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Clark PJ, Brodnik ZD, España RA. Chemogenetic Signaling in Space and Time: Considerations for Designing Neuroscience Experiments Using DREADDs. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:328-346. [PMID: 36408535 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221134587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The use of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) has led to significant advances in our understanding of the neural circuits that govern behavior. By allowing selective control over cellular activity and signaling, DREADDs have become an integral tool for defining the pathways and cellular phenotypes that regulate sleep, pain, motor activity, goal-directed behaviors, and a variety of other processes. In this review, we provide a brief overview of DREADDs and discuss notable discoveries in the neurosciences with an emphasis on circuit mechanisms. We then highlight methodological approaches to achieve pathway specific activation of DREADDs. Finally, we discuss spatial and temporal constraints of DREADDs signaling and how these features can be incorporated into experimental designs to precisely dissect circuits of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Clark
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary D Brodnik
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rodrigo A España
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Kumar PA, Stallman J, Kharbat Y, Hoppe J, Leonards A, Kerim E, Nguyen B, Adkins RL, Baltazar A, Milligan S, Letchuman S, Hook MA, Dulin JN. Chemogenetic Attenuation of Acute Nociceptive Signaling Enhances Functional Outcomes Following Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:1060-1076. [PMID: 37905504 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0141] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel therapeutic approaches to promote recovery of neurological functions following spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a great unmet need. Nociceptive signaling in the acute phase of SCI has been shown to inhibit recovery of locomotor function and promote the development of chronic neuropathic pain. We therefore hypothesized that inhibition of nociceptive signaling in the acute phase of SCI might improve long-term functional outcomes in the chronic phase of injury. To test this hypothesis, we took advantage of a selective strategy utilizing AAV6 to deliver inhibitory (hM4Di) Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) to nociceptors of the L4-L6 dorsal root ganglia to evaluate the effects of transient nociceptor silencing on long-term sensory and motor functional outcomes in a rat thoracic contusion SCI model. Following hM4Di-mediated nociceptor inhibition from 0-14 days post-SCI, we conducted behavioral assessments until 70 days post-SCI, then performed histological assessments of lesion severity and axon plasticity. Our results show highly selective expression of hM4Di within small diameter nociceptors including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)+ and IB4-binding neurons. Expression of hM4Di in less than 25% of nociceptors was sufficient to increase hindlimb thermal withdrawal latency in naïve rats. Compared with subjects who received AAV-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP; control), subjects who received AAV-hM4Di exhibited attenuated thermal hyperalgesia, greater coordination, and improved hindlimb locomotor function. However, treatment did not impact the development of cold allodynia or mechanical hyperalgesia. Histological assessments of spinal cord tissue suggested trends toward reduced lesion volume, increased neuronal sparing and increased CGRP+ axon sprouting in hM4Di-treated animals. Together, these findings suggest that nociceptor silencing early after SCI may promote beneficial plasticity in the acute phase of injury that can impact long-term functional outcomes, and support previous work highlighting primary nociceptors as possible therapeutic targets for pain management after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Stallman
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Yahya Kharbat
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph Hoppe
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Leonards
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ethan Kerim
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Britney Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robert L Adkins
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Angelina Baltazar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sara Milligan
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sunjay Letchuman
- Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle A Hook
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer N Dulin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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3
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Xiao W, Li P, Kong F, Kong J, Pan A, Long L, Yan X, Xiao B, Gong J, Wan L. Unraveling the Neural Circuits: Techniques, Opportunities and Challenges in Epilepsy Research. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:27. [PMID: 38443733 PMCID: PMC10914928 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, frequent recurrence, and potential drug resistance, profoundly affects millions of people globally. Understanding the microscopic mechanisms underlying seizures is crucial for effective epilepsy treatment, and a thorough understanding of the intricate neural circuits underlying epilepsy is vital for the development of targeted therapies and the enhancement of clinical outcomes. This review begins with an exploration of the historical evolution of techniques used in studying neural circuits related to epilepsy. It then provides an extensive overview of diverse techniques employed in this domain, discussing their fundamental principles, strengths, limitations, as well as their application. Additionally, the synthesis of multiple techniques to unveil the complexity of neural circuits is summarized. Finally, this review also presents targeted drug therapies associated with epileptic neural circuits. By providing a critical assessment of methodologies used in the study of epileptic neural circuits, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of these techniques, stimulate innovative approaches for unraveling epilepsy's complexities, and ultimately facilitate improved treatment and clinical translation for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Peile Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fujiao Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jingyi Kong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaoe Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Lily Wan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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4
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Nguyen QA, Klein PM, Xie C, Benthall KN, Iafrati J, Homidan J, Bendor JT, Dudok B, Farrell JS, Gschwind T, Porter CL, Keravala A, Dodson GS, Soltesz I. Acetylcholine receptor based chemogenetics engineered for neuronal inhibition and seizure control assessed in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:601. [PMID: 38238329 PMCID: PMC10796428 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a prevalent disorder involving neuronal network hyperexcitability, yet existing therapeutic strategies often fail to provide optimal patient outcomes. Chemogenetic approaches, where exogenous receptors are expressed in defined brain areas and specifically activated by selective agonists, are appealing methods to constrain overactive neuronal activity. We developed BARNI (Bradanicline- and Acetylcholine-activated Receptor for Neuronal Inhibition), an engineered channel comprised of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand-binding domain coupled to an α1 glycine receptor anion pore domain. Here we demonstrate that BARNI activation by the clinical stage α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-selective agonist bradanicline effectively suppressed targeted neuronal activity, and controlled both acute and chronic seizures in male mice. Our results provide evidence for the use of an inhibitory acetylcholine-based engineered channel activatable by both exogenous and endogenous agonists as a potential therapeutic approach to treating epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh-Anh Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Peter M Klein
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Cheng Xie
- CODA Biotherapeutics, 240 East Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Katelyn N Benthall
- CODA Biotherapeutics, 240 East Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jillian Iafrati
- CODA Biotherapeutics, 240 East Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jesslyn Homidan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jacob T Bendor
- CODA Biotherapeutics, 240 East Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Barna Dudok
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jordan S Farrell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tilo Gschwind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Charlotte L Porter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Annahita Keravala
- CODA Biotherapeutics, 240 East Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - G Steven Dodson
- CODA Biotherapeutics, 240 East Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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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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Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in preclinical studies to test genetic therapies for epilepsy. Some of these therapies have advanced to clinical trials and are being tested in patients with monogenetic or focal refractory epilepsy. This article provides an overview of the current state of preclinical studies that show potential for clinical translation. Specifically, we focus on genetic therapies that have demonstrated a clear effect on seizures in animal models and have the potential to be translated to clinical settings. Both therapies targeting the cause of the disease and those that treat symptoms are discussed. We believe that the next few years will be crucial in determining the potential of genetic therapies for treating patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Street
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yichen Qiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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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. 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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8
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Abstract
The fundamental commonality across pharmacotherapies for the epilepsies
is the modulation of neuronal excitability. This poses a clear
challenge—patterned neuronal excitation is essential to normal
function, thus disrupting this activity leads to side effects.
Moreover, the efficacy of current pharmacotherapy remains incomplete
despite decades of drug development. Approaches that allow for the
selective targeting of critical populations of cells and particular
pathways in the brain have the potential to both avoid side effects
and improve efficacy. Chemogenetic methods, which combine the
selective expression of designer receptors with designer drugs, have
rapidly grown in use in the neurosciences, including in epilepsy. This
review will briefly highlight the history of chemogenetics, their
applications to date in epilepsy, and the potential (and potential
hurdles to overcome) for future translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A. Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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9
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Upadhya D, Attaluri S, Liu Y, Hattiangady B, Castro OW, Shuai B, Dong Y, Zhang SC, Shetty AK. Grafted hPSC-derived GABA-ergic interneurons regulate seizures and specific cognitive function in temporal lobe epilepsy. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:38. [PMID: 35915118 PMCID: PMC9343458 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Interneuron loss/dysfunction contributes to spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and interneuron grafting into the epileptic hippocampus reduces SRS and improves cognitive function. This study investigated whether graft-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid positive (GABA-ergic) interneurons directly regulate SRS and cognitive function in a rat model of chronic TLE. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived medial ganglionic eminence-like GABA-ergic progenitors, engineered to express hM4D(Gi), a designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) through CRISPR/Cas9 technology, were grafted into hippocampi of chronically epileptic rats to facilitate the subsequent silencing of graft-derived interneurons. Such grafting substantially reduced SRS and improved hippocampus-dependent cognitive function. Remarkably, silencing of graft-derived interneurons with a designer drug increased SRS and induced location memory impairment but did not affect pattern separation function. Deactivation of DREADDs restored both SRS control and object location memory function. Thus, transplanted GABA-ergic interneurons could directly regulate SRS and specific cognitive functions in TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Upadhya
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA.,Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Waisman Center, Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bharathi Hattiangady
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Olagide W Castro
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA.,Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal Univ of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceio, AL, Brazil
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA. .,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA.
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Pathway-specific inhibition of critical projections from the mediodorsal thalamus to the frontal cortex controls kindled seizures. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 214:102286. [PMID: 35537572 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a large unmet need for improved treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); circuit-specific manipulation that disrupts the initiation and propagation of seizures is promising in this regard. The midline thalamus, including the mediodorsal nucleus (MD) is a critical distributor of seizure activity, but its afferent and efferent pathways that mediate seizure activity are unknown. Here, we used chemogenetics to silence input and output projections of the MD to discrete regions of the frontal cortex in the kindling model of TLE in rats. Chemogenetic inhibition of the projection from the amygdala to the MD abolished seizures, an effect that was replicated using optogenetic inhibition. Chemogenetic inhibition of projections from the MD to the prelimbic cortex likewise abolished seizures. By contrast, inhibition of projections from the MD to other frontal regions produced partial (orbitofrontal cortex, infralimbic cortex) or no (cingulate, insular cortex) attenuation of behavioral or electrographic seizure activity. These results highlight the particular importance of projections from MD to prelimbic cortex in the propagation of amygdala-kindled seizures.
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11
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Mueller JS, Tescarollo FC, Sun H. DREADDs in Epilepsy Research: Network-Based Review. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:863003. [PMID: 35465094 PMCID: PMC9021489 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.863003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy can be interpreted as altered brain rhythms from overexcitation or insufficient inhibition. Chemogenetic tools have revolutionized neuroscience research because they allow "on demand" excitation or inhibition of neurons with high cellular specificity. Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are the most frequently used chemogenetic techniques in epilepsy research. These engineered muscarinic receptors allow researchers to excite or inhibit targeted neurons with exogenous ligands. As a result, DREADDs have been applied to investigate the underlying cellular and network mechanisms of epilepsy. Here, we review the existing literature that has applied DREADDs to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The aim of this review is to provide a general introduction to DREADDs with a focus on summarizing the current main findings in experimental epilepsy research using these techniques. Furthermore, we explore how DREADDs may be applied therapeutically as highly innovative treatments for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hai Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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12
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Claes M, De Groef L, Moons L. The DREADDful Hurdles and Opportunities of the Chronic Chemogenetic Toolbox. Cells 2022; 11:1110. [PMID: 35406674 PMCID: PMC8998042 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claes
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Lies De Groef
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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13
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Chemogenetics as a neuromodulatory approach to treating neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. Mol Ther 2022; 30:990-1005. [PMID: 34861415 PMCID: PMC8899595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemogenetics enables precise, non-invasive, and reversible modulation of neural activity via the activation of engineered receptors that are pharmacologically selective to endogenous or exogenous ligands. With recent advances in therapeutic gene delivery, chemogenetics is poised to support novel interventions against neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. To evaluate its translational potential, we performed a scoping review of applications of chemogenetics that led to the reversal of molecular and behavioral deficits in studies relevant to neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. In this review, we present these findings and discuss the potential and challenges for using chemogenetics as a precision medicine-based neuromodulation strategy.
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Kawai M, Imaizumi K, Ishikawa M, Shibata S, Shinozaki M, Shibata T, Hashimoto S, Kitagawa T, Ago K, Kajikawa K, Shibata R, Kamata Y, Ushiba J, Koga K, Furue H, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Nagoshi N, Okano H. Long-term selective stimulation of transplanted neural stem/progenitor cells for spinal cord injury improves locomotor function. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110019. [PMID: 34818559 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In cell transplantation therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI), grafted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (hiPSC-NS/PCs) mainly differentiate into neurons, forming synapses in a process similar to neurodevelopment. In the developing nervous system, the activity of immature neurons has an important role in constructing and maintaining new synapses. Thus, we investigate how enhancing the activity of transplanted hiPSC-NS/PCs affects both the transplanted cells themselves and the host tissue. We find that chemogenetic stimulation of hiPSC-derived neural cells enhances cell activity and neuron-to-neuron interactions in vitro. In a rodent model of SCI, consecutive and selective chemogenetic stimulation of transplanted hiPSC-NS/PCs also enhances the expression of synapse-related genes and proteins in surrounding host tissues and prevents atrophy of the injured spinal cord, thereby improving locomotor function. These findings provide a strategy for enhancing activity within the graft to improve the efficacy of cell transplantation therapy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momotaro Kawai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shogo Hashimoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ago
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keita Kajikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reo Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Junichi Ushiba
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koga
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Furue
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Level of hM4D(Gi) DREADD Expression Determines Inhibitory and Neurotoxic Effects in the Hippocampus. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0105-21.2021. [PMID: 34620623 PMCID: PMC8570686 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0105-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective neuromodulation using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) has become an increasingly important research tool, as well as an emerging therapeutic approach. However, the safety profile of DREADD expression is unknown. Here, different titers of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector were administered in an attempt to vary total expression levels of the inhibitory DREADD hM4D(Gi) in excitatory hippocampal neurons. Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with AAV2/7 encoding DREADD-mCherry, DREADD, or mCherry. Pronounced neuronal loss and neuroinflammatory reactions were observed after transduction with the high titer DREADD AAV, which also resulted in the highest DREADD expression levels. No such effects were observed in the mCherry control group, despite an equally high titer, nor in conditions where lower viral vector titers were injected. In the high titer DREADD conditions, dentate gyrus (DG) evoked potentials were inhibited on clozapine-induced activation of hM4D(Gi), while in low titer conditions DG evoked potentials were enhanced. Recordings of single neuronal activity nevertheless indicated a reduction in spontaneous firing of granule cell layer neurons. Our results indicate that prolonged, high levels of DREADD expression can have neurotoxic effects and that chemogenetic suppression of excitatory hippocampal neurons can paradoxically enhance DG evoked potentials.
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