1
|
Koo H, Wang J, Pariyar R, Hammond RM, La JH. Modulation of mechanosensation by endogenous dopaminergic signaling in the lateral parabrachial nucleus in mice. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1186. [PMID: 39263005 PMCID: PMC11390053 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN), a crucial hub for integrating and modulating diverse sensory information, is known to express both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors and receive dopaminergic inputs. However, the role of the LPBN's dopaminergic system in somatosensory processing remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated whether mechanical sensory stimulation triggers dopamine release in the LPBN and how D1- and D2-like receptor signaling in the LPBN influences mechanosensitivity in mice. Methods We used a G-protein-coupled receptor-based dopamine sensor to monitor dopamine release in the LPBN and a von Frey filament assay to measure the mechanical threshold for nocifensive withdrawal in mouse hind paws after unilateral microinjection of D1- or D2-like receptor antagonist into the LPBN. Results Noxious mechanical stimulation increased the dopamine sensor signal in the LPBN. Thresholds of nocifensive withdrawal from mechanical stimulation were decreased by the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390 (0.1 µg) but increased by the D2-like receptor antagonist eticlopride (1 µg). In the intraplantar capsaicin injection model that develops mechanical hypersensitivity in the injected paw, the dopamine sensor signal in the LPBN was increased, and eticlopride (1 µg) in the LPBN significantly inhibited the capsaicin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Conclusions These results suggest that endogenous dopaminergic signaling occurs in the LPBN upon noxious mechanical stimulation, inhibiting mechanosensitivity through D1-like receptors while enhancing it through D2-like receptors. D2-like receptor signaling in the LPBN may contribute to an injury-induced increase in mechanical nociception, indicating that inhibiting the receptor within the LPBN could offer potential as a novel analgesic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho Koo
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jigong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramesh Pariyar
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Regan M Hammond
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Fang Y, Li K, Yang H, Duan S, Sun L. Morphological Tracing and Functional Identification of Monosynaptic Connections in the Brain: A Comprehensive Guide. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1364-1378. [PMID: 38700806 PMCID: PMC11365912 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01196-0] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavioral studies play a crucial role in unraveling the mechanisms underlying brain function. Recent advances in optogenetics, neuronal typing and labeling, and circuit tracing have facilitated the dissection of the neural circuitry involved in various important behaviors. The identification of monosynaptic connections, both upstream and downstream of specific neurons, serves as the foundation for understanding complex neural circuits and studying behavioral mechanisms. However, the practical implementation and mechanistic understanding of monosynaptic connection tracing techniques and functional identification remain challenging, particularly for inexperienced researchers. Improper application of these methods and misinterpretation of results can impede experimental progress and lead to erroneous conclusions. In this paper, we present a comprehensive description of the principles, specific operational details, and key steps involved in tracing anterograde and retrograde monosynaptic connections. We outline the process of functionally identifying monosynaptic connections through the integration of optogenetics and electrophysiological techniques, providing practical guidance for researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Kaiyuan Li
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shumin Duan
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Li Sun
- Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jia L, Yin J, Liu T, Qi W, Du T, Li Q, Ma K, Si J, Yin J, Li Y. Activation of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Neurons Projecting to the Parabrachial Nucleus Promotes Emergence from Propofol Anesthesia in Male Rats. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:2060-2074. [PMID: 38814359 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04169-x] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Since the clinical introduction of general anesthesia, its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) and parabrachial nucleus (PBN) play pivotal roles in the mechanisms underlying general anesthesia. However, whether dopaminergic (DA) projections from the VTA to the PBN play a role in mediating the effects of general anesthesia is unclear. We microinjected 6-hydroxydopamine into the PBN to damage tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) neurons and found a prolonged recovery time from propofol anesthesia. We used calcium fiber photometry recording to explore the activity of TH + neurons in the PBN. Then, we used chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches either activate the VTADA-PBN pathway, shortening the propofol anesthesia emergence time, or inhibit this pathway, prolonging the emergence time. These data indicate the crucial involvement of TH + neurons in the PBN in regulating emergence from propofol anesthesia, while the activation of the VTADA-PBN pathway facilitates the emergence of propofol anesthesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jieting Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Tielong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Wenqiang Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Tongyu Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Quntao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Ketao Ma
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Junqiang Si
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jiangwen Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vázquez-Pérez LA, Hattori-Hara M, Arankowsky-Sandoval G, Pérez-Mendoza G, Rubi-Castellanos R, Rangel-Méndez JA, Pinto-Escalante D, Canto-Cetina T, González-Herrera L. Association between personality traits, eating behaviors, and the genetic polymorphisms FTO-rs9939609 and MAO-A 30 bp u-VNTR with obesity in Mexican Mayan children. Front Genet 2024; 15:1421870. [PMID: 39130748 PMCID: PMC11310059 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1421870] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Genetic variants that control dopamine have been associated with obesity in children through loss of control of satiety and impulses, the manifestation of addictive eating behaviors, and specific personality traits. The variants include FTO-rs9939609 and the MAO-A 30 pb u-VNTR low-transcription alleles (LTA). Objective To evaluate the genetic association of FTO-rs9939609 and the MAO-A LTA, along with personality traits and eating behavior with obesity in Mayan children from Mexico. Methods We cross-sectionally evaluated 186 children (70 with obesity and 116 with normal weight) 6-12 years old from Yucatan, Mexico. Nutritional status was defined with body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Personality traits were evaluated with the Conners and TMCQ tests; eating behavior was evaluated with the CEBQ test. Genotyping with real-time PCR and TaqMan probes was used for FTO-rs9939609, whereas PCR amplification was used for MAO-A u-VNTR. Results High-intensity pleasure (p = 0.013) and moderate appetite (p = 0.032) differed according to nutritional status. Heterozygous FTO-rs9939609 T/A children showed higher mean scores of low-intensity pleasure (p = 0.002) and moderate appetite (p = 0.027) than homozygous T/T. Hemizygous boys having MAO-A LTA showed significantly higher mean scores of anxiety (p = 0.001) and impulsivity (p = 0.008). In multivariate models, only LTA alleles of MAO-A explained obesity in boys (OR = 4.44; 95% CI = 1.18-16.63). Conclusion In the present study, MAO-A u-VNTR alleles were associated with obesity in multivariate models only in boys. These alleles might also have a role in personality traits such as anxiety and impulsivity, which secondly contribute to developing obesity in Mayan boys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alberto Vázquez-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Mónica Hattori-Hara
- Secretaría de Educación del Gobierno del Esatdo de Yucatán (SEGEY), Mérida, Mexico
| | - Gloria Arankowsky-Sandoval
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Pérez-Mendoza
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Rubi-Castellanos
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Jorge Aarón Rangel-Méndez
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Doris Pinto-Escalante
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Thelma Canto-Cetina
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth González-Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Singh Alvarado J, Lutas A, Madara JC, Isaac J, Lommer C, Massengill C, Andermann ML. Transient cAMP production drives rapid and sustained spiking in brainstem parabrachial neurons to suppress feeding. Neuron 2024; 112:1416-1425.e5. [PMID: 38417435 PMCID: PMC11065603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.02.002] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Brief stimuli can trigger longer-lasting brain states. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) could help sustain such states by coupling slow-timescale molecular signals to neuronal excitability. Brainstem parabrachial nucleus glutamatergic (PBNGlut) neurons regulate sustained brain states such as pain and express Gs-coupled GPCRs that increase cAMP signaling. We asked whether cAMP in PBNGlut neurons directly influences their excitability and effects on behavior. Both brief tail shocks and brief optogenetic stimulation of cAMP production in PBNGlut neurons drove minutes-long suppression of feeding. This suppression matched the duration of prolonged elevations in cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and calcium activity in vivo and ex vivo, as well as sustained, PKA-dependent increases in action potential firing ex vivo. Shortening this elevation in cAMP reduced the duration of feeding suppression following tail shocks. Thus, molecular signaling in PBNGlut neurons helps prolong neural activity and behavioral states evoked by brief, salient bodily stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonnathan Singh Alvarado
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Lutas
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Joseph C Madara
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeremiah Isaac
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Caroline Lommer
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Mark L Andermann
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Han Y, Xia G, Harris L, Liu P, Guan D, Wu Q. Reversal of Obesity by Enhancing Slow-wave Sleep via a Prokineticin Receptor Neural Circuit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591948. [PMID: 38746393 PMCID: PMC11092673 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Obese subjects often exhibit hypersomnia accompanied by severe sleep fragmentation, while emerging evidence suggests that poor sleep quality promotes overeating and exacerbates diet-induced obesity (DIO). However, the neural circuit and signaling mechanism underlying the reciprocal control of appetite and sleep is yet not elucidated. Here, we report a neural circuit where prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2)-expressing neurons within the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) of the brainstem received direct projections from neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (NPY2R)-expressing neurons within the lateral preoptic area (LPO) of the hypothalamus. The RNA-Seq results revealed Prokr2 in the PBN is the most regulated GPCR signaling gene that is responsible for comorbidity of obesity and sleep dysfunction. Furthermore, those NPY2R LPO neurons are minimally active during NREM sleep and maximally active during wakefulness and REM sleep. Activation of the NPY2R LPO →PBN circuit or the postsynaptic PROKR2 PBN neurons suppressed feeding of a high-fat diet and abrogated morbid sleep patterns in DIO mice. Further studies showed that genetic ablation of the PROKR2 signaling within PROKR2 PBN neurons alleviated the hyperphagia and weight gain, and restored sleep dysfunction in DIO mice. We further discovered pterostilbene, a plant-derived stilbenoid, is a powerful anti-obesity and sleep-improving agent, robustly suppressed hyperphagia and promoted reconstruction of a healthier sleep architecture, thereby leading to significant weight loss. Collectively, our results unveil a neural mechanism for the reciprocal control of appetite and sleep, through which pterostilbene, along with a class of similarly structured compounds, may be developed as effective therapeutics for tackling obesity and sleep disorders.
Collapse
|
7
|
Cui X, Tong Q, Xu H, Xie C, Xiao L. A putative loop connection between VTA dopamine neurons and nucleus accumbens encodes positive valence to compensate for hunger. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 229:102503. [PMID: 37451329 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) signal play pivotal roles in regulating motivated behaviors, including feeding behavior, but the role of midbrain DA neurons in modulating food intake and neural circuitry mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that activating but not inhibiting ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons reduces mouse food intake. Furthermore, DA neurons in ventral VTA, especially neurons projecting to the medial nucleus accumbens (NAc), are activated by refeeding in the 24 h fasted mice. Combing neural circuitry tracing, optogenetic, chemogenetic, and pharmacological manipulations, we established that the VTA→medial NAc→VTA loop circuit is critical for the VTA DA neurons activation-induced food intake reduction. Moreover, activating either VTA DA neurons or dopaminergic axons in medial NAc elevates positive valence, which will compensate for the hungry-induced food intake. Thus, our study identifies a subset of positive valence-encoded VTA DA neurons forming possible loop connections with medial NAc that are anorexigenic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cui
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiuping Tong
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chuantong Xie
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and the Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Han Y, He Y, Harris L, Xu Y, Wu Q. Identification of a GABAergic neural circuit governing leptin signaling deficiency-induced obesity. eLife 2023; 12:e82649. [PMID: 37043384 PMCID: PMC10097419 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82649] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormone leptin is known to robustly suppress food intake by acting upon the leptin receptor (LepR) signaling system residing within the agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons of the hypothalamus. However, clinical studies indicate that leptin is undesirable as a therapeutic regiment for obesity, which is at least partly attributed to the poorly understood complex secondary structure and key signaling mechanism of the leptin-responsive neural circuit. Here, we show that the LepR-expressing portal neurons send GABAergic projections to a cohort of α3-GABAA receptor expressing neurons within the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) for the control of leptin-mediated obesity phenotype. We identified the DMH as a key brain region that contributes to the regulation of leptin-mediated feeding. Acute activation of the GABAergic AgRP-DMH circuit promoted food intake and glucose intolerance, while activation of post-synaptic MC4R neurons in the DMH elicited exactly opposite phenotypes. Rapid deletion of LepR from AgRP neurons caused an obesity phenotype which can be rescued by blockage of GABAA receptor in the DMH. Consistent with behavioral results, these DMH neurons displayed suppressed neural activities in response to hunger or hyperglycemia. Furthermore, we identified that α3-GABAA receptor signaling within the DMH exerts potent bi-directional regulation of the central effects of leptin on feeding and body weight. Together, our results demonstrate a novel GABAergic neural circuit governing leptin-mediated feeding and energy balance via a unique α3-GABAA signaling within the secondary leptin-responsive neural circuit, constituting a new avenue for therapeutic interventions in the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Han
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Yang He
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Lauren Harris
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Qi Wu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alvarado JS, Lutas A, Madara JC, Isaac J, Lommer C, Andermann ML. Transient cAMP production drives rapid and sustained spiking in brainstem parabrachial neurons to suppress feeding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530033. [PMID: 36865343 PMCID: PMC9980289 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Brief stimuli can trigger longer lasting brain states. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) could help sustain such states by coupling slow-timescale molecular signals to neuronal excitability. Brainstem parabrachial nucleus glutamatergic neurons (PBN Glut ) regulate sustained brain states such as pain, and express G s -coupled GPCRs that increase cAMP signaling. We asked whether cAMP directly influences PBN Glut excitability and behavior. Both brief tail shocks and brief optogenetic stimulation of cAMP production in PBN Glut neurons drove minutes-long suppression of feeding. This suppression matched the duration of prolonged elevations in cAMP, Protein Kinase A (PKA), and calcium activity in vivo and in vitro. Shortening this elevation in cAMP reduced the duration of feeding suppression following tail shocks. cAMP elevations in PBN Glut neurons rapidly lead to sustained increases in action potential firing via PKA-dependent mechanisms. Thus, molecular signaling in PBN Glut neurons helps prolong neural activity and behavioral states evoked by brief, salient bodily stimuli.
Collapse
|
10
|
D1 receptor-expressing neurons in ventral tegmental area alleviate mouse anxiety-like behaviors via glutamatergic projection to lateral septum. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:625-638. [PMID: 36195641 PMCID: PMC9531220 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) acts as a key regulator in controlling emotion, and dysfunction of DA signal has been implicated in the pathophysiology of some psychiatric disorders, including anxiety. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) is one of main regions with DA-producing neurons. VTA DAergic projections in mesolimbic brain regions play a crucial role in regulating anxiety-like behaviors, however, the function of DA signal within VTA in regulating emotion remains unclear. Here, we observe that pharmacological activation/inhibition of VTA D1 receptors will alleviate/aggravate mouse anxiety-like behaviors, and knockdown of VTA D1 receptor expression also exerts anxiogenic effect. With fluorescence in situ hybridization and electrophysiological recording, we find that D1 receptors are functionally expressed in VTA neurons. Silencing/activating VTA D1 neurons bidirectionally modulate mouse anxiety-like behaviors. Furthermore, knocking down D1 receptors in VTA DA and glutamate neurons elevates anxiety-like state, but in GABA neurons has the opposite effect. In addition, we identify the glutamatergic projection from VTA D1 neurons to lateral septum is mainly responsible for the anxiolytic effect induced by activating VTA D1 neurons. Thus, our study not only characterizes the functional expression of D1 receptors in VTA neurons, but also uncovers the pivotal role of DA signal within VTA in mediating anxiety-like behaviors.
Collapse
|
11
|
Wojnowski NM, Zhou E, Jee YH. Effect of stimulants on final adult height. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 35:1337-1344. [PMID: 36193720 PMCID: PMC9627528 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of stimulant medications for treatment of ADHD has raised concern as to whether they adversely impact linear growth. Previous studies have indicated that stimulant medications may suppress growth for a short period after treatment initiation; however, more information is needed to evaluate the long-term effects on final adult stature. This mini review aims to evaluate the effect of stimulant medications on final adult height in children with ADHD. CONTENTS We performed a literature review across PubMed/MEDLINE database. Only articles that included data on final adult height or near final adult height (age≥16 or 17 years) were included. SUMMARY Early studies investigating the long-term impacts of stimulant medications observed growth suppression during the active treatment period, but when comparing final adult height, there was no difference between the control and ADHD groups. A recent larger comprehensive study (Multimodal Treatment of ADHD study) has suggested that the long-term use of significant doses of stimulants during childhood may compromise final adult height to a clinically significant degree when comparing adult height across three long-term patterns of stimulant treatment (Consistent, Intermittent, Negligible). The consistent use subgroup was significantly shorter than other subgroups. OUTLOOK For children with ADHD, a significant long-term dose of stimulant treatment should be used with caution to avoid diminishing adult height potential. Pediatric endocrinologists should consider chronic use of stimulants as a factor contributing to reduced adult height.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M Wojnowski
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elaine Zhou
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Youn Hee Jee
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pauli JL, Chen JY, Basiri ML, Park S, Carter ME, Sanz E, McKnight GS, Stuber GD, Palmiter RD. Molecular and anatomical characterization of parabrachial neurons and their axonal projections. eLife 2022; 11:e81868. [PMID: 36317965 PMCID: PMC9668336 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) is a major hub that receives sensory information from both internal and external environments. Specific populations of PBN neurons are involved in behaviors including food and water intake, nociceptive responses, breathing regulation, as well as learning and responding appropriately to threatening stimuli. However, it is unclear how many PBN neuron populations exist and how different behaviors may be encoded by unique signaling molecules or receptors. Here we provide a repository of data on the molecular identity, spatial location, and projection patterns of dozens of PBN neuron subclusters. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified 21 subclusters of neurons in the PBN and neighboring regions. Multiplexed in situ hybridization showed many of these subclusters are enriched within specific PBN subregions with scattered cells in several other regions. We also provide detailed visualization of the axonal projections from 21 Cre-driver lines of mice. These results are all publicly available for download and provide a foundation for further interrogation of PBN functions and connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Pauli
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Jane Y Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Marcus L Basiri
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Sekun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Matthew E Carter
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Elisenda Sanz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - G Stanley McKnight
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sebastian R, Song Y, Pak C. Probing the molecular and cellular pathological mechanisms of schizophrenia using human induced pluripotent stem cell models. Schizophr Res 2022:S0920-9964(22)00263-8. [PMID: 35835709 PMCID: PMC9832179 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
With recent advancements in psychiatric genomics, as a field, "stem cell-based disease modelers" were given the exciting yet daunting task of translating the extensive list of disease-associated risks into biologically and clinically relevant information in order to deliver therapeutically meaningful leads and insights. Despite their limitations, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) based models have greatly aided our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the complex etiology of brain disorders including schizophrenia (SCZ). In this review, we summarize the major findings from studies in the past decade which utilized iPSC models to investigate cell type-specific phenotypes relevant to idiopathic SCZ and disease penetrant alleles. Across cell type differences, several biological themes emerged, serving as potential neurodevelopmental mechanisms of SCZ, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, depletion of progenitor pools and insufficient differentiation potential of these progenitors, and structural and functional deficits of neurons and other supporting cells. Here, we discuss both the recent progress as well as challenges and improvements needed for future studies utilizing iPSCs as a model for SCZ and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sebastian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Yoonjae Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - ChangHui Pak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cai X, Liu H, Feng B, Yu M, He Y, Liu H, Liang C, Yang Y, Tu L, Zhang N, Wang L, Yin N, Han J, Yan Z, Wang C, Xu P, Wu Q, Tong Q, He Y, Xu Y. A D2 to D1 shift in dopaminergic inputs to midbrain 5-HT neurons causes anorexia in mice. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:646-658. [PMID: 35501380 PMCID: PMC9926508 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurons regulate motivated behaviors, including feeding, but less is known about how these circuits may interact. In this study, we found that DA neurons in the mouse ventral tegmental area bidirectionally regulate the activity of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), with weaker stimulation causing DRD2-dependent inhibition and overeating, while stronger stimulation causing DRD1-dependent activation and anorexia. Furthermore, in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm, which is a mouse model mimicking some clinical features of human anorexia nervosa (AN), we observed a DRD2 to DRD1 shift of DA neurotransmission on 5-HTDRN neurons, which causes constant activation of these neurons and contributes to AN-like behaviors. Finally, we found that systemic administration of a DRD1 antagonist can prevent anorexia and weight loss in ABA. Our results revealed regulation of feeding behavior by stimulation strength-dependent interactions between DA and 5-HT neurons, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of AN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Cai
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Present address: Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,These authors contributed equally: Xing Cai, Hailan Liu
| | - Hailan Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Xing Cai, Hailan Liu
| | - Bing Feng
- Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Meng Yu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang He
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Longlong Tu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lina Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Na Yin
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junying Han
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zili Yan
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Present address: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qi Wu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Han Y, Xia G, Srisai D, Meng F, He Y, Ran Y, He Y, Farias M, Hoang G, Tóth I, Dietrich MO, Chen MH, Xu Y, Wu Q. Deciphering an AgRP-serotoninergic neural circuit in distinct control of energy metabolism from feeding. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3525. [PMID: 34112797 PMCID: PMC8192783 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrasting to the established role of the hypothalamic agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in feeding regulation, the neural circuit and signaling mechanisms by which they control energy expenditure remains unclear. Here, we report that energy expenditure is regulated by a subgroup of AgRP neurons that send non-collateral projections to neurons within the dorsal lateral part of dorsal raphe nucleus (dlDRN) expressing the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which in turn innervate nearby serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. Genetic manipulations reveal a bi-directional control of energy expenditure by this circuit without affecting food intake. Fiber photometry and electrophysiological results indicate that the thermo-sensing MC4RdlDRN neurons integrate pre-synaptic AgRP signaling, thereby modulating the post-synaptic serotonergic pathway. Specifically, the MC4RdlDRN signaling elicits profound, bi-directional, regulation of body weight mainly through sympathetic outflow that reprograms mitochondrial bioenergetics within brown and beige fat while feeding remains intact. Together, we suggest that this AgRP neural circuit plays a unique role in persistent control of energy expenditure and body weight, hinting next-generation therapeutic approaches for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Han
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guobin Xia
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dollada Srisai
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fantao Meng
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, United States
| | - Yali Ran
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang He
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Monica Farias
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giang Hoang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - István Tóth
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Szent Istvan University, Budapeste, Hungary
- Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marcelo O Dietrich
- Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miao-Hsueh Chen
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qi Wu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|