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Battaglia S, Nazzi C, Fullana MA, di Pellegrino G, Borgomaneri S. 'Nip it in the bud': Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans. Behav Res Ther 2024; 178:104548. [PMID: 38704974 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104548] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
It is still unclear how the human brain consolidates aversive (e.g., traumatic) memories and whether this process can be disrupted. We hypothesized that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is crucially involved in threat memory consolidation. To test this, we used low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) within the memory stabilization time window to disrupt the expression of threat memory. We combined a differential threat-conditioning paradigm with LF-rTMS targeting the dlPFC in the critical condition, and occipital cortex stimulation, delayed dlPFC stimulation, and sham stimulation as control conditions. In the critical condition, defensive reactions to threat were reduced immediately after brain stimulation, and 1 h and 24 h later. In stark contrast, no decrease was observed in the control conditions, thus showing both the anatomical and temporal specificity of our intervention. We provide causal evidence that selectively targeting the dlPFC within the early consolidation period prevents the persistence and return of conditioned responses. Furthermore, memory disruption lasted longer than the inhibitory window created by our TMS protocol, which suggests that we influenced dlPFC neural activity and hampered the underlying, time-dependent consolidation process. These results provide important insights for future clinical applications aimed at interfering with the consolidation of aversive, threat-related memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Battaglia
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521, Cesena, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124, Turin, Italy.
| | - Claudio Nazzi
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521, Cesena, Italy
| | - Miquel A Fullana
- Adult Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic, 08036, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERSAM, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giuseppe di Pellegrino
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521, Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Borgomaneri
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521, Cesena, Italy.
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2
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Zhang Y, Yuan L, Zhu Q, Wu J, Nöbauer T, Zhang R, Xiao G, Wang M, Xie H, Guo Z, Dai Q, Vaziri A. A miniaturized mesoscope for the large-scale single-neuron-resolved imaging of neuronal activity in freely behaving mice. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01226-2. [PMID: 38902522 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Exploring the relationship between neuronal dynamics and ethologically relevant behaviour involves recording neuronal-population activity using technologies that are compatible with unrestricted animal behaviour. However, head-mounted microscopes that accommodate weight limits to allow for free animal behaviour typically compromise field of view, resolution or depth range, and are susceptible to movement-induced artefacts. Here we report a miniaturized head-mounted fluorescent mesoscope that we systematically optimized for calcium imaging at single-neuron resolution, for increased fields of view and depth of field, and for robustness against motion-generated artefacts. Weighing less than 2.5 g, the mesoscope enabled recordings of neuronal-population activity at up to 16 Hz, with 4 μm resolution over 300 μm depth-of-field across a field of view of 3.6 × 3.6 mm2 in the cortex of freely moving mice. We used the mesoscope to record large-scale neuronal-population activity in socially interacting mice during free exploration and during fear-conditioning experiments, and to investigate neurovascular coupling across multiple cortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlong Zhang
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lekang Yuan
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiyu Zhu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiamin Wu
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tobias Nöbauer
- Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rujin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guihua Xiao
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingrui Wang
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Xie
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zengcai Guo
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qionghai Dai
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Alipasha Vaziri
- Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- The Kavli Neural Systems Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Zou GJ, Chen ZR, Wang XQ, Cui YH, Li F, Li CQ, Wang LF, Huang FL. Microglial activation in the medial prefrontal cortex after remote fear recall participates in the regulation of auditory fear extinction. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176759. [PMID: 38901527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176759] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Excessive or inappropriate fear responses can lead to anxiety-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown that microglial activation occurs after fear conditioning and that microglial inhibition impacts fear memory. However, the role of microglia in fear memory recall remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the activated profiles of microglia after the recall of remote-cued fear memory and the role of activated microglia in the extinction of remote-cued fear in adult male C57BL/6 mice. The results revealed that the expression of the microglia marker Iba1 increased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) at 10 min and 1 h following remote-cued fear recall, which was accompanied by amoeboid morphology. Inhibiting microglial activation through PLX3397 treatment before remote fear recall did not affect recall, reconsolidation, or regular extinction but facilitated recall-extinction and mitigated spontaneous recovery. Moreover, our results demonstrated reduced co-expression of Iba1 and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the mPFC, along with decreases in the p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-Akt/Akt ratio, and KLF4 expression after PLX3397 treatment. Our results suggest that microglial activation after remote fear recall impedes fear extinction through the pruning of synapses in the mPFC, accompanied by alterations in the expression of the PI3K/AKT/KLF4 pathway. This finding can help elucidate the mechanism involved in remote fear extinction, contributing to the theoretical foundation for the intervention and treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Jing Zou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; School of Basic Medicine, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, Hunan, 413000, China
| | - Zhao-Rong Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China
| | - Xue-Qin Wang
- Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China
| | - Yan-Hui Cui
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Chang-Qi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Lai-Fa Wang
- Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China.
| | - Fu-Lian Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, Hunan, 413000, China.
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4
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Long X, Deng B, Shen R, Yang L, Chen L, Ran Q, Du X, Zhang SJ. Border cells without theta rhythmicity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321614121. [PMID: 38857401 PMCID: PMC11194599 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321614121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a key brain structure for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making and goal-directed behavior, many of which require awareness of spatial variables including one's current position within the surrounding environment. Although previous studies have reported spatially tuned activities in mPFC during memory-related trajectory, the spatial tuning of mPFC network during freely foraging behavior remains elusive. Here, we reveal geometric border or border-proximal representations from the neural activity of mPFC ensembles during naturally exploring behavior, with both allocentric and egocentric boundary responses. Unlike most of classical border cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) discharging along a single wall, a large majority of border cells in mPFC fire particularly along four walls. mPFC border cells generate new firing fields to external insert, and remain stable under darkness, across distinct shapes, and in novel environments. In contrast to hippocampal theta entrainment during spatial working memory tasks, mPFC border cells rarely exhibited theta rhythmicity during spontaneous locomotion behavior. These findings reveal spatially modulated activity in mPFC, supporting local computation for cognitive functions involving spatial context and contributing to a broad spatial tuning property of cortical circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Rui Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Qingxia Ran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
| | - Sheng-Jia Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing400037, China
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5
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Panzer E, Guimares-Olmo I, Pereira de Vasconcelos A, Stéphan A, Cassel JC. In relentless pursuit of the white whale: A role for the ventral midline thalamus in behavioral flexibility and adaption? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105762. [PMID: 38857666 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105762] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The reuniens (Re) nucleus is located in the ventral midline thalamus. It has fostered increasing interest, not only for its participation in a variety of cognitive functions (e.g., spatial working memory, systemic consolidation, reconsolidation, extinction of fear or generalization), but also for its neuroanatomical positioning as a bidirectional relay between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HIP). In this review we compile and discuss recent studies having tackled a possible implication of the Re nucleus in behavioral flexibility, a major PFC-dependent executive function controlling goal-directed behaviors. Experiments considered explored a possible role for the Re nucleus in perseveration, reversal learning, fear extinction, and set-shifting. They point to a contribution of this nucleus to behavioral flexibility, mainly by its connections with the PFC, but possibly also by those with the hippocampus, and even with the amygdala, at least for fear-related behavior. As such, the Re nucleus could be a crucial crossroad supporting a PFC-orchestrated ability to cope with new, potentially unpredictable environmental contingencies, and thus behavioral flexibility and adaption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Panzer
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Isabella Guimares-Olmo
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Anne Pereira de Vasconcelos
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Aline Stéphan
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Cassel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France; LNCA, UMR 7364 - CNRS, Strasbourg F-67000, France.
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6
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Mak A, Abramian A, Driessens SLW, Boers-Escuder C, van der Loo RJ, Smit AB, van den Oever MC, Verheijen MHG. Activation of G s Signaling in Cortical Astrocytes Does Not Influence Formation of a Persistent Contextual Memory Engram. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0056-24.2024. [PMID: 38902023 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0056-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Formation and retrieval of remote contextual memory depends on cortical engram neurons that are defined during learning. Manipulation of astrocytic Gq and Gi associated G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling has been shown to affect memory processing, but little is known about the role of cortical astrocytic Gs-GPCR signaling in remote memory acquisition and the functioning of cortical engram neurons. We assessed this by chemogenetic manipulation of astrocytes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male mice, during either encoding or consolidation of a contextual fear memory, while simultaneously labeling cortical engram neurons. We found that stimulation of astrocytic Gs signaling during memory encoding and consolidation did not alter remote memory expression. In line with this, the size of the mPFC engram population and the recall-induced reactivation of these neurons was unaffected. Hence, our data indicate that activation of Gs-GPCR signaling in cortical astrocytes is not sufficient to alter memory performance and functioning of cortical engram neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Mak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Adlin Abramian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Stan L W Driessens
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Boers-Escuder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Rolinka J van der Loo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Mark H G Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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7
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Hall S. Is the Papez circuit the location of the elusive episodic memory engram? IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:249-259. [PMID: 38370006 PMCID: PMC10869290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.01.016] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
All of the brain structures and white matter that make up Papez' circuit, as well as the circuit as a whole, are implicated in the literature in episodic memory formation and recall. This paper shows that Papez' circuit has the detailed structure and connectivity that is evidently required to support the episodic memory engram, and that identifying Papez' circuit as the location of the engram answers a number of long-standing questions regarding the role of medial temporal lobe structures in episodic memory. The paper then shows that the process by which the episodic memory engram may be formed is a network-wide Hebbian potentiation termed "racetrack potentiation", whose frequency corresponds to that observed in vivo in humans for memory functions. Further, by considering the microcircuits observed in the medial temporal lobe structures forming Papez' circuit, the paper establishes the neural mechanisms behind the required functions of sensory information storage and recall, pattern completion, pattern separation, and memory consolidation. The paper shows that Papez' circuit has the necessary connectivity to gather the various elements of an episodic memory occurring within Pöppel's experienced time or "quantum of experience". Finally, the paper shows how the memory engram located in Papez' circuit might be central to the formation of a duplicate engram in the cortex enabling consolidation and long-term storage of episodic memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Hall
- Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK
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8
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Liu Y, Ye S, Li XN, Li WG. Memory Trace for Fear Extinction: Fragile yet Reinforceable. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:777-794. [PMID: 37812300 PMCID: PMC11178705 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01129-3] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear extinction is a biological process in which learned fear behavior diminishes without anticipated reinforcement, allowing the organism to re-adapt to ever-changing situations. Based on the behavioral hypothesis that extinction is new learning and forms an extinction memory, this new memory is more readily forgettable than the original fear memory. The brain's cellular and synaptic traces underpinning this inherently fragile yet reinforceable extinction memory remain unclear. Intriguing questions are about the whereabouts of the engram neurons that emerged during extinction learning and how they constitute a dynamically evolving functional construct that works in concert to store and express the extinction memory. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the engram circuits and their neural connectivity plasticity for fear extinction, aiming to establish a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic competition between fear and extinction memories in adaptive control of conditioned fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuai Ye
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin-Ni Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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9
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Guarino A, Pignata P, Lovisari F, Asth L, Simonato M, Soukupova M. Cognitive comorbidities in the rat pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1392977. [PMID: 38872822 PMCID: PMC11171745 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1392977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with epilepsy are prone to cognitive decline, depression, anxiety and other behavioral disorders. Cognitive comorbidities are particularly common and well-characterized in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, while inconsistently addressed in epileptic animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to ascertain whether there is good evidence of cognitive comorbidities in animal models of epilepsy, in particular in the rat pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. We searched the literature published between 1990 and 2023. The association of spontaneous recurrent seizures induced by pilocarpine with cognitive alterations has been evaluated by using various tests: contextual fear conditioning (CFC), novel object recognition (NOR), radial and T-maze, Morris water maze (MWM) and their variants. Combination of results was difficult because of differences in methodological standards, in number of animals employed, and in outcome measures. Taken together, however, the analysis confirmed that pilocarpine-induced epilepsy has an effect on cognition in rats, and supports the notion that this is a valid model for assessment of cognitive temporal lobe epilepsy comorbidities in preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Pignata
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Lovisari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Qiu W, Yue X, Huang H, Ge L, Lu W, Cao Z, Rao Y, Tan X, Wang Y, Wu J, Chen Y, Qiu S, Li G. Structural characteristics of amygdala subregions in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Behav Brain Res 2024; 466:114992. [PMID: 38599250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114992] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients often suffer from depressive symptoms, which seriously affect cooperation in treatment and nursing. The amygdala plays a significant role in depression. This study aims to explore the microstructural alterations of the amygdala in T2DM and to investigate the relationship between the alterations and depressive symptoms. Fifty T2DM and 50 healthy controls were included. Firstly, the volumes of subcortical regions and subregions of amygdala were calculated by FreeSurfer. Covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was conducted between the two groups with covariates of age, sex, and estimated total intracranial volume to explore the differences in volume of subcortical regions and subregions of amygdala. Furthermore, the structural covariance within the amygdala subregions was performed. Moreover, we investigate the correlation between depressive symptoms and the volume of subcortical regions and amygdala subregions in T2DM. We observed a reduction in the volume of the bilateral cortico-amygdaloid transition area, left basal nucleus, bilateral accessory basal nucleus, left anterior amygdaloid area of amygdala, the left thalamus and left hippocampus in T2DM. T2DM patients showed decreased structural covariance connectivity between left paralaminar nucleus and the right central nucleus. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between self-rating depression scale scores and the volume of the bilateral cortico-amygdaloid transition area in T2DM. This study reveals extensive structural alterations in the amygdala subregions of T2DM patients. The reduction in the volume of the bilateral cortico-amygdaloid transition area may be a promising imaging marker for early recognition of depressive symptoms in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Qiu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Xiaomei Yue
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Haoming Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China; Critical Care Unit, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Limin Ge
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Weiye Lu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Zidong Cao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Yawen Rao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Xin Tan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Jinjian Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Yuna Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Shijun Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China.
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Research Imaging Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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11
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Concina G, Milano L, Renna A, Manassero E, Stabile F, Sacchetti B. Hippocampus-to-amygdala pathway drives the separation of remote memories of related events. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114151. [PMID: 38656872 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114151] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain can store and retrieve memories of related events as distinct memories and remember common features of those experiences. How it computes this function remains elusive. Here, we show in rats that recent memories of two closely timed auditory fear events share overlapping neuronal ensembles in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and are functionally linked. However, remote memories have reduced neuronal overlap and are functionally independent. The activity of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons in the BLA plays a crucial role in forming separate remote memories. Chemogenetic blockade of PV preserves individual remote memories but prevents their segregation, resulting in reciprocal associations. The hippocampus drives this process through specific excitatory connections with BLA GABAergic interneurons. These findings provide insights into the neuronal mechanisms that minimize the overlap between distinct remote memories and enable the retrieval of related memories separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Concina
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Luisella Milano
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Annamaria Renna
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Eugenio Manassero
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Stabile
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Sacchetti
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy.
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12
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Zhou Y, Wang JL, Qiu L, Torpey J, Wixson JG, Lyon M, Chen X. NMDA Receptors Control Activity Hierarchy in Neural Network: Loss of Control in Hierarchy Leads to Learning Impairments, Dissociation, and Psychosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.06.523038. [PMID: 36712055 PMCID: PMC9881912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.06.523038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
While it is known that associative memory is preferentially encoded by memory-eligible "primed" neurons, in vivo neural activity hierarchy has not been quantified and little is known about how such a hierarchy is established. Leveraging in vivo calcium imaging of hippocampal neurons on freely behaving mice, we developed the first method to quantify real-time neural activity hierarchy in the CA1 region. Neurons on the top of activity hierarchy are identified as primed neurons. In cilia knockout mice that exhibit severe learning deficits, the percentage of primed neurons is drastically reduced. We developed a simplified neural network model that incorporates simulations of linear and non-linear weighted components, modeling the synaptic ionic conductance of AMPA and NMDA receptors, respectively. We found that moderate non-linear to linear conductance ratios naturally leads a small fraction of neurons to be primed in the simulated neural network. Removal of the non-linear component eliminates the existing activity hierarchy and reinstate it to the network stochastically primes a new pool of neurons. Blockade of NMDA receptors by ketamine not only decreases general neuronal activity causing learning impairments, but also disrupts neural activity hierarchy. Additionally, ketamine-induced super-synchronized slow oscillation during anesthesia can be simulated if the non-linear NMDAR component is removed to flatten activity hierarchy. Together, this study develops a unique method to measure neural activity hierarchy and identifies NMDA receptors as a key factor that controls the hierarchy. It presents the first evidence suggesting that hierarchy disruption by NMDAR blockade causes dissociation and psychosis.
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13
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Delamare G, Tomé DF, Clopath C. Intrinsic Neural Excitability Biases Allocation and Overlap of Memory Engrams. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0846232024. [PMID: 38561228 PMCID: PMC11112642 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0846-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Memories are thought to be stored in neural ensembles known as engrams that are specifically reactivated during memory recall. Recent studies have found that memory engrams of two events that happened close in time tend to overlap in the hippocampus and the amygdala, and these overlaps have been shown to support memory linking. It has been hypothesized that engram overlaps arise from the mechanisms that regulate memory allocation itself, involving neural excitability, but the exact process remains unclear. Indeed, most theoretical studies focus on synaptic plasticity and little is known about the role of intrinsic plasticity, which could be mediated by neural excitability and serve as a complementary mechanism for forming memory engrams. Here, we developed a rate-based recurrent neural network that includes both synaptic plasticity and neural excitability. We obtained structural and functional overlap of memory engrams for contexts that are presented close in time, consistent with experimental and computational studies. We then investigated the role of excitability in memory allocation at the network level and unveiled competitive mechanisms driven by inhibition. This work suggests mechanisms underlying the role of intrinsic excitability in memory allocation and linking, and yields predictions regarding the formation and the overlap of memory engrams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffroy Delamare
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Douglas Feitosa Tomé
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Claudia Clopath
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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14
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Shao Q, Chen L, Li X, Li M, Cui H, Li X, Zhao X, Shi Y, Sun Q, Yan K, Wang G. A non-canonical visual cortical-entorhinal pathway contributes to spatial navigation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4122. [PMID: 38750027 PMCID: PMC11096324 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual information is important for accurate spatial coding and memory-guided navigation. As a crucial area for spatial cognition, the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) harbors diverse spatially tuned cells and functions as the major gateway relaying sensory inputs to the hippocampus containing place cells. However, how visual information enters the MEC has not been fully understood. Here, we identify a pathway originating in the secondary visual cortex (V2) and directly targeting MEC layer 5a (L5a). L5a neurons served as a network hub for visual processing in the MEC by routing visual inputs from multiple V2 areas to other local neurons and hippocampal CA1. Interrupting this pathway severely impaired visual stimulus-evoked neural activity in the MEC and performance of mice in navigation tasks. These observations reveal a visual cortical-entorhinal pathway highlighting the role of MEC L5a in sensory information transmission, a function typically attributed to MEC superficial layers before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Shao
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ligu Chen
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaowan Li
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Miao Li
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hui Cui
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xinran Zhao
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yuying Shi
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Kaiyue Yan
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Guangfu Wang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China.
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15
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Casanova JP, Pouget C, Treiber N, Agarwal I, Brimble MA, Vetere G. Threat-dependent scaling of prelimbic dynamics to enhance fear representation. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00317-9. [PMID: 38772375 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.029] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Promptly identifying threatening stimuli is crucial for survival. Freezing is a natural behavior displayed by rodents toward potential or actual threats. Although it is known that the prelimbic cortex (PL) is involved in both risk evaluation and in fear and anxiety-like behavior expression, here we explored whether PL neuronal activity can dynamically represent different internal states of the same behavioral output (i.e., freezing). We found that freezing can always be decoded from PL activity at a population level. However, the sudden presentation of a fearful stimulus quickly reshaped the PL to a new neuronal activity state, an effect not observed in other cortical or subcortical regions examined. This shift changed PL freezing representation and is necessary for fear memory expression. Our data reveal the unique role of the PL in detecting threats and internally adjusting to distinguish between different freezing-related states in both unconditioned and conditioned fear representations.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Patricio Casanova
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clément Pouget
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nadja Treiber
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ishaant Agarwal
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mark Allen Brimble
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Gisella Vetere
- Cerebral Codes and Circuits Connectivity team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France.
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16
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Yang J, Lin L, Zou GJ, Wang LF, Li F, Li CQ, Cui YH, Huang FL. CK2 negatively regulates the extinction of remote fear memory. Behav Brain Res 2024; 465:114960. [PMID: 38494129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114960] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy, rooted in exposure therapy, is currently the primary approach employed in the treatment of anxiety-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In laboratory settings, fear extinction in animals is a commonly employed technique to investigate exposure therapy; however, the precise mechanisms underlying fear extinction remain elusive. Casein kinase 2 (CK2), which regulates neuroplasticity via phosphorylation of its substrates, has a significant influence in various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as in the process of learning and memory. In this study, we adopted a classical Pavlovian fear conditioning model to investigate the involvement of CK2 in remote fear memory extinction and its underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that the activity of CK2 in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice was significantly upregulated after extinction training of remote cued fear memory. Notably, administration of the CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 prior to extinction training facilitated the extinction of remote fear memory. In addition, CX-4945 significantly upregulated the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB in the mPFC. Our results suggest that CK2 negatively regulates remote fear memory extinction, at least in part, by inhibiting the ERK-CREB pathway. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of remote cued fear extinction, thereby offering a theoretical foundation and identifying potential targets for the intervention and treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; School of Basic Medicine, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, Hunan 413000, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Guang-Jing Zou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Lai-Fa Wang
- Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chang-Qi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yan-Hui Cui
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Fu-Lian Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, Hunan 413000, China.
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17
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Monari PK, Hammond ER, Zhao X, Maksimoski AN, Petric R, Malone CL, Riters LV, Marler CA. Conditioned preferences: Gated by experience, context, and endocrine systems. Horm Behav 2024; 161:105529. [PMID: 38492501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Central to the navigation of an ever-changing environment is the ability to form positive associations with places and conspecifics. The functions of location and social conditioned preferences are often studied independently, limiting our understanding of their interplay. Furthermore, a de-emphasis on natural functions of conditioned preferences has led to neurobiological interpretations separated from ecological context. By adopting a naturalistic and ethological perspective, we uncover complexities underlying the expression of conditioned preferences. Development of conditioned preferences is a combination of motivation, reward, associative learning, and context, including for social and spatial environments. Both social- and location-dependent reward-responsive behaviors and their conditioning rely on internal state-gating mechanisms that include neuroendocrine and hormone systems such as opioids, dopamine, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin. Such reinforced behavior emerges from mechanisms integrating past experience and current social and environmental conditions. Moreover, social context, environmental stimuli, and internal state gate and modulate motivation and learning via associative reward, shaping the conditioning process. We highlight research incorporating these concepts, focusing on the integration of social neuroendocrine mechanisms and behavioral conditioning. We explore three paradigms: 1) conditioned place preference, 2) conditioned social preference, and 3) social conditioned place preference. We highlight nonclassical species to emphasize the naturalistic applications of these conditioned preferences. To fully appreciate the complex integration of spatial and social information, future research must identify neural networks where endocrine systems exert influence on such behaviors. Such research promises to provide valuable insights into conditioned preferences within a broader naturalistic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Monari
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Emma R Hammond
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xin Zhao
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alyse N Maksimoski
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Radmila Petric
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Candice L Malone
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Catherine A Marler
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA.
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18
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Lazarov O, Gupta M, Kumar P, Morrissey Z, Phan T. Memory circuits in dementia: The engram, hippocampal neurogenesis and Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 236:102601. [PMID: 38570083 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102601] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Here, we provide an in-depth consideration of our current understanding of engrams, spanning from molecular to network levels, and hippocampal neurogenesis, in health and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review highlights novel findings in these emerging research fields and future research directions for novel therapeutic avenues for memory failure in dementia. Engrams, memory in AD, and hippocampal neurogenesis have each been extensively studied. The integration of these topics, however, has been relatively less deliberated, and is the focus of this review. We primarily focus on the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, which is a key area of episodic memory formation. Episodic memory is significantly impaired in AD, and is also the site of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Advancements in technology, especially opto- and chemogenetics, have made sophisticated manipulations of engram cells possible. Furthermore, innovative methods have emerged for monitoring neurons, even specific neuronal populations, in vivo while animals engage in tasks, such as calcium imaging. In vivo calcium imaging contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of engram cells. Critically, studies of the engram in the DG using these technologies have shown the important contribution of hippocampal neurogenesis for memory in both health and AD. Together, the discussion of these topics provides a holistic perspective that motivates questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Lazarov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Muskan Gupta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Pavan Kumar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zachery Morrissey
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Trongha Phan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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19
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Uytiepo M, Zhu Y, Bushong E, Polli F, Chou K, Zhao E, Kim C, Luu D, Chang L, Quach T, Haberl M, Patapoutian L, Beutter E, Zhang W, Dong B, McCue E, Ellisman M, Maximov A. Synaptic architecture of a memory engram in the mouse hippocampus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590812. [PMID: 38712256 PMCID: PMC11071366 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Memory engrams are formed through experience-dependent remodeling of neural circuits, but their detailed architectures have remained unresolved. Using 3D electron microscopy, we performed nanoscale reconstructions of the hippocampal CA3-CA1 pathway following chemogenetic labeling of cellular ensembles with a remote history of correlated excitation during associative learning. Projection neurons involved in memory acquisition expanded their connectomes via multi-synaptic boutons without altering the numbers and spatial arrangements of individual axonal terminals and dendritic spines. This expansion was driven by presynaptic activity elicited by specific negative valence stimuli, regardless of the co-activation state of postsynaptic partners. The rewiring of initial ensembles representing an engram coincided with local, input-specific changes in the shapes and organelle composition of glutamatergic synapses, reflecting their weights and potential for further modifications. Our findings challenge the view that the connectivity among neuronal substrates of memory traces is governed by Hebbian mechanisms, and offer a structural basis for representational drifts.
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20
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Fetterhoff D, Costa M, Hellerstedt R, Johannessen R, Imbach L, Sarnthein J, Strange BA. Neuronal population representation of human emotional memory. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114071. [PMID: 38592973 PMCID: PMC11063625 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114071] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how emotional processing modulates learning and memory is crucial for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by emotional memory dysfunction. We investigate how human medial temporal lobe (MTL) neurons support emotional memory by recording spiking activity from the hippocampus, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex during encoding and recognition sessions of an emotional memory task in patients with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. Our findings reveal distinct representations for both remembered compared to forgotten and emotional compared to neutral scenes in single units and MTL population spiking activity. Additionally, we demonstrate that a distributed network of human MTL neurons exhibiting mixed selectivity on a single-unit level collectively processes emotion and memory as a network, with a small percentage of neurons responding conjointly to emotion and memory. Analyzing spiking activity enables a detailed understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying emotional memory and could provide insights into how emotion alters memory during healthy and maladaptive learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Fetterhoff
- Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Manuela Costa
- Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Robin Hellerstedt
- Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebecca Johannessen
- Swiss Epilepsy Center, Klinik Lengg, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Imbach
- Swiss Epilepsy Center, Klinik Lengg, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Sarnthein
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bryan A Strange
- Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain; Reina Sofia Centre for Alzheimer's Research, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Wang L, Park L, Wu W, King D, Vega-Medina A, Raven F, Martinez J, Ensing A, McDonald K, Yang Z, Jiang S, Aton SJ. Sleep-dependent engram reactivation during hippocampal memory consolidation associated with subregion-specific biosynthetic changes. iScience 2024; 27:109408. [PMID: 38523798 PMCID: PMC10957462 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-learning sleep is essential for hippocampal memory processing, including contextual fear memory consolidation. We labeled context-encoding engram neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and assessed reactivation of these neurons after fear learning. Post-learning sleep deprivation (SD) selectively disrupted reactivation of inferior blade DG engram neurons, linked to SD-induced suppression of neuronal activity in the inferior, but not superior DG blade. Subregion-specific spatial profiling of transcripts revealed that transcriptomic responses to SD differed greatly between hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG inferior blade, superior blade, and hilus. Activity-driven transcripts, and those associated with cytoskeletal remodeling, were selectively suppressed in the inferior blade. Critically, learning-driven transcriptomic changes differed dramatically between the DG blades and were absent from all other regions. Together, these data suggest that the DG is critical for sleep-dependent memory consolidation, and that the effects of sleep loss on the hippocampus are highly subregion-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lauren Park
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Weisheng Wu
- Bioinformatics Core, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana King
- Bioinformatics Core, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexis Vega-Medina
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Frank Raven
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jessy Martinez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amy Ensing
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Katherine McDonald
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhongying Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sha Jiang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sara J. Aton
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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22
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Lim RY, Lew WCL, Ang KK. Review of EEG Affective Recognition with a Neuroscience Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:364. [PMID: 38672015 PMCID: PMC11048077 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040364] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Emotions are a series of subconscious, fleeting, and sometimes elusive manifestations of the human innate system. They play crucial roles in everyday life-influencing the way we evaluate ourselves, our surroundings, and how we interact with our world. To date, there has been an abundance of research on the domains of neuroscience and affective computing, with experimental evidence and neural network models, respectively, to elucidate the neural circuitry involved in and neural correlates for emotion recognition. Recent advances in affective computing neural network models often relate closely to evidence and perspectives gathered from neuroscience to explain the models. Specifically, there has been growing interest in the area of EEG-based emotion recognition to adopt models based on the neural underpinnings of the processing, generation, and subsequent collection of EEG data. In this respect, our review focuses on providing neuroscientific evidence and perspectives to discuss how emotions potentially come forth as the product of neural activities occurring at the level of subcortical structures within the brain's emotional circuitry and the association with current affective computing models in recognizing emotions. Furthermore, we discuss whether such biologically inspired modeling is the solution to advance the field in EEG-based emotion recognition and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosary Yuting Lim
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis, Singapore 138632, Singapore; (R.Y.L.); (W.-C.L.L.)
| | - Wai-Cheong Lincoln Lew
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis, Singapore 138632, Singapore; (R.Y.L.); (W.-C.L.L.)
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave., 32 Block N4 02a, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Kai Keng Ang
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis, Singapore 138632, Singapore; (R.Y.L.); (W.-C.L.L.)
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave., 32 Block N4 02a, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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23
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Dhume SH, Balogun K, Sarkar A, Acosta S, Mount HTJ, Cahill LS, Sled JG, Serghides L. Perinatal exposure to atazanavir-based antiretroviral regimens in a mouse model leads to differential long-term motor and cognitive deficits dependent on the NRTI backbone. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1376681. [PMID: 38646101 PMCID: PMC11027900 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1376681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in pregnancy has been pivotal in improving maternal health and reducing perinatal HIV transmission. However, children born HIV-exposed uninfected fall behind their unexposed peers in several areas including neurodevelopment. The contribution of in utero ART exposure to these deficits is not clear. Here we present our findings of neurocognitive outcomes in adult mice exposed in utero to ART. Methods Dams were treated with a combination of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir with either abacavir plus lamivudine (ABC/3TC + ATV/r) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine (TDF/FTC + ATV/r), or water as a control, administered daily from day of plug detection to birth. Offspring underwent a battery of behavioral tests that investigated motor performance and cognition starting at 6-weeks of age and ending at 8 months. Changes in brain structure were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistochemistry. Expression of genes involved in neural circuitry and synaptic transmission were assessed in the hippocampus, a region strongly associated with memory formation, using qPCR. Findings Pups exposed to TDF/FTC + ATV/r showed increased motor activity and exploratory drive, and deficits in hippocampal-dependent working memory and social interaction, while pups exposed to ABC/3TC + ATV/r showed increased grooming, and deficits in working memory and social interaction. Significant volumetric reductions in the brain were seen only in the ABC/3TC + ATV/r group and were associated with reduced neuronal counts in the hippocampus. Altered neurotransmitter receptor mRNA expression as well as changes in expression of the neurotrophic factor BDNF and its receptors were observed in both ART-exposed groups in a sex-dependent manner. Interpretation In our model, in utero ART exposure had long-term effects on brain development and cognitive and motor outcomes in adulthood. Our data show that neurological outcomes can be influenced by the type of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone of the regimen and not just the base drug, and display sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya H. Dhume
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kayode Balogun
- Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ambalika Sarkar
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sebastian Acosta
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Howard T. J. Mount
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Psychiatry and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay S. Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John G. Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Yadav N, Toader A, Rajasethupathy P. Beyond hippocampus: Thalamic and prefrontal contributions to an evolving memory. Neuron 2024; 112:1045-1059. [PMID: 38272026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The hippocampus has long been at the center of memory research, and rightfully so. However, with emerging technological capabilities, we can increasingly appreciate memory as a more dynamic and brain-wide process. In this perspective, our goal is to begin developing models to understand the gradual evolution, reorganization, and stabilization of memories across the brain after their initial formation in the hippocampus. By synthesizing studies across the rodent and human literature, we suggest that as memory representations initially form in hippocampus, parallel traces emerge in frontal cortex that cue memory recall, and as they mature, with sustained support initially from limbic then diencephalic then cortical circuits, they become progressively independent of hippocampus and dependent on a mature cortical representation. A key feature of this model is that, as time progresses, memory representations are passed on to distinct circuits with progressively longer time constants, providing the opportunity to filter, forget, update, or reorganize memories in the process of committing to long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakul Yadav
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Toader
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Priya Rajasethupathy
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Abstract
The recent emergence of reprogramming technologies to convert brain cell types or epigenetically alter neurons and neural progenitors in vivo and in situ hold significant promises in brain repair and neuronal aging reversal. However, given the significant epigenetic and transcriptomic changes to components of the existing neuronal cells and network, we question if these reprogramming technology might inadvertently alter or erase memory engrams, conceivably resulting in changes in narrative identity or personality. We suggest that the nature of these alterations might be less predictable compared to memory and personality changes known to be associated with diseases, drugs or brain stimulation therapies. While research in applying reprogramming technologies to neurological ailments and aging should continue, more targeted analyses should be put in place in animal experiments to gauge the severity and degree of memory alterations, and appropriate risk and benefit analyses should be conducted before these technologies move into human trials.
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26
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Cabrera Y, Koymans KJ, Poe GR, Kessels HW, Van Someren EJW, Wassing R. Overnight neuronal plasticity and adaptation to emotional distress. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:253-271. [PMID: 38443627 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00799-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Expressions such as 'sleep on it' refer to the resolution of distressing experiences across a night of sound sleep. Sleep is an active state during which the brain reorganizes the synaptic connections that form memories. This Perspective proposes a model of how sleep modifies emotional memory traces. Sleep-dependent reorganization occurs through neurophysiological events in neurochemical contexts that determine the fates of synapses to grow, to survive or to be pruned. We discuss how low levels of acetylcholine during non-rapid eye movement sleep and low levels of noradrenaline during rapid eye movement sleep provide a unique window of opportunity for plasticity in neuronal representations of emotional memories that resolves the associated distress. We integrate sleep-facilitated adaptation over three levels: experience and behaviour, neuronal circuits, and synaptic events. The model generates testable hypotheses for how failed sleep-dependent adaptation to emotional distress is key to mental disorders, notably disorders of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress with the common aetiology of insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Cabrera
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karin J Koymans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gina R Poe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helmut W Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Synaptic Plasticity and Behaviour, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Society for Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eus J W Van Someren
- Department of Sleep and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Society for Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology and Psychiatry, VU University, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rick Wassing
- Sleep and Circadian Research, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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27
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Lopez MR, Wasberg SMH, Gagliardi CM, Normandin ME, Muzzio IA. Mystery of the memory engram: History, current knowledge, and unanswered questions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105574. [PMID: 38331127 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105574] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The quest to understand the memory engram has intrigued humans for centuries. Recent technological advances, including genetic labelling, imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques, have propelled the field of memory research forward. These tools have enabled researchers to create and erase memory components. While these innovative techniques have yielded invaluable insights, they often focus on specific elements of the memory trace. Genetic labelling may rely on a particular immediate early gene as a marker of activity, optogenetics may activate or inhibit one specific type of neuron, and imaging may capture activity snapshots in a given brain region at specific times. Yet, memories are multifaceted, involving diverse arrays of neuronal subpopulations, circuits, and regions that work in concert to create, store, and retrieve information. Consideration of contributions of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, micro and macro circuits across brain regions, the dynamic nature of active ensembles, and representational drift is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - S M H Wasberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - C M Gagliardi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - M E Normandin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - I A Muzzio
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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28
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González-Marrero I, Hernandez-Garcia JA, Gonzalez-Davila E, Carmona-Calero EM, Gonzalez-Toledo JM, Catañeyra-Ruiz L, Henandez-Abad LG, Castañeyra-Perdomo A. Variations of the grid and place cells in the entorhinal cortex and dentate gyrus of 6 individuals aged 56 to 87 years. Neurologia 2024; 39:244-253. [PMID: 37442425 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2023.07.007] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between the entorhinal cortex (EC) and the hippocampus has been studied by different authors, who have highlighted the importance of grid cells, place cells, and the trisynaptic circuit in the processes that they regulate: the persistence of spatial, explicit, and recent memory and their possible impairment with ageing. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether older age causes changes in the size and number of grid cells contained in layer III of the EC and in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. METHODS We conducted post-mortem studies of the brains of 6 individuals aged 56-87 years. The brain sections containing the DG and the adjacent EC were stained according to the Klüver-Barrera method, then the ImageJ software was used to measure the individual neuronal area, the total neuronal area, and the number of neurons contained in rectangular areas in layer III of the EC and layer II of the DG. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed. RESULTS We observed an age-related reduction in the cell population of the external pyramidal layer of the EC, and in the number of neurons in the granular layer of the DG. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that ageing causes a decrease in the size and density of grid cells of the EC and place cells of the DG.
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Affiliation(s)
- I González-Marrero
- Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - J A Hernandez-Garcia
- Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - E Gonzalez-Davila
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - E M Carmona-Calero
- Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación y Ciencias, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - J M Gonzalez-Toledo
- Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - L Catañeyra-Ruiz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine and the St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - L G Henandez-Abad
- Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación y Ciencias, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - A Castañeyra-Perdomo
- Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación y Ciencias, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias, Spain.
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29
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Jovasevic V, Wood EM, Cicvaric A, Zhang H, Petrovic Z, Carboncino A, Parker KK, Bassett TE, Moltesen M, Yamawaki N, Login H, Kalucka J, Sananbenesi F, Zhang X, Fischer A, Radulovic J. Formation of memory assemblies through the DNA-sensing TLR9 pathway. Nature 2024; 628:145-153. [PMID: 38538785 PMCID: PMC10990941 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
As hippocampal neurons respond to diverse types of information1, a subset assembles into microcircuits representing a memory2. Those neurons typically undergo energy-intensive molecular adaptations, occasionally resulting in transient DNA damage3-5. Here we found discrete clusters of excitatory hippocampal CA1 neurons with persistent double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) breaks, nuclear envelope ruptures and perinuclear release of histone and dsDNA fragments hours after learning. Following these early events, some neurons acquired an inflammatory phenotype involving activation of TLR9 signalling and accumulation of centrosomal DNA damage repair complexes6. Neuron-specific knockdown of Tlr9 impaired memory while blunting contextual fear conditioning-induced changes of gene expression in specific clusters of excitatory CA1 neurons. Notably, TLR9 had an essential role in centrosome function, including DNA damage repair, ciliogenesis and build-up of perineuronal nets. We demonstrate a novel cascade of learning-induced molecular events in discrete neuronal clusters undergoing dsDNA damage and TLR9-mediated repair, resulting in their recruitment to memory circuits. With compromised TLR9 function, this fundamental memory mechanism becomes a gateway to genomic instability and cognitive impairments implicated in accelerated senescence, psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. Maintaining the integrity of TLR9 inflammatory signalling thus emerges as a promising preventive strategy for neurocognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Jovasevic
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Wood
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ana Cicvaric
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Zorica Petrovic
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Anna Carboncino
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kendra K Parker
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Thomas E Bassett
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Moltesen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Naoki Yamawaki
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hande Login
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joanna Kalucka
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Farahnaz Sananbenesi
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence MBExC, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Computational Genomics Core, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Andre Fischer
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence MBExC, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jelena Radulovic
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry Research Institute Montefiore Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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30
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Suthard RL, Senne RA, Buzharsky MD, Diep AH, Pyo AY, Ramirez S. Engram reactivation mimics cellular signatures of fear. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113850. [PMID: 38401120 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113850] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Engrams, or the physical substrate of memory, recruit heterogeneous cell types. Targeted reactivation of neurons processing discrete memories drives the behavioral expression of memory, though the underlying landscape of recruited cells and their real-time responses remain elusive. To understand how artificial stimulation of fear affects intra-hippocampal neuron-astrocyte dynamics as well as their behavioral consequences, we express channelrhodopsin-2 in an activity-dependent manner within dentate gyrus neurons while recording both cell types with fiber photometry in hippocampal ventral CA1 across learning and memory. Both cell types exhibit shock responsiveness, with astrocytic calcium events uniquely modulated by fear conditioning. Optogenetic stimulation of a hippocampus-mediated engram recapitulates coordinated calcium signatures time locked to freezing, mirroring those observed during natural fear memory recall. Our findings reveal cell-type-specific dynamics in the hippocampus during freezing behavior, emphasizing neuronal-astrocytic coupling as a shared mechanism enabling both natural and artificially induced memory retrieval and the behavioral expression of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Suthard
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ryan A Senne
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Michelle D Buzharsky
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anh H Diep
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Angela Y Pyo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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31
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Contreras MP, Mendez M, Shan X, Fechner J, Sawangjit A, Born J, Inostroza M. Context memory formed in medial prefrontal cortex during infancy enhances learning in adulthood. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2475. [PMID: 38509099 PMCID: PMC10954687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46734-6] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult behavior is commonly thought to be shaped by early-life experience, although episodes experienced during infancy appear to be forgotten. Exposing male rats during infancy to discrete spatial experience we show that these rats in adulthood are significantly better at forming a spatial memory than control rats without such infantile experience. We moreover show that the adult rats' improved spatial memory capability is mainly based on memory for context information during the infantile experiences. Infantile spatial experience increased c-Fos activity at memory testing during adulthood in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but not in the hippocampus. Inhibiting prelimbic mPFC at testing during adulthood abolished the enhancing effect of infantile spatial experience on learning. Adult spatial memory capability only benefitted from spatial experience occurring during the sensitive period of infancy, but not when occurring later during childhood, and when sleep followed the infantile experience. In conclusion, the infantile brain, by a sleep-dependent mechanism, favors consolidation of memory for the context in which episodes are experienced. These representations comprise mPFC regions and context-dependently facilitate learning in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P Contreras
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Neural & Behavioral Science, International Max Planck Research School, Tübingen, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marta Mendez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Xia Shan
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Neural & Behavioral Science, International Max Planck Research School, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Fechner
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Neural & Behavioral Science, International Max Planck Research School, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anuck Sawangjit
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Born
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Werner Reichert Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD)-Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich (IDM) at the University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Marion Inostroza
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Takahashi K, Kurokawa K, Miyagawa K, Mochida-Saito A, Takeda H, Tsuji M. Repeated antibiotic drug treatment negatively affects memory function and glutamatergic nervous system of the hippocampus in mice. Neurosci Lett 2024; 825:137711. [PMID: 38432356 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137711] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiota is associated with memory; however, the relationship between dysbiosis-induced memory deficits and hippocampal glutamatergic neurons remains unclear. In our study, a mouse dysbiosis model showed impaired memory-related behavior in the passive avoidance test; decreased expression levels of glutaminase, excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT)1, EAAT2, vesicular glutamate transporter 2, synaptophysin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, doublecortin, neuronal nuclear protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and S100β; and decreased phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit 1, and cAMP response element-binding protein in the hippocampus. This suggests that dysbiosis-induced memory dysfunction is associated with the hippocampal glutamatergic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kurokawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuya Miyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Atsumi Mochida-Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan.
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Muysers H, Chen HL, Hahn J, Folschweiller S, Sigurdsson T, Sauer JF, Bartos M. A persistent prefrontal reference frame across time and task rules. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2115. [PMID: 38459033 PMCID: PMC10923947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46350-4] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavior can be remarkably consistent, even over extended time periods, yet whether this is reflected in stable or 'drifting' neuronal responses to task features remains controversial. Here, we find a persistently active ensemble of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice that reliably maintains trajectory-specific tuning over several weeks while performing an olfaction-guided spatial memory task. This task-specific reference frame is stabilized during learning, upon which repeatedly active neurons show little representational drift and maintain their trajectory-specific tuning across long pauses in task exposure and across repeated changes in cue-target location pairings. These data thus suggest a 'core ensemble' of prefrontal neurons forming a reference frame of task-relevant space for the performance of consistent behavior over extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Muysers
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hung-Ling Chen
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Johannes Hahn
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shani Folschweiller
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center and Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Torfi Sigurdsson
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas-Frederic Sauer
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
| | - Marlene Bartos
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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Krasne FB, Fanselow MS. Remote memory in a Bayesian model of context fear conditioning (BaconREM). Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1295969. [PMID: 38515786 PMCID: PMC10955142 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1295969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we propose a model of remote memory (BaconREM), which is an extension of a previously published Bayesian model of context fear learning (BACON) that accounts for many aspects of recently learned context fear. BaconREM simulates most known phenomenology of remote context fear as studied in rodents and makes new predictions. In particular, it predicts the well-known observation that fear that was conditioned to a recently encoded context becomes hippocampus-independent and shows much-enhanced generalization ("hyper-generalization") when systems consolidation occurs (i.e., when memory becomes remote). However, the model also predicts that there should be circumstances under which the generalizability of remote fear may not increase or even decrease. It also predicts the established finding that a "reminder" exposure to a feared context can abolish hyper-generalization while at the same time making remote fear again hippocampus-dependent. This observation has in the past been taken to suggest that reminders facilitate access to detail memory that remains permanently in the hippocampus even after systems consolidation is complete. However, the present model simulates this result even though it totally moves all the contextual memory that it retains to the neo-cortex when context fear becomes remote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin B. Krasne
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael S. Fanselow
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Santos TB, de Oliveira Coelho CA, Kramer-Soares JC, Frankland PW, Oliveira MGM. Reactivation of encoding ensembles in the prelimbic cortex supports temporal associations. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01825-2. [PMID: 38454052 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01825-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Fear conditioning is encoded by strengthening synaptic connections between the neurons activated by a conditioned stimulus (CS) and those activated by an unconditioned stimulus (US), forming a memory engram, which is reactivated during memory retrieval. In temporal associations, activity within the prelimbic cortex (PL) plays a role in sustaining a short-term, transient memory of the CS, which is associated with the US after a temporal gap. However, it is unknown whether the PL has only a temporary role, transiently representing the CS, or is part of the neuronal ensembles that support the retrieval, i.e., whether PL neurons support both transient, short-term memories and stable, long-term memories. We investigated neuronal ensembles underlying temporal associations using fear conditioning with a 5-s interval between the CS and US (CFC-5s). Controls were trained in contextual fear conditioning (CFC), in which the CS-US overlaps. We used Robust Activity Marking (RAM) to selectively manipulate PL neurons activated by CFC-5s learning and Targeted Recombination in Active Populations (TRAP2) mice to label neurons activated by CFC-5s learning and reactivated by memory retrieval in the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, perirhinal cortices (PER) and subiculum. We also computed their co-reactivation to generate correlation-based networks. The optogenetic reactivation or silencing of PL encoding ensembles either promoted or impaired the retrieval of CFC-5s but not CFC. CFC-5s retrieval reactivated encoding ensembles in the PL, PER, and basolateral amygdala. The engram network of CFC-5s had higher amygdala and PER centralities and interconnectivity. The same PL neurons support learning and stable associative memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thays Brenner Santos
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil.
| | | | - Juliana Carlota Kramer-Soares
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil
- Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul - UNICSUL, São Paulo, 08060-070, Brazil
| | - Paul W Frankland
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Child & Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
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Ma X, Le Y, Hu L, Ouyang W, Li C, Ma D, Tong J. Astrocytic phagocytosis in the medial prefrontal cortex jeopardises postoperative memory consolidation in mice. Brain Pathol 2024:e13253. [PMID: 38454310 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13253] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory impairment is one of the main characteristics of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. It remains elusive how postoperative pathological changes of the brain link to the memory impairment. The clinical setting of perioperation was mimicked via partial hepatectomy under sevoflurane anaesthesia together with preoperative restraint stress (Hep-Sev-stress) in mice. Memory changes were assessed with fear conditioning. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-dorsal hippocampus connectivity was evaluated with injecting neurotracer 28 days before surgery. Astrocytic activation was limited via injecting AAV-GFAP-hM4Di-eGFP into the mPFC. Astrocytic and microglial phagocytosis of synapses were visualised with co-labelling hippocampal neuronal axon terminals with PSD-95 and S100β or Iba1. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress status were also detected. Hep-Sev-stress impaired the memory consolidation (mean [standard error], 49.91 [2.55]% vs. 35.40 [3.97]% in the contextual memory, p = 0.007; 40.72 [2.78]% vs. 27.77 [2.22]% in cued memory, p = 0.002) and the cued memory retrieval (39.00 [3.08]% vs. 24.11 [2.06]%, p = 0.001) in mice when compared with these in the naïve controls. Hep-Sev-stress damaged the connectivity from the dorsal hippocampus to mPFC but not from the mPFC to the dorsal hippocampus and increased the astrocytic but not microglial phagocytosis of hippocampal neuronal axon terminals in the mPFC. The intervention also induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the dorsal hippocampus and the mPFC in a regional-dependent manner. Limiting astrocyte activation in the mPFC alleviated memory consolidation impairment induced by Hep-Sev-stress. Postoperative memory consolidation was impaired due to astrocytic phagocytosis-induced connectivity injury from the dorsal hippocampus to the medial prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Le
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Lin Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Wen Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Daqing Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jianbin Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Brain Homeostasis, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
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Liu X, Lu T, Chen X, Huang S, Zheng W, Zhang W, Meng S, Yan W, Shi L, Bao Y, Xue Y, Shi J, Yuan K, Han Y, Lu L. Memory consolidation drives the enhancement of remote cocaine memory via prefrontal circuit. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:730-741. [PMID: 38221548 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02364-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Remote memory usually decreases over time, whereas remote drug-cue associated memory exhibits enhancement, increasing the risk of relapse during abstinence. Memory system consolidation is a prerequisite for remote memory formation, but neurobiological underpinnings of the role of consolidation in the enhancement of remote drug memory are unclear. Here, we found that remote cocaine-cue associated memory was enhanced in rats that underwent self-administration training, together with a progressive increase in the response of prelimbic cortex (PrL) CaMKII neurons to cues. System consolidation was required for the enhancement of remote cocaine memory through PrL CaMKII neurons during the early period post-training. Furthermore, dendritic spine maturation in the PrL relied on the basolateral amygdala (BLA) input during the early period of consolidation, contributing to remote memory enhancement. These findings indicate that memory consolidation drives the enhancement of remote cocaine memory through a time-dependent increase in activity and maturation of PrL CaMKII neurons receiving a sustained BLA input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Tangsheng Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 100191, Beijing, China
- Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Shihao Huang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Shiqiu Meng
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Le Shi
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Bao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Lin Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), 100191, Beijing, China.
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Cognitive Disorder, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2018RU006), Dongcheng, Beijing, China.
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Tomé DF, Zhang Y, Aida T, Mosto O, Lu Y, Chen M, Sadeh S, Roy DS, Clopath C. Dynamic and selective engrams emerge with memory consolidation. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:561-572. [PMID: 38243089 PMCID: PMC10917686 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01551-w] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Episodic memories are encoded by experience-activated neuronal ensembles that remain necessary and sufficient for recall. However, the temporal evolution of memory engrams after initial encoding is unclear. In this study, we employed computational and experimental approaches to examine how the neural composition and selectivity of engrams change with memory consolidation. Our spiking neural network model yielded testable predictions: memories transition from unselective to selective as neurons drop out of and drop into engrams; inhibitory activity during recall is essential for memory selectivity; and inhibitory synaptic plasticity during memory consolidation is critical for engrams to become selective. Using activity-dependent labeling, longitudinal calcium imaging and a combination of optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations in mouse dentate gyrus, we conducted contextual fear conditioning experiments that supported our model's predictions. Our results reveal that memory engrams are dynamic and that changes in engram composition mediated by inhibitory plasticity are crucial for the emergence of memory selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Feitosa Tomé
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| | - Ying Zhang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Life Sciences & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Tomomi Aida
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Olivia Mosto
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yifeng Lu
- Center for Life Sciences & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mandy Chen
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sadra Sadeh
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dheeraj S Roy
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Claudia Clopath
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Naffaa MM. Significance of the anterior cingulate cortex in neurogenesis plasticity: Connections, functions, and disorders across postnatal and adult stages. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300160. [PMID: 38135889 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300160] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a complex and continually evolving brain region that remains a primary focus of research due to its multifaceted functions. Various studies and analyses have significantly advanced our understanding of how the ACC participates in a wide spectrum of memory and cognitive processes. However, despite its strong connections to brain areas associated with hippocampal and olfactory neurogenesis, the functions of the ACC in regulating postnatal and adult neurogenesis in these regions are still insufficiently explored. Investigating the intricate involvement of the ACC in neurogenesis could enhance our comprehension of essential aspects of brain plasticity. This involvement stems from its complex circuitry with other relevant brain regions, thereby exerting both direct and indirect impacts on the neurogenesis process. This review sheds light on the promising significance of the ACC in orchestrating postnatal and adult neurogenesis in conditions related to memory, cognitive behavior, and associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moawiah M Naffaa
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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40
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Vingan I, Phatarpekar S, Tung VSK, Hernández AI, Evgrafov OV, Alarcon JM. Spatially Resolved Transcriptomic Signatures of Hippocampal Subregions and Arc-Expressing Ensembles in Active Place Avoidance Memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.30.573225. [PMID: 38260257 PMCID: PMC10802250 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.30.573225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The rodent hippocampus is a spatially organized neuronal network that supports the formation of spatial and episodic memories. We conducted bulk RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics experiments to measure gene expression changes in the dorsal hippocampus following the recall of active place avoidance (APA) memory. Through bulk RNA sequencing, we examined the gene expression changes following memory recall across the functionally distinct subregions of the dorsal hippocampus. We found that recall induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal subregions were enriched with genes involved in synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity, while DEGs in the dentate gyrus (DG) were enriched with genes involved in energy balance and ribosomal function. Through spatial transcriptomics, we examined gene expression changes following memory recall across an array of spots encompassing putative memory-associated neuronal ensembles marked by the expression of the IEGs Arc, Egr1, and c-Jun. Within samples from both trained and untrained mice, the subpopulations of spatial transcriptomic spots marked by these IEGs were transcriptomically and spatially distinct from one another. DEGs detected between Arc+ and Arc- spots exclusively in the trained mouse were enriched in several memory-related gene ontology terms, including "regulation of synaptic plasticity" and "memory." Our results suggest that APA memory recall is supported by regionalized transcriptomic profiles separating the CA1 and CA3 from the DG, transcriptionally and spatially distinct IEG expressing spatial transcriptomic spots, and biological processes related to synaptic plasticity as a defining the difference between Arc+ and Arc- spatial transcriptomic spots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Vingan
- School of Graduates Studies, Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Shwetha Phatarpekar
- Institute of Genomics in Health, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Sook Keng Tung
- School of Graduates Studies, Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - A Iván Hernández
- School of Graduates Studies, Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural & Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Oleg V Evgrafov
- Institute of Genomics in Health, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- School of Graduates Studies, Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Juan Marcos Alarcon
- School of Graduates Studies, Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural & Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Merlo SA, Belluscio MA, Pedreira ME, Merlo E. Memory persistence: from fundamental mechanisms to translational opportunities. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:98. [PMID: 38355584 PMCID: PMC10867010 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory persistence is a double edge sword. Persistence of adaptive memories is essential for survival and even determines who we are. Neurodegenerative conditions with significant memory loss such as Alzheimer's disease, testify how defects of memory persistence have severe and irreversible effects on personality, among other symptoms. Yet, maintenance of overly strong maladaptive memories underlies highly debilitating psychiatric conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, substance dependence and binge eating disorder. Here we review the neurobiological mechanisms supporting memory formation, persistence, inhibition and forgetting. We then shift the focus to how such mechanisms have been exploited to alter the persistence of laboratory-generated memories in human healthy volunteers as a proof of concept. Finally, we review the effect of behavioural and pharmacological interventions in anxiety and addiction disorder patients, highlighting key findings, gaps, and future directions for basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Abel Merlo
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio Bases Neuronales del Comportamiento, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Andrés Belluscio
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio Bases Neuronales del Comportamiento, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Eugenia Pedreira
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yamamoto N, Yokose J, Ramesh K, Kitamura T, Ogawa SK. Outer layer of Vb neurons in medial entorhinal cortex project to hippocampal dentate gyrus in mice. Mol Brain 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38317261 PMCID: PMC10845563 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Entorhinal cortical (EC)-hippocampal (HPC) circuits are crucial for learning and memory. Although it was traditionally believed that superficial layers (II/III) of the EC mainly project to the HPC and deep layers (V/VI) receive input from the HPC, recent studies have highlighted the significant projections from layers Va and VI of the EC into the HPC. However, it still remains unknown whether Vb neurons in the EC provide projections to the hippocampus. In this study, using a molecular marker for Vb and retrograde tracers, we identified that the outer layer of Vb neurons in the medial EC (MEC) directly project to both dorsal and ventral hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), with a significant preference for the ventral DG. In contrast to the distribution of DG-projecting Vb cells, anterior thalamus-projecting Vb cells are distributed through the outer to the inner layer of Vb. Furthermore, dual tracer injections revealed that DG-projecting Vb cells and anterior thalamus-projecting Vb cells are distinct populations. These results suggest that the roles of MEC Vb neurons are not merely limited to the formation of EC-HPC loop circuits, but rather contribute to multiple neural processes for learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jun Yokose
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kritika Ramesh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Takashi Kitamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Sachie K Ogawa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Plas SL, Tuna T, Bayer H, Juliano VAL, Sweck SO, Arellano Perez AD, Hassell JE, Maren S. Neural circuits for the adaptive regulation of fear and extinction memory. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1352797. [PMID: 38370858 PMCID: PMC10869525 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1352797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulation of fear memories is critical for adaptive behaviors and dysregulation of these processes is implicated in trauma- and stress-related disorders. Treatments for these disorders include pharmacological interventions as well as exposure-based therapies, which rely upon extinction learning. Considerable attention has been directed toward elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying fear and extinction learning. In this review, we will discuss historic discoveries and emerging evidence on the neural mechanisms of the adaptive regulation of fear and extinction memories. We will focus on neural circuits regulating the acquisition and extinction of Pavlovian fear conditioning in rodent models, particularly the role of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the contextual control of extinguished fear memories. We will also consider new work revealing an important role for the thalamic nucleus reuniens in the modulation of prefrontal-hippocampal interactions in extinction learning and memory. Finally, we will explore the effects of stress on this circuit and the clinical implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Plas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Tuğçe Tuna
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Hugo Bayer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Vitor A. L. Juliano
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samantha O. Sweck
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Angel D. Arellano Perez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - James E. Hassell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Liu Y, Liu Q, Wang H, Qiu Y, Lin J, Wu W, Wang N, Dong W, Wan J, Chen C, Li S, Zheng H, Wu Y. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity injury mediated by SIRT1 downregulation is involved in chronic pain-related cognitive dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14410. [PMID: 37592394 PMCID: PMC10848102 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14410] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cognitive dysfunction associated with chronic pain may be caused by impaired synaptic plasticity. Considering the impact of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) on synaptic plasticity, we explored the exact role of SIRT1 in cognitive impairment caused by chronic pain. METHODS We evaluated the memory ability of mice with the fear conditioning test (FCT) after spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression levels of SIRT1. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity was detected with Golgi staining, transmission electron microscopy, and long-term potentiation (LTP). In the intervention study, AAV9-CaMKIIα-Cre-EGFP was injected to SIRT1flox/flox mice to knockdown the expression levels of SIRT1. Besides, SNI mice were injected with AAV2/9-CaMKIIα-SIRT1-3*Flag-GFP or SRT1720 to increase the expression levels or enzymatic activity of SIRT1. RESULTS Our current results indicated that cognitive function in SNI mice was impaired, SIRT1 expression in glutaminergic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area was downregulated, and synaptic plasticity was altered. Selective knockdown of SIRT1 in hippocampus damaged synaptic plasticity and cognitive function of healthy mice. In addition, the impaired synaptic plasticity and cognitive dysfunction of SNI mice could be improved by the upregulation of SIRT1 expression or enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS Reduced SIRT1 expression in hippocampus of SNI mice may induce cognitive impairment associated with chronic pain by mediating the impaired synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Qiang Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Haibi Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Yongkang Qiu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Jiatao Lin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Weifeng Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Ning Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Wei Dong
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Jie Wan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Chen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology/NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic DrugsXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
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Park K, Kohl MM, Kwag J. Memory encoding and retrieval by retrosplenial parvalbumin interneurons are impaired in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Curr Biol 2024; 34:434-443.e4. [PMID: 38157861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) show a strong link with GABAergic interneuron dysfunctions.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 The ensemble dynamics of GABAergic interneurons represent memory encoding and retrieval,8,9,10,11,12 but how GABAergic interneuron dysfunction affects inhibitory ensemble dynamics in AD is unknown. As the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is critical for episodic memory13,14,15,16 and is affected by β-amyloid accumulation in early AD,17,18,19,20,21 we address this question by performing Ca2+ imaging in RSC parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons during a contextual fear memory task in healthy control mice and the 5XFAD mouse model of AD. We found that populations of PV interneurons responsive to aversive electric foot shocks during contextual fear conditioning (shock-responsive) significantly decreased in the 5XFAD mice, indicating dysfunctions in the recruitment of memory-encoding PV interneurons. In the control mice, ensemble activities of shock-responsive PV interneurons were selectively upregulated during the freezing epoch of the contextual fear memory retrieval, manifested by synaptic potentiation of PV interneuron-mediated inhibition. However, such changes in ensemble dynamics during memory retrieval and synaptic plasticity were both absent in the 5XFAD mice. Optogenetic silencing of PV interneurons during contextual fear conditioning in the control mice mimicked the memory deficits in the 5XFAD mice, while optogenetic activation of PV interneurons in the 5XFAD mice restored memory retrieval. These results demonstrate the critical roles of contextual fear memory-encoding PV interneurons for memory retrieval. Furthermore, synaptic dysfunction of PV interneurons may disrupt the recruitment of PV interneurons and their ensemble dynamics underlying contextual fear memory retrieval, subsequently leading to memory deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyerl Park
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Michael M Kohl
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jeehyun Kwag
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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Yokose J, Marks WD, Kitamura T. Visuotactile integration facilitates mirror-induced self-directed behavior through activation of hippocampal neuronal ensembles in mice. Neuron 2024; 112:306-318.e8. [PMID: 38056456 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.022] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Remembering the visual features of oneself is critical for self-recognition. However, the neural mechanisms of how the visual self-image is developed remain unknown because of the limited availability of behavioral paradigms in experimental animals. Here, we demonstrate a mirror-induced self-directed behavior (MSB) in mice, resembling visual self-recognition. Mice displayed increased mark-directed grooming to remove ink placed on their heads when an ink-induced visual-tactile stimulus contingency occurred. MSB required mirror habituation and social experience. The chemogenetic inhibition of dorsal or ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) neurons attenuated MSB. Especially, a subset of vCA1 neurons activated during the mirror exposure was significantly reactivated during re-exposure to the mirror and was necessary for MSB. The self-responding vCA1 neurons were also reactivated when mice were exposed to a conspecific of the same strain. These results suggest that visual self-image may be developed through social experience and mirror habituation and stored in a subset of vCA1 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yokose
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - William D Marks
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Takashi Kitamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Martínez-Canabal A, López-Oropeza G, Sotres-Bayón F. Hippocampal neurogenesis facilitates cognitive flexibility in a fear discrimination task. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1331928. [PMID: 38282713 PMCID: PMC10813213 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1331928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis, the continuous creation of new neurons in the adult brain, influences memory, regulates the expression of defensive responses to threat (fear), and cognitive processes like pattern separation and behavioral flexibility. One hypothesis proposes that neurogenesis promotes cognitive flexibility by degrading established memories and promoting relearning. Yet, empirical evidence on its role in fear discrimination tasks is scarce. In this study, male rats were initially trained to differentiate between two similar environments, one associated with a threat. Subsequently, we enhanced neurogenesis through environmental enrichment and memantine treatments. We then reversed the emotional valence of these contexts. In both cases, neurogenesis improved the rats' ability to relearn the aversive context. Interestingly, we observed increased hippocampal activity, and decreased activity in the prelimbic cortex and lateral habenula, while the infralimbic cortex remained unchanged, suggesting neurogenesis-induced plasticity changes in this brain network. Moreover, when we pharmacologically inhibited the increased neurogenesis with Methotrexate, rats struggled to relearn context discrimination, confirming the crucial role of neurogenesis in this cognitive process. Overall, our findings highlight neurogenesis's capacity to facilitate changes in fear discrimination and emphasize the involvement of a prefrontal-hippocampal-habenula mechanism in this process. This study emphasizes the intricate relationship between hippocampal neurogenesis, cognitive flexibility, and the modulation of fear-related memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Martínez-Canabal
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México City, Mexico
- Cell Physiology Institute - Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México City, Mexico
| | - Grecia López-Oropeza
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México City, Mexico
- Cell Physiology Institute - Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México City, Mexico
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Sotres-Bayón
- Cell Physiology Institute - Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México City, Mexico
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Jin B, Gongwer MW, Ohanian L, Holden-Wingate L, Le B, Darmawan A, Nakayama Y, Rueda Mora SA, DeNardo LA. A developmental brain-wide screen identifies retrosplenial cortex as a key player in the emergence of persistent memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.07.574554. [PMID: 38260633 PMCID: PMC10802387 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Memories formed early in life are short-lived while those formed later persist. Recent work revealed that infant memories are stored in a latent state. But why they fail to be retrieved is poorly understood. Here we investigated brain-wide circuit mechanisms underlying infantile amnesia in mice. We performed a screen that combined activity-dependent neuronal tagging at different postnatal ages, tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy. We observed striking developmental transitions in the organization of fear memory networks and changes in the activity and functional connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex (RSP) that aligned with the emergence of persistent memory. 7 days after learning, chemogenetic reactivation of tagged RSP ensembles enhanced memory in adults but not in infants. But after 33 days, reactivating infant-tagged RSP ensembles recovered forgotten memories. These studies show that RSP ensembles store latent infant memories, reveal the time course of RSP functional maturation, and suggest that immature RSP functional networks contribute to infantile amnesia.
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Provoost L. Cognitive Changes Associated with Aging and Physical Disease in Dogs and Cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2024; 54:101-119. [PMID: 37722947 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.08.002] [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] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Behavior changes may indicate primary physical disease or primary behavioral disorders in veterinary patients. It is imperative to recognize that secondary behavioral problems can develop due to medical causes. The incidence of systemic disease increases with age and behavior manifestations can be similar to those expected with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. In this article, we review basic concepts of cognition, aging, and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Additionally, we provide information regarding factors that influence cognition, and the role medical conditions have on the behavior of aging pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Provoost
- Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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50
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Dragoi G. The generative grammar of the brain: a critique of internally generated representations. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:60-75. [PMID: 38036709 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00763-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The past decade of progress in neurobiology has uncovered important organizational principles for network preconfiguration and neuronal selection that suggest a generative grammar exists in the brain. In this Perspective, I discuss the competence of the hippocampal neural network to generically express temporally compressed sequences of neuronal firing that represent novel experiences, which is envisioned as a form of generative neural syntax supporting a neurobiological perspective on brain function. I compare this neural competence with the hippocampal network performance that represents specific experiences with higher fidelity after new learning during replay, which is envisioned as a form of neural semantic that supports a complementary neuropsychological perspective. I also demonstrate how the syntax of network competence emerges a priori during early postnatal life and is followed by the later development of network performance that enables rapid encoding and memory consolidation. Thus, I propose that this generative grammar of the brain is essential for internally generated representations, which are crucial for the cognitive processes underlying learning and memory, prospection, and inference, which ultimately underlie our reason and representation of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Dragoi
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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