method to control arteriole diameter independently with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we describe an all-optical approach to manipulate and monitor brain arteriole contractility in mice in three dimensions using combined in vivo two-photon optogenetics and imaging. The expression of the red-shifted excitatory opsin, ReaChR, in vascular smooth muscle cells enabled rapid and repeated vasoconstriction controlled by brief light pulses. Two-photon activation of ReaChR using a spatial light modulator produced highly localized constrictions when targeted to individual arterioles within the neocortex. We demonstrate the utility of this method for examining arteriole contractile dynamics and creating transient focal blood flow reductions. Additionally, we show that optogenetic constriction can be used to reshape vasodilatory responses to sensory stimulation, providing a valuable tool to dissociate blood flow changes from neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J O'Herron
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - David A Hartmann
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University
| | - Kun Xie
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University
| | - Prakash Kara
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota
| | - Andy Y Shih
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington
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Brain capillary pericytes exert a substantial but slow influence on blood flow. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:633-645. [PMID: 33603231 PMCID: PMC8102366 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The majority of the brain's vasculature is composed of intricate capillary networks lined by capillary pericytes. However, it remains unclear whether capillary pericytes influence blood flow. Using two-photon microscopy to observe and manipulate brain capillary pericytes in vivo, we find that their optogenetic stimulation decreases lumen diameter and blood flow, but with slower kinetics than similar stimulation of mural cells on upstream pial and precapillary arterioles. This slow vasoconstriction was inhibited by the clinically used vasodilator fasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor that blocks contractile machinery. Capillary pericytes were also slower to constrict back to baseline following hypercapnia-induced dilation, and slower to dilate towards baseline following optogenetically induced vasoconstriction. Optical ablation of single capillary pericytes led to sustained local dilation and a doubling of blood cell flux selectively in capillaries lacking pericyte contact. These data indicate that capillary pericytes contribute to basal blood flow resistance and slow modulation of blood flow throughout the brain.
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Vogt M, Schulz B, Wagdi A, Lebert J, van Belle GJ, Christoph J, Bruegmann T, Patejdl R. Direct optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells to control gastric contractility. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5569-5584. [PMID: 33859764 PMCID: PMC8039938 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Antral peristalsis is responsible for gastric emptying. Its failure is called gastroparesis and often caused by dysfunction of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Current treatment options, including gastric electrical stimulation, are non-satisfying and may improve symptoms but commonly fail to restore gastric emptying. Herein, we explore direct optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) via the light-gated non-selective cation channel Channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) to control gastric motor function. Methods: We used a transgenic mouse model expressing ChR2 in fusion with eYFP under the control of the chicken-β-actin promoter. We performed patch clamp experiments to quantify light-induced currents in isolated SMC, Ca2+ imaging and isometric force measurements of antral smooth muscle strips as well as pressure recordings of intact stomachs to evaluate contractile responses. Light-induced propulsion of gastric contents from the isolated stomach preparation was quantified in video recordings. We furthermore tested optogenetic stimulation in a gastroparesis model induced by neuronal- and ICC-specific damage through methylene blue photo-toxicity. Results: In the stomachs, eYFP signals were restricted to SMC in which blue light (460 nm) induced inward currents typical for ChR2. These depolarizing currents led to contractions in antral smooth muscle strips that were stronger than those triggered by supramaximal electrical field stimulation and comparable to those evoked by global depolarization with high K+ concentration. In the intact stomach, panoramic illumination efficiently increased intragastric pressure achieving 239±46% (n=6) of the pressure induced by electrical field stimulation and triggered gastric transport. Within the gastroparesis model, electric field stimulation completely failed but light still efficiently generated pressure waves. Conclusions: We demonstrate direct optogenetic stimulation of SMC to control gastric contractility. This completely new approach could allow for the restoration of motility in gastroparesis in the future.
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Asano T, Teh DBL, Yawo H. Application of Optogenetics for Muscle Cells and Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:359-375. [PMID: 33398826 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This chapter describes the current progress of basic research, and potential therapeutic applications primarily focused on the optical manipulation of muscle cells and neural stem cells using microbial rhodopsin as a light-sensitive molecule. Since the contractions of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells are mainly regulated through their membrane potential, several studies have been demonstrated to up- or downregulate the muscle contraction directly or indirectly using optogenetic actuators or silencers with defined stimulation patterns and intensities. Light-dependent oscillation of membrane potential also facilitates the maturation of myocytes with the development of T tubules and sarcomere structures, tandem arrays of minimum contractile units consists of contractile proteins and cytoskeletal proteins. Optogenetics has been applied to various stem cells and multipotent/pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate light-sensitive neurons and to facilitate neuroscience. The chronic optical stimulation of the channelrhodopsin-expressing neural stem cells facilitates their neural differentiation. There are potential therapeutic applications of optogenetics in cardiac pacemaking, muscle regeneration/maintenance, locomotion recovery for the treatment of muscle paralysis due to motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Optogenetics would also facilitate maturation, network integration of grafted neurons, and improve the microenvironment around them when applied to stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Asano
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Boon Loong Teh
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiromu Yawo
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan.
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Abstract
The electromechanical function of the heart involves complex, coordinated activity over time and space. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias arise from asynchrony in these space-time events; therefore, therapies for prevention and treatment require fundamental understanding and the ability to visualize, perturb and control cardiac activity. Optogenetics combines optical and molecular biology (genetic) approaches for light-enabled sensing and actuation of electrical activity with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and parallelism. The year 2020 marks a decade of developments in cardiac optogenetics since this technology was adopted from neuroscience and applied to the heart. In this Review, we appraise a decade of advances that define near-term (immediate) translation based on all-optical electrophysiology, including high-throughput screening, cardiotoxicity testing and personalized medicine assays, and long-term (aspirational) prospects for clinical translation of cardiac optogenetics, including new optical therapies for rhythm control. The main translational opportunities and challenges for optogenetics to be fully embraced in cardiology are also discussed.
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Phạm TL, Kim DW. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanomaterial-based treatment options for pain management: a review. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:1897-1913. [PMID: 32757701 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the most intense types of chronic pain; it constitutes a pervasive complaint throughout the public health system. With few effective treatments, it remains a significant challenge. Commercially available drugs for neuropathic pain are still limited and have disappointing efficacy. Therefore, chronic neuropathic pain imposes a tremendous burden on patients' quality of life. Recently, the introduction and application of nanotechnology in multiple fields has accelerated the development of new drugs. This review highlights the application of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanomaterial-based vehicles for drug delivery and how they improve the therapeutic outcomes for neuropathic pain treatment. Finally, future developments for pain research and effective management are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuỳ Linh Phạm
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Hai Phong University of Medicine & Pharmacy Hospital, Hai Phong, 042-12, Vietnam
| | - Dong Woon Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
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Cheng J, Korte N, Nortley R, Sethi H, Tang Y, Attwell D. Targeting pericytes for therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 136:507-523. [PMID: 30097696 PMCID: PMC6132947 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many central nervous system diseases currently lack effective treatment and are often associated with defects in microvascular function, including a failure to match the energy supplied by the blood to the energy used on neuronal computation, or a breakdown of the blood–brain barrier. Pericytes, an under-studied cell type located on capillaries, are of crucial importance in regulating diverse microvascular functions, such as angiogenesis, the blood–brain barrier, capillary blood flow and the movement of immune cells into the brain. They also form part of the “glial” scar isolating damaged parts of the CNS, and may have stem cell-like properties. Recent studies have suggested that pericytes play a crucial role in neurological diseases, and are thus a therapeutic target in disorders as diverse as stroke, traumatic brain injury, migraine, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, diabetes, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, glioma, radiation necrosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we report recent advances in our understanding of pericyte biology and discuss how pericytes could be targeted to develop novel therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders, by increasing blood flow, preserving blood–brain barrier function, regulating immune cell entry to the CNS, and modulating formation of blood vessels in, and the glial scar around, damaged regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang Xi Rd, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Nils Korte
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ross Nortley
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Huma Sethi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang Xi Rd, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - David Attwell
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Rorsman NJG, Ta CM, Garnett H, Swietach P, Tammaro P. Defining the ionic mechanisms of optogenetic control of vascular tone by channelrhodopsin-2. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2028-2045. [PMID: 29486056 PMCID: PMC5979753 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Optogenetic control of electromechanical coupling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is emerging as a powerful research tool with potential applications in drug discovery and therapeutics. However, the precise ionic mechanisms involved in this control remain unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cell imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology and muscle tension recordings were used to define these mechanisms over a wide range of light stimulations. KEY RESULTS Transgenic mice expressing a channelrhodopsin-2 variant [ChR2(H134R)] selectively in VSMCs were generated. Isolated VSMCs obtained from these mice demonstrated blue light-induced depolarizing whole-cell currents. Fine control of artery tone was attained by varying the intensity of the light stimulus. This arterial response was sufficient to overcome the endogenous, melanopsin-mediated, light-evoked, arterial relaxation observed in the presence of contractile agonists. Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and opening of plasmalemmal depolarizing channels (TMEM16A and TRPM) and intracellular IP3 receptors were involved in the ChR2(H134R)-dependent arterial response to blue light at intensities lower than ~0.1 mW·mm-2 . Light stimuli of greater intensity evoked a significant Ca2+ influx directly through ChR2(H134R) and produced marked intracellular alkalinization of VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We identified the range of light intensity allowing optical control of arterial tone, primarily by means of endogenous channels and without substantial alteration to intracellular pH. Within this range, mice expressing ChR2(H134R) in VSMCs are a powerful experimental model for achieving accurate and tuneable optical voltage-clamp of VSMCs and finely graded control of arterial tone, offering new approaches to the discovery of vasorelaxant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils J G Rorsman
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and DiseaseUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Chau M Ta
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Pawel Swietach
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Paolo Tammaro
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and DiseaseUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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