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Thome C, Janssen JM, Karabulut S, Acuna C, D’Este E, Soyka SJ, Baum K, Bock M, Lehmann N, Roos J, Stevens NA, Hasegawa M, Ganea DA, Benoit CM, Gründemann J, Min L, Bird KM, Schultz C, Bennett V, Jenkins PM, Engelhardt M. Live imaging of excitable axonal microdomains in ankyrin-G-GFP mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.01.525891. [PMID: 38948770 PMCID: PMC11212890 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.525891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) constitutes not only the site of action potential initiation, but also a hub for activity-dependent modulation of output generation. Recent studies shedding light on AIS function used predominantly post-hoc approaches since no robust murine in vivo live reporters exist. Here, we introduce a reporter line in which the AIS is intrinsically labeled by an ankyrin-G-GFP fusion protein activated by Cre recombinase, tagging the native Ank3 gene. Using confocal, superresolution, and two-photon microscopy as well as whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, we confirm that the subcellular scaffold of the AIS and electrophysiological parameters of labeled cells remain unchanged. We further uncover rapid AIS remodeling following increased network activity in this model system, as well as highly reproducible in vivo labeling of AIS over weeks. This novel reporter line allows longitudinal studies of AIS modulation and plasticity in vivo in real-time and thus provides a unique approach to study subcellular plasticity in a broad range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Thome
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute of Neuroscience, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Maximilian Janssen
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute of Neuroscience, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Seda Karabulut
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudio Acuna
- Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisa D’Este
- Optical Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stella J. Soyka
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Dept. of Functional Neuroanatomy, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konrad Baum
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute of Neuroscience, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Michael Bock
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nadja Lehmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Roos
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute of Neuroscience, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nikolas A. Stevens
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masashi Hasegawa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Neural Circuit Computations, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dan A. Ganea
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chloé M. Benoit
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Neural Circuit Computations, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Gründemann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Neural Circuit Computations, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lia Min
- Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kalynn M. Bird
- Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christian Schultz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Vann Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Paul M. Jenkins
- Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maren Engelhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute of Neuroscience, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Zhao R, Ren B, Xiao Y, Tian J, Zou Y, Wei J, Qi Y, Hu A, Xie X, Huang ZJ, Shu Y, He M, Lu J, Tai Y. Axo-axonic synaptic input drives homeostatic plasticity by tuning the axon initial segment structurally and functionally. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.11.589005. [PMID: 38659885 PMCID: PMC11042219 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.11.589005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The stability of functional brain network is maintained by homeostatic plasticity, which restores equilibrium following perturbation. As the initiation site of action potentials, the axon initial segment (AIS) of glutamatergic projection neurons (PyNs) undergoes dynamic adjustment that exerts powerful control over neuronal firing properties in response to changes in network states. Although AIS plasticity has been reported to be coupled with the changes of network activity, it is poorly understood whether it involves direct synaptic input to the AIS. Here we show that changes of GABAergic synaptic input to the AIS of cortical PyNs, specifically from chandelier cells (ChCs), are sufficient to drive homeostatic tuning of the AIS within 1-2 weeks, while those from parvalbumin-positive basket cells do not. This tuning is reflected in the morphology of the AIS, the expression level of voltage-gated sodium channels, and the intrinsic neuronal excitability of PyNs. Interestingly, the timing of AIS tuning in PyNs of the prefrontal cortex corresponds to the recovery of changes in social behavior caused by alterations of ChC synaptic transmission. Thus, homeostatic plasticity of the AIS at postsynaptic PyNs may counteract deficits elicited by imbalanced ChC presynaptic input. Teaser Axon initial segment dynamically responds to changes in local input from chandelier cells to prevent abnormal neuronal functions.
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Elleman AV, Milicic N, Williams DJ, Simko J, Liu CJ, Haynes AL, Ehrlich DE, Makinson CD, Du Bois J. Behavioral control through the direct, focal silencing of neuronal activity. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00131-4. [PMID: 38729162 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.003] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability to optically stimulate and inhibit neurons has revolutionized neuroscience research. Here, we present a direct, potent, user-friendly chemical approach for optically silencing neurons. We have rendered saxitoxin (STX), a naturally occurring paralytic agent, transiently inert through chemical protection with a previously undisclosed nitrobenzyl-derived photocleavable group. Exposing the caged toxin, STX-bpc, to a brief (5 ms) pulse of light effects rapid release of a potent STX derivative and transient, spatially precise blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs). We demonstrate the efficacy of STX-bpc for parametrically manipulating action potentials in mammalian neurons and brain slice. Additionally, we show the effectiveness of this reagent for silencing neural activity by dissecting sensory-evoked swimming in larval zebrafish. Photo-uncaging of STX-bpc is a straightforward method for non-invasive, reversible, spatiotemporally precise neural silencing without the need for genetic access, thus removing barriers for comparative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Elleman
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nikola Milicic
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 121 Integrative Biology Research Building, 1117 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Damian J Williams
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jane Simko
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christine J Liu
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, MC 9872, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Allison L Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David E Ehrlich
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 121 Integrative Biology Research Building, 1117 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Christopher D Makinson
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, MC 9872, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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4
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Mateus JC, Sousa MM, Burrone J, Aguiar P. Beyond a Transmission Cable-New Technologies to Reveal the Richness in Axonal Electrophysiology. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1446232023. [PMID: 38479812 PMCID: PMC10941245 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1446-23.2023] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The axon is a neuronal structure capable of processing, encoding, and transmitting information. This assessment contrasts with a limiting, but deeply rooted, perspective where the axon functions solely as a transmission cable of somatodendritic activity, sending signals in the form of stereotypical action potentials. This perspective arose, at least partially, because of the technical difficulties in probing axons: their extreme length-to-diameter ratio and intricate growth paths preclude the study of their dynamics through traditional techniques. Recent findings are challenging this view and revealing a much larger repertoire of axonal computations. Axons display complex signaling processes and structure-function relationships, which can be modulated via diverse activity-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, axons can exhibit patterns of activity that are dramatically different from those of their corresponding soma. Not surprisingly, many of these recent discoveries have been driven by novel technology developments, which allow for in vitro axon electrophysiology with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. In this review, we outline the state-of-the-art in vitro toolset for axonal electrophysiology and summarize the recent discoveries in axon function it has enabled. We also review the increasing repertoire of microtechnologies for controlling axon guidance which, in combination with the available cutting-edge electrophysiology and imaging approaches, have the potential for more controlled and high-throughput in vitro studies. We anticipate that a larger adoption of these new technologies by the neuroscience community will drive a new era of experimental opportunities in the study of axon physiology and consequently, neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Mateus
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - M M Sousa
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - J Burrone
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - P Aguiar
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Yuan T, Wang Y, Jin Y, Yang H, Xu S, Zhang H, Chen Q, Li N, Ma X, Song H, Peng C, Geng Z, Dong J, Duan G, Sun Q, Yang Y, Yang F, Huang Z. Coupling of Slack and Na V1.6 sensitizes Slack to quinidine blockade and guides anti-seizure strategy development. eLife 2024; 12:RP87559. [PMID: 38289338 PMCID: PMC10942592 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Quinidine has been used as an anticonvulsant to treat patients with KCNT1-related epilepsy by targeting gain-of-function KCNT1 pathogenic mutant variants. However, the detailed mechanism underlying quinidine's blockade against KCNT1 (Slack) remains elusive. Here, we report a functional and physical coupling of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.6 and Slack. NaV1.6 binds to and highly sensitizes Slack to quinidine blockade. Homozygous knockout of NaV1.6 reduces the sensitivity of native sodium-activated potassium currents to quinidine blockade. NaV1.6-mediated sensitization requires the involvement of NaV1.6's N- and C-termini binding to Slack's C-terminus and is enhanced by transient sodium influx through NaV1.6. Moreover, disrupting the Slack-NaV1.6 interaction by viral expression of Slack's C-terminus can protect against SlackG269S-induced seizures in mice. These insights about a Slack-NaV1.6 complex challenge the traditional view of 'Slack as an isolated target' for anti-epileptic drug discovery efforts and can guide the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for KCNT1-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yuchen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shuai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Heng Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xinyue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Huifang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Chao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Ze Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Guifang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Qi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteUnited States
| | - Fan Yang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
- Department of Biophysics, Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
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6
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Hu A, Zhao R, Ren B, Li Y, Lu J, Tai Y. Projection-Specific Heterogeneity of the Axon Initial Segment of Pyramidal Neurons in the Prelimbic Cortex. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1050-1068. [PMID: 36849716 PMCID: PMC10313623 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01038-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a highly specialized axonal compartment where the action potential is initiated. The heterogeneity of AISs has been suggested to occur between interneurons and pyramidal neurons (PyNs), which likely contributes to their unique spiking properties. However, whether the various characteristics of AISs can be linked to specific PyN subtypes remains unknown. Here, we report that in the prelimbic cortex (PL) of the mouse, two types of PyNs with axon projections either to the contralateral PL or to the ipsilateral basal lateral amygdala, possess distinct AIS properties reflected by morphology, ion channel expression, action potential initiation, and axo-axonic synaptic inputs from chandelier cells. Furthermore, projection-specific AIS diversity is more prominent in the superficial layer than in the deep layer. Thus, our study reveals the cortical layer- and axon projection-specific heterogeneity of PyN AISs, which may endow the spiking of various PyN types with exquisite modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Baihui Ren
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yang Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jiangteng Lu
- Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Yilin Tai
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Pardo LA. Ion Channel Lateral Diffusion Reveals the Maturation Process of the Neuronal Actin Cytoskeleton. FUNCTION 2023; 4:zqad029. [PMID: 37342409 PMCID: PMC10278981 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
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8
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Ierusalimsky VN, Balaban PM, Nikitin ES. Nav1.6 but not KCa3.1 channels contribute to heterogeneity in coding abilities and dynamics of action potentials in the L5 neocortical pyramidal neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 615:102-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Ultrafast population coding and axo-somatic compartmentalization. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009775. [PMID: 35041645 PMCID: PMC8797191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Populations of cortical neurons respond to common input within a millisecond. Morphological features and active ion channel properties were suggested to contribute to this astonishing processing speed. Here we report an exhaustive study of ultrafast population coding for varying axon initial segment (AIS) location, soma size, and axonal current properties. In particular, we studied their impact on two experimentally observed features 1) precise action potential timing, manifested in a wide-bandwidth dynamic gain, and 2) high-frequency boost under slowly fluctuating correlated input. While the density of axonal channels and their distance from the soma had a very small impact on bandwidth, it could be moderately improved by increasing soma size. When the voltage sensitivity of axonal currents was increased we observed ultrafast coding and high-frequency boost. We conclude that these computationally relevant features are strongly dependent on axonal ion channels’ voltage sensitivity, but not their number or exact location. We point out that ion channel properties, unlike dendrite size, can undergo rapid physiological modification, suggesting that the temporal accuracy of neuronal population encoding could be dynamically regulated. Our results are in line with recent experimental findings in AIS pathologies and establish a framework to study structure-function relations in AIS molecular design. In large nervous systems, a signal often diverges to hundreds or thousands of neurons. This population’s spike rate can track changes in this common input for frequencies up to several hundred Hertz. This ultrafast population response is experimentally well established and critically impacts cortical information processing. Its underlying biophysical determinants, however, are not understood. Experiments suggest that the ion channels at the axon initial segment strongly contribute to the ultrafast response, but recent theoretical studies emphasize the importance of neuron morphology and the resulting resistive coupling between axon and somato-dendritic compartments. We provide an exhaustive analysis of the population response of a simplified multi-compartment model. We vary the axo-somatic interaction and also active axonal properties and compare models at equivalent working points, avoiding bias. This approach provides a guideline for future experimental and theoretical studies. In this framework, the population response is closely associated with the AP generation speed at the AP initiation site, which is mostly determined by axonal ion channel voltage sensitivity. The resistive axo-somatic coupling has an additional modulatory influence. These insights are expected to hold for encoding mechanisms of more sophisticated models, suggesting that physiological changes to axonal ion channels could modulate the population response rapidly.
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10
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Theta activity paradoxically boosts gamma and ripple frequency sensitivity in prefrontal interneurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2114549118. [PMID: 34903668 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114549118] [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] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast oscillations in cortical circuits critically depend on GABAergic interneurons. Which interneuron types and populations can drive different cortical rhythms, however, remains unresolved and may depend on brain state. Here, we measured the sensitivity of different GABAergic interneurons in prefrontal cortex under conditions mimicking distinct brain states. While fast-spiking neurons always exhibited a wide bandwidth of around 400 Hz, the response properties of spike-frequency adapting interneurons switched with the background input's statistics. Slowly fluctuating background activity, as typical for sleep or quiet wakefulness, dramatically boosted the neurons' sensitivity to gamma and ripple frequencies. We developed a time-resolved dynamic gain analysis and revealed rapid sensitivity modulations that enable neurons to periodically boost gamma oscillations and ripples during specific phases of ongoing low-frequency oscillations. This mechanism predicts these prefrontal interneurons to be exquisitely sensitive to high-frequency ripples, especially during brain states characterized by slow rhythms, and to contribute substantially to theta-gamma cross-frequency coupling.
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11
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Resurgent Na + currents promote ultrafast spiking in projection neurons that drive fine motor control. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6762. [PMID: 34799550 PMCID: PMC8604930 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms that promote precise spiking in upper motor neurons controlling fine motor skills are not well understood. Here we report that projection neurons in the adult zebra finch song nucleus RA display robust high-frequency firing, ultra-narrow spike waveforms, superfast Na+ current inactivation kinetics, and large resurgent Na+ currents (INaR). These properties of songbird pallial motor neurons closely resemble those of specialized large pyramidal neurons in mammalian primary motor cortex. They emerge during the early phases of song development in males, but not females, coinciding with a complete switch of Na+ channel subunit expression from Navβ3 to Navβ4. Dynamic clamping and dialysis of Navβ4's C-terminal peptide into juvenile RA neurons provide evidence that Navβ4, and its associated INaR, promote neuronal excitability. We thus propose that INaR modulates the excitability of upper motor neurons that are required for the execution of fine motor skills.
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12
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Wu X, Li H, Huang J, Xu M, Xiao C, He S. Regulation of Axon Initial Segment Diameter by COUP-TFI Fine-tunes Action Potential Generation. Neurosci Bull 2021; 38:505-518. [PMID: 34773220 PMCID: PMC9106767 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00792-8] [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: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized structure that controls neuronal excitability via action potential (AP) generation. Currently, AIS plasticity with regard to changes in length and location in response to neural activity has been extensively investigated, but how AIS diameter is regulated remains elusive. Here we report that COUP-TFI (chicken ovalbumin upstream promotor-transcription factor 1) is an essential regulator of AIS diameter in both developing and adult mouse neocortex. Either embryonic or adult ablation of COUP-TFI results in reduced AIS diameter and impaired AP generation. Although COUP-TFI ablations in sparse single neurons and in populations of neurons have similar impacts on AIS diameter and AP generation, they strengthen and weaken, respectively, the receiving spontaneous network in mutant neurons. In contrast, overexpression of COUP-TFI in sparse single neurons increases the AIS diameter and facilitates AP generation, but decreases the receiving spontaneous network. Our findings demonstrate that COUP-TFI is indispensable for both the expansion and maintenance of AIS diameter and that AIS diameter fine-tunes action potential generation and synaptic inputs in mammalian cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyuan Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haixiang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiechang Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengqi Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Shuijin He
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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13
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Benedetti B, Dannehl D, König R, Coviello S, Kreutzer C, Zaunmair P, Jakubecova D, Weiger TM, Aigner L, Nacher J, Engelhardt M, Couillard-Després S. Functional Integration of Neuronal Precursors in the Adult Murine Piriform Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:1499-1515. [PMID: 31647533 PMCID: PMC7132906 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The extent of functional maturation and integration of nonproliferative neuronal precursors, becoming neurons in the adult murine piriform cortex, is largely unexplored. We thus questioned whether precursors eventually become equivalent to neighboring principal neurons or whether they represent a novel functional network element. Adult brain neuronal precursors and immature neurons (complex cells) were labeled in transgenic mice (DCX-DsRed and DCX-CreERT2 /flox-EGFP), and their cell fate was characterized with patch clamp experiments and morphometric analysis of axon initial segments. Young (DCX+) complex cells in the piriform cortex of 2- to 4-month-old mice received sparse synaptic input and fired action potentials at low maximal frequency, resembling neonatal principal neurons. Following maturation, the synaptic input detected on older (DCX−) complex cells was larger, but predominantly GABAergic, despite evidence of glutamatergic synaptic contacts. Furthermore, the rheobase current of old complex cells was larger and the maximal firing frequency was lower than those measured in neighboring age-matched principal neurons. The striking differences between principal neurons and complex cells suggest that the latter are a novel type of neuron and new coding element in the adult brain rather than simple addition or replacement for preexisting network components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Benedetti
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Dannehl
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Neuroanatomy, CBTM, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Richard König
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Simona Coviello
- BIOTECMED, Universitat de València and Center for Collaborative Research on Mental Health CIBERSAM, 46100 València, Spain
| | - Christina Kreutzer
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Zaunmair
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominika Jakubecova
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas M Weiger
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Juan Nacher
- BIOTECMED, Universitat de València and Center for Collaborative Research on Mental Health CIBERSAM, 46100 València, Spain
| | - Maren Engelhardt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, CBTM, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sébastien Couillard-Després
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Duncan BW, Murphy KE, Maness PF. Molecular Mechanisms of L1 and NCAM Adhesion Molecules in Synaptic Pruning, Plasticity, and Stabilization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:625340. [PMID: 33585481 PMCID: PMC7876315 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.625340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian brain circuits are wired by dynamic formation and remodeling during development to produce a balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Synaptic regulation is mediated by a complex network of proteins including immunoglobulin (Ig)- class cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), structural and signal-transducing components at the pre- and post-synaptic membranes, and the extracellular protein matrix. This review explores the current understanding of developmental synapse regulation mediated by L1 and NCAM family CAMs. Excitatory and inhibitory synapses undergo formation and remodeling through neuronal CAMs and receptor-ligand interactions. These responses result in pruning inactive dendritic spines and perisomatic contacts, or synaptic strengthening during critical periods of plasticity. Ankyrins engage neural adhesion molecules of the L1 family (L1-CAMs) to promote synaptic stability. Chondroitin sulfates, hyaluronic acid, tenascin-R, and linker proteins comprising the perineuronal net interact with L1-CAMs and NCAM, stabilizing synaptic contacts and limiting plasticity as critical periods close. Understanding neuronal adhesion signaling and synaptic targeting provides insight into normal development as well as synaptic connectivity disorders including autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce W Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Neuroscience Research Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kelsey E Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Neuroscience Research Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Patricia F Maness
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Neuroscience Research Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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15
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Luque M, Schrott-Fischer A, Dudas J, Pechriggl E, Brenner E, Rask-Andersen H, Liu W, Glueckert R. HCN channels in the mammalian cochlea: Expression pattern, subcellular location, and age-dependent changes. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:699-728. [PMID: 33181864 PMCID: PMC7839784 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal diversity in the cochlea is largely determined by ion channels. Among voltage‐gated channels, hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels open with hyperpolarization and depolarize the cell until the resting membrane potential. The functions for hearing are not well elucidated and knowledge about localization is controversial. We created a detailed map of subcellular location and co‐expression of all four HCN subunits across different mammalian species including CBA/J, C57Bl/6N, Ly5.1 mice, guinea pigs, cats, and human subjects. We correlated age‐related hearing deterioration in CBA/J and C57Bl/6N with expression levels of HCN1, −2, and −4 in individual auditory neurons from the same cohort. Spatiotemporal expression during murine postnatal development exposed HCN2 and HCN4 involvement in a critical phase of hair cell innervation. The huge diversity of subunit composition, but lack of relevant heteromeric pairing along the perisomatic membrane and axon initial segments, highlighted an active role for auditory neurons. Neuron clusters were found to be the hot spots of HCN1, −2, and −4 immunostaining. HCN channels were also located in afferent and efferent fibers of the sensory epithelium. Age‐related changes on HCN subtype expression were not uniform among mice and could not be directly correlated with audiometric data. The oldest mice groups revealed HCN channel up‐ or downregulation, depending on the mouse strain. The unexpected involvement of HCN channels in outer hair cell function where HCN3 overlaps prestin location emphasized the importance for auditory function. A better understanding may open up new possibilities to tune neuronal responses evoked through electrical stimulation by cochlear implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luque
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Pechriggl
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Division of Clinical & Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Erich Brenner
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Division of Clinical & Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helge Rask-Andersen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tirol Kliniken, University Clinics Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Torii T, Ogawa Y, Liu CH, Ho TSY, Hamdan H, Wang CC, Oses-Prieto JA, Burlingame AL, Rasband MN. NuMA1 promotes axon initial segment assembly through inhibition of endocytosis. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:jcb.201907048. [PMID: 31727776 PMCID: PMC7041696 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201907048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon initial segments (AISs) initiate action potentials and regulate the trafficking of vesicles between somatodendritic and axonal compartments. Torii et al. show that NuMA1 is transiently located at the AIS and promotes rapid AIS assembly by inhibiting the endocytosis of neurofascin-186. Axon initial segments (AISs) initiate action potentials and regulate the trafficking of vesicles between somatodendritic and axonal compartments. However, the mechanisms controlling AIS assembly remain poorly defined. We performed differential proteomics and found nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1 (NuMA1) is downregulated in AIS-deficient neonatal mouse brains and neurons. NuMA1 is transiently located at the AIS during development where it interacts with the scaffolding protein 4.1B and the dynein regulator lissencephaly 1 (Lis1). Silencing NuMA1 or protein 4.1B by shRNA disrupts AIS assembly, but not maintenance. Silencing Lis1 or overexpressing NuMA1 during AIS assembly increased the density of AIS proteins, including ankyrinG and neurofascin-186 (NF186). NuMA1 inhibits the endocytosis of AIS NF186 by impeding Lis1’s interaction with doublecortin, a potent facilitator of NF186 endocytosis. Our results indicate the transient expression and AIS localization of NuMA1 stabilizes the developing AIS by inhibiting endocytosis and removal of AIS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Torii
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Yuki Ogawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Cheng-Hsin Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Tammy Szu-Yu Ho
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Chih-Chuan Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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17
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Werginz P, Raghuram V, Fried SI. Tailoring of the axon initial segment shapes the conversion of synaptic inputs into spiking output in OFF-α T retinal ganglion cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/37/eabb6642. [PMID: 32917708 PMCID: PMC7486099 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb6642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, mouse OFF-α transient (OFF-α T) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were shown to display a gradient of light responses as a function of position along the dorsal-ventral axis; response differences were correlated to differences in the level of excitatory presynaptic input. Here, we show that postsynaptic differences between cells also make a strong contribution to response differences. Cells in the dorsal retina had longer axon initial segments (AISs)-the greater number of Nav1.6 channels in longer AISs directly mediates higher rates of spiking and helps avoid depolarization block that terminates spiking in ventral cells with shorter AISs. The pre- and postsynaptic specializations that shape the output of OFF-α T RGCs interact in different ways: In dorsal cells, strong inputs and the long AISs are both necessary to generate their strong, sustained spiking outputs, while in ventral cells, weak inputs or the short AISs are both sufficient to limit the spiking signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Werginz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vineeth Raghuram
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Boston VA Healthcare System, Rehabilitation, Research and Development, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Shelley I Fried
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Boston VA Healthcare System, Rehabilitation, Research and Development, Boston, MA 02130, USA
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18
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Benedetti B, Dannehl D, Janssen JM, Corcelli C, Couillard-Després S, Engelhardt M. Structural and Functional Maturation of Rat Primary Motor Cortex Layer V Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6101. [PMID: 32847128 PMCID: PMC7503395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent neocortical neurons undergo prominent postnatal development and maturation. The process is associated with structural and functional maturation of the axon initial segment (AIS), the site of action potential initiation. In this regard, cell size and optimal AIS length are interconnected. In sensory cortices, developmental onset of sensory input and consequent changes in network activity cause phasic AIS plasticity that can also control functional output. In non-sensory cortices, network input driving phasic events should be less prominent. We, therefore, explored the relationship between postnatal functional maturation and AIS maturation in principal neurons of the primary motor cortex layer V (M1LV), a non-sensory area of the rat brain. We hypothesized that a rather continuous process of AIS maturation and elongation would reflect cell growth, accompanied by progressive refinement of functional output properties. We found that, in the first two postnatal weeks, cell growth prompted substantial decline of neuronal input resistance, such that older neurons needed larger input current to reach rheobase and fire action potentials. In the same period, we observed the most prominent AIS elongation and significant maturation of functional output properties. Alternating phases of AIS plasticity did not occur, and changes in functional output properties were largely justified by AIS elongation. From the third postnatal week up to five months of age, cell growth, AIS elongation, and functional output maturation were marginal. Thus, AIS maturation in M1LV is a continuous process that attunes the functional output of pyramidal neurons and associates with early postnatal development to counterbalance increasing electrical leakage due to cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Benedetti
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (D.D.); (S.C.-D.)
- Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1000 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Dannehl
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (D.D.); (S.C.-D.)
- Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (J.M.J.); (C.C.)
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan Maximilian Janssen
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (J.M.J.); (C.C.)
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Corinna Corcelli
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (J.M.J.); (C.C.)
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sébastien Couillard-Després
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (D.D.); (S.C.-D.)
- Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1000 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maren Engelhardt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (J.M.J.); (C.C.)
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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19
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Harris SS, Wolf F, De Strooper B, Busche MA. Tipping the Scales: Peptide-Dependent Dysregulation of Neural Circuit Dynamics in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuron 2020; 107:417-435. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Liu CH, Seo R, Ho TSY, Stankewich M, Mohler PJ, Hund TJ, Noebels JL, Rasband MN. β spectrin-dependent and domain specific mechanisms for Na + channel clustering. eLife 2020; 9:e56629. [PMID: 32425157 PMCID: PMC7237202 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we showed that a hierarchy of spectrin cytoskeletal proteins maintains nodal Na+ channels (Liu et al., 2020). Here, using mice lacking β1, β4, or β1/β4 spectrins, we show this hierarchy does not function at axon initial segments (AIS). Although β1 spectrin, together with AnkyrinR (AnkR), compensates for loss of nodal β4 spectrin, it cannot compensate at AIS. We show AnkR lacks the domain necessary for AIS localization. Whereas loss of β4 spectrin causes motor impairment and disrupts AIS, loss of β1 spectrin has no discernable effect on central nervous system structure or function. However, mice lacking both neuronal β1 and β4 spectrin show exacerbated nervous system dysfunction compared to mice lacking β1 or β4 spectrin alone, including profound disruption of AIS Na+ channel clustering, progressive loss of nodal Na+ channels, and seizures. These results further define the important role of AIS and nodal spectrins for nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsin Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Ryan Seo
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Tammy Szu-Yu Ho
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | | | - Peter J Mohler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusUnited States
| | - Thomas J Hund
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusUnited States
| | - Jeffrey L Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Matthew N Rasband
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
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21
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Hamdan H, Lim BC, Torii T, Joshi A, Konning M, Smith C, Palmer DJ, Ng P, Leterrier C, Oses-Prieto JA, Burlingame AL, Rasband MN. Mapping axon initial segment structure and function by multiplexed proximity biotinylation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:100. [PMID: 31900387 PMCID: PMC6941957 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon initial segments (AISs) generate action potentials and regulate the polarized distribution of proteins, lipids, and organelles in neurons. While the mechanisms of AIS Na+ and K+ channel clustering are understood, the molecular mechanisms that stabilize the AIS and control neuronal polarity remain obscure. Here, we use proximity biotinylation and mass spectrometry to identify the AIS proteome. We target the biotin-ligase BirA* to the AIS by generating fusion proteins of BirA* with NF186, Ndel1, and Trim46; these chimeras map the molecular organization of AIS intracellular membrane, cytosolic, and microtubule compartments. Our experiments reveal a diverse set of biotinylated proteins not previously reported at the AIS. We show many are located at the AIS, interact with known AIS proteins, and their loss disrupts AIS structure and function. Our results provide conceptual insights and a resource for AIS molecular organization, the mechanisms of AIS stability, and polarized trafficking in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brian C Lim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tomohiro Torii
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhijeet Joshi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthias Konning
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cameron Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Donna J Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip Ng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew N Rasband
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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22
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Raghuram V, Werginz P, Fried SI. Scaling of the AIS and Somatodendritic Compartments in α S RGCs. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:436. [PMID: 31611777 PMCID: PMC6777007 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The anatomical properties of the axon initial segment (AIS) are tailored in certain types of CNS neurons to help optimize different aspects of neuronal function. Here, we questioned whether the AISs of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were similarly customized, and if so, whether they supported specific RGC functions. To explore this, we measured the AIS properties in alpha sustained RGCs (α S RGCs) of mouse; α S RGCs sizes vary systematically along the nasal temporal axis of the retina, making these cells an attractive population with which to study potential correlations between AIS properties and cell size. Measurements of AIS length as well as distance from the soma revealed that both were scaled to cell size, i.e., cells with large dendritic fields had long AISs that were relatively far from the soma. Within the AIS, the percentage of Na v 1.6 voltage-gated sodium channels remained highly consistent, regardless of cell size or other AIS properties. Although ON RGCs were slightly larger than OFF cells at any given location of the retina, the level of scaling and relative distribution of voltage-gated sodium channels were highly similar. Computational modeling revealed that AIS scaling influenced spiking thresholds, spike rate as well as the kinetics of individual action potentials, Interestingly, the effect of individual features of the AIS varied for different neuronal functions, e.g., AIS length had a larger effect on the efficacy by which the AIS initiated spike triggered the somatic spike than it did on repetitive spiking. The polarity of the effect varied for different properties, i.e., increases to soma size increased spike threshold while increases to AIS length decreased threshold. Thus, variations in the relative level of scaling for individual components could fine tune threshold or other neuronal functions. Light responses were highly consistent across the full range of cell sizes suggesting that scaling may post-synaptically shape response stability, e.g., in addition to several well-known pre-synaptic contributors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineeth Raghuram
- Rehabilitation Research & Development Service, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Paul Werginz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shelley I. Fried
- Rehabilitation Research & Development Service, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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23
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Abstract
Axons functionally link the somato-dendritic compartment to synaptic terminals. Structurally and functionally diverse, they accomplish a central role in determining the delays and reliability with which neuronal ensembles communicate. By combining their active and passive biophysical properties, they ensure a plethora of physiological computations. In this review, we revisit the biophysics of generation and propagation of electrical signals in the axon and their dynamics. We further place the computational abilities of axons in the context of intracellular and intercellular coupling. We discuss how, by means of sophisticated biophysical mechanisms, axons expand the repertoire of axonal computation, and thereby, of neural computation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pepe Alcami
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Ahmed El Hady
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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24
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25
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Neurodevelopmental mutation of giant ankyrin-G disrupts a core mechanism for axon initial segment assembly. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:19717-19726. [PMID: 31451636 PMCID: PMC6765234 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909989116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon initial segments of vertebrate neurons integrate thousands of dendritic inputs and generate a single outgoing action potential. Giant ankyrin-G associates with most of the molecular components of axon initial segments and is required for their assembly. This study identified 3 human mutations of giant ankyrin-G resulting in impaired neurodevelopment in compound heterozygotes. These mutations prevent transition of giant ankyrin-G from a closed to an open conformation, which normally is regulated by phosphorylation of giant ankyrin-G during maturation of axon initial segments. Giant ankyrin-G thus functions in a signaling pathway that may contribute to activity-dependent plasticity of the axon initial segment as well as provide a therapeutic target for treatment of patients bearing giant ankyrin-G mutations. Giant ankyrin-G (gAnkG) coordinates assembly of axon initial segments (AISs), which are sites of action potential generation located in proximal axons of most vertebrate neurons. Here, we identify a mechanism required for normal neural development in humans that ensures ordered recruitment of gAnkG and β4-spectrin to the AIS. We identified 3 human neurodevelopmental missense mutations located in the neurospecific domain of gAnkG that prevent recruitment of β4-spectrin, resulting in a lower density and more elongated pattern for gAnkG and its partners than in the mature AIS. We found that these mutations inhibit transition of gAnkG from a closed configuration with close apposition of N- and C-terminal domains to an extended state that is required for binding and recruitment of β4-spectrin, and normally occurs early in development of the AIS. We further found that the neurospecific domain is highly phosphorylated in mouse brain, and that phosphorylation at 2 sites (S1982 and S2619) is required for the conformational change and for recruitment of β4-spectrin. Together, these findings resolve a discrete intermediate stage in formation of the AIS that is regulated through phosphorylation of the neurospecific domain of gAnkG.
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Michalikova M, Remme MW, Schmitz D, Schreiber S, Kempter R. Spikelets in pyramidal neurons: generating mechanisms, distinguishing properties, and functional implications. Rev Neurosci 2019; 31:101-119. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Spikelets are small spike-like depolarizations that are found in somatic recordings of many neuron types. Spikelets have been assigned important functions, ranging from neuronal synchronization to the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which are specific to the particular mechanism of spikelet generation. As spikelets reflect spiking activity in neuronal compartments that are electrotonically distinct from the soma, four modes of spikelet generation can be envisaged: (1) dendritic spikes or (2) axonal action potentials occurring in a single cell as well as action potentials transmitted via (3) gap junctions or (4) ephaptic coupling in pairs of neurons. In one of the best studied neuron type, cortical pyramidal neurons, the origins and functions of spikelets are still unresolved; all four potential mechanisms have been proposed, but the experimental evidence remains ambiguous. Here we attempt to reconcile the scattered experimental findings in a coherent theoretical framework. We review in detail the various mechanisms that can give rise to spikelets. For each mechanism, we present the biophysical underpinnings as well as the resulting properties of spikelets and compare these predictions to experimental data from pyramidal neurons. We also discuss the functional implications of each mechanism. On the example of pyramidal neurons, we illustrate that several independent spikelet-generating mechanisms fulfilling vastly different functions might be operating in a single cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Michalikova
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Department of Biology , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
| | - Michiel W.H. Remme
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Department of Biology , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charite-University Medicine , D-10117 Berlin , Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin , D-10117 Berlin , Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health , D-10178 Berlin , Germany
- Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure , D-10117 Berlin , Germany
| | - Susanne Schreiber
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Department of Biology , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin , D-10117 Berlin , Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin , Philippstr. 13, D-10115 Berlin , Germany
| | - Richard Kempter
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Department of Biology , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin , D-10117 Berlin , Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin , Philippstr. 13, D-10115 Berlin , Germany
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Dynamic Gain Analysis Reveals Encoding Deficiencies in Cortical Neurons That Recover from Hypoxia-Induced Spreading Depolarizations. J Neurosci 2019; 39:7790-7800. [PMID: 31399533 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3147-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical regions that are damaged by insults, such as ischemia, hypoxia, and trauma, frequently generate spreading depolarization (SD). At the neuronal level, SDs entail complete breakdown of ionic gradients, persisting for seconds to minutes. It is unclear whether these transient events have a more lasting influence on neuronal function. Here, we describe electrophysiological changes in cortical neurons after recovery from hypoxia-induced SD. When examined with standard measures of neuronal excitability several hours after recovery from SD, layer 5 pyramidal neurons in brain slices from mice of either sex appear surprisingly normal. However, we here introduce an additional parameter, dynamic gain, which characterizes the bandwidth of action potential encoding by a neuron, and thereby reflects its potential efficiency in a multineuronal circuit. We find that the ability of neurons that recover from SD to track high-frequency inputs is markedly curtailed; exposure to hypoxia did not have this effect when SD was prevented pharmacologically. Staining for Ankyrin G revealed at least a fourfold decrease in the number of intact axon initial segments in post-SD slices. Since this effect, along with the effect on encoding, was blocked by an inhibitor of the Ca2+-dependent enzyme, calpain, we conclude that both effects were mediated by the SD-induced rise in intracellular Ca2+ Although effects of calpain activation were detected in the axon initial segment, changes in soma-dendritic compartments may also be involved. Whatever the precise molecular mechanism, our findings indicate that in the context of cortical circuit function, effectiveness of neurons that survive SD may be limited.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spreading depolarization, which commonly accompanies cortical injury, entails transient massive breakdown of neuronal ionic gradients. The function of cortical neurons that recover from hypoxia-induced spreading depolarization is not obviously abnormal when tested for usual measures of neuronal excitability. However, we now demonstrate that they have a reduced bandwidth, reflecting a significant impairment of their ability to precisely encode high-frequency components of their synaptic input in output spike trains. Thus, neurons that recover from spreading depolarizations are less able to function normally as elements in the multineuronal cortical circuitry. These changes are correlated with activation of the calcium-dependent enzyme, calpain.
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