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Hu H, Pang Y, Luo H, Tong B, Wang F, Song Y, Ying Q, Xu K, Xiong C, Peng Z, Xu H, Zhang X. Noninvasive Light Flicker Stimulation Promotes Optic Nerve Regeneration by Activating Microglia and Enhancing Neural Plasticity in Zebrafish. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:3. [PMID: 38691090 PMCID: PMC11077911 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Forty-hertz light flicker stimulation has been proven to reduce neurodegeneration, but its effect on optic nerve regeneration is unclear. This study explores the effect of 40-Hz light flicker in promoting optic nerve regeneration in zebrafish and investigates the underlying mechanisms. Methods Wild-type and mpeg1:EGFP zebrafish were used to establish a model of optic nerve crush. Biocytin tracing and hematoxylin and eosin staining were employed to observe whether 40-Hz light flicker promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites. Optomotor and optokinetic responses were evaluated to assess recovery of visual function. Immunofluorescence staining of mpeg1:EGFP zebrafish was performed to observe changes in microglia. Differentially expressed genes that promote optic nerve regeneration following 40-Hz light flicker stimulation were identified and validated through RNA-sequencing analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results Zebrafish exhibited spontaneous optic nerve regeneration after optic nerve injury and restored visual function. We observed that 40-Hz light flicker significantly activated microglia following optic nerve injury and promoted regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites, as well as recovery of visual function. Transcriptomics and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that 40-Hz light flicker increased the expression of genes associated with neuronal plasticity, including bdnf, npas4a, fosab, fosb, egr4, and ier2a. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that 40-Hz light flicker stimulation promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites and recovery of visual function in zebrafish, which is associated with microglial activation and enhancement of neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijian Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Yulian Pang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongdou Luo
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Tong
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuning Song
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Ying
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Chan Xiong
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhida Peng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
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Kwon OH, Choe J, Kim D, Kim S, Moon C. Sensory Stimulation-dependent Npas4 Expression in the Olfactory Bulb during Early Postnatal Development. Exp Neurobiol 2024; 33:77-98. [PMID: 38724478 PMCID: PMC11089401 DOI: 10.5607/en23037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the olfactory system is influenced by sensory inputs, and it maintains neuronal generation and plasticity throughout the lifespan. The olfactory bulb contains a higher proportion of interneurons than other brain regions, particularly during the early postnatal period of neurogenesis. Although the relationship between sensory stimulation and olfactory bulb development during the postnatal period has been well studied, the molecular mechanisms have yet to be identified. In this study, we used western blotting and immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of the transcription factor Npas4, a neuron-specific immediate-early gene that acts as a developmental regulator in many brain regions. We found that Npas4 is highly expressed in olfactory bulb interneurons during the early postnatal stages and gradually decreases toward the late postnatal stages. Npas4 expression was observed in all olfactory bulb layers, including the rostral migratory stream, where newborn neurons are generated and migrate to the olfactory bulb. Under sensory deprivation, the olfactory bulb size and the number of olfactory bulb interneurons were reduced. Furthermore, Npas4 expression and the expression of putative Npas4 downstream molecules were decreased. Collectively, these findings indicate that Npas4 expression induced by sensory input plays a role in the formation of neural circuits with excitatory mitral/tufted cells by regulating the survival of olfactory bulb interneurons during the early stages of postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oh-Hoon Kwon
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Jiyun Choe
- Department of Brain Sciences, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Dokyeong Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Cheil Moon
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
- Department of Brain Sciences, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
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3
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Shmal D, Mantero G, Floss T, Benfenati F, Maya-Vetencourt JF. Restoring vision in adult amblyopia by enhancing plasticity through deletion of the transcriptional repressor REST. iScience 2024; 27:109507. [PMID: 38591011 PMCID: PMC11000024 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual cortical plasticity is high during early life, but gradually decreases with development. This is due to the Otx2-driven maturation of intracortical inhibition that parallels the condensation of extracellular matrix components into perineuronal nets mainly around parvalbumin-positive GABAergic neurons. Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription (REST) epigenetically controls the expression of a plethora of neuron-specific genes. We demonstrate that the conditional knockout of REST in the primary visual cortex of adult mice induces a shift of ocular dominance after short-term monocular deprivation and promotes the recovery of vision in long-term deprived animals after reverse suture. These phenomena paralleled a reduction of perineuronal net density and increased expression of REST target genes, but not of the homeoprotein Otx2 in the visual cortex contralateral to the deprived eye. This shows that REST regulates adult visual cortical plasticity and is a potential therapeutic target to restore vision in adult amblyopia by enhancing V1 plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantero
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Homberg JR, Brivio P, Greven CU, Calabrese F. Individuals being high in their sensitivity to the environment: Are sensitive period changes in play? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105605. [PMID: 38417743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
All individuals on planet earth are sensitive to the environment, but some more than others. These individual differences in sensitivity to environments are seen across many animal species including humans, and can influence personalities as well as vulnerability and resilience to mental disorders. Yet, little is known about the underlying brain mechanisms. Key genes that contribute to individual differences in environmental sensitivity are the serotonin transporter, dopamine D4 receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes. By synthesizing neurodevelopmental findings of these genetic factors, and discussing them through the lens of mechanisms related to sensitive periods, which are phases of heightened neuronal plasticity during which a certain network is being finetuned by experiences, we propose that these genetic factors delay but extend postnatal sensitive periods. This may explain why sensitive individuals show behavioral features that are characteristic of a young brain state at the level of sensory information processing, such as reduced filtering or blockade of irrelevant information, resulting in a sensory processing system that 'keeps all options open'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Corina U Greven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Center, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Villalba S, González B, Junge S, Bernardi A, González J, Fagúndez C, Torterolo P, Carrera I, Urbano FJ, Bisagno V. 5-HT 2A Receptor Knockout Mice Show Sex-Dependent Differences following Acute Noribogaine Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:687. [PMID: 38255760 PMCID: PMC10815577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Noribogaine (noribo) is the primary metabolite from ibogaine, an atypical psychedelic alkaloid isolated from the root bark of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. The main objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral responses of noribo are mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) in mice. In that regard, we used male and female, 5-HT2AR knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice injected with a single noribo dose (10 or 40 mg/kg; i.p.). After 30 min., locomotor activity was recorded followed by mRNA measurements by qPCR (immediate early genes; IEG, glutamate receptors, and 5-HT2AR levels) and electrophysiology recordings of layer V pyramidal neurons from the medial prefrontal cortex. Noribo 40 decreased locomotion in male, but not female WT. Sex and genotype differences were observed for IEG and glutamate receptor expression. Expression of 5-HT2AR mRNA increased in the mPFC of WT mice following Noribo 10 (males) or Noribo 40 (females). Patch-clamp recordings showed that Noribo 40 reduced the NMDA-mediated postsynaptic current density in mPFC pyramidal neurons only in male WT mice, but no effects were found for either KO males or females. Our results highlight that noribo produces sexually dimorphic effects while the genetic removal of 5HT2AR blunted noribo-mediated responses to NMDA synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Villalba
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Bruno González
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (B.G.); (C.F.); (I.C.)
| | - Stephanie Junge
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Alejandra Bernardi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Joaquín González
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2125, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (J.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Catherine Fagúndez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (B.G.); (C.F.); (I.C.)
| | - Pablo Torterolo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2125, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (J.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Ignacio Carrera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Avenida General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay; (B.G.); (C.F.); (I.C.)
| | - Francisco J. Urbano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular Prof. Héctor Maldonado, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Verónica Bisagno
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Mariano Acosta 1611, Buenos Aires B1629WWA, Argentina; (S.V.); (S.J.)
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Carlos-Lima E, Higa GSV, Viana FJC, Tamais AM, Cruvinel E, Borges FDS, Francis-Oliveira J, Ulrich H, De Pasquale R. Serotonergic Modulation of the Excitation/Inhibition Balance in the Visual Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:519. [PMID: 38203689 PMCID: PMC10778629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010519] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic neurons constitute one of the main systems of neuromodulators, whose diffuse projections regulate the functions of the cerebral cortex. Serotonin (5-HT) is known to play a crucial role in the differential modulation of cortical activity related to behavioral contexts. Some features of the 5-HT signaling organization suggest its possible participation as a modulator of activity-dependent synaptic changes during the critical period of the primary visual cortex (V1). Cells of the serotonergic system are among the first neurons to differentiate and operate. During postnatal development, ramifications from raphe nuclei become massively distributed in the visual cortical area, remarkably increasing the availability of 5-HT for the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity. A substantial amount of evidence has demonstrated that synaptic plasticity at pyramidal neurons of the superficial layers of V1 critically depends on a fine regulation of the balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I). 5-HT could therefore play an important role in controlling this balance, providing the appropriate excitability conditions that favor synaptic modifications. In order to explore this possibility, the present work used in vitro intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques to study the effects of 5-HT on the E/I balance of V1 layer 2/3 neurons, during the critical period. Serotonergic action on the E/I balance has been analyzed on spontaneous activity, evoked synaptic responses, and long-term depression (LTD). Our results pointed out that the predominant action of 5-HT implies a reduction in the E/I balance. 5-HT promoted LTD at excitatory synapses while blocking it at inhibitory synaptic sites, thus shifting the Hebbian alterations of synaptic strength towards lower levels of E/I balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estevão Carlos-Lima
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Guilherme Shigueto Vilar Higa
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe José Costa Viana
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Alicia Moraes Tamais
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Emily Cruvinel
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Fernando da Silva Borges
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY 11203, USA;
| | - José Francis-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Roberto De Pasquale
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
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Roethler O, Zohar E, Cohen-Kashi Malina K, Bitan L, Gabel HW, Spiegel I. Single genomic enhancers drive experience-dependent GABAergic plasticity to maintain sensory processing in the adult cortex. Neuron 2023; 111:2693-2708.e8. [PMID: 37354902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Experience-dependent plasticity of synapses modulates information processing in neural circuits and is essential for cognitive functions. The genome, via non-coding enhancers, was proposed to control information processing and circuit plasticity by regulating experience-induced transcription of genes that modulate specific sets of synapses. To test this idea, we analyze here the cellular and circuit functions of the genomic mechanisms that control the experience-induced transcription of Igf1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) in vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) interneurons (INs) in the visual cortex of adult mice. We find that two sensory-induced enhancers selectively and cooperatively drive the activity-induced transcription of Igf1 to thereby promote GABAergic inputs onto VIP INs and to homeostatically control the ratio between excitation and inhibition (E/I ratio)-in turn, this restricts neural activity in VIP INs and principal excitatory neurons and maintains spatial frequency tuning. Thus, enhancer-mediated activity-induced transcription maintains sensory processing in the adult cortex via homeostatic modulation of E/I ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ori Roethler
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Zohar
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Katayun Cohen-Kashi Malina
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lidor Bitan
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Harrison Wren Gabel
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ivo Spiegel
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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Briguglio S, Cambria C, Albizzati E, Marcello E, Provenzano G, Frasca A, Antonucci F. New Views of the DNA Repair Protein Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated in Central Neurons: Contribution in Synaptic Dysfunctions of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2181. [PMID: 37681912 PMCID: PMC10486624 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172181] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) is a serine/threonine protein kinase principally known to orchestrate DNA repair processes upon DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Mutations in the Atm gene lead to Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT), a recessive disorder characterized by ataxic movements consequent to cerebellar atrophy or dysfunction, along with immune alterations, genomic instability, and predisposition to cancer. AT patients show variable phenotypes ranging from neurologic abnormalities and cognitive impairments to more recently described neuropsychiatric features pointing to symptoms hardly ascribable to the canonical functions of ATM in DNA damage response (DDR). Indeed, evidence suggests that cognitive abilities rely on the proper functioning of DSB machinery and specific synaptic changes in central neurons of ATM-deficient mice unveiled unexpected roles of ATM at the synapse. Thus, in the present review, upon a brief recall of DNA damage responses, we focus our attention on the role of ATM in neuronal physiology and pathology and we discuss recent findings showing structural and functional changes in hippocampal and cortical synapses of AT mouse models. Collectively, a deeper knowledge of ATM-dependent mechanisms in neurons is necessary not only for a better comprehension of AT neurological phenotypes, but also for a higher understanding of the pathological mechanisms in neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders involving ATM dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Briguglio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate (MI) and via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, MI, Italy; (S.B.); (C.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Clara Cambria
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate (MI) and via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, MI, Italy; (S.B.); (C.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Elena Albizzati
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giuseppe Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, MI, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38068 Trento, TN, Italy;
| | - Angelisa Frasca
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate (MI) and via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, MI, Italy; (S.B.); (C.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Flavia Antonucci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20129 Segrate (MI) and via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, MI, Italy; (S.B.); (C.C.); (A.F.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, IN-CNR, Via Raoul Follereau 3, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, MB, Italy
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Hughes BW, Siemsen BM, Tsvetkov E, Berto S, Kumar J, Cornbrooks RG, Akiki RM, Cho JY, Carter JS, Snyder KK, Assali A, Scofield MD, Cowan CW, Taniguchi M. NPAS4 in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates chronic social defeat stress-induced anhedonia-like behavior and reductions in excitatory synapses. eLife 2023; 12:e75631. [PMID: 36780219 PMCID: PMC9925055 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress can produce reward system deficits (i.e., anhedonia) and other common symptoms associated with depressive disorders, as well as neural circuit hypofunction in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress promotes depressive-like behavior and hypofrontality remain unclear. We show here that the neuronal activity-regulated transcription factor, NPAS4, in the mPFC is regulated by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), and it is required in this brain region for CSDS-induced changes in sucrose preference and natural reward motivation in the mice. Interestingly, NPAS4 is not required for CSDS-induced social avoidance or anxiety-like behavior. We also find that mPFC NPAS4 is required for CSDS-induced reductions in pyramidal neuron dendritic spine density, excitatory synaptic transmission, and presynaptic function, revealing a relationship between perturbation in excitatory synaptic transmission and the expression of anhedonia-like behavior in the mice. Finally, analysis of the mice mPFC tissues revealed that NPAS4 regulates the expression of numerous genes linked to glutamatergic synapses and ribosomal function, the expression of upregulated genes in CSDS-susceptible animals, and differentially expressed genes in postmortem human brains of patients with common neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Together, our findings position NPAS4 as a key mediator of chronic stress-induced hypofrontal states and anhedonia-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon W Hughes
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Benjamin M Siemsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Evgeny Tsvetkov
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Jaswinder Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolBelmontUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Rebecca G Cornbrooks
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Rose Marie Akiki
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Jennifer Y Cho
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Jordan S Carter
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Kirsten K Snyder
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Ahlem Assali
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Christopher W Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolBelmontUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Makoto Taniguchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolBelmontUnited States
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10
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Takahashi H, Yamamoto T, Tsuboi A. Molecular mechanisms underlying activity-dependent ischemic tolerance in the brain. Neurosci Res 2023; 186:3-9. [PMID: 36244569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The inhibition of cerebral blood flow triggers intertwined pathological events, resulting in cell death and loss of brain function. Interestingly, animals pre-exposed to short-term ischemia can tolerate subsequent severe ischemia. This phenomenon is called ischemic tolerance and is also triggered by other noxious stimuli. However, whether short-term exposure to non-noxious stimuli can induce ischemic tolerance remains unknown. Recently, we found that pre-exposing mice to an enriched environment for 40 min is sufficient to facilitate cell survival after a subsequent stroke. The neuroprotective process depends on the neuronal activity soon before stroke, of which the activity-dependent transcription factor Npas4 is essential. Excessive Ca2+ influx triggers Npas4 expression in ischemic neurons, leading to the activation of neuroprotective programs. Pre-induction of Npas4 in the normal brain effectively supports cell survival after stroke. Furthermore, our study revealed that Npas4 regulates L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels through expression of the small Ras-like GTPase Gem in ischemic neurons. Ischemic tolerance is a good model for understanding how to promote neuroprotective mechanisms in the normal and injured brain. Here, we highlight activity-dependent ischemic tolerance and discuss its role in promoting neuroprotection against stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroo Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
| | - Tohru Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Akio Tsuboi
- Dynamic Brain Network Laboratory, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
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11
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Orikasa C. Social Network Plasticity of Mice Parental Behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:882850. [PMID: 35747212 PMCID: PMC9209706 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.882850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity occurs during developmental stages and is essential for sexual differentiation of the brain and the ensuing sex-dependent behavioral changes in adults. Maternal behavior is primarily affected by sex-related differences in the brain; however, chronic social isolation even in mature male mice can induce maternal retrieving and crouching behavior when they are first exposed to pups. Social milieus influence the inherent behavior of adults and alter the molecular architecture in the brain, thereby allowing higher levels of associated gene expression and molecular activity. This review explores the possibility that although the development of neural circuits is closely associated with maternal behavior, the brain can still retain its neuroplasticity in adults from a neuromolecular perspective. In addition, neuronal machinery such as neurotransmitters and neuropeptides might influence sociobehavioral changes. This review also discusses that the neural circuits regulating behaviors such as parenting and infanticide (including neglect behavior), might be controlled by neural relay on melanin concentrating hormone (MCH)–oxytocin in the hypothalamus during the positive and negative mode of action in maternal behavior. Furthermore, MCH–oxytocin neural relay might contribute to the anxiolytic effect on maternal behavior, which is involved with reward circuits.
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12
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Reinwald H, Alvincz J, Salinas G, Schäfers C, Hollert H, Eilebrecht S. Toxicogenomic profiling after sublethal exposure to nerve- and muscle-targeting insecticides reveals cardiac and neuronal developmental effects in zebrafish embryos. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132746. [PMID: 34748799 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For specific primary modes of action (MoA) in environmental non-target organisms, EU legislation restricts the usage of active substances of pesticides or biocides. Corresponding regulatory hazard assessments are costly, time consuming and require large numbers of non-human animal studies. Currently, predictive toxicology of development compounds relies on their chemical structure and provides little insights into toxicity mechanisms that precede adverse effects. Using the zebrafish embryo model, we characterized transcriptomic responses to a range of sublethal concentrations of six nerve- and muscle-targeting insecticides with different MoA (abamectin, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, imidacloprid & methoxychlor). Our aim was to identify affected biological processes and suitable biomarker candidates for MoA-specific signatures. Abamectin showed the most divergent signature among the tested insecticides, linked to lipid metabolic processes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after imidacloprid exposure were primarily associated with immune system and inflammation. In total, 222 early responsive genes to either MoA were identified, many related to three major processes: (1) cardiac muscle cell development and functioning (tcap, desma, bag3, hspb1, hspb8, flnca, myoz3a, mybpc2b, actc2, tnnt2c), (2) oxygen transport and hypoxic stress (alas2, hbbe1.1, hbbe1.3, hbbe2, hbae3, igfbp1a, hif1al) and (3) neuronal development and plasticity (npas4a, egr1, btg2, ier2a, vgf). The thyroidal function related gene dio3b was upregulated by chlorpyrifos and downregulated by higher abamectin concentrations. Important regulatory genes for cardiac muscle (tcap) and forebrain development (npas4a) were the most frequently ifferentially expressed across all insecticide treatments. We consider the identified gene sets as useful early warning biomarker candidates, i.e. for developmental toxicity targeting heart and brain in aquatic vertebrates. Our findings provide a better understanding about early molecular events in response to the analyzed MoA. Perceptively, this promotes the development for sensitive and informative biomarker-based in vitro assays for toxicological MoA prediction and AOP refinement, without the suffering of adult fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Reinwald
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Alvincz
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS-Services for Integrative Genomics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schäfers
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Eilebrecht
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany.
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13
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Skirzewski M, Molotchnikoff S, Hernandez LF, Maya-Vetencourt JF. Multisensory Integration: Is Medial Prefrontal Cortex Signaling Relevant for the Treatment of Higher-Order Visual Dysfunctions? Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:806376. [PMID: 35110996 PMCID: PMC8801884 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.806376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, information processing in sensory modalities and global mechanisms of multisensory integration facilitate perception. Emerging experimental evidence suggests that the contribution of multisensory integration to sensory perception is far more complex than previously expected. Here we revise how associative areas such as the prefrontal cortex, which receive and integrate inputs from diverse sensory modalities, can affect information processing in unisensory systems via processes of down-stream signaling. We focus our attention on the influence of the medial prefrontal cortex on the processing of information in the visual system and whether this phenomenon can be clinically used to treat higher-order visual dysfunctions. We propose that non-invasive and multisensory stimulation strategies such as environmental enrichment and/or attention-related tasks could be of clinical relevance to fight cerebral visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Skirzewski
- Rodent Cognition Research and Innovation Core, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stéphane Molotchnikoff
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Génie Electrique et Génie Informatique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Luis F. Hernandez
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
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14
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Zhang T, Ji D, Sun J, Song J, Nie L, Sun N. NPAS4 suppresses propofol-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting autophagy in hippocampal neuronal cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 711:109018. [PMID: 34418347 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Propofol, a general intravenous anesthetic, has been demonstrated to cause a profound neuroapoptosis in the developing brain followed by long-term neurocognitive impairment. Our study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (NPAS4), an activity-dependent neuron-specific transcription factor, on propofol-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. The differentially expressed genes in HT22 cells after treatment with propofol were screened from Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE106799. NPAS4 expression in HT22 cells treated with different doses of propofol was investigated by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, caspase-3 activity, and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT, a LDH-Cytotoxicity Assay Kit, a Caspase-3 Colorimetric Assay Kit, and TUNEL assay, respectively. The protein levels of LC3-I, LC3-II, Beclin 1, p62 and NPAS4 were detected using Western blot analysis. Propofol treatment concentration-dependently decreased NPAS4 expression in HT22 cells. Propofol treatment inhibited cell viability, increased LDH release and caspase-3 activity, and induced apoptosis and autophagy in HT22 cells. NPAS4 overexpression suppressed propofol-induced cell injury and autophagy in HT22 cells. Mechanistically, autophagy agonist rapamycin attenuated the neuroprotective effect of NPAS4 in propofol-treated HT22 cells. In conclusion, NAPS4 overexpression protected hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells against propofol-induced neurotoxicity by reducing autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanshi Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, 473065, China
| | - Daofei Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, China
| | - Junyi Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanshi Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, 473065, China
| | - Jiangling Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanshi Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, 473065, China
| | - Limin Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanshi Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, 473065, China
| | - Na Sun
- Catheterization Room, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223002, China.
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15
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Micheli L, Creanza TM, Ceccarelli M, D'Andrea G, Giacovazzo G, Ancona N, Coccurello R, Scardigli R, Tirone F. Transcriptome Analysis in a Mouse Model of Premature Aging of Dentate Gyrus: Rescue of Alpha-Synuclein Deficit by Virus-Driven Expression or by Running Restores the Defective Neurogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696684. [PMID: 34485283 PMCID: PMC8415876 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone are neurogenic niches where neural stem and progenitor cells replicate throughout life to generate new neurons. The Btg1 gene maintains the stem cells of the neurogenic niches in quiescence. The deletion of Btg1 leads to an early transient increase of stem/progenitor cells division, followed, however, by a decrease during adulthood of their proliferative capability, accompanied by apoptosis. Since a physiological decrease of neurogenesis occurs during aging, the Btg1 knockout mouse may represent a model of neural aging. We have previously observed that the defective neurogenesis of the Btg1 knockout model is rescued by the powerful neurogenic stimulus of physical exercise (running). To identify genes responsible for stem and progenitor cells maintenance, we sought here to find genes underlying this premature neural aging, and whose deregulated expression could be rescued by running. Through RNA sequencing we analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of the dentate gyrus isolated from Btg1 wild-type or Btg1 knockout adult (2-month-old) mice submitted to physical exercise or sedentary. In Btg1 knockout mice, 545 genes were deregulated, relative to wild-type, while 2081 genes were deregulated by running. We identified 42 genes whose expression was not only down-regulated in the dentate gyrus of Btg1 knockout, but was also counter-regulated to control levels by running in Btg1 knockout mice, vs. sedentary. Among these 42 counter-regulated genes, alpha-synuclein (Snca), Fos, Arc and Npas4 showed significantly greater differential regulation. These genes control neural proliferation, apoptosis, plasticity and memory and are involved in aging. In particular, Snca expression decreases during aging. We tested, therefore, whether an Snca-expressing lentivirus, by rescuing the defective Snca levels in the dentate gyrus of Btg1 knockout mice, could also reverse the aging phenotype, in particular the defective neurogenesis. We found that the exogenous expression of Snca reversed the Btg1 knockout-dependent decrease of stem cell proliferation as well as the increase of progenitor cell apoptosis. This indicates that Snca has a functional role in the process of neural aging observed in this model, and also suggests that Snca acts as a positive regulator of stem cell maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Micheli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Maria Creanza
- Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Manuela Ceccarelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio D'Andrea
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- Preclinical Neuroscience, European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Ancona
- Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Preclinical Neuroscience, European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Scardigli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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16
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Baker MR, Wong RY. Npas4a expression in the teleost forebrain is associated with stress coping style differences in fear learning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12074. [PMID: 34103598 PMCID: PMC8187387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91495-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning to anticipate potentially dangerous contexts is an adaptive behavioral response to coping with stressors. An animal's stress coping style (e.g. proactive-reactive axis) is known to influence how it encodes salient events. However, the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying these stress coping style differences in learning are unknown. Further, while a number of neuroplasticity-related genes have been associated with alternative stress coping styles, it is unclear if these genes may bias the development of conditioned behavioral responses to stressful stimuli, and if so, which brain regions are involved. Here, we trained adult zebrafish to associate a naturally aversive olfactory cue with a given context. Next, we investigated if expression of two neural plasticity and neurotransmission-related genes (npas4a and gabbr1a) were associated with the contextual fear conditioning differences between proactive and reactive stress coping styles. Reactive zebrafish developed a stronger conditioned fear response and showed significantly higher npas4a expression in the medial and lateral zones of the dorsal telencephalon (Dm, Dl), and the supracommissural nucleus of the ventral telencephalon (Vs). Our findings suggest that the expression of activity-dependent genes like npas4a may be differentially expressed across several interconnected forebrain regions in response to fearful stimuli and promote biases in fear learning among different stress coping styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, USA
| | - Ryan Y Wong
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA.
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17
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Schneider CL, Majewska AK, Busza A, Williams ZR, Mahon BZ, Sahin B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for functional recovery after stroke: similarities with the critical period and the role of experience-dependent plasticity. J Neurol 2021; 268:1203-1209. [PMID: 31346698 PMCID: PMC6980899 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09480-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in the potential for plasticity-inducing pharmacological interventions to enhance post-stroke recovery. One group of drugs that continues to garner a great deal of attention in this regard is a class of antidepressants called the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Here we propose a model for the mechanism by which these drugs may enhance plasticity after ischemic brain injury. First, we review the research in animal models demonstrating how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors reopen the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity in adulthood. We then compare this period of heightened plasticity to the cellular and biochemical milieu of perilesional tissue after an ischemic event in the adult brain. We argue that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors administered acutely after an ischemic stroke alter excitatory-inhibitory balance in perilesional tissue and reinstate a type of plasticity reminiscent of the critical period in development. Finally, we discuss opportunities for future research in this area in both the preclinical and clinical realms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen L Schneider
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Psychology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ania K Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Ania Busza
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 681, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Zoe R Williams
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 681, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Bradford Z Mahon
- Psychology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 681, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Bogachan Sahin
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 681, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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18
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Seo S, Song Y, Gu SM, Min HK, Hong JT, Cha HJ, Yun J. D-limonene Inhibits Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure via Adenosine A2A Receptor Modulation on GABAergic Neuronal Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239277. [PMID: 33291789 PMCID: PMC7730947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by the recurrence of seizures. One-third of patients with epilepsy may not respond to antiseizure drugs. Purpose: We aimed to examine whether D-limonene, a cyclic monoterpene, exhibited any antiseizure activity in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling mouse model and in vitro. Methods: PTZ kindling mouse model was established by administering PTZ (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to mice once every 48 h. We performed immunoblot blots, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis after the behavioral study. Results: An acute injection of PTZ (60 mg/kg) induced seizure in mice, while pretreatment with D-limonene inhibited PTZ-induced seizure. Repeated administration of PTZ (30 mg/kg) increased the seizure score gradually in mice, which was reduced in D-limonene (10 mg/kg)-pretreated group. In addition, D-limonene treatment increased glutamate decarboxylase-67 (GAD-67) expression in the hippocampus. Axonal sprouting of hippocampal neurons after kindling was inhibited by D-limonene pretreatment. Moreover, D-limonene reduced the expression levels of Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 4 (Npas4)-induced by PTZ. Furthermore, the adenosine A2A antagonist SCH58261 and ZM241385 inhibited anticonvulsant activity and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission-induced by D-limonene. Conclusion: These results suggest that D-limonene exhibits anticonvulsant activity through modulation of adenosine A2A receptors on GABAergic neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowoon Seo
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro 194-31, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea; (S.S.); (Y.S.); (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.); (J.T.H.)
| | - Yunjeong Song
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro 194-31, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea; (S.S.); (Y.S.); (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.); (J.T.H.)
| | - Sun Mi Gu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro 194-31, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea; (S.S.); (Y.S.); (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.); (J.T.H.)
| | - Hyun Kyu Min
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro 194-31, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea; (S.S.); (Y.S.); (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.); (J.T.H.)
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro 194-31, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea; (S.S.); (Y.S.); (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.); (J.T.H.)
| | - Hye Jin Cha
- Narcotics Policy Division, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.J.C.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +82-43-719-5204 (H.J.C.); +82-43-261-2827 (J.Y.)
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro 194-31, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea; (S.S.); (Y.S.); (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.); (J.T.H.)
- Correspondence: (H.J.C.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +82-43-719-5204 (H.J.C.); +82-43-261-2827 (J.Y.)
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Fu J, Guo O, Zhen Z, Zhen J. Essential Functions of the Transcription Factor Npas4 in Neural Circuit Development, Plasticity, and Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:603373. [PMID: 33335473 PMCID: PMC7736240 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.603373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling from the synapse to nucleus is mediated by the integration and propagation of both membrane potential changes (postsynaptic potentials) and intracellular second messenger cascades. The electrical propagation of postsynaptic potentials allows for rapid neural information processing, while propagating second messenger pathways link synaptic activity to the transcription of genes required for neuronal survival and adaptive changes (plasticity) underlying circuit formation and learning. The propagation of activity-induced calcium signals to the cell nucleus is a major synapse-to-nucleus communication pathway. Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) is a recently discovered calcium-dependent transcription factor that regulates the activation of genes involved in the homeostatic regulation of excitatory–inhibitory balance, which is critical for neural circuit formation, function, and ongoing plasticity, as well as for defense against diseases such as epilepsy. Here, we summarize recent findings on the neuroprotective functions of Npas4 and the potential of Npas4 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Fu
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ouyang Guo
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhihang Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Junli Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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20
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Kasamatsu T, Imamura K. Ocular dominance plasticity: Molecular mechanisms revisited. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:3039-3074. [PMID: 32737874 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ocular dominance plasticity (ODP) is a type of cortical plasticity operating in visual cortex of mammals that are endowed with binocular vision based on the competition-driven disparity. Earlier, a molecular mechanism was proposed that catecholamines play an important role in the maintenance of ODP in kittens. Having survived the initial test, the hypothesis was further advanced to identify noradrenaline (NA) as a key factor that regulates ODP in the immature cortex. Later, the ODP-promoting effect of NA is extended to the adult with age-related limitations. Following the enhanced NA availability, the chain events downstream lead to the β-adrenoreceptor-induced cAMP accumulation, which in turn activates the protein kinase A. Eventually, the protein kinase translocates to the cell nucleus to activate cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB). CREB is a cellular transcription factor that controls the transcription of various genes, underpinning neuronal plasticity and long-term memory. In the advent of molecular genetics in that various types of new tools have become available with relative ease, ODP research has lightly adopted in the rodent model the original concepts and methodologies. Here, after briefly tracing the strategic maturation of our quest, the review moves to the later development of the field, with the emphasis placed around the following issues: (a) Are we testing ODP per se? (b) What does monocular deprivation deprive of the immature cortex? (c) The critical importance of binocular competition, (d) What is the adult plasticity? (e) Excitation-Inhibition balance in local circuits, and (f) Species differences in the animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Kasamatsu
- Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kazuyuki Imamura
- Department of Systems Life Engineering, Maebashi Institute of Technology, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, Japan
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21
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Manfredi G, Mete M, Colombo E, Bramini M, Di Marco S, Shmal D, Mantero G, Dipalo M, Rocchi A, DiFrancesco ML, Papaleo ED, Russo A, Barsotti J, Eleftheriou C, Di Maria F, Cossu V, Piazza F, Emionite L, Ticconi F, Marini C, Sambuceti G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. Subretinally injected semiconducting polymer nanoparticles rescue vision in a rat model of retinal dystrophy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 15:698-708. [PMID: 32601447 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-020-0696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and late-stage age-related macular degeneration, for which treatments remain limited, are among the most prevalent causes of legal blindness. Retinal prostheses have been developed to stimulate the inner retinal network; however, lack of sensitivity and resolution, and the need for wiring or external cameras, have limited their application. Here we show that conjugated polymer nanoparticles (P3HT NPs) mediate light-evoked stimulation of retinal neurons and persistently rescue visual functions when subretinally injected in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. P3HT NPs spread out over the entire subretinal space and promote light-dependent activation of spared inner retinal neurons, recovering subcortical, cortical and behavioural visual responses in the absence of trophic effects or retinal inflammation. By conferring sustained light sensitivity to degenerate retinas after a single injection, and with the potential for high spatial resolution, P3HT NPs provide a new avenue in retinal prosthetics with potential applications not only in retinitis pigmentosa, but also in age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dmytro Shmal
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantero
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Dipalo
- Plasmon Nanotechnologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia L DiFrancesco
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ermanno D Papaleo
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela Russo
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Jonathan Barsotti
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Cyril Eleftheriou
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- CNR Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), Bologna, Italy
| | - Vanessa Cossu
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Flavia Ticconi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Oncohematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Faenza Hospital, Faenza, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- CNR Institute of Bioimages and Molecular Physiology, Milan (Genoa Section), Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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22
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Musilova Z, Indermaur A, Bitja‐Nyom AR, Omelchenko D, Kłodawska M, Albergati L, Remišová K, Salzburger W. Evolution of the visual sensory system in cichlid fishes from crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:5010-5031. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Musilova
- Department of Zoology Charles University in Prague Prague Czech Republic
- Zoological Institute University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Arnold Roger Bitja‐Nyom
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Ngaoundéré Ngaoundéré Cameroon
- Department of Management of Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems University of Douala Douala Cameroon
| | - Dmytro Omelchenko
- Department of Zoology Charles University in Prague Prague Czech Republic
| | - Monika Kłodawska
- Department of Zoology Charles University in Prague Prague Czech Republic
| | - Lia Albergati
- Zoological Institute University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Kateřina Remišová
- Department of Physiology Charles University in Prague Prague Czech Republic
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23
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Sakai A, Sugiyama S. Experience-dependent transcriptional regulation in juvenile brain development. Dev Growth Differ 2019; 60:473-482. [PMID: 30368782 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
During brain development, once primary neural networks are formed, they are largely sculpted by environmental stimuli. The juvenile brain has a unique time window termed the critical period, in which neuronal circuits are remodeled by experience. Accumulating evidence indicates that abnormal rewiring of circuits in early life contributes to various neurodevelopmental disorders at later stages of life. Recent studies implicate two important aspects for activation of the critical period, both of which are experience-dependent: (a) proper excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance of neural circuit achieved during developmental trajectory of inhibitory interneurons, and (b) epigenetic regulation allowing flexible gene expression for neuronal plasticity. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of juvenile brain plasticity from the viewpoints of transcriptional and chromatin regulation, with a focus on Otx2 homeoprotein. Depending on experience, Otx2 is transported into cortical parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV cells), where it induces PV cell maturation to activate the critical period. Understanding the unique behavior and function of Otx2 as a "messenger" of experience should therefore provide insights into mechanisms of juvenile brain development. Recently identified downstream targets of Otx2 suggest novel roles of Otx2 in homeostasis of PV cells, and, moreover, in regulation of chromatin state, which is important for neuronal plasticity. We further discuss epigenetic changes during postnatal brain development spanning the critical period. Different aspects of chromatin regulation may underlie experience-dependent neuronal development and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Sakai
- Laboratory of Neuronal Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Sayaka Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Neuronal Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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24
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Synapse development organized by neuronal activity-regulated immediate-early genes. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-7. [PMID: 29628504 PMCID: PMC5938016 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical studies have shown that neuronal immediate-early genes (IEGs) play important roles in synaptic processes critical for key brain functions. IEGs are transiently activated and rapidly upregulated in discrete neurons in response to a wide variety of cellular stimuli, and they are uniquely involved in various aspects of synapse development. In this review, we summarize recent studies of a subset of neuronal IEGs in regulating synapse formation, transmission, and plasticity. We also discuss how the dysregulation of neuronal IEGs is associated with the onset of various brain disorders and pinpoint key outstanding questions that should be addressed in this field. Immediate-early genes (IEGs), genes that are rapidly and transiently activated by cellular stimuli, regulate the interactions between neurons and key brain functions. Ji Won Um and colleagues at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea review recent studies on three IEGs that are activated by neuronal activity and highlight their contribution to neuronal excitability and cognitive behaviors. These genes rely on different molecular mechanisms to regulate neuronal receptors and the structure of synapses. Research in mice lacking any one of these IEGs reveals their contribution to learning and memory as well as to some behavioral abnormalities associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Further research into the activity of IEGs will advance our understanding of how a neuron’s environment influences brain development and disease.
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25
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Mikics É, Guirado R, Umemori J, Tóth M, Biró L, Miskolczi C, Balázsfi D, Zelena D, Castrén E, Haller J, Karpova NN. Social Learning Requires Plasticity Enhanced by Fluoxetine Through Prefrontal Bdnf-TrkB Signaling to Limit Aggression Induced by Post-Weaning Social Isolation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:235-245. [PMID: 28685757 PMCID: PMC5635971 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Escalated or abnormal aggression induced by early adverse experiences is a growing issue of social concern and urges the development of effective treatment strategies. Here we report that synergistic interactions between psychosocial and biological factors specifically ameliorate escalated aggression induced by early adverse experiences. Rats reared in isolation from weaning until early adulthood showed abnormal forms of aggression and social deficits that were temporarily ameliorated by re-socialization, but aggression again escalated in a novel environment. We demonstrate that when re-socialization was combined with the antidepressant fluoxetine, which has been shown to reactivate juvenile-like state of plasticity, escalated aggression was greatly attenuated, while neither treatment alone was effective. Early isolation induced a permanent, re-socialization-resistant reduction in Bdnf expression in the amygdala and the infralimbic cortex. Only the combined treatment of fluoxetine and re-socialization was able to recover Bdnf expression via epigenetic regulation. Moreover, the behavior improvement after the combined treatment was dependent on TrkB activity. Combined treatment specifically strengthened the input from the ventral hippocampus to the mPFC, suggesting that this pathway is an important mediator of the beneficial behavioral effects of the combined psychosocial and pharmacological treatment of abnormal aggression. Our findings suggest that synergy between pharmacological induction of plasticity and psychosocial rehabilitation could enhance the efficacy of therapies for pathological aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Mikics
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ramon Guirado
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juzoh Umemori
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Máté Tóth
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Biró
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christina Miskolczi
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diána Balázsfi
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, PO Box 56, Helsinki 00014, Finland, Tel: +358 50520 7974, Fax: +358 919 157 620, E-mail:
| | - József Haller
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nina N Karpova
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café sn, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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26
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Stress-induced hippocampus Npas4 mRNA expression relates to specific psychophysiological patterns of stress response. Brain Res 2017; 1679:75-83. [PMID: 29196218 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain protein 4 (Npas4) is a key protein that intervenes in GABA synapse scaling and neurotrophicity enhancing. Since GABA and neurotrophicity are implicated in stress response and Npas4-deficient rodents exhibit behavioral alterations, an investigation was designed in rats to verify whether stress-induced spontaneous hippocampus Npas4 mRNA expression would be associated with specific patterns of stress response. The rats were exposed to one of three stressor levels: no stress (CTL, n = 15), exposure to a footshock apparatus (Sham, S, n = 40) and footshock (F, n = 80). After stress exposure the S and F rats were tested in an activity cage, and subsequently in an elevated plus maze (EPM), just prior to the sacrifice. Using cluster analysis, the animals already assigned to a stress level were also distributed into 2 subgroups depending on their Npas4 mRNA levels. The low (L) and high (H) Npas4 expression subgroups were identified in the S and F groups, the CTL group being independent of the Npas4 levels. The Npas4 effect was studied through the interaction between stress (S and F) and Npas4 level (L and H). The biological stress response was similar in H and L rats, except blood corticosterone that was slightly lower in the H rats. The H rats were more active in the actimetry cage and presented higher levels of exploration in the EPM. They also exhibited higher hippocampus activation, as assessed by the c-fos, Egr1 and Arc mRNA levels. Therefore high Npas4 expression favors stress management.
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27
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Muñiz JA, Prieto JP, González B, Sosa MH, Cadet JL, Scorza C, Urbano FJ, Bisagno V. Cocaine and Caffeine Effects on the Conditioned Place Preference Test: Concomitant Changes on Early Genes within the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex and Nucleus Accumbens. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:200. [PMID: 29093669 PMCID: PMC5651260 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is the world's most popular psychostimulant and is frequently used as an active adulterant in many illicit drugs including cocaine. Previous studies have shown that caffeine can potentiate the stimulant effects of cocaine and cocaine-induced drug seeking behavior. However, little is known about the effects of this drug combination on reward-related learning, a key process in the maintenance of addiction and vulnerability to relapse. The goal of the present study was thus to determine caffeine and cocaine combined effects on the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) test and to determine potential differential mRNA expression in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of immediate-early genes (IEGs) as well as dopamine and adenosine receptor subunits. Mice were treated with caffeine (5 mg/kg, CAF), cocaine (10 mg/kg, COC), or their combination (caffeine 5 mg/kg + cocaine 10 mg/kg, CAF-COC) and trained in the CPP test or treated with repeated injections inside the home cage. NAc and mPFC tissues were dissected immediately after the CPP test, after a single conditioning session or following psychostimulant injection in the home cage for mRNA expression analysis. CAF-COC induced a marked change of preference to the drug conditioned side of the CPP and a significant increase in locomotion compared to COC. Gene expression analysis after CPP test revealed specific up-regulation in the CAF-COC group of Drd1a, cFos, and FosB in the NAc, and cFos, Egr1, and Npas4 in the mPFC. Importantly, none of these changes were observed when animals received same treatments in their home cage. With a single conditioning session, we found similar effects in both CAF and CAF-COC groups: increased Drd1a and decreased cFos in the NAc, and increased expression of Drd1a and Drd2, in the mPFC. Interestingly, we found that cFos and Npas4 gene expression were increased only in the mPFC of the CAF-COC. Our study provides evidence that caffeine acting as an adulterant could potentiate reward-associated memories elicited by cocaine. This is associated with specific changes in IEGs expression that were observed almost exclusively in mice that received the combination of both psychostimulants in the context of CPP memory encoding and retrieval. Our results highlight the potential relevance of caffeine in the maintenance of cocaine addiction which might be mediated by modifying neural plasticity mechanisms that strengthen learning of the association between drug and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Muñiz
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José P Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Betina González
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Máximo H Sosa
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean L Cadet
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Program, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francisco J Urbano
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Bisagno
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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28
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Begum MR, Sng JCG. Molecular mechanisms of experience-dependent maturation in cortical GABAergic inhibition. J Neurochem 2017; 142:649-661. [PMID: 28628196 PMCID: PMC5599941 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Critical periods (CP) in early post-natal life are periods of plasticity during which the neuronal circuitry is most receptive to environmental stimuli. These early experiences translate to a more permanent and sophisticated neuronal connection in the adult brain systems. Multiple studies have pointed to the development of inhibitory circuitry as one of the central factors for the onset of critical periods. We discuss several molecular mechanisms regulating inhibitory circuit maturation and CP, from gene transcription level to protein signaling level. Also, beyond the level of gene sequences, we briefly consider recent information on dynamic epigenetic regulation of gene expression through histone methylation and acetylation and their implication on timed development of the inhibitory circuitry for the onset of CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Ridzwana Begum
- Department of PharmacologyYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Judy C. G. Sng
- Department of PharmacologyYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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29
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The Role of CREB, SRF, and MEF2 in Activity-Dependent Neuronal Plasticity in the Visual Cortex. J Neurosci 2017; 37:6628-6637. [PMID: 28607167 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0766-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors CREB (cAMP response element binding factor), SRF (serum response factor), and MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) play critical roles in the mechanisms underlying neuronal plasticity. However, the role of the activation of these transcription factors in the different components of plasticity in vivo is not well known. In this study, we tested the role of CREB, SRF, and MEF2 in ocular dominance plasticity (ODP), a paradigm of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity in the visual cortex. These three proteins bind to the synaptic activity response element (SARE), an enhancer sequence found upstream of many plasticity-related genes (Kawashima et al., 2009; Rodríguez-Tornos et al., 2013), and can act cooperatively to express Arc, a gene required for ODP (McCurry et al., 2010). We used viral-mediated gene transfer to block the transcription function of CREB, SRF, and MEF2 in the visual cortex, and measured visually evoked potentials in awake male and female mice before and after a 7 d monocular deprivation, which allowed us to examine both the depression component (Dc-ODP) and potentiation component (Pc-ODP) of plasticity independently. We found that CREB, SRF, and MEF2 are all required for ODP, but have differential effects on Dc-ODP and Pc-ODP. CREB is necessary for both Dc-ODP and Pc-ODP, whereas SRF and MEF2 are only needed for Dc-ODP. This finding supports previous reports implicating SRF and MEF2 in long-term depression (required for Dc-ODP), and CREB in long-term potentiation (required for Pc-ODP).SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Activity-dependent neuronal plasticity is the cellular basis for learning and memory, and it is crucial for the refinement of neuronal circuits during development. Identifying the mechanisms of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity is crucial to finding therapeutic interventions in the myriad of disorders where it is disrupted, such as Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Transcription factors are essential nuclear proteins that trigger the expression of gene programs required for long-term functional and structural plasticity changes. Our results elucidate the specific role of the transcription factors CREB, SRF, and MEF2 in the depression and potentiation components of ODP in vivo, therefore better informing future attempts to find therapeutic targets for diseases where activity-dependent plasticity is disrupted.
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30
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Ghezzi D, Antognazza MR, Colombo E, Mete M, Feyen P, Desii A, Buschiazzo A, Di Paolo M, Di Marco S, Ticconi F, Emionite L, Shmal D, Marini C, Donelli I, Freddi G, Maccarone R, Bisti S, Sambuceti G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. A fully organic retinal prosthesis restores vision in a rat model of degenerative blindness. NATURE MATERIALS 2017; 16:681-689. [PMID: 28250420 PMCID: PMC5446789 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina is one of the major causes of adult blindness in humans. Unfortunately, no effective clinical treatments exist for the majority of retinal degenerative disorders. Here we report on the fabrication and functional validation of a fully organic prosthesis for long-term in vivo subretinal implantation in the eye of Royal College of Surgeons rats, a widely recognized model of retinitis pigmentosa. Electrophysiological and behavioural analyses reveal a prosthesis-dependent recovery of light sensitivity and visual acuity that persists up to 6-10 months after surgery. The rescue of the visual function is accompanied by an increase in the basal metabolic activity of the primary visual cortex, as demonstrated by positron emission tomography imaging. Our results highlight the possibility of developing a new generation of fully organic, highly biocompatible and functionally autonomous photovoltaic prostheses for subretinal implants to treat degenerative blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Ophthalmology Department, Sacro Cuore Hospital - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Paul Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Ambra Buschiazzo
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Flavia Ticconi
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, National Institute Cancer Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dmytro Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Institute of Molecular Bio-imaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR, Milan (GE section), Italy
| | | | | | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Ophthalmology Department, Sacro Cuore Hospital - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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31
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Vierci G, Pannunzio B, Bornia N, Rossi FM. H3 and H4 Lysine Acetylation Correlates with Developmental and Experimentally Induced Adult Experience-Dependent Plasticity in the Mouse Visual Cortex. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:49-64. [PMID: 27891053 PMCID: PMC5117113 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s39888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone posttranslational modifications play a fundamental role in orchestrating gene expression. In this work, we analyzed the acetylation of H3 and H4 histones (AcH3-AcH4) and its modulation by visual experience in the mouse visual cortex (VC) during normal development and in two experimental conditions that restore juvenile-like plasticity levels in adults (fluoxetine treatment and enriched environment). We found that AcH3-AcH4 declines with age and is upregulated by treatments restoring plasticity in the adult. We also found that visual experience modulates AcH3-AcH4 in young and adult plasticity-restored mice but not in untreated ones. Finally, we showed that the transporter vGAT is downregulated in adult plasticity-restored models. In summary, we identified a dynamic regulation of AcH3-AcH4, which is associated with high plasticity levels and enhanced by visual experience. These data, along with recent ones, indicate H3-H4 acetylation as a central hub in the control of experience-dependent plasticity in the VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Vierci
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias "Neuroplasticity Unit", Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Bruno Pannunzio
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias "Neuroplasticity Unit", Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Bornia
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias "Neuroplasticity Unit", Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francesco M Rossi
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias "Neuroplasticity Unit", Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Castrén E, Kojima M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mood disorders and antidepressant treatments. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 97:119-126. [PMID: 27425886 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are reduced in the brain and serum of depressed patients and at least the reduction in serum levels is reversible upon successful treatment. These data, together with a wealth of reports using different animal models with depression-like behavior or manipulation of expression of BDNF or its receptor TrkB have implicated BDNF in the pathophysiology of depression as well as in the mechanism of action of antidepressant treatments. Recent findings have shown that posttranslational processing of BDNF gene product can yield different molecular entities that differently influence signaling through BNDF receptor TrkB and the pan-neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. We will here review these data and discuss new insights into the possible pathophysiological roles of those new BDNF subtypes as well as recent findings on the role of BDNF mediated neuronal plasticity in mood disorders and their treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Masami Kojima
- Biomedical Research Institute, Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Osaka 563-8577, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan.
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33
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Wiring and Molecular Features of Prefrontal Ensembles Representing Distinct Experiences. Cell 2016; 165:1776-1788. [PMID: 27238022 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in understanding the cellular diversity of the brain has been linking activity during behavior with standard cellular typology. For example, it has not been possible to determine whether principal neurons in prefrontal cortex active during distinct experiences represent separable cell types, and it is not known whether these differentially active cells exert distinct causal influences on behavior. Here, we develop quantitative hydrogel-based technologies to connect activity in cells reporting on behavioral experience with measures for both brain-wide wiring and molecular phenotype. We find that positive and negative-valence experiences in prefrontal cortex are represented by cell populations that differ in their causal impact on behavior, long-range wiring, and gene expression profiles, with the major discriminant being expression of the adaptation-linked gene NPAS4. These findings illuminate cellular logic of prefrontal cortex information processing and natural adaptive behavior and may point the way to cell-type-specific understanding and treatment of disease-associated states.
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Embryonic interneurons from the medial, but not the caudal ganglionic eminence trigger ocular dominance plasticity in adult mice. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:539-547. [PMID: 27165433 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The maturation of cortical inhibition provided by parvalbumin-containing basket cells derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) is a key event in starting the enhanced visual cortical plasticity during the critical period. Although it is generally assumed that a further increase in inhibition closes the critical period again, it was recently shown that embryonic interneurons derived from the MGE can induce an additional, artificial critical period when injected into the visual cortex of young mice. It has, however, remained open whether this effect was indeed specific for MGE-derived cells, and whether critical period-like plasticity could also be induced in fully adult animals. To clarify these issues, we injected explants from either the MGE or the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) into the visual cortices of fully adult mice, and performed monocular deprivation 33 days later for 4 days. Animals implanted with MGE cells, but not with CGE cells, showed marked ocular dominance plasticity. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the injected cells from both sources migrated far in the host cortex, that most developed into neurons producing GABA, and that only cells from the MGE expressed parvalbumin. Thus, our results confirm that the plasticity-inducing effect of embryonic interneurons is specific for cells from the MGE, and is independent of the host animal's age.
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Sun X, Lin Y. Npas4: Linking Neuronal Activity to Memory. Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:264-275. [PMID: 26987258 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Immediate-early genes (IEGs) are rapidly activated after sensory and behavioral experience and are believed to be crucial for converting experience into long-term memory. Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4), a recently discovered IEG, has several characteristics that make it likely to be a particularly important molecular link between neuronal activity and memory: it is among the most rapidly induced IEGs, is expressed only in neurons, and is selectively induced by neuronal activity. By orchestrating distinct activity-dependent gene programs in different neuronal populations, Npas4 affects synaptic connections in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, neural circuit plasticity, and memory formation. It may also be involved in circuit homeostasis through negative feedback and psychiatric disorders. We summarize these findings and discuss their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Sun
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Graduate Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yingxi Lin
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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36
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Guirado R, La Terra D, Bourguignon M, Carceller H, Umemori J, Sipilä P, Nacher J, Castrén E. Effects of PSA Removal from NCAM on the Critical Period Plasticity Triggered by the Antidepressant Fluoxetine in the Visual Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:22. [PMID: 26903807 PMCID: PMC4743432 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity peaks during critical periods of postnatal development and is reduced towards adulthood. Recent data suggests that windows of juvenile-like plasticity can be triggered in the adult brain by antidepressant drugs such as Fluoxetine. Although the exact mechanisms of how Fluoxetine promotes such plasticity remains unknown, several studies indicate that inhibitory circuits play an important role. The polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecules (PSA-NCAM) has been suggested to mediate the effects of Fluoxetine and it is expressed in the adult brain by mature interneurons. Moreover, the enzymatic removal of PSA by neuroaminidase-N not only affects the structure of interneurons but also has been shown to play a role in the onset of critical periods during development. We have here used ocular dominance plasticity in the mouse visual cortex as a model to investigate whether removal of PSA might influence the Fluoxetine-induced plasticity. We demonstrate that PSA removal in the adult visual cortex alters neither the baseline ocular dominance, nor the fluoxetine-induced shift in the ocular dominance. We also show that both chronic Fluoxetine treatment and PSA removal independently increase the basal FosB expression in parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the primary visual cortex. Therefore, our data suggest that although PSA-NCAM regulates inhibitory circuitry, it is not required for the reactivation of juvenile-like plasticity triggered by Fluoxetine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Guirado
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki Helsinki, Finland
| | - Danilo La Terra
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mathieu Bourguignon
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto UniversityHelsinki, Finland; Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and LanguageDonostia, Spain
| | - Hector Carceller
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Universitat de Valencia Valencia, Spain
| | - Juzoh Umemori
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Sipilä
- Neuroscience Center, University of HelsinkiHelsinki, Finland; Max Planck Institute for NeurobiologyMartinsried, Germany
| | - Juan Nacher
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Universitat de Valencia Valencia, Spain
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki Helsinki, Finland
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37
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Yoshihara SI, Takahashi H, Tsuboi A. Molecular Mechanisms Regulating the Dendritic Development of Newborn Olfactory Bulb Interneurons in a Sensory Experience-Dependent Manner. Front Neurosci 2016; 9:514. [PMID: 26793053 PMCID: PMC4709855 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons in the olfactory bulb are generated continuously throughout life in the subventricular zone and differentiate into periglomerular and granule cells. Neural circuits that undergo reorganization by newborn olfactory bulb interneurons are necessary for odor detection, odor discrimination, olfactory memory, and innate olfactory responses. Although sensory experience has been shown to regulate development in a variety of species and in various structures, including the retina, cortex, and hippocampus, little is known about how sensory experience regulates the dendritic development of newborn olfactory bulb interneurons. Recent studies revealed that the 5T4 oncofetal trophoblast glycoprotein and the neuronal Per/Arnt/Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4) transcription factor regulate dendritic branching and dendritic spine formation, respectively, in olfactory bulb interneurons. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms that underlie the sensory input-dependent development of newborn interneurons and the formation of functional neural circuitry in the olfactory bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sei-Ichi Yoshihara
- Laboratory for the Molecular Biology of Neural Systems, Advanced Medical Research Center, Nara Medical University Kashihara, Japan
| | - Hiroo Takahashi
- Laboratory for the Molecular Biology of Neural Systems, Advanced Medical Research Center, Nara Medical University Kashihara, Japan
| | - Akio Tsuboi
- Laboratory for the Molecular Biology of Neural Systems, Advanced Medical Research Center, Nara Medical University Kashihara, Japan
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Experience-dependent cortical plasticity declines with age. At the molecular level, experience-dependent proteolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) becomes restricted in the adult brain if mice are raised in standard cages. Understanding the mechanism for the loss of permissive proteolytic activity is therefore a key link for improving function in adult brains. Using the mouse primary visual cortex (V1) as a model, we demonstrate that tPA activity in V1 can be unmasked following 4 d of monocular deprivation when the mice older than 2 months are raised in standard cages by the genetic removal of Lynx1, a negative regulator of adult plasticity. This was also associated with the reduction of stubby and thin spine density and enhancement of ocular dominance shift in adult V1 of Lynx1 knock-out (KO) mice. These structural and functional changes were tPA-dependent because genetic removal of tPA in Lynx1 KO mice can block the monocular deprivation-dependent reduction of dendritic spine density, whereas both genetic and adult specific inhibition of tPA activity can ablate the ocular dominance shift in Lynx1 KO mice. Our work demonstrates that the adult brain has an intrinsic potential for experience-dependent elevation of proteolytic activity to express juvenile-like structural and functional changes but is effectively limited by Lynx1 if mice are raised in standard cages. Insights into the Lynx1-tPA plasticity mechanism may provide novel therapeutic targets for adult brain disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Experience-dependent proteolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) becomes restricted in the adult brain in correlation with the decline in cortical plasticity when mice are raised in standard cages. We demonstrated that removal of Lynx1, one of negative regulators of plasticity, unmasks experience-dependent tPA elevation in visual cortex of adult mice reared in standard cages. This proteolytic elevation facilitated dendritic spine reduction and ocular dominance plasticity in adult visual cortex. This is the first demonstration of adult brain to retain the intrinsic capacity to elevate tPA in an experience-dependent manner but is effectively limited by Lynx1. tPA-Lynx1 may potentially be a new candidate mechanism for interventions that were shown to activate plasticity in adult brain.
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39
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Akita T, Kumada T, Yoshihara SI, Egea J, Yamagishi S. Ion channels, guidance molecules, intracellular signaling and transcription factors regulating nervous and vascular system development. J Physiol Sci 2015; 66:175-88. [PMID: 26507418 PMCID: PMC4752580 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-015-0416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Our sophisticated thoughts and behaviors are based on the miraculous development of our complex nervous network system, in which many different types of proteins and signaling cascades are regulated in a temporally and spatially ordered manner. Here we review our recent attempts to grasp the principles of nervous system development in terms of general cellular phenomena and molecules, such as volume-regulated anion channels, intracellular Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotide signaling, the Npas4 transcription factor and the FLRT family of axon guidance molecules. We also present an example illustrating that the same FLRT family may regulate the development of vascular networks as well. The aim of this review is to open up new vistas for understanding the intricacy of nervous and vascular system development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenpei Akita
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan.
| | - Tatsuro Kumada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Tokoha University, 1230 Miyakoda-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-2102, Japan
| | - Sei-ichi Yoshihara
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural System, Advanced Medical Research Center, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Satoru Yamagishi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
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Ng KL, Gibson EM, Hubbard R, Yang J, Caffo B, O'Brien RJ, Krakauer JW, Zeiler SR. Fluoxetine Maintains a State of Heightened Responsiveness to Motor Training Early After Stroke in a Mouse Model. Stroke 2015; 46:2951-60. [PMID: 26294676 PMCID: PMC4934654 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.010471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Data from both humans and animal models suggest that most recovery from motor impairment after stroke occurs in a sensitive period that lasts only weeks and is mediated, in part, by an increased responsiveness to training. Here, we used a mouse model of focal cortical stroke to test 2 hypotheses. First, we investigated whether responsiveness to training decreases over time after stroke. Second, we tested whether fluoxetine, which can influence synaptic plasticity and stroke recovery, can prolong the period over which large training-related gains can be elicited after stroke. METHODS Mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension task to an asymptotic level of performance after which they underwent stroke induction in the caudal forelimb area. The mice were then retrained after a 1- or 7-day delay with and without fluoxetine. RESULTS Recovery of prehension after a caudal forelimb area stroke was complete if training was initiated 1 day after stroke but incomplete if it was delayed by 7 days. In contrast, if fluoxetine was administered at 24 hours after stroke, then complete recovery of prehension was observed even with the 7-day training delay. Fluoxetine seemed to mediate its beneficial effect by reducing inhibitory interneuron expression in intact premotor cortex rather than through effects on infarct volume or cell death. CONCLUSIONS There is a gradient of diminishing responsiveness to motor training over the first week after stroke. Fluoxetine can overcome this gradient and maintain maximal levels of responsiveness to training even 7 days after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan L Ng
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Ellen M Gibson
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Robert Hubbard
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Juemin Yang
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Brian Caffo
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Richard J O'Brien
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - John W Krakauer
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Steven R Zeiler
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.).
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Npas4 expression in two experimental models of the barrel cortex plasticity. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:175701. [PMID: 25785202 PMCID: PMC4345254 DOI: 10.1155/2015/175701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Npas4 has recently been identified as an important factor in brain plasticity, particularly in mechanisms of inhibitory control. Little is known about Npas4 expression in terms of cortical plasticity. In the present study expressions of Npas4 and the archetypal immediate early gene (IEG) c-Fos were investigated in the barrel cortex of mice after sensory deprivation (sparing one row of whiskers for 7 days) or sensory conditioning (pairing stimulation of one row of whiskers with aversive stimulus). Laser microdissection of individual barrel rows allowed for analysis of IEGs expression precisely in deprived and nondeprived barrels (in deprivation study) or stimulated and nonstimulated barrels (in conditioning study). Cortex activation by sensory conditioning was found to upregulate the expression of both Npas4 and c-Fos. Reorganization of cortical circuits triggered by removal of selected rows of whiskers strongly affected c-Fos but not Npas4 expression. We hypothesize that increased inhibitory synaptogenesis observed previously after conditioning may be mediated by Npas4 expression.
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Yoshihara SI, Takahashi H, Nishimura N, Kinoshita M, Asahina R, Kitsuki M, Tatsumi K, Furukawa-Hibi Y, Hirai H, Nagai T, Yamada K, Tsuboi A. Npas4 Regulates Mdm2 and thus Dcx in Experience-Dependent Dendritic Spine Development of Newborn Olfactory Bulb Interneurons. Cell Rep 2014; 8:843-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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Spiegel I, Mardinly AR, Gabel HW, Bazinet JE, Couch CH, Tzeng CP, Harmin DA, Greenberg ME. Npas4 regulates excitatory-inhibitory balance within neural circuits through cell-type-specific gene programs. Cell 2014; 157:1216-29. [PMID: 24855953 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system adapts to experience by inducing a transcriptional program that controls important aspects of synaptic plasticity. Although the molecular mechanisms of experience-dependent plasticity are well characterized in excitatory neurons, the mechanisms that regulate this process in inhibitory neurons are only poorly understood. Here, we describe a transcriptional program that is induced by neuronal activity in inhibitory neurons. We find that, while neuronal activity induces expression of early-response transcription factors such as Npas4 in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, Npas4 activates distinct programs of late-response genes in inhibitory and excitatory neurons. These late-response genes differentially regulate synaptic input to these two types of neurons, promoting inhibition onto excitatory neurons while inducing excitation onto inhibitory neurons. These findings suggest that the functional outcomes of activity-induced transcriptional responses are adapted in a cell-type-specific manner to achieve a circuit-wide homeostatic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Spiegel
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan R Mardinly
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harrison W Gabel
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeremy E Bazinet
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cameron H Couch
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher P Tzeng
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David A Harmin
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael E Greenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Balmer TS, Pallas SL. Refinement but not maintenance of visual receptive fields is independent of visual experience. Cereb Cortex 2013; 25:904-17. [PMID: 24108803 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bht281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual deprivation is reported to prevent or delay the development of mature receptive field (RF) properties in primary visual cortex (V1) in several species. In contrast, visual deprivation neither prevents nor delays refinement of RF size in the superior colliculus (SC) of Syrian hamsters, although vision is required for RF maintenance in the SC. Here, we report that, contrary to expectation, visual cortical RF refinement occurs normally in dark-reared animals. As in the SC, a brief period of visual experience is required to maintain V1 RF refinement in adulthood. Whereas in the SC, 3 days of visual experience within a sensitive period (P37-40) was sufficient to protect RFs from deprivation-induced enlargement in adulthood, 7 days (P33-40) were required for RF size maintenance in V1. Thus, spontaneous activity is sufficient for RF refinement at these 2 levels of the visual pathway, and visual input is necessary only to prevent deprivation-induced RF enlargement in adulthood. These studies show that sensory experience during a late juvenile sensitive period protects the visual pathway against sensory deprivation in adulthood, and suggest that more importance may have been placed on the role of early visual experience in visual RF development than is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Balmer
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Sarah L Pallas
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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45
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Pizzorusso T. Molecular mechanisms at the basis of plasticity in the developing visual cortex: epigenetic processes and gene programs. J Exp Neurosci 2013; 7:75-83. [PMID: 25157210 PMCID: PMC4089832 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal circuitries in the mammalian visual system change as a function of experience. Sensory experience modifies neuronal networks connectivity via the activation of different physiological processes such as excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission, neurotrophins, and signaling of extracellular matrix molecules. Long-lasting phenomena of plasticity occur when intracellular signal transduction pathways promote epigenetic alterations of chromatin structure that regulate the induction of transcription factors that in turn drive the expression of downstream targets, the products of which then work via the activation of structural and functional mechanisms that modify synaptic connectivity. Here, we review recent findings in the field of visual cortical plasticity while focusing on how physiological mechanisms associated with experience promote structural changes that determine functional modifications of neural circuitries in V1. We revise the role of microRNAs as molecular transducers of environmental stimuli and the role of immediate early genes that control gene expression programs underlying plasticity in the developing visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Centre for Nanotechnology Innovation, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy. ; Centre for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italian Institute of Technology, Italy
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy. ; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via San Salvi 12, 50135 Florence, Italy
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46
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Activity-dependent NPAS4 expression and the regulation of gene programs underlying plasticity in the central nervous system. Neural Plast 2013; 2013:683909. [PMID: 24024041 PMCID: PMC3759247 DOI: 10.1155/2013/683909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The capability of the brain to change functionally in response to sensory experience is most active during early stages of development but it decreases later in life when major alterations of neuronal network structures no longer take place in response to experience. This view has been recently challenged by experimental strategies based on the enhancement of environmental stimulation levels, genetic manipulations, and pharmacological treatments, which all have demonstrated that the adult brain retains a degree of plasticity that allows for a rewiring of neuronal circuitries over the entire life course. A hot spot in the field of neuronal plasticity centres on gene programs that underlie plastic phenomena in adulthood. Here, I discuss the role of the recently discovered neuronal-specific and activity-dependent transcription factor NPAS4 as a critical mediator of plasticity in the nervous system. A better understanding of how modifications in the connectivity of neuronal networks occur may shed light on the treatment of pathological conditions such as brain damage or disease in adult life, some of which were once considered untreatable.
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47
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Banerjee A, Romero-Lorenzo E, Sur M. MeCP2: making sense of missense in Rett syndrome. Cell Res 2013; 23:1244-6. [PMID: 23938294 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2013.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine scale genomic regulation is critical for maintaining genomic integrity and is often disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders. An intriguing new study reveals the intricate biochemical complexity of de novo post-translational modifications of MeCP2, including activity-dependent protein-protein interactions that 'bridge' the nuclear receptor co-repressor (NCoR) complex to chromatin and lead to alterations in gene expression that characterize Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Banerjee
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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48
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Gene expression patterns underlying the reinstatement of plasticity in the adult visual system. Neural Plast 2013; 2013:605079. [PMID: 23936678 PMCID: PMC3710606 DOI: 10.1155/2013/605079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The nervous system is highly sensitive to experience during early postnatal life, but this phase of heightened plasticity decreases with age. Recent studies have demonstrated that developmental-like plasticity can be reactivated in the visual cortex of adult animals through environmental or pharmacological manipulations. These findings provide a unique opportunity to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adult plasticity. Here we used the monocular deprivation paradigm to investigate large-scale gene expression patterns underlying the reinstatement of plasticity produced by fluoxetine in the adult rat visual cortex. We found changes, confirmed with RT-PCRs, in gene expression in different biological themes, such as chromatin structure remodelling, transcription factors, molecules involved in synaptic plasticity, extracellular matrix, and excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Our findings reveal a key role for several molecules such as the metalloproteases Mmp2 and Mmp9 or the glycoprotein Reelin and open up new insights into the mechanisms underlying the reopening of the critical periods in the adult brain.
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49
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Ampuero E, Stehberg J, Gonzalez D, Besser N, Ferrero M, Diaz-Veliz G, Wyneken U, Rubio FJ. Repetitive fluoxetine treatment affects long-term memories but not learning. Behav Brain Res 2013; 247:92-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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50
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Sandoval M, Luarte A, Herrera-Molina R, Varas-Godoy M, Santibáñez M, Rubio FJ, Smit AB, Gundelfinger ED, Li KW, Smalla KH, Wyneken U. The glycolytic enzyme aldolase C is up-regulated in rat forebrain microsomes and in the cerebrospinal fluid after repetitive fluoxetine treatment. Brain Res 2013; 1520:1-14. [PMID: 23688545 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The antidepressant drug fluoxetine is widely used for the treatment of a broad range of psychiatric disorders. Its mechanism of action is thought to involve cellular adaptations that are induced with a slow time course after initiation of treatment. To gain insight into the signaling pathways underlying such changes, the expression levels of proteins in a microsomal sub-fraction enriched in intracellular membranes from the rat forebrain was analyzed after two weeks of treatment with fluoxetine. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and the differentially regulated protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry. Protein network analysis suggested that most of the identified proteins could potentially be regulated by the insulin family of proteins. Among them, Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase C (AldoC), a glycolytic/gluconeogenic enzyme primarily expressed in forebrain astrocytes, was up-regulated 7.6-fold. An immunohistochemical analysis of the dorsal hippocampus revealed a robust decrease (43±2%) in the co-localization of AldoC and the astrocyte marker GFAP and a diffuse staining pattern, compatible with AldoC secretion into the extracellular space. Consistently, AldoC, contained in an exosome-like fraction in astrocyte conditioned medium, increased significantly in the cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings strongly favor a non-canonic signaling role for AldoC in cellular adaptations induced by repetitive fluoxetine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
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