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Rybiczka-Tešulov M, Garritsen O, Venø MT, Wieg L, Dijk RV, Rahimi K, Gomes-Duarte A, Wit MD, van de Haar LL, Michels L, van Kronenburg NCH, van der Meer C, Kjems J, Vangoor VR, Pasterkamp RJ. Circular RNAs regulate neuron size and migration of midbrain dopamine neurons during development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6773. [PMID: 39117691 PMCID: PMC11310423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51041-1] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons play an essential role in cognitive and motor behaviours and are linked to different brain disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their development, and in particular the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), remain incompletely understood. Here, we establish the transcriptomic landscape and alternative splicing patterns of circular RNAs (circRNAs) at key developmental timepoints in mouse mDA neurons in vivo using fluorescence-activated cell sorting followed by short- and long-read RNA sequencing. In situ hybridisation shows expression of several circRNAs during early mDA neuron development and post-transcriptional silencing unveils roles for different circRNAs in regulating mDA neuron morphology. Finally, in utero electroporation and time-lapse imaging implicate circRmst, a circRNA with widespread morphological effects, in the migration of developing mDA neurons in vivo. Together, these data for the first time suggest a functional role for circRNAs in developing mDA neurons and characterise poorly defined aspects of mDA neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Rybiczka-Tešulov
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oxana Garritsen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Morten T Venø
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Omiics ApS, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Laura Wieg
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roland van Dijk
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- VectorY Therapeutics, Matrix Innovation Center VI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karim Rahimi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, MA, Boston, USA
| | - Andreia Gomes-Duarte
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- VectorY Therapeutics, Matrix Innovation Center VI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marina de Wit
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lieke L van de Haar
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Michels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- VectorY Therapeutics, Matrix Innovation Center VI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicky C H van Kronenburg
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan van der Meer
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Vamshidhar R Vangoor
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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2
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Yaghmaeian Salmani B, Lahti L, Gillberg L, Jacobsen JK, Mantas I, Svenningsson P, Perlmann T. Transcriptomic atlas of midbrain dopamine neurons uncovers differential vulnerability in a Parkinsonism lesion model. eLife 2024; 12:RP89482. [PMID: 38587883 PMCID: PMC11001297 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89482] [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: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons comprise diverse cells with unique innervation targets and functions. This is illustrated by the selective sensitivity of mDA neurons of the substantia nigra compacta (SNc) in patients with Parkinson's disease, while those in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are relatively spared. Here, we used single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of approximately 70,000 mouse midbrain cells to build a high-resolution atlas of mouse mDA neuron diversity at the molecular level. The results showed that differences between mDA neuron groups could best be understood as a continuum without sharp differences between subtypes. Thus, we assigned mDA neurons to several 'territories' and 'neighborhoods' within a shifting gene expression landscape where boundaries are gradual rather than discrete. Based on the enriched gene expression patterns of these territories and neighborhoods, we were able to localize them in the adult mouse midbrain. Moreover, because the underlying mechanisms for the variable sensitivities of diverse mDA neurons to pathological insults are not well understood, we analyzed surviving neurons after partial 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions to unravel gene expression patterns that correlate with mDA neuron vulnerability and resilience. Together, this atlas provides a basis for further studies on the neurophysiological role of mDA neurons in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Lahti
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Linda Gillberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Jesper Kjaer Jacobsen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Ioannis Mantas
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Per Svenningsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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3
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De La Fuente DC, Tamburini C, Stonelake E, Andrews R, Hall J, Owen MJ, Linden DEJ, Pocklington A, Li M. Impaired oxysterol-liver X receptor signaling underlies aberrant cortical neurogenesis in a stem cell model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113946. [PMID: 38483902 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113946] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which genomic risks contribute to the onset of neuropsychiatric conditions remain a key challenge and a prerequisite for successful development of effective therapies. 15q11.2 copy number variation (CNV) containing the CYFIP1 gene is associated with autism and schizophrenia. Using stem cell models, we show that 15q11.2 deletion (15q11.2del) and CYFIP1 loss of function (CYFIP1-LoF) lead to premature neuronal differentiation, while CYFIP1 gain of function (CYFIP1-GoF) favors neural progenitor maintenance. CYFIP1 dosage changes led to dysregulated cholesterol metabolism and altered levels of 24S,25-epoxycholesterol, which can mimic the 15q11.2del and CYFIP1-LoF phenotypes by promoting cortical neuronal differentiation and can restore the impaired neuronal differentiation of CYFIP1-GoF neural progenitors. Moreover, the neurogenic activity of 24S,25-epoxycholesterol is lost following genetic deletion of liver X receptor (LXRβ), while compound deletion of LXRβ in CYFIP1-/- background rescued their premature neurogenesis. This work delineates LXR-mediated oxysterol regulation of neurogenesis as a pathological mechanism in neural cells carrying 15q11.2 CNV and provides a potential target for therapeutic strategies for associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Tamburini
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Robert Andrews
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J Owen
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David E J Linden
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew Pocklington
- Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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4
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Pulcrano S, De Gregorio R, De Sanctis C, Volpicelli F, Piscitelli RM, Speranza L, Perrone-Capano C, di Porzio U, Caiazzo M, Martini A, Giacomet C, Medina D, Awatramani R, Viggiano D, Federici M, Mercuri NB, Guatteo E, Bellenchi GC. miR-218 Promotes Dopaminergic Differentiation and Controls Neuron Excitability and Neurotransmitter Release through the Regulation of a Synaptic-Related Genes Network. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8104-8125. [PMID: 37816598 PMCID: PMC10697421 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0431-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the brain, microRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to play a role in orchestrating synaptic plasticity at a higher level by acting as an additional mechanism of translational regulation, alongside the mRNA/polysome system. Despite extensive research, our understanding of the specific contribution of individual miRNA to the function of dopaminergic neurons (DAn) remains limited. By performing a dopaminergic-specific miRNA screening, we have identified miR-218 as a critical regulator of DAn activity in male and female mice. We have found that miR-218 is specifically expressed in mesencephalic DAn and is able to promote dopaminergic differentiation of embryonic stem cells and functional maturation of transdifferentiated induced DA neurons. Midbrain-specific deletion of both genes encoding for miR-218 (referred to as miR-218-1 and mir218-2) affects the expression of a cluster of synaptic-related mRNAs and alters the intrinsic excitability of DAn, as it increases instantaneous frequencies of evoked action potentials, reduces rheobase current, affects the ionic current underlying the action potential after hyperpolarization phase, and reduces dopamine efflux in response to a single electrical stimulus. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the involvement of miR-218 in the dopaminergic system and highlight its role as a modulator of dopaminergic transmission.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the past decade, several miRNAs have emerged as potential regulators of synapse activity through the modulation of specific gene expression. Among these, we have identified a dopaminergic-specific miRNA, miR-218, which is able to promote dopaminergic differentiation and regulates the translation of an entire cluster of synapse related mRNAs. Deletion of miR-218 has notable effects on dopamine release and alters the intrinsic excitability of dopaminergic neurons, indicating a direct control of dopaminergic activity by miR-218.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pulcrano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Roberto De Gregorio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York 10021
| | - Claudia De Sanctis
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Neuropathology Brain Bank at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Floriana Volpicelli
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Piscitelli
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
| | - Luisa Speranza
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York 10461
| | - Carla Perrone-Capano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Umberto di Porzio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
| | - Cecilia Giacomet
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
| | - Diego Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy
- Department of Medical and Translational Science, Federico II University, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | | | - Davide Viggiano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli," Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Mauro Federici
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
- University of Tor Vergata, Department of Systems Medicine, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
- Department of Motor Science and Wellness, Parthenope University, Naples, 80133, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Bellenchi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, 00143, Italy
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5
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Linders LE, Patrikiou L, Soiza-Reilly M, Schut EHS, van Schaffelaar BF, Böger L, Wolterink-Donselaar IG, Luijendijk MCM, Adan RAH, Meye FJ. Stress-driven potentiation of lateral hypothalamic synapses onto ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons causes increased consumption of palatable food. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6898. [PMID: 36371405 PMCID: PMC9653441 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress can cause overconsumption of palatable high caloric food. Despite the important role of stress eating in obesity and (binge) eating disorders, its underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here we demonstrate in mice that stress alters lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) control over the ventral tegmental area (VTA), thereby promoting overconsumption of palatable food. Specifically, we show that glutamatergic LHA neurons projecting to the VTA are activated by social stress, after which their synapses onto dopamine neurons are potentiated via AMPA receptor subunit alterations. We find that stress-driven strengthening of these specific synapses increases LHA control over dopamine output in key target areas like the prefrontal cortex. Finally, we demonstrate that while inducing LHA-VTA glutamatergic potentiation increases palatable fat intake, reducing stress-driven potentiation of this connection prevents such stress eating. Overall, this study provides insights in the neural circuit adaptations caused by stress that drive overconsumption of palatable food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa E. Linders
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lefkothea Patrikiou
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Evelien H. S. Schut
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bram F. van Schaffelaar
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard Böger
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge G. Wolterink-Donselaar
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mieneke C. M. Luijendijk
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger A. H. Adan
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Meye
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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6
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Manning CE, Fritz M, Kauer JA. Function of Excitatory Periaqueductal Gray Synapses in the Ventral Tegmental Area following Inflammatory Injury. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0324-22.2022. [PMID: 36635253 PMCID: PMC9797208 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0324-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulating the activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons can drive nocifensive reflexes, and their firing rates are reduced following noxious stimuli. However, the pain-relevant inputs to the VTA remain incompletely understood. In this study, we used male and female mice in combination with identified dopamine and GABA neurons in the VTA that receive excitatory inputs from the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a nexus of ascending pain information. We tested whether PAG-VTA synapses undergo functional plasticity in response to a pain model using optical stimulation in conjunction with slice electrophysiology. We found that acute carrageenan inflammation does not significantly affect the strength of excitatory PAG synapses onto VTA DA neurons. However, at the PAG synapses on VTA GABA neurons, the subunit composition of NMDA receptors is altered; the complement of NR2D subunits at synaptic sites appears to be lost. Thus, our data support a model in which injury initially alters synapses on VTA GABA neurons. Over time, these alterations may increase tonic inhibition of VTA DA neurons leading to their reduced firing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Elena Manning
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5101
| | - Michael Fritz
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5101
| | - Julie Ann Kauer
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5101
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7
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Pulcrano S, De Gregorio R, De Sanctis C, Lahti L, Perrone-Capano C, Ponti D, di Porzio U, Perlmann T, Caiazzo M, Volpicelli F, Bellenchi GC. Lmx1a-Dependent Activation of miR-204/211 Controls the Timing of Nurr1-Mediated Dopaminergic Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6961. [PMID: 35805964 PMCID: PMC9266978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons requires a fine temporal and spatial regulation of a very specific gene expression program. Here, we report that during mouse brain development, the microRNA (miR-) 204/211 is present at a high level in a subset of DA precursors expressing the transcription factor Lmx1a, an early determinant for DA-commitment, but not in more mature neurons expressing Th or Pitx3. By combining different in vitro model systems of DA differentiation, we show that the levels of Lmx1a influence the expression of miR-204/211. Using published transcriptomic data, we found a significant enrichment of miR-204/211 target genes in midbrain dopaminergic neurons where Lmx1a was selectively deleted at embryonic stages. We further demonstrated that miR-204/211 controls the timing of the DA differentiation by directly downregulating the expression of Nurr1, a late DA differentiation master gene. Thus, our data indicate the Lmx1a-miR-204/211-Nurr1 axis as a key component in the cascade of events that ultimately lead to mature midbrain dopaminergic neurons differentiation and point to miR-204/211 as the molecular switch regulating the timing of Nurr1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pulcrano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberto De Gregorio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Claudia De Sanctis
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Laura Lahti
- The Ludwig Institute, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (L.L.); (T.P.)
| | - Carla Perrone-Capano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Donatella Ponti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, 040100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Umberto di Porzio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- The Ludwig Institute, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (L.L.); (T.P.)
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Floriana Volpicelli
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gian Carlo Bellenchi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (R.D.G.); (C.D.S.); (U.d.P.); (M.C.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
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8
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Kalló I, Omrani A, Meye FJ, de Jong H, Liposits Z, Adan RAH. Characterization of orexin input to dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area projecting to the medial prefrontal cortex and shell of nucleus accumbens. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:1083-1098. [PMID: 35029758 PMCID: PMC8930802 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02449-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Orexin neurons are involved in homeostatic regulatory processes, including arousal and feeding, and provide a major input from the hypothalamus to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain. VTA neurons are a central hub processing reward and motivation and target the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the shell part of nucleus accumbens (NAcs). We investigated whether subpopulations of dopamine (DA) neurons in the VTA projecting either to the mPFC or the medial division of shell part of nucleus accumbens (mNAcs) receive differential input from orexin neurons and whether orexin exerts differential electrophysiological effects upon these cells. VTA neurons projecting to the mPFC or the mNAcs were traced retrogradely by Cav2-Cre virus and identified by expression of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Immunocytochemical analysis showed that a higher proportion of all orexin-innervated DA neurons projected to the mNAcs (34.5%) than to the mPFC (5.2%). Of all sampled VTA neurons projecting either to the mPFC or mNAcs, the dopaminergic (68.3 vs. 79.6%) and orexin-innervated DA neurons (68.9 vs. 64.4%) represented the major phenotype. Whole-cell current clamp recordings were obtained from fluorescently labeled neurons in slices during baseline periods and bath application of orexin A. Orexin similarly increased the firing rate of VTA dopamine neurons projecting to mNAcs (1.99 ± 0.61 Hz to 2.53 ± 0.72 Hz) and mPFC (0.40 ± 0.22 Hz to 1.45 ± 0.56 Hz). Thus, the hypothalamic orexin system targets mNAcs and to a lesser extent mPFC-projecting dopaminergic neurons of the VTA and exerts facilitatory effects on both clusters of dopamine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Kalló
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eötvös Loránd Research Center, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Azar Omrani
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Meye
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Han de Jong
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eötvös Loránd Research Center, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.
| | - Roger A H Adan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530, Goteborg, Sweden.
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9
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Identification of Novel Neurocircuitry Through Which Leptin Targets Multiple Inputs to the Dopamine System to Reduce Food Reward Seeking. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:843-852. [PMID: 33867112 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin reduces the motivation to obtain food by modulating activity of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system upon presentation of cues that predict a food reward. Although leptin directly reduces the activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons, the majority of leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing DA neurons do not project to the nucleus accumbens, the projection implicated in driving food reward seeking. Therefore, the precise locus of leptin action to modulate motivation for a food reward is unresolved. METHODS We used transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the LepR promoter, anatomical tracing, optogenetics-assisted patch-clamp electrophysiology, in vivo optogenetics with fiber photometric calcium measurements, and chemogenetics to unravel how leptin-targeted neurocircuitry inhibits food reward seeking. RESULTS A large number of DA neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens are innervated by local VTA LepR-expressing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurons. Leptin enhances the activity of these GABA neurons and thereby inhibits nucleus accumbens-projecting DA neurons. In addition, we find that lateral hypothalamic LepR-expressing neurons projecting to the VTA are inhibited by leptin and that these neurons modulate DA neurons indirectly via inhibition of VTA GABA neurons. In accordance with such a disinhibitory function, optogenetically stimulating lateral hypothalamic LepR projections to the VTA potently activates DA neurons in vivo. Moreover, we found that chemogenetic activation of lateral hypothalamic LepR neurons increases the motivation to obtain a food reward only when mice are in a positive energy balance. CONCLUSIONS We identify neurocircuitry through which leptin targets multiple inputs to the DA system to reduce food reward seeking.
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10
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Tran TQ, Kioussi C. Pitx genes in development and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4921-4938. [PMID: 33844046 PMCID: PMC11073205 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03833-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode sequence-specific transcription factors (SSTFs) that recognize specific DNA sequences and regulate organogenesis in all eukaryotes. They are essential in specifying spatial and temporal cell identity and as a result, their mutations often cause severe developmental defects. Pitx genes belong to the PRD class of the highly evolutionary conserved homeobox genes in all animals. Vertebrates possess three Pitx paralogs, Pitx1, Pitx2, and Pitx3 while non-vertebrates have only one Pitx gene. The ancient role of regulating left-right (LR) asymmetry is conserved while new functions emerge to afford more complex body plan and functionalities. In mouse, Pitx1 regulates hindlimb tissue patterning and pituitary development. Pitx2 is essential for the development of the oral cavity and abdominal wall while regulates the formation and symmetry of other organs including pituitary, heart, gut, lung among others by controlling growth control genes upon activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Pitx3 is essential for lens development and migration and survival of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. Pitx gene mutations are linked to various congenital defects and cancers in humans. Pitx gene family has the potential to offer a new approach in regenerative medicine and aid in identifying new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thai Q Tran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Chrissa Kioussi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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11
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Wason TD. A model integrating multiple processes of synchronization and coherence for information instantiation within a cortical area. Biosystems 2021; 205:104403. [PMID: 33746019 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
What is the form of dynamic, e.g., sensory, information in the mammalian cortex? Information in the cortex is modeled as a coherence map of a mixed chimera state of synchronous, phasic, and disordered minicolumns. The theoretical model is built on neurophysiological evidence. Complex spatiotemporal information is instantiated through a system of interacting biological processes that generate a synchronized cortical area, a coherent aperture. Minicolumn elements are grouped in macrocolumns in an array analogous to a phased-array radar, modeled as an aperture, a "hole through which radiant energy flows." Coherence maps in a cortical area transform inputs from multiple sources into outputs to multiple targets, while reducing complexity and entropy. Coherent apertures can assume extremely large numbers of different information states as coherence maps, which can be communicated among apertures with corresponding very large bandwidths. The coherent aperture model incorporates considerable reported research, integrating five conceptually and mathematically independent processes: 1) a damped Kuramoto network model, 2) a pumped area field potential, 3) the gating of nearly coincident spikes, 4) the coherence of activity across cortical lamina, and 5) complex information formed through functions in macrocolumns. Biological processes and their interactions are described in equations and a functional circuit such that the mathematical pieces can be assembled the same way the neurophysiological ones are. The model can be conceptually convolved over the specifics of local cortical areas within and across species. A coherent aperture becomes a node in a graph of cortical areas with a corresponding distribution of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Wason
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Meitzen Laboratory, Campus Box 7617, 128 David Clark Labs, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617, USA.
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12
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Salesse C, Charest J, Doucet-Beaupré H, Castonguay AM, Labrecque S, De Koninck P, Lévesque M. Opposite Control of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapse Formation by Slitrk2 and Slitrk5 on Dopamine Neurons Modulates Hyperactivity Behavior. Cell Rep 2021; 30:2374-2386.e5. [PMID: 32075770 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurodevelopmental origin of hyperactivity disorder has been suggested to involve the dopaminergic system, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Here, transcription factors Lmx1a and Lmx1b are shown to be essential for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron excitatory synaptic inputs and dendritic development. Strikingly, conditional knockout (cKO) of Lmx1a/b in postmitotic mDA neurons results in marked hyperactivity. In seeking Lmx1a/b target genes, we identify positively regulated Slitrk2 and negatively regulated Slitrk5. These two synaptic adhesion proteins promote excitatory and inhibitory synapses on mDA neurons, respectively. Knocking down Slitrk2 reproduces some of the Lmx1a/b cKO cellular and behavioral phenotypes, whereas Slitrk5 knockdown has opposite effects. The hyperactivity caused by this imbalance in excitatory/inhibitory synaptic inputs on dopamine neurons is reproduced by chronically inhibiting the ventral tegmental area during development using pharmacogenetics. Our study shows that alterations in developing dopaminergic circuits strongly impact locomotor activity, shedding light on mechanisms causing hyperactivity behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charleen Salesse
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Julien Charest
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | | | | | - Simon Labrecque
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Paul De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Martin Lévesque
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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13
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Cassel JC, Pereira de Vasconcelos A. Routes of the thalamus through the history of neuroanatomy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:442-465. [PMID: 33676963 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most distant roots of neuroanatomy trace back to antiquity, with the first human dissections, but no document which would identify the thalamus as a brain structure has reached us. Claudius Galenus (Galen) gave to the thalamus the name 'thalamus nervorum opticorum', but later on, other names were used (e.g., anchae, or buttocks-like). In 1543, Andreas Vesalius provided the first quality illustrations of the thalamus. During the 19th century, tissue staining techniques and ablative studies contributed to the breakdown of the thalamus into subregions and nuclei. The next step was taken using radiomarkers to identify connections in the absence of lesions. Anterograde and retrograde tracing methods arose in the late 1960s, supporting extension, revision, or confirmation of previously established knowledge. The use of the first viral tracers introduced a new methodological breakthrough in the mid-1970s. Another important step was supported by advances in neuroimaging of the thalamus in the 21th century. The current review follows the history of the thalamus through these technical revolutions from Antiquity to the present day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Cassel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Anne Pereira de Vasconcelos
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
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14
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Tossell K, Dodhia RA, Galet B, Tkachuk O, Ungless MA. Tonic GABAergic inhibition, via GABA A receptors containing αβƐ subunits, regulates excitability of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:1722-1737. [PMID: 33522050 PMCID: PMC8651010 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15133] [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: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The activity of midbrain dopamine neurons is strongly regulated by fast synaptic inhibitory γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inputs. There is growing evidence in other brain regions that low concentrations of ambient GABA can persistently activate certain subtypes of GABAA receptor to generate a tonic current. However, evidence for a tonic GABAergic current in midbrain dopamine neurons is limited. To address this, we conducted whole‐cell recordings from ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in brain slices from mice. We found that application of GABAA receptor antagonists decreased the holding current, indicating the presence of a tonic GABAergic input. Global increases in GABA release, induced by either a nitric oxide donor or inhibition of GABA uptake, further increased this tonic current. Importantly, prolonged inhibition of the firing activity of local GABAergic neurons abolished the tonic current. A combination of pharmacology and immunohistochemistry experiments suggested that, unlike common examples of tonic inhibition, this current may be mediated by a relatively unusual combination of α4βƐ subunits. Lastly, we found that the tonic current reduced excitability in dopamine neurons suggesting a subtractive effect on firing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Tossell
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rakesh A Dodhia
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Galet
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Tkachuk
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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15
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Brignani S, Raj DDA, Schmidt ERE, Düdükcü Ö, Adolfs Y, De Ruiter AA, Rybiczka-Tesulov M, Verhagen MG, van der Meer C, Broekhoven MH, Moreno-Bravo JA, Grossouw LM, Dumontier E, Cloutier JF, Chédotal A, Pasterkamp RJ. Remotely Produced and Axon-Derived Netrin-1 Instructs GABAergic Neuron Migration and Dopaminergic Substantia Nigra Development. Neuron 2020; 107:684-702.e9. [PMID: 32562661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The midbrain dopamine (mDA) system is composed of molecularly and functionally distinct neuron subtypes that mediate specific behaviors and show select disease vulnerability, including in Parkinson's disease. Despite progress in identifying mDA neuron subtypes, how these neuronal subsets develop and organize into functional brain structures remains poorly understood. Here we generate and use an intersectional genetic platform, Pitx3-ITC, to dissect the mechanisms of substantia nigra (SN) development and implicate the guidance molecule Netrin-1 in the migration and positioning of mDA neuron subtypes in the SN. Unexpectedly, we show that Netrin-1, produced in the forebrain and provided to the midbrain through axon projections, instructs the migration of GABAergic neurons into the ventral SN. This migration is required to confine mDA neurons to the dorsal SN. These data demonstrate that neuron migration can be controlled by remotely produced and axon-derived secreted guidance cues, a principle that is likely to apply more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Brignani
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Divya D A Raj
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ewoud R E Schmidt
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Özge Düdükcü
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anna A De Ruiter
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mateja Rybiczka-Tesulov
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke G Verhagen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Christiaan van der Meer
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark H Broekhoven
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Juan A Moreno-Bravo
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Laurens M Grossouw
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Emilie Dumontier
- Montreal Neurological Institute, 3801 University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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16
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Lanciego JL, Wouterlood FG. Neuroanatomical tract-tracing techniques that did go viral. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1193-1224. [PMID: 32062721 PMCID: PMC7271020 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuroanatomical tracing methods remain fundamental for elucidating the complexity of brain circuits. During the past decades, the technical arsenal at our disposal has been greatly enriched, with a steady supply of fresh arrivals. This paper provides a landscape view of classical and modern tools for tract-tracing purposes. Focus is placed on methods that have gone viral, i.e., became most widespread used and fully reliable. To keep an historical perspective, we start by reviewing one-dimensional, standalone transport-tracing tools; these including today's two most favorite anterograde neuroanatomical tracers such as Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin and biotinylated dextran amine. Next, emphasis is placed on several classical tools widely used for retrograde neuroanatomical tracing purposes, where Fluoro-Gold in our opinion represents the best example. Furthermore, it is worth noting that multi-dimensional paradigms can be designed by combining different tracers or by applying a given tracer together with detecting one or more neurochemical substances, as illustrated here with several examples. Finally, it is without any doubt that we are currently witnessing the unstoppable and spectacular rise of modern molecular-genetic techniques based on the use of modified viruses as delivery vehicles for genetic material, therefore, pushing the tract-tracing field forward into a new era. In summary, here, we aim to provide neuroscientists with the advice and background required when facing a choice on which neuroanatomical tracer-or combination thereof-might be best suited for addressing a given experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Lanciego
- Neurosciences Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pio XII Avenue 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Pamplona, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Floris G Wouterlood
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals midbrain dopamine neuron diversity emerging during mouse brain development. Nat Commun 2019; 10:581. [PMID: 30718509 PMCID: PMC6362095 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons constitute a heterogenous group of cells that have been intensely studied, not least because their degeneration causes major symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Understanding the diversity of mDA neurons - previously well characterized anatomically - requires a systematic molecular classification at the genome-wide gene expression level. Here, we use single cell RNA sequencing of isolated mouse neurons expressing the transcription factor Pitx3, a marker for mDA neurons. Analyses include cells isolated during development up until adulthood and the results are validated by histological characterization of newly identified markers. This identifies seven neuron subgroups divided in two major branches of developing Pitx3-expressing neurons. Five of them express dopaminergic markers, while two express glutamatergic and GABAergic markers, respectively. Analysis also indicate evolutionary conservation of diversity in humans. This comprehensive molecular characterization will provide a valuable resource for elucidating mDA neuron subgroup development and function in the mammalian brain.
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18
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Fernandez SP, Broussot L, Marti F, Contesse T, Mouska X, Soiza-Reilly M, Marie H, Faure P, Barik J. Mesopontine cholinergic inputs to midbrain dopamine neurons drive stress-induced depressive-like behaviors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4449. [PMID: 30361503 PMCID: PMC6202358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful life events are primary environmental factors that markedly contribute to depression by triggering brain cellular maladaptations. Dysregulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons has been causally linked to the appearance of social withdrawal and anhedonia, two classical manifestations of depression. However, the relevant inputs that shape these dopamine signals remain largely unknown. We demonstrate that chronic social defeat (CSD) stress, a preclinical paradigm of depression, causes marked hyperactivity of laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg) excitatory neurons that project to the VTA. Selective chemogenetic-mediated inhibition of cholinergic LDTg neurons prevent CSD-induced VTA DA neurons dysregulation and depressive-like behaviors. Pro-depressant outcomes are replicated by pairing activation of LDTg cholinergic terminals in the VTA with a moderate stress. Prevention of CSD outcomes are recapitulated by blocking corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 within the LDTg. These data uncover a neuro-circuitry of depressive-like disorders and demonstrate that stress, via a neuroendocrine signal, profoundly dysregulates the LDTg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian P Fernandez
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, 06560, France.
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire & Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR7275, Valbonne, France.
| | - Loïc Broussot
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, 06560, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire & Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Fabio Marti
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France
- Neurosciences Paris Seine, INSERM U1130, CNRS, UMR 8246, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Contesse
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, 06560, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire & Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Xavier Mouska
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, 06560, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire & Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, UMRS-839, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Marie
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, 06560, France
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire & Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Philippe Faure
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France
- Neurosciences Paris Seine, INSERM U1130, CNRS, UMR 8246, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Barik
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, 06560, France.
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire & Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR7275, Valbonne, France.
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19
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Anand D, Agrawal SA, Slavotinek A, Lachke SA. Mutation update of transcription factor genes FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 causing cataracts and other developmental ocular defects. Hum Mutat 2018; 39:471-494. [PMID: 29314435 PMCID: PMC5839989 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factor genes FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 cause congenital lens defects including cataracts that may be accompanied by defects in other components of the eye or in nonocular tissues. We comprehensively describe here all the variants in FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 genes linked to human developmental defects. A total of 52 variants for FOXE3, 18 variants for HSF4, 20 variants for MAF, and 19 variants for PITX3 identified so far in isolated cases or within families are documented. This effort reveals FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 to have 33, 16, 18, and 7 unique causal mutations, respectively. Loss-of-function mutant animals for these genes have served to model the pathobiology of the associated human defects, and we discuss the currently known molecular function of these genes, particularly with emphasis on their role in ocular development. Finally, we make the detailed FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 variant information available in the Leiden Online Variation Database (LOVD) platform at https://www.LOVD.nl/FOXE3, https://www.LOVD.nl/HSF4, https://www.LOVD.nl/MAF, and https://www.LOVD.nl/PITX3. Thus, this article informs on key variants in transcription factor genes linked to cataract, aphakia, corneal opacity, glaucoma, microcornea, microphthalmia, anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis, and Ayme-Gripp syndrome, and facilitates their access through Web-based databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Smriti A. Agrawal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Anne Slavotinek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 19716 USA
| | - Salil A. Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711 USA
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20
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De Gregorio R, Pulcrano S, De Sanctis C, Volpicelli F, Guatteo E, von Oerthel L, Latagliata EC, Esposito R, Piscitelli RM, Perrone-Capano C, Costa V, Greco D, Puglisi-Allegra S, Smidt MP, di Porzio U, Caiazzo M, Mercuri NB, Li M, Bellenchi GC. miR-34b/c Regulates Wnt1 and Enhances Mesencephalic Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation. Stem Cell Reports 2018. [PMID: 29526736 PMCID: PMC5998209 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of dopaminergic neurons requires concerted action of morphogens and transcription factors acting in a precise and well-defined time window. Very little is known about the potential role of microRNA in these events. By performing a microRNA-mRNA paired microarray screening, we identified miR-34b/c among the most upregulated microRNAs during dopaminergic differentiation. Interestingly, miR-34b/c modulates Wnt1 expression, promotes cell cycle exit, and induces dopaminergic differentiation. When combined with transcription factors ASCL1 and NURR1, miR-34b/c doubled the yield of transdifferentiated fibroblasts into dopaminergic neurons. Induced dopaminergic (iDA) cells synthesize dopamine and show spontaneous electrical activity, reversibly blocked by tetrodotoxin, consistent with the electrophysiological properties featured by brain dopaminergic neurons. Our findings point to a role for miR-34b/c in neuronal commitment and highlight the potential of exploiting its synergy with key transcription factors in enhancing in vitro generation of dopaminergic neurons. miR-34b/c is enriched in Pitx3-GFP+ mDA neurons miR-34b/c targets Wnt1-3′ UTR miR-34b/c is expressed during dopaminergic differentiation of mESCs miR-34b/c enhances fibroblast transdifferentiation into functional iDA neurons
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Gregorio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pulcrano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Deparment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia De Sanctis
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Floriana Volpicelli
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Deparment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy; Parthenope University, Department of Motor Science and Wellness, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Roberta Esposito
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Piscitelli
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy; Parthenope University, Department of Motor Science and Wellness, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Perrone-Capano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Deparment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Costa
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Greco
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Umberto di Porzio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy; University of Tor Vergata, Department of Systems Medicine, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Gian Carlo Bellenchi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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21
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Chabrat A, Brisson G, Doucet-Beaupré H, Salesse C, Schaan Profes M, Dovonou A, Akitegetse C, Charest J, Lemstra S, Côté D, Pasterkamp RJ, Abrudan MI, Metzakopian E, Ang SL, Lévesque M. Transcriptional repression of Plxnc1 by Lmx1a and Lmx1b directs topographic dopaminergic circuit formation. Nat Commun 2017; 8:933. [PMID: 29038581 PMCID: PMC5643336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01042-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopamine neurons play central roles in the regulation of a wide range of brain functions, including voluntary movement and behavioral processes. These functions are served by distinct subtypes of mesodiencephalic dopamine neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the ventral tegmental area, which form the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical pathways. Until now, mechanisms involved in dopaminergic circuit formation remained largely unknown. Here, we show that Lmx1a, Lmx1b, and Otx2 transcription factors control subtype-specific mesodiencephalic dopamine neurons and their appropriate axon innervation. Our results revealed that the expression of Plxnc1, an axon guidance receptor, is repressed by Lmx1a/b and enhanced by Otx2. We also found that Sema7a/Plxnc1 interactions are responsible for the segregation of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways. These findings identify Lmx1a/b, Otx2, and Plxnc1 as determinants of dopaminergic circuit formation and should assist in engineering mesodiencephalic dopamine neurons capable of regenerating appropriate connections for cell therapy.Midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDAs) in the VTA and SNpc project to different regions and form distinct circuits. Here the authors show that transcription factors Lmx1a, Lmx1b, and Otx2 control the axon guidance of mDAs and the segregation of mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Chabrat
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Guillaume Brisson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Hélène Doucet-Beaupré
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Charleen Salesse
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Marcos Schaan Profes
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Axelle Dovonou
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Cléophace Akitegetse
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Julien Charest
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
| | - Suzanne Lemstra
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Côté
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3
- Département de Physique, Genie Physique et Optique, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monica I Abrudan
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Emmanouil Metzakopian
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Siew-Lan Ang
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Martin Lévesque
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1J 2G3.
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22
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Ferrai C, Torlai Triglia E, Risner-Janiczek JR, Rito T, Rackham OJ, de Santiago I, Kukalev A, Nicodemi M, Akalin A, Li M, Ungless MA, Pombo A. RNA polymerase II primes Polycomb-repressed developmental genes throughout terminal neuronal differentiation. Mol Syst Biol 2017; 13:946. [PMID: 29038337 PMCID: PMC5658700 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20177754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repression in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is tightly associated with promoter co‐occupancy of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) which is thought to prime genes for activation during early development. However, it is unknown whether RNAPII poising is a general feature of Polycomb repression, or is lost during differentiation. Here, we map the genome‐wide occupancy of RNAPII and Polycomb from pluripotent ESCs to non‐dividing functional dopaminergic neurons. We find that poised RNAPII complexes are ubiquitously present at Polycomb‐repressed genes at all stages of neuronal differentiation. We observe both loss and acquisition of RNAPII and Polycomb at specific groups of genes reflecting their silencing or activation. Strikingly, RNAPII remains poised at transcription factor genes which are silenced in neurons through Polycomb repression, and have major roles in specifying other, non‐neuronal lineages. We conclude that RNAPII poising is intrinsically associated with Polycomb repression throughout differentiation. Our work suggests that the tight interplay between RNAPII poising and Polycomb repression not only instructs promoter state transitions, but also may enable promoter plasticity in differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Ferrai
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany .,Genome Function, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elena Torlai Triglia
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica R Risner-Janiczek
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Stem Cell Neurogenesis, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK.,Neurophysiology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK
| | - Tiago Rito
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Inês de Santiago
- Genome Function, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander Kukalev
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Nicodemi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Napoli Federico II and INFN Napoli, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Altuna Akalin
- Scientific Bioinformatics Platform, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meng Li
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Stem Cell Neurogenesis, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK .,Neurophysiology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK
| | - Ana Pombo
- Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany .,Genome Function, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (previously MRC Clinical Sciences Centre), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Germany
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23
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Niclis JC, Gantner CW, Hunt CPJ, Kauhausen JA, Durnall JC, Haynes JM, Pouton CW, Parish CL, Thompson LH. A PITX3-EGFP Reporter Line Reveals Connectivity of Dopamine and Non-dopamine Neuronal Subtypes in Grafts Generated from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:868-882. [PMID: 28867345 PMCID: PMC5599268 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of safe and effective stem cell-based therapies for brain repair requires an in-depth understanding of the in vivo properties of neural grafts generated from human stem cells. Replacing dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease remains one of the most anticipated applications. Here, we have used a human PITX3-EGFP embryonic stem cell line to characterize the connectivity of stem cell-derived midbrain dopamine neurons in the dopamine-depleted host brain with an unprecedented level of specificity. The results show that the major A9 and A10 subclasses of implanted dopamine neurons innervate multiple, developmentally appropriate host targets but also that the majority of graft-derived connectivity is non-dopaminergic. These findings highlight the promise of stem cell-based procedures for anatomically correct reconstruction of specific neuronal pathways but also emphasize the scope for further refinement in order to limit the inclusion of uncharacterized and potentially unwanted cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Niclis
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Cameron P J Hunt
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jessica A Kauhausen
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Durnall
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John M Haynes
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Colin W Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Lachlan H Thompson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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24
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Dougalis AG, Matthews GAC, Liss B, Ungless MA. Ionic currents influencing spontaneous firing and pacemaker frequency in dopamine neurons of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and dorsal raphe nucleus (vlPAG/DRN): A voltage-clamp and computational modelling study. J Comput Neurosci 2017; 42:275-305. [PMID: 28367595 PMCID: PMC5403876 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-017-0641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) fire spontaneous action potentials (APs) at slow, regular patterns in vitro but a detailed account of their intrinsic membrane properties responsible for spontaneous firing is currently lacking. To resolve this, we performed a voltage-clamp electrophysiological study in brain slices to describe their major ionic currents and then constructed a computer model and used simulations to understand the mechanisms behind autorhythmicity in silico. We found that vlPAG/DRN DA neurons exhibit a number of voltage-dependent currents activating in the subthreshold range including, a hyperpolarization-activated cation current (IH), a transient, A-type, potassium current (IA), a background, ‘persistent’ (INaP) sodium current and a transient, low voltage activated (LVA) calcium current (ICaLVA). Brain slice pharmacology, in good agreement with computer simulations, showed that spontaneous firing occurred independently of IH, IA or calcium currents. In contrast, when blocking sodium currents, spontaneous firing ceased and a stable, non-oscillating membrane potential below AP threshold was attained. Using the DA neuron model we further show that calcium currents exhibit little activation (compared to sodium) during the interspike interval (ISI) repolarization while, any individual potassium current alone, whose blockade positively modulated AP firing frequency, is not required for spontaneous firing. Instead, blockade of a number of potassium currents simultaneously is necessary to eliminate autorhythmicity. Repolarization during ISI is mediated initially via the deactivation of the delayed rectifier potassium current, while a sodium background ‘persistent’ current is essentially indispensable for autorhythmicity by driving repolarization towards AP threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios G Dougalis
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Institute of Applied Physiology, University of Ulm, Faculty of Medicine, 89073, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gillian A C Matthews
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Birgit Liss
- Institute of Applied Physiology, University of Ulm, Faculty of Medicine, 89073, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK. .,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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25
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Cardozo Pinto DF, Lammel S. Viral vector strategies for investigating midbrain dopamine circuits underlying motivated behaviors. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 174:23-32. [PMID: 28257849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons have received significant attention in brain research because of their central role in reward processing and their dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, depression and schizophrenia. Until recently, it has been thought that DA neurons form a homogeneous population whose primary function is the computation of reward prediction errors. However, through the implementation of viral vector strategies, an unexpected complexity and diversity has been revealed at the anatomical, molecular and functional level. In this review, we discuss recent viral vector approaches that have been leveraged to dissect how different circuits involving distinct DA neuron subpopulations may contribute to the role of DA in reward- and aversion-related behaviors. We focus on studies that have used cell type- and projection-specific optogenetic manipulations, discuss the strengths and limitations of each approach, and critically examine emergent organizational principles that have led to a reclassification of midbrain DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Cardozo Pinto
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 142 Life Science Addition #3200, CA 94720, USA
| | - Stephan Lammel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 142 Life Science Addition #3200, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, 142 Life Science Addition #3200, CA 94720, USA.
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26
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Chumarina M, Azevedo C, Bigarreau J, Vignon C, Kim KS, Li JY, Roybon L. Derivation of mouse embryonic stem cell lines from tyrosine hydroxylase reporter mice crossed with a human SNCA transgenic mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Stem Cell Res 2016; 19:17-20. [PMID: 28413000 PMCID: PMC5626016 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines were derived by crossing heterozygous transgenic (tg) mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the rat tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, with homozygous alpha-synuclein (aSYN) mice expressing human mutant SNCAA53T under the control of the mouse Prion promoter (MoPrP), or wildtype (WT) mice. The expression of GFP and human aSYN was validated by immunocytochemistry in midbrain neuron cultures upon differentiation of mESC lines using stromal cell-derived inducing activity. These mESC lines can help to study the impact of human aSYN expression in neurons and oligodendrocytes, and also trace GFP-expressing midbrain neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Chumarina
- Cell Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Carla Azevedo
- Cell Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Julie Bigarreau
- Cell Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Clémentine Vignon
- Cell Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Program in Neuroscience, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Neuroscience Institute, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110015, PR China
| | - Laurent Roybon
- Cell Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; MultiPark and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden.
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27
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Bariselli S, Glangetas C, Tzanoulinou S, Bellone C. Ventral tegmental area subcircuits process rewarding and aversive experiences. J Neurochem 2016; 139:1071-1080. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Bariselli
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Christelle Glangetas
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Stamatina Tzanoulinou
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Camilla Bellone
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
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28
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Differentiation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells into Functional Mature Neurons Characterized with Differential Gene Expression. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:5676-5682. [PMID: 27644129 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, ESCs are not usable clinically due to immunological and ethical limitations. The identification of an alternative safe cell source opens novel options via autologous transplantation in neuro-regeneration circumventing these problems. Here, we examined the neurogenic capacity of embryonic stem-like cells (ES-like cells) derived from the testis using neural growth factor inducers and utilized them to generate functional mature neurons. The neuronal differentiation of ES-like cells is induced in three stages. Stage 1 is related to embryoid body (EB) formation. To induce neuroprogenitor cells, EBs were cultured in the presence of retinoic acid, N2 supplement and fibroblast growth factor followed by culturing in a neurobasal medium containing B27, N2 supplements for additional 10 days, to allow the maturation and development of neuronal progenitor cells. The neurogenic differentiation was confirmed by immunostaining for markers of mature neurons. The differentiated neurons were positive for Tuj1 and Tau1. Real-time PCR dates indicated the expression of Nestin and Neuro D (neuroprogenitor markers) in induced cells at the second stage of the differentiation protocol. The differentiated mature neurons exhibited the specific neuron markers Map2 and β-tubulin. The functional maturity of neurons was confirmed by an electrophysiological analysis of passive and active neural membrane properties. These findings indicated a differentiation capacity of ES-like cells derived from the testis to functionally mature neurons, which proposes them as a novel cell source for neuroregenerative medicine.
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29
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Gennet N, Tamburini C, Nan X, Li M. FolR1: a novel cell surface marker for isolating midbrain dopamine neural progenitors and nascent dopamine neurons. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32488. [PMID: 27580818 PMCID: PMC5007511 DOI: 10.1038/srep32488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell type-specific surface markers offer a powerful tool for purifying defined cell types for restorative therapies and drug screenings. Midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mesDA) are the nerve cells preferentially lost in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients. Clinical trials of transplantation of fetal neural precursors suggest that cell therapy may offer a cure for this devastating neurological disease. Many lines of preclinical studies demonstrate that neural progenitors committed to dopaminergic fate survive and integrate better than postmitotic DA neurons. We show that the folate-receptor 1 (FolR1), a GPI-anchored cell surface molecule, specifically marks mesDA neural progenitors and immature mesDA neurons. FolR1 expression superimposes with Lmx1a, a bona-fide mesDA lineage marker, during the active phase of mesDA neurogenesis from E9.5 to E14.5 during mouse development, as well as in ESC-derived mesDA lineage. FolR1(+) neural progenitors can be isolated by FACS or magnetic sorting (MAC) which give rise to dopamine neurons expressing TH and Pitx3, whilst FolR1 negative cells generate non-dopaminergic neurons and glia cells. This study identifies FolR1 as a new cell surface marker selectively expressed in mesDA progenitors in vivo and in vitro and that can be used to enrich in vitro differentiated TH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gennet
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and school of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24, 4HQ, UK
| | - Claudia Tamburini
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and school of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24, 4HQ, UK
| | - Xinsheng Nan
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and school of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24, 4HQ, UK
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and school of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24, 4HQ, UK
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A Role for the GIRK3 Subunit in Methamphetamine-Induced Attenuation of GABAB Receptor-Activated GIRK Currents in VTA Dopamine Neurons. J Neurosci 2016; 36:3106-14. [PMID: 26985023 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1327-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Repeated exposure to psychostimulants induces locomotor sensitization and leads to persistent changes in the circuitry of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system. G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK; also known as Kir3) channels mediate a slow IPSC and control the excitability of DA neurons. Repeated 5 d exposure to psychostimulants decreases the size of the GABAB receptor (GABABR)-activated GIRK currents (IBaclofen) in ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons of mice, but the mechanism underlying this plasticity is poorly understood. Here, we show that methamphetamine-dependent attenuation of GABABR-GIRK currents in VTA DA neurons required activation of both D1R-like and D2R-like receptors. The methamphetamine-dependent decrease in GABABR-GIRK currents in VTA DA neurons did not depend on a mechanism of dephosphorylation of the GABAB R2 subunit found previously for other neurons in the reward pathway. Rather, the presence of the GIRK3 subunit appeared critical for the methamphetamine-dependent decrease of GABABR-GIRK current in VTA DA neurons. Together, these results highlight different regulatory mechanisms in the learning-evoked changes that occur in the VTA with repeated exposure to psychostimulants. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exposure to addictive drugs such as psychostimulants produces persistent adaptations in inhibitory circuits within the mesolimbic dopamine system, suggesting that addictive behaviors are encoded by changes in the reward neural circuitry. One form of neuroadaptation that occurs with repeated exposure to psychostimulants is a decrease in slow inhibition, mediated by a GABAB receptor and a potassium channel. Here, we examine the subcellular mechanism that links psychostimulant exposure with changes in slow inhibition and reveal that one type of potassium channel subunit is important for mediating the effect of repeated psychostimulant exposure. Dissecting out the components of drug-dependent plasticity and uncovering novel protein targets in the reward circuit may lead to the development of new therapeutics for treating addiction.
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Nurr1 and Retinoid X Receptor Ligands Stimulate Ret Signaling in Dopamine Neurons and Can Alleviate α-Synuclein Disrupted Gene Expression. J Neurosci 2016; 35:14370-85. [PMID: 26490873 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1155-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED α-synuclein, a protein enriched in Lewy bodies and highly implicated in neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease, is distributed both at nerve terminals and in the cell nucleus. Here we show that a nuclear derivative of α-synuclein induces more pronounced changes at the gene expression level in mouse primary dopamine (DA) neurons compared to a derivative that is excluded from the nucleus. Moreover, by RNA sequencing we analyzed the extent of genome-wide effects on gene expression resulting from expression of human α-synuclein in primary mouse DA neurons. The results implicated the transcription factor Nurr1 as a key dysregulated target of α-synuclein toxicity. Forced Nurr1 expression restored the expression of hundreds of dysregulated genes in primary DA neurons expressing α-synuclein, and therefore prompted us to test the possibility that Nurr1 can be pharmacologically targeted by bexarotene, a ligand for the retinoid X receptor that forms heterodimers with Nurr1. Although our data demonstrated that bexarotene was ineffective in neuroprotection in rats in vivo, the results revealed that bexarotene has the capacity to coregulate subsets of Nurr1 target genes including the receptor tyrosine kinase subunit Ret. Moreover, bexarotene was able to restore dysfunctional Ret-dependent neurotrophic signaling in α-synuclein-overexpressing mouse DA neurons. These data highlight the role of the Nurr1-Ret signaling pathway as a target of α-synuclein toxicity and suggest that retinoid X receptor ligands with appropriate pharmacological properties could have therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT How α-synuclein, a protein enriched in Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease, is causing neuropathology in dopamine neurons remains unclear. This study elucidated how α-synuclein is influencing gene expression and how Nurr1, a transcription factor known to protect dopamine neurons against α-synuclein toxicity, can counteract these effects. Moreover, given the protective role of Nurr1, this study also investigated how Nurr1 could be pharmacologically targeted via bexarotene, a ligand of Nurr1's heterodimerization partner retinoid X receptor (RXR). The results showed that RXR ligands could increase neurotrophic signaling, but provided a mixed picture of its potential in a Parkinson's disease rat model in vivo. However, this study clearly emphasized Nurr1's neuroprotective role and indicated that other RXR ligands could have therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease.
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Klafke R, Prem Anand AA, Wurst W, Prakash N, Wizenmann A. Differences in the spatiotemporal expression and epistatic gene regulation of the mesodiencephalic dopaminergic precursor marker PITX3 during chicken and mouse development. Development 2016; 143:691-702. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.126748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are located in the ventral mesencephalon and caudal diencephalon of all tetrapod species studied so far. They are the most prominent DA neuronal population and are implicated in control and modulation of motor, cognitive and rewarding/affective behaviors. Their degeneration or dysfunction is intimately linked to several neurological and neuropsychiatric human diseases. To gain further insights into their generation, we studied spatiotemporal expression patterns and epistatic interactions in chick embryos of selected marker genes and signaling pathways associated with mdDA neuron development in mouse. We detected striking differences in the expression patterns of the chick orthologs of the mouse mdDA marker genes Pitx3 and Aldh1a1, which suggests important differences between the species in the generation/generating of these cells. We also discovered that the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway is both, necessary and sufficient for the induction of ectopic PITX3 expression in chick mesencephalon downstream of WNT9A induced LMX1a transcription. These aspects of early chicken development resemble the ontogeny of zebrafish diencephalic DA neuronal populations, and suggest a divergence between birds and mammals during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Klafke
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - A. Alwin Prem Anand
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Oesterbergstrasse 3, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstrasse 44, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Nilima Prakash
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Wizenmann
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Oesterbergstrasse 3, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
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Foetal Cell Transplantation for Parkinson's Disease: Focus on Graft-Induced Dyskinesia. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2015; 2015:563820. [PMID: 26881178 PMCID: PMC4736211 DOI: 10.1155/2015/563820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of dopamine- (DA-) rich foetal ventral mesencephalic cells emerged as a promising therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), as it allowed significant improvement of motor symptoms in several PD patients in open-label studies. However, double-blind clinical trials have been largely disappointing. The general agreement in the field is that the lack of standardization of tissue collection and preparation, together with the absence of postsurgical immunosuppression, played a key role in the failure of these studies. Moreover, a further complication that emerged in previous studies is the appearance of the so-called graft-induced dyskinesia (GID), in a subset of grafted patients, which resembles dyskinesia induced by L-DOPA but in the absence of medication. Preclinical evidence pointed to the serotonin neurons as possible players in the appearance of GID. In agreement, clinical investigations have shown that grafted tissue may contain a large number of serotonin neurons, in the order of half of the DA cells; moreover, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist buspirone has been found to produce significant dampening of GID in grafted patients. In this paper, we will review the recent preclinical and clinical studies focusing on cell transplantation for PD and on the mechanisms underlying GID.
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Dickkopf 3 Promotes the Differentiation of a Rostrolateral Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Subset In Vivo and from Pluripotent Stem Cells In Vitro in the Mouse. J Neurosci 2015; 35:13385-401. [PMID: 26424886 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1722-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wingless-related MMTV integration site 1 (WNT1)/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in the generation of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons, including the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) subpopulation that preferentially degenerates in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the precise functions of WNT1/β-catenin signaling in this context remain unknown. Stem cell-based regenerative (transplantation) therapies for PD have not been implemented widely in the clinical context, among other reasons because of the heterogeneity and incomplete differentiation of the transplanted cells. This might result in tumor formation and poor integration of the transplanted cells into the dopaminergic circuitry of the brain. Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) is a secreted glycoprotein implicated in the modulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Using mutant mice, primary ventral midbrain cells, and pluripotent stem cells, we show that DKK3 is necessary and sufficient for the correct differentiation of a rostrolateral mdDA neuron subset. Dkk3 transcription in the murine ventral midbrain coincides with the onset of mdDA neurogenesis and is required for the activation and/or maintenance of LMX1A (LIM homeobox transcription factor 1α) and PITX3 (paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3) expression in the corresponding mdDA precursor subset, without affecting the proliferation or specification of their progenitors. Notably, the treatment of differentiating pluripotent stem cells with recombinant DKK3 and WNT1 proteins also increases the proportion of mdDA neurons with molecular SNc DA cell characteristics in these cultures. The specific effects of DKK3 on the differentiation of rostrolateral mdDA neurons in the murine ventral midbrain, together with its known prosurvival and anti-tumorigenic properties, make it a good candidate for the improvement of regenerative and neuroprotective strategies in the treatment of PD. Significance statement: We show here that Dickkopf 3 (DKK3), a secreted modulator of WNT (Wingless-related MMTV integration site)/β-catenin signaling, is both necessary and sufficient for the proper differentiation and survival of a rostrolateral (parabrachial pigmented nucleus and dorsomedial substantia nigra pars compacta) mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neuron subset, using Dkk3 mutant mice and murine primary ventral midbrain and pluripotent stem cells. The progressive loss of these dopamine-producing mesodiencephalic neurons is a hallmark of human Parkinson's disease, which can up to now not be halted by clinical treatments of this disease. Thus, the soluble DKK3 protein might be a promising new agent for the improvement of current protocols for the directed differentiation of pluripotent and multipotent stem cells into mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons and for the promotion of their survival in situ.
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Anderegg A, Poulin JF, Awatramani R. Molecular heterogeneity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons--Moving toward single cell resolution. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3714-26. [PMID: 26505674 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery, midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons have been researched extensively, in part because of their diverse functions and involvement in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Over the last few decades, reports have emerged that midbrain DA neurons were not a homogeneous group, but that DA neurons located in distinct anatomical locations within the midbrain had distinctive properties in terms of physiology, function, and vulnerability. Accordingly, several studies focused on identifying heterogeneous gene expression across DA neuron clusters. Here we review the importance of understanding DA neuron heterogeneity at the molecular level, previous studies detailing heterogeneous gene expression in DA neurons, and finally recent work which brings together previous heterogeneous gene expression profiles in a coordinated manner, at single cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Anderegg
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Jean-Francois Poulin
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Rajeshwar Awatramani
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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Pitx3 deficiency produces decreased dopamine signaling and induces motor deficits in Pitx3(-/-) mice. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:3314-3320. [PMID: 26363812 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are involved in cognition, control of motor activity, and emotion-related behaviors. Degeneration of DA neurons particularly in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The homeobox transcription factor, Pitx3, plays a critical role in the development, function, and maintenance of midbrain DA neurons. We found that in young adult Pitx3-null mice, Pitx3(-/-), there was decreased tyrosine hydroxylase staining, indicating a loss of DA neurons particularly in the substantia nigra. In addition, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and microdialysis assays of DA release indicated that the lack of Pitx3 caused a significant reduction of striatal DA release. Tonic DA release was impaired more significantly than the phasic DA release induced by burst firing of DA neurons. Furthermore, behavioral tests revealed that Pitx3(-/-) mice displayed abnormal motor activities, including impaired motor coordination and decreased locomotion. In summary, these data provide further evidence that Pitx3 is specifically required for DA-related function and, if impaired, Pitx3 could contribute during the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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Tillack K, Aboutalebi H, Kramer ER. An Efficient and Versatile System for Visualization and Genetic Modification of Dopaminergic Neurons in Transgenic Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136203. [PMID: 26291828 PMCID: PMC4546329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The brain dopaminergic (DA) system is involved in fine tuning many behaviors and several human diseases are associated with pathological alterations of the DA system such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and drug addiction. Because of its complex network integration, detailed analyses of physiological and pathophysiological conditions are only possible in a whole organism with a sophisticated tool box for visualization and functional modification. Methods & Results Here, we have generated transgenic mice expressing the tetracycline-regulated transactivator (tTA) or the reverse tetracycline-regulated transactivator (rtTA) under control of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, TH-tTA (tet-OFF) and TH-rtTA (tet-ON) mice, to visualize and genetically modify DA neurons. We show their tight regulation and efficient use to overexpress proteins under the control of tet-responsive elements or to delete genes of interest with tet-responsive Cre. In combination with mice encoding tet-responsive luciferase, we visualized the DA system in living mice progressively over time. Conclusion These experiments establish TH-tTA and TH-rtTA mice as a powerful tool to generate and monitor mouse models for DA system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Tillack
- Development and Maintenance of the Nervous System, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helia Aboutalebi
- Development and Maintenance of the Nervous System, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edgar R. Kramer
- Development and Maintenance of the Nervous System, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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GIRK Channels Modulate Opioid-Induced Motor Activity in a Cell Type- and Subunit-Dependent Manner. J Neurosci 2015; 35:7131-42. [PMID: 25948263 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5051-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK/Kir3) channel activation underlies key physiological effects of opioids, including analgesia and dependence. GIRK channel activation has also been implicated in the opioid-induced inhibition of midbrain GABA neurons and consequent disinhibition of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Drug-induced disinhibition of VTA DA neurons has been linked to reward-related behaviors and underlies opioid-induced motor activation. Here, we demonstrate that mouse VTA GABA neurons express a GIRK channel formed by GIRK1 and GIRK2 subunits. Nevertheless, neither constitutive genetic ablation of Girk1 or Girk2, nor the selective ablation of GIRK channels in GABA neurons, diminished morphine-induced motor activity in mice. Moreover, direct activation of GIRK channels in midbrain GABA neurons did not enhance motor activity. In contrast, genetic manipulations that selectively enhanced or suppressed GIRK channel function in midbrain DA neurons correlated with decreased and increased sensitivity, respectively, to the motor-stimulatory effect of systemic morphine. Collectively, these data support the contention that the unique GIRK channel subtype in VTA DA neurons, the GIRK2/GIRK3 heteromer, regulates the sensitivity of the mouse mesolimbic DA system to drugs with addictive potential.
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Theodorou M, Rauser B, Zhang J, Prakash N, Wurst W, Schick JA. Limitations of In Vivo Reprogramming to Dopaminergic Neurons via a Tricistronic Strategy. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2015; 26:107-22. [PMID: 26107288 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cell death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Recent research has focused on cellular replacement through lineage reprogramming as a potential therapeutic strategy. This study sought to use genetics to define somatic cell types in vivo amenable to reprogramming. To stimulate in vivo reprogramming to dopaminergic neurons, we generated a Rosa26 knock-in mouse line conditionally overexpressing Mash1, Lmx1a, and Nurr1. These proteins are characterized by their role in neuronal commitment and development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and have previously been shown to convert fibroblasts to dopaminergic neurons in vitro. We show that a tricistronic construct containing these transcription factors can reprogram astrocytes and fibroblasts in vitro. However, cassette overexpression triggered cell death in vivo, in part through endoplasmic reticulum stress, while we also detected "uncleaved" forms of the polyprotein, suggesting poor "cleavage" efficiency of the 2A peptides. Based on our results, the cassette overexpression induced apoptosis and precluded reprogramming in our mouse model. Therefore, we suggest that alternatives must be explored to balance construct design with efficacious reprogramming. It is evident that there are still biological obstacles to overcome for in vivo reprogramming to dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Theodorou
- 1 Institute of Developmental Genetics , Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Benedict Rauser
- 1 Institute of Developmental Genetics , Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jingzhong Zhang
- 1 Institute of Developmental Genetics , Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nilima Prakash
- 1 Institute of Developmental Genetics , Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- 1 Institute of Developmental Genetics , Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- 2 Developmental Genetics c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan , Neuherberg/Munich, Germany
- 3 German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , Munich, Germany
- 4 Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Joel A Schick
- 1 Institute of Developmental Genetics , Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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Sorting the wheat from the chaff in dopamine neuron-based cell therapies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:4512-3. [PMID: 25848026 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1503859112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Pelletier SJ, Lagacé M, St-Amour I, Arsenault D, Cisbani G, Chabrat A, Fecteau S, Lévesque M, Cicchetti F. The morphological and molecular changes of brain cells exposed to direct current electric field stimulation. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyu090. [PMID: 25522422 PMCID: PMC4376545 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of low-intensity direct current electric fields has been experimentally used in the clinic to treat a number of brain disorders, predominantly using transcranial direct current stimulation approaches. However, the cellular and molecular changes induced by such treatment remain largely unknown. METHODS Here, we tested various intensities of direct current electric fields (0, 25, 50, and 100V/m) in a well-controlled in vitro environment in order to investigate the responses of neurons, microglia, and astrocytes to this type of stimulation. This included morphological assessments of the cells, viability, as well as shape and fiber outgrowth relative to the orientation of the direct current electric field. We also undertook enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western immunoblotting to identify which molecular pathways were affected by direct current electric fields. RESULTS In response to direct current electric field, neurons developed an elongated cell body shape with neurite outgrowth that was associated with a significant increase in growth associated protein-43. Fetal midbrain dopaminergic explants grown in a collagen gel matrix also showed a reorientation of their neurites towards the cathode. BV2 microglial cells adopted distinct morphological changes with an increase in cyclooxygenase-2 expression, but these were dependent on whether they had already been activated with lipopolysaccharide. Finally, astrocytes displayed elongated cell bodies with cellular filopodia that were oriented perpendicularly to the direct current electric field. CONCLUSION We show that cells of the central nervous system can respond to direct current electric fields both in terms of their morphological shape and molecular expression of certain proteins, and this in turn can help us to begin understand the mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of direct current electric field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neuroscience, Québec, QC, Canada (Mr Pelletier, Ms Lagacé, Drs St-Amour, Arsenault, Cisbani, and Cicchetti); Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada (Drs Lévesque and Cicchetti); Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada (Ms Chabrat and Dr Lévesque); Laboratory of Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Réadaptation et Intégration Sociale, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Université Laval, Canada (Dr Fecteau); Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA (Dr Fecteau).
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Iacovitti L, Wei X, Cai J, Kostuk EW, Lin R, Gorodinsky A, Roman P, Kusek G, Das SS, Dufour A, Martinez TN, Dave KD. The hTH-GFP reporter rat model for the study of Parkinson's disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113151. [PMID: 25462571 PMCID: PMC4251919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is the second leading neurodegenerative disease in the US. As there is no known cause or cure for PD, researchers continue to investigate disease mechanisms and potential new therapies in cell culture and in animal models of PD. In PD, one of the most profoundly affected neuronal populations is the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). These DA-producing neurons undergo degeneration while neighboring DA-producing cells of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are largely spared. To aid in these studies, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) partnered with Thomas Jefferson University and Taconic Inc. to generate new transgenic rat lines carrying the human TH gene promoter driving EGFP using a 11 kb construct used previously to create a hTH-GFP mouse reporter line. Of the five rat founder lines that were generated, three exhibited high level specific GFP fluorescence in DA brain structures (ie. SN, VTA, striatum, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus). As with the hTH-GFP mouse, none of the rat lines exhibit reporter expression in adrenergic structures like the adrenal gland. Line 12141, with its high levels of GFP in adult DA brain structures and minimal ectopic GFP expression in non-DA structures, was characterized in detail. We show here that this line allows for anatomical visualization and microdissection of the rat midbrain into SNpc and/or VTA, enabling detailed analysis of midbrain DA neurons and axonal projections after toxin treatment in vivo. Moreover, we further show that embryonic SNpc and/or VTA neurons, enriched by microdissection or FACS, can be used in culture or transplant studies of PD. Thus, the hTH-GFP reporter rat should be a valuable tool for Parkinson's disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Iacovitti
- Farber Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiaotao Wei
- Farber Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jingli Cai
- Farber Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Eric W. Kostuk
- Farber Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ruihe Lin
- Farber Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Philip Roman
- Taconic Farms, Inc., Hudson, New York, United States of America
| | - Gretchen Kusek
- Taconic Farms, Inc., Hudson, New York, United States of America
| | - Sonal S. Das
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Audrey Dufour
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Terina N. Martinez
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kuldip D. Dave
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, New York, United States of America
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Sorting nexin 27 regulation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels attenuates in vivo cocaine response. Neuron 2014; 82:659-69. [PMID: 24811384 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The subcellular pathways that regulate G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK or Kir3) channels are important for controlling the excitability of neurons. Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is a PDZ-containing protein known to bind GIRK2c/GIRK3 channels, but its function in vivo is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of SNX27 in regulating GIRK currents in dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Mice lacking SNX27 in DA neurons exhibited reduced GABABR-activated GIRK currents but had normal Ih currents and DA D2R-activated GIRK currents. Expression of GIRK2a, an SNX27-insensitive splice variant, restored GABABR-activated GIRK currents in SNX27-deficient DA neurons. Remarkably, mice with significantly reduced GABABR-activated GIRK currents in only DA neurons were hypersensitive to cocaine and could be restored to a normal locomotor response with GIRK2a expression. These results identify a pathway for regulating excitability of VTA DA neurons, highlighting SNX27 as a promising target for treating addiction.
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Abstract
G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels contribute to the resting membrane potential of many neurons, including dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). VTA DA neurons are bistable, firing in two modes: one characterized by bursts of action potentials, the other by tonic firing at a lower frequency. Here we provide evidence that these firing modes drive bidirectional plasticity of GIRK channel-mediated currents. In acute midbrain slices of mice, we observed that in vitro burst activation of VTA DA neurons potentiated GIRK currents whereas tonic firing depressed these currents. This plasticity was not specific to the metabotropic receptor activating the GIRK channels, as direct activation of GIRK channels by nonhydrolyzable GTP also potentiated the currents. The plasticity of GIRK currents required NMDA receptor and CaMKII activation, and involved protein trafficking through specific PDZ domains of GIRK2c and GIRK3 subunit isoforms. Prolonged tonic firing may thus enhance the probability to switch into burst-firing mode, which then potentiates GIRK currents and favors the return to baseline. In conclusion, activity-dependent GIRK channel plasticity may represent a slow destabilization process favoring the switch between the two firing modes of VTA DA neurons.
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Allodi I, Hedlund E. Directed midbrain and spinal cord neurogenesis from pluripotent stem cells to model development and disease in a dish. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:109. [PMID: 24904255 PMCID: PMC4033221 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of specific neuronal fates is restricted in time and space in the developing CNS through integration of extrinsic morphogen signals and intrinsic determinants. Morphogens impose regional characteristics on neural progenitors and establish distinct progenitor domains. Such domains are defined by unique expression patterns of fate determining transcription factors. These processes of neuronal fate specification can be recapitulated in vitro using pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on the generation of dopamine neurons and motor neurons, which are induced at ventral positions of the neural tube through Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, and defined at anteroposterior positions by fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) 8, Wnt1, and retinoic acid (RA). In vitro utilization of these morphogenic signals typically results in the generation of multiple neuronal cell types, which are defined at the intersection of these signals. If the purpose of in vitro neurogenesis is to generate one cell type only, further lineage restriction can be accomplished by forced expression of specific transcription factors in a permissive environment. Alternatively, cell-sorting strategies allow for selection of neuronal progenitors or mature neurons. However, modeling development, disease and prospective therapies in a dish could benefit from structured heterogeneity, where desired neurons are appropriately synaptically connected and thus better reflect the three-dimensional structure of that region. By modulating the extrinsic environment to direct sequential generation of neural progenitors within a domain, followed by self-organization and synaptic establishment, a reductionist model of that brain region could be created. Here we review recent advances in neuronal fate induction in vitro, with a focus on the interplay between cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and discuss the implications for studying development and disease in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilary Allodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Hedlund
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Roessler R, Smallwood SA, Veenvliet JV, Pechlivanoglou P, Peng SP, Chakrabarty K, Groot-Koerkamp MJA, Pasterkamp RJ, Wesseling E, Kelsey G, Boddeke E, Smidt MP, Copray S. Detailed analysis of the genetic and epigenetic signatures of iPSC-derived mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 2:520-33. [PMID: 24749075 PMCID: PMC3986662 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for in vitro generation of disease-relevant cell types, such as mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons involved in Parkinson’s disease. Although iPSC-derived midbrain DA neurons have been generated, detailed genetic and epigenetic characterizations of such neurons are lacking. The goal of this study was to examine the authenticity of iPSC-derived DA neurons obtained by established protocols. We FACS purified mdDA (Pitx3Gfp/+) neurons derived from mouse iPSCs and primary mdDA (Pitx3Gfp/+) neurons to analyze and compare their genetic and epigenetic features. Although iPSC-derived DA neurons largely adopted characteristics of their in vivo counterparts, relevant deviations in global gene expression and DNA methylation were found. Hypermethylated genes, mainly involved in neurodevelopment and basic neuronal functions, consequently showed reduced expression levels. Such abnormalities should be addressed because they might affect unambiguous long-term functionality and hamper the potential of iPSC-derived DA neurons for in vitro disease modeling or cell-based therapy. Purification of iPSC-derived mdDA neurons and primary embryonic mdDA neurons Comparative gene-expression profiling and DNA methylation mapping of mdDA neurons High similarity but also differences between primary and iPSC-derived mdDA neurons Differences mainly in genes involved in neuron differentiation and development
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Roessler
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jesse V Veenvliet
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, Science Park Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Petros Pechlivanoglou
- Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Su-Ping Peng
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Koushik Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marian J A Groot-Koerkamp
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Evelyn Wesseling
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Erik Boddeke
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, Science Park Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sjef Copray
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
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Pertek A, Meier F, Irmler M, Beckers J, Skylaki S, Endele M, Wurst W, Prakash N, Kühn R. Simple Derivation of Transgene-Free iPS Cells by a Dual Recombinase Approach. Mol Biotechnol 2014; 56:697-713. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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48
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Hunt CP, Fabb SA, Pouton CW, Haynes JM. DNA-dependent protein kinase is a context dependent regulator of Lmx1a and midbrain specification. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78759. [PMID: 24194952 PMCID: PMC3806860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of small molecules capable of directing pluripotent cell differentiation towards specific lineages is highly desirable to both reduce cost, and increase efficiency. Within neural progenitors, LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (Lmx1a) is required for proper development of roof plate and cortical hem structures of the forebrain, as well as the development of floor plate and midbrain dopaminergic neurons. In this study we generated homologous recombinant cell lines expressing either luciferase or β-lactamase under the control of the Lmx1a promoter, and used these cell lines to investigate kinase-mediated regulation of Lmx1a activity during neuronal differentiation. A screen of 143 small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors yielded 16 compounds that positively or negatively modulated Lmx1a activity. Inhibition of EGF, VEGF and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) signaling significantly upregulated Lmx1a activity whereas MEK inhibition strongly downregulated its activity. Quantitative FACS analysis revealed that the DNA-PK inhibitor significantly increased the number of Lmx1a+ progenitors while subsequent qPCR showed an upregulation of Notch effectors, the basic helix-loop-helix genes, Hes5 and Hey1. FACS further revealed that DNA-PK-mediated regulation of Lmx1a+ cells is dependent on the rapamycin-sensitive complex, mTORC1. Interestingly, this DNA-PK inhibitor effect was preserved in a co-culture differentiation protocol. Terminal differentiation assays showed that DNA-PK inhibition shifted development of neurons from forebrain toward midbrain character as assessed by Pitx3/TH immunolabeling and corresponding upregulation of midbrain (En1), but not forebrain (FoxG1) transcripts. These studies show that Lmx1a signaling in mouse embryonic stem cells contributes to a molecular cascade establishing neuronal specification. The data presented here identifies a novel regulatory pathway where signaling from DNA-PK appears to suppress midbrain-specific Lmx1a expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P. Hunt
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stewart A. Fabb
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W. Pouton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail: (JMH); (CWP)
| | - John M. Haynes
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville), Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail: (JMH); (CWP)
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49
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Veenvliet JV, Dos Santos MTMA, Kouwenhoven WM, von Oerthel L, Lim JL, van der Linden AJA, Koerkamp MJAG, Holstege FCP, Smidt MP. Specification of dopaminergic subsets involves interplay of En1 and Pitx3. Development 2013; 140:3373-84. [PMID: 23863478 DOI: 10.1242/dev.094565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons control locomotion and emotion and are affected in multiple psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The homeodomain transcription factor Pitx3 is pivotal in mdDA neuron development and loss of Pitx3 results in programming deficits in a rostrolateral subpopulation of mdDA neurons destined to form the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), reminiscent of the specific cell loss observed in PD. We show here that in adult mice in which the gene encoding a second homeoprotein, engrailed 1 (En1), has been deleted, dramatic loss of mdDA neurons and striatal innervation defects were observed, partially reminiscent of defects observed in Pitx3(-/-) mice. We then continue to reveal developmental crosstalk between En1 and Pitx3 through genome-wide expression analysis. During development, both En1 and Pitx3 are required to induce expression of mdDA genes in the rostrolateral subset destined to form the SNc. By contrast, Pitx3 and En1 reciprocally regulate a separate gene cluster, which includes Cck, demarcating a caudal mdDA subset in wild-type embryos. Whereas En1 is crucial for induction of this caudal phenotype, Pitx3 antagonizes it rostrolaterally. The combinatorial action of En1 and Pitx3 is potentially realized through at least three levels of molecular interaction: (1) influencing each other's expression level, (2) releasing histone deacetylase-mediated repression of Nurr1 target genes and (3) modulating En1 activity through Pitx3-driven activation of En1 modulatory proteins. These findings show how two crucial mediators of mdDA neuronal development, En1 and Pitx3, interact in dopaminergic subset specification, the importance of which is exemplified by the specific vulnerability of the SNc found in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V Veenvliet
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 3511 PG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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50
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Auger ML, Schmidt ERE, Manitt C, Dal-Bo G, Pasterkamp RJ, Flores C. unc5c haploinsufficient phenotype: striking similarities with the dcc haploinsufficiency model. Eur J Neurosci 2013; 38:2853-63. [PMID: 23738838 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
DCC and UNC5 homologs (UNC5H) are guidance cue receptors highly expressed by mesocorticolimbic dopamine neurons. We have shown that dcc heterozygous mice exhibit increased dopamine, but not norepinephrine, innervation and function in medial prefrontal cortex. Concomitantly, dcc heterozygotes show blunted mesolimbic dopamine release and behavioral responses to stimulant drugs. These changes appear only in adulthood. Recently, we found an adolescent emergence of UNC5H expression by dopamine neurons and co-expression of DCC and UNC5H by single dopamine cells. Here, we demonstrate selective expression of unc5 homolog c mRNA by dopamine neurons in adulthood. We show that unc5c haploinsufficiency results in diminished amphetamine-induced locomotion in male and female mice. This phenotype is identical to that produced by dcc haploinsufficiency and is observed after adolescence. Notably, and similar to dcc haploinsufficiency, unc5c haploinsufficiency leads to dramatic increases in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the medial prefrontal cortex, but not in the nucleus accumbens. In contrast, medial prefrontal cortex dopamine-β-hydroxylase expression is not altered. We confirmed that UNC5C protein is reduced in the ventral tegmental area of unc5c heterozygous mice, but that DCC expression in this region remains unchanged. UNC5C receptors may also play a role in dopamine function and influence sensitivity to behavioral effects of stimulant drugs of abuse, at least upon first exposure. The striking similarities between the dcc and the unc5c haploinsufficient phenotypes raise the possibility that functions mediated by DCC/UNC5C complexes may be at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan L Auger
- Department of Psychiatry and of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Verdun, QC, Canada, H4H 1R3
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