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Patton MH, Thomas KT, Bayazitov IT, Newman KD, Kurtz NB, Robinson CG, Ramirez CA, Trevisan AJ, Bikoff JB, Peters ST, Pruett-Miller SM, Jiang Y, Schild AB, Nityanandam A, Zakharenko SS. Synaptic plasticity in human thalamocortical assembloids. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114503. [PMID: 39018245 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114503] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticities, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), tune synaptic efficacy and are essential for learning and memory. Current studies of synaptic plasticity in humans are limited by a lack of adequate human models. Here, we modeled the thalamocortical system by fusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived thalamic and cortical organoids. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that >80% of cells in thalamic organoids were glutamatergic neurons. When fused to form thalamocortical assembloids, thalamic and cortical organoids formed reciprocal long-range axonal projections and reciprocal synapses detectable by light and electron microscopy, respectively. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and two-photon imaging, we characterized glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic synapses displayed short-term plasticity analogous to that in animal models. LTP and LTD were reliably induced at both synapses; however, their mechanisms differed from those previously described in rodents. Thus, thalamocortical assembloids provide a model system for exploring synaptic plasticity in human circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H Patton
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristen T Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kyle D Newman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nathaniel B Kurtz
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Camenzind G Robinson
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody A Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alexandra J Trevisan
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jay B Bikoff
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Samuel T Peters
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yanbo Jiang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Andrew B Schild
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anjana Nityanandam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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2
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Molnár Z, Kwan KY. Development and Evolution of Thalamocortical Connectivity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041503. [PMID: 38167425 PMCID: PMC10759993 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Conscious perception in mammals depends on precise circuit connectivity between cerebral cortex and thalamus; the evolution and development of these structures are closely linked. During the wiring of reciprocal thalamus-cortex connections, thalamocortical axons (TCAs) first navigate forebrain regions that had undergone substantial evolutionary modifications. In particular, the organization of the pallial-subpallial boundary (PSPB) diverged significantly between mammals, reptiles, and birds. In mammals, transient cell populations in internal capsule and early corticofugal projections from subplate neurons closely interact with TCAs to guide pathfinding through ventral forebrain and PSPB crossing. Prior to thalamocortical axon arrival, cortical areas are initially patterned by intrinsic genetic factors. Thalamocortical axons then innervate cortex in a topographically organized manner to enable sensory input to refine cortical arealization. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the guidance of thalamocortical axons across forebrain boundaries, the implications of PSPB evolution for thalamocortical axon pathfinding, and the reciprocal influence between thalamus and cortex during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Y Kwan
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI), Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Yildiz CB, Kundu T, Gehrmann J, Koesling J, Ravaei A, Wolff P, Kraft F, Maié T, Jakovcevski M, Pensold D, Zimmermann O, Rossetti G, Costa IG, Zimmer-Bensch G. EphrinA5 regulates cell motility by modulating Snhg15/DNA triplex-dependent targeting of DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:42. [PMID: 37880732 PMCID: PMC10601256 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00516-4] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is mediated by membrane receptors and their ligands, such as the Eph/ephrin system, orchestrating cell migration during development and in diverse cancer types. Epigenetic mechanisms are key for integrating external "signals", e.g., from neighboring cells, into the transcriptome in health and disease. Previously, we reported ephrinA5 to trigger transcriptional changes of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in cerebellar granule cells, a cell model for medulloblastoma. LncRNAs represent important adaptors for epigenetic writers through which they regulate gene expression. Here, we investigate a lncRNA-mediated targeting of DNMT1 to specific gene loci by the combined power of in silico modeling of RNA/DNA interactions and wet lab approaches, in the context of the clinically relevant use case of ephrinA5-dependent regulation of cellular motility of cerebellar granule cells. We provide evidence that Snhg15, a cancer-related lncRNA, recruits DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter through RNA/DNA triplex structure formation and the interaction with DNMT1. This mediates DNA methylation-dependent silencing of Ncam1, being abolished by ephrinA5 stimulation-triggered reduction of Snhg15 expression. Hence, we here propose a triple helix recognition mechanism, underlying cell motility regulation via lncRNA-targeted DNA methylation in a clinically relevant context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Bora Yildiz
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses - Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tathagata Kundu
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jannis Koesling
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Amin Ravaei
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Philip Wolff
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Kraft
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tiago Maié
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mira Jakovcevski
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Olav Zimmermann
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute of Advanced Simulations (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ivan G Costa
- Institute for Computational Genomics, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), Division of Neuroepigenetics, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses - Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Gerstmann K, Kindbeiter K, Telley L, Bozon M, Reynaud F, Théoulle E, Charoy C, Jabaudon D, Moret F, Castellani V. A balance of noncanonical Semaphorin signaling from the cerebrospinal fluid regulates apical cell dynamics during corticogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo4552. [PMID: 36399562 PMCID: PMC9674300 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo4552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
During corticogenesis, dynamic regulation of apical adhesion is fundamental to generate correct numbers and cell identities. While radial glial cells (RGCs) maintain basal and apical anchors, basal progenitors and neurons detach and settle at distal positions from the apical border. Whether diffusible signals delivered from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contribute to the regulation of apical adhesion dynamics remains fully unknown. Secreted class 3 Semaphorins (Semas) trigger cell responses via Plexin-Neuropilin (Nrp) membrane receptor complexes. Here, we report that unconventional Sema3-Nrp preformed complexes are delivered by the CSF from sources including the choroid plexus to Plexin-expressing RGCs via their apical endfeet. Through analysis of mutant mouse models and various ex vivo assays mimicking ventricular delivery to RGCs, we found that two different complexes, Sema3B/Nrp2 and Sema3F/Nrp1, exert dual effects on apical endfeet dynamics, nuclei positioning, and RGC progeny. This reveals unexpected balance of CSF-delivered guidance molecules during cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Gerstmann
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Karine Kindbeiter
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Ludovic Telley
- Department of Basic Neuroscience, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Bozon
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Florie Reynaud
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Emy Théoulle
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Camille Charoy
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Basic Neuroscience, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Moret
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Valerie Castellani
- MeLis, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U1314, University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut NeuroMyoGène, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
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Sato H, Hatakeyama J, Iwasato T, Araki K, Yamamoto N, Shimamura K. Thalamocortical axons control the cytoarchitecture of neocortical layers by area-specific supply of VGF. eLife 2022; 11:67549. [PMID: 35289744 PMCID: PMC8959604 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal abundance and thickness of each cortical layer are specific to each area, but how this fundamental feature arises during development remains poorly understood. While some of area-specific features are controlled by intrinsic cues such as morphogens and transcription factors, the exact influence and mechanisms of action by cues extrinsic to the cortex, in particular the thalamic axons, have not been fully established. Here, we identify a thalamus-derived factor, VGF, which is indispensable for thalamocortical axons to maintain the proper amount of layer 4 neurons in the mouse sensory cortices. This process is prerequisite for further maturation of the primary somatosensory area, such as barrel field formation instructed by a neuronal activity-dependent mechanism. Our results provide an actual case in which highly site-specific axon projection confers further regional complexity upon the target field through locally secreting signaling molecules from axon terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Sato
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Hatakeyama
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takuji Iwasato
- Laboratory of Mammalian Neural Circuits, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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EphA4 is highly expressed in the atria of heart and its deletion leads to atrial hypertrophy and electrocardiographic abnormalities in rats. Life Sci 2021; 278:119595. [PMID: 33974931 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS EphA4 is a member of the Eph receptor family, and expressed mainly in central nervous system (CNS), which is involved in CNS development and multiple diseases. Due to the variability in EphA4 expression, we wondered if EphA4 is expressed in other tissues, and what role does EphA4 play? MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated an EphA4 knockout (KO) rat line with red fluorescent marker protein encoded by the mCherry cassette inserted downstream of the EphA4 promoter as a reporter. Using this system, we observed high expression of EphA4 in the heart atria and in the brain. KEY FINDINGS EphaA4 KO rats (EphA4-/-) developed obvious atrial hypertrophy with an increased atria-to-heart weight ratio and atrial cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area at six months of age. EphA4-/- rats had reduced atrial end diastolic volume (EDV), atrial ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular EF. They also exhibited increased amplitude of QRS complexes and QT intervals, with invisible p waves. RNA sequencing revealed that EphA4 KO altered the transcription of multiple genes involved in regulation of transcription and translation, ion binding, metabolism and cell adhesion. Deletion of EphA4 reduced IGF1 mRNA and protein expression, which is involved in cardiac remodeling. SIGNIFICANCE Our data demonstrated that EphA4 was highly expressed in the atria and its deletion caused atrial dysfunction. Our findings also suggested that the EphA4 KO rat could be a potential model for studies on atrial remodeling.
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Pensold D, Gehrmann J, Pitschelatow G, Walberg A, Braunsteffer K, Reichard J, Ravaei A, Linde J, Lampert A, Costa IG, Zimmer-Bensch G. The Expression of the Cancer-Associated lncRNA Snhg15 Is Modulated by EphrinA5-Induced Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031332. [PMID: 33572758 PMCID: PMC7866228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their respective ephrin-ligands are an important family of membrane receptors, being involved in developmental processes such as proliferation, migration, and in the formation of brain cancer such as glioma. Intracellular signaling pathways, which are activated by Eph receptor signaling, are well characterized. In contrast, it is unknown so far whether ephrins modulate the expression of lncRNAs, which would enable the transduction of environmental stimuli into our genome through a great gene regulatory spectrum. Applying a combination of functional in vitro assays, RNA sequencing, and qPCR analysis, we found that the proliferation and migration promoting stimulation of mouse cerebellar granule cells (CB) with ephrinA5 diminishes the expression of the cancer-related lncRNA Snhg15. In a human medulloblastoma cell line (DAOY) ephrinA5 stimulation similarly reduced SNHG15 expression. Computational analysis identified triple-helix-mediated DNA-binding sites of Snhg15 in promoters of genes found up-regulated upon ephrinA5 stimulation and known to be involved in tumorigenic processes. Our findings propose a crucial role of Snhg15 downstream of ephrinA5-induced signaling in regulating gene transcription in the nucleus. These findings could be potentially relevant for the regulation of tumorigenic processes in the context of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute for Computational Genomics, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.G.); (I.G.C.)
| | - Georg Pitschelatow
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Asa Walberg
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Kai Braunsteffer
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Julia Reichard
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Amin Ravaei
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Jenice Linde
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivan G. Costa
- RWTH Aachen Medical Faculty, Institute for Computational Genomics, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.G.); (I.G.C.)
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (D.P.); (G.P.); (A.W.); (K.B.); (J.R.); (J.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses—Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +49-241-8020844
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Learning about cell lineage, cellular diversity and evolution of the human brain through stem cell models. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 66:166-177. [PMID: 33246264 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Here, we summarize the current knowledge on cell diversity in the cortex and other brain regions from in vivo mouse models and in vitro models based on pluripotent stem cells. We discuss the mechanisms underlying cell proliferation and temporal progression that leads to the sequential generation of neurons dedicated to different layers of the cortex. We highlight models of corticogenesis from stem cells that recapitulate specific transcriptional and connectivity patterns from different cortical areas. We overview state-of-the art of human brain organoids modeling different brain regions, and we discuss insights into human cortical evolution from stem cells. Finally, we interrogate human brain organoid models for their competence to recapitulate the essence of human brain development.
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Kischel A, Audouard C, Fawal MA, Davy A. Ephrin-B2 paces neuronal production in the developing neocortex. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 20:12. [PMID: 32404061 PMCID: PMC7222552 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-020-00215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background During mammalian cerebral cortex development, different types of projection neurons are produced in a precise temporal order and in stereotypical numbers. The mechanisms regulating timely generation of neocortex projection neurons and ensuring production in sufficient numbers of each neuronal identity are only partially understood. Results Here, we show that ephrin-B2, a member of the Eph:ephrin cell-to-cell communication pathway, sets the neurogenic tempo in the neocortex. Indeed, conditional mutant embryos for ephrin-B2 exhibit a transient delay in neurogenesis and acute stimulation of Eph signaling by in utero injection of synthetic ephrin-B2 led to a transient increase in neuronal production. Using genetic approaches we show that ephrin-B2 acts on neural progenitors to control their differentiation in a juxtacrine manner. Unexpectedly, we observed that perinatal neuron numbers recovered following both loss and gain of ephrin-B2, highlighting the ability of neural progenitors to adapt their behavior to the state of the system in order to produce stereotypical numbers of neurons. Conclusions Altogether, our data uncover a role for ephrin-B2 in embryonic neurogenesis and emphasize the plasticity of neuronal production in the neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kischel
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Audouard
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Mohamad-Ali Fawal
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Davy
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France.
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Methods for Single-Cell Isolation and Preparation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1255:7-27. [PMID: 32949387 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4494-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Within the last decade, single-cell analysis has revolutionized our understanding of cellular processes and heterogeneity across all disciplines of life science. As the transcriptome, genome, or epigenome of individual cells can nowadays be analyzed at low cost and in high-throughput within a few days by modern techniques, tremendous improvements in disease diagnosis on the one hand and the investigation of disease-relevant mechanisms on the other were achieved so far. This relies on the parallel development of reliable cell capturing and single-cell sequencing approaches that have paved the way for comprehensive single-cell studies. Apart from single-cell isolation methods in high-throughput, a variety of methods with distinct specializations were developed, allowing for correlation of transcriptomics with cellular parameters like electrophysiology or morphology.For all single-cell-based approaches, accurate and reliable isolation with proper quality controls is prerequisite, whereby different options exist dependent on sample type and tissue properties. Careful consideration of an appropriate method is required to avoid incorrect or biased data that may lead to misinterpretations.In this chapter, we will provide a broad overview of the current state of the art in matters of single-cell isolation methods mostly applied for sequencing-based downstream analysis, and their respective advantages and drawbacks. Distinct technologies will be discussed in detail addressing key parameters like sample compatibility, viability, purity, throughput, and isolation efficiency.
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11
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Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs as Drivers of Brain Evolution. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111399. [PMID: 31698782 PMCID: PMC6912723 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genomes encode tens of thousands of long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are capable of interactions with DNA, RNA and protein molecules, thereby enabling a variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory activities. Strikingly, about 40% of lncRNAs are expressed specifically in the brain with precisely regulated temporal and spatial expression patterns. In stark contrast to the highly conserved repertoire of protein-coding genes, thousands of lncRNAs have newly appeared during primate nervous system evolution with hundreds of human-specific lncRNAs. Their evolvable nature and the myriad of potential functions make lncRNAs ideal candidates for drivers of human brain evolution. The human brain displays the largest relative volume of any animal species and the most remarkable cognitive abilities. In addition to brain size, structural reorganization and adaptive changes represent crucial hallmarks of human brain evolution. lncRNAs are increasingly reported to be involved in neurodevelopmental processes suggested to underlie human brain evolution, including proliferation, neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, as well as in neuroplasticity. Hence, evolutionary human brain adaptations are proposed to be essentially driven by lncRNAs, which will be discussed in this review.
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Molnár Z, Clowry GJ, Šestan N, Alzu'bi A, Bakken T, Hevner RF, Hüppi PS, Kostović I, Rakic P, Anton ES, Edwards D, Garcez P, Hoerder‐Suabedissen A, Kriegstein A. New insights into the development of the human cerebral cortex. J Anat 2019; 235:432-451. [PMID: 31373394 PMCID: PMC6704245 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex constitutes more than half the volume of the human brain and is presumed to be responsible for the neuronal computations underlying complex phenomena, such as perception, thought, language, attention, episodic memory and voluntary movement. Rodent models are extremely valuable for the investigation of brain development, but cannot provide insight into aspects that are unique or highly derived in humans. Many human psychiatric and neurological conditions have developmental origins but cannot be studied adequately in animal models. The human cerebral cortex has some unique genetic, molecular, cellular and anatomical features, which need to be further explored. The Anatomical Society devoted its summer meeting to the topic of Human Brain Development in June 2018 to tackle these important issues. The meeting was organized by Gavin Clowry (Newcastle University) and Zoltán Molnár (University of Oxford), and held at St John's College, Oxford. The participants provided a broad overview of the structure of the human brain in the context of scaling relationships across the brains of mammals, conserved principles and recent changes in the human lineage. Speakers considered how neuronal progenitors diversified in human to generate an increasing variety of cortical neurons. The formation of the earliest cortical circuits of the earliest generated neurons in the subplate was discussed together with their involvement in neurodevelopmental pathologies. Gene expression networks and susceptibility genes associated to neurodevelopmental diseases were discussed and compared with the networks that can be identified in organoids developed from induced pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate some aspects of in vivo development. New views were discussed on the specification of glutamatergic pyramidal and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons. With the advancement of various in vivo imaging methods, the histopathological observations can be now linked to in vivo normal conditions and to various diseases. Our review gives a general evaluation of the exciting new developments in these areas. The human cortex has a much enlarged association cortex with greater interconnectivity of cortical areas with each other and with an expanded thalamus. The human cortex has relative enlargement of the upper layers, enhanced diversity and function of inhibitory interneurons and a highly expanded transient subplate layer during development. Here we highlight recent studies that address how these differences emerge during development focusing on diverse facets of our evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Gavin J. Clowry
- Institute of NeuroscienceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Nenad Šestan
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Ayman Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineYarmouk UniversityIrbidJordan
| | | | | | - Petra S. Hüppi
- Dept. de l'enfant et de l'adolescentHôpitaux Universitaires de GenèveGenèveSwitzerland
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchSchool of MedicineUniversity of ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - E. S. Anton
- UNC Neuroscience CenterDepartment of Cell and Molecular PhysiologyThe University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
| | - David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing BrainBiomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences,King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Patricia Garcez
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJInstitute of Biomedical SciencesRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | - Arnold Kriegstein
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California, San Francisco (UCSF)San FranciscoCAUSA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell ResearchUCSFSan FranciscoCAUSA
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13
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The logistics of afferent cortical specification in mice and men. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 76:112-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Mukhtar T, Taylor V. Untangling Cortical Complexity During Development. J Exp Neurosci 2018; 12:1179069518759332. [PMID: 29551911 PMCID: PMC5846925 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518759332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex is composed of billions of morphologically and functionally distinct neurons. These neurons are produced and organized in a regimental fashion during development. The ability of neurons to encode and elicit complex cognitive and motor functions depends on their precise molecular processes, identity, and connectivity established during development. Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate development of the neocortex has been a challenge for many years. The cerebral cortical neuronal subtypes are classified based on morphology, function, intrinsic synaptic properties, location, connectivity, and marker gene expression. Development of the neocortex requires an orchestration of a series of processes including the appropriate determination, migration and positioning of the neurons, acquisition of layer-specific transcriptional hallmarks, and formation of precise axonal projections and networks. Historically, fate mapping, genome-wide analysis, and transcriptome profiling have provided many opportunities for the characterization of neuronal subtypes. During the course of this review, we will address the regimental organization of the cerebral cortex, dissect the cellular subtypes that contribute to cortical complexity, and outline their molecular hallmarks to understand cellular diversity in the cerebral cortex with a focus on the excitatory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanzila Mukhtar
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verdon Taylor
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Govindan S, Jabaudon D. Coupling progenitor and neuronal diversity in the developing neocortex. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:3960-3977. [PMID: 28895133 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The adult neocortex is composed of several types of glutamatergic neurons, which are sequentially born from progenitors during development. The extent and nature of progenitor diversity, and how it relates to neuronal diversity, is still poorly understood. In this review, we discuss key features of neocortical progenitors across several species, including their morphological properties, cell cycling behaviour and molecular signatures, and how these features relate to the competence of these cells to generate distinct types of progenies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Basic Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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16
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Ephrin-A2 regulates excitatory neuron differentiation and interneuron migration in the developing neocortex. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11813. [PMID: 28924206 PMCID: PMC5603509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12185-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the neocortex requires co-ordination between proliferation and differentiation, as well as the precise orchestration of neuronal migration. Eph/ephrin signaling is crucial in guiding neurons and their projections during embryonic development. In adult ephrin-A2 knockout mice we consistently observed focal patches of disorganized neocortical laminar architecture, ranging in severity from reduced neuronal density to a complete lack of neurons. Loss of ephrin-A2 in the pre-optic area of the diencephalon reduced the migration of neocortex-bound interneurons from this region. Furthermore, ephrin-A2 participates in the creation of excitatory neurons by inhibiting apical progenitor proliferation in the ventricular zone, with the disruption of ephrin-A2 signaling in these cells recapitulating the abnormal neocortex observed in the knockout. The disturbance to the architecture of the neocortex observed following deletion of ephrin-A2 signaling shares many similarities with defects found in the neocortex of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
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17
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Bibollet-Bahena O, Okafuji T, Hokamp K, Tear G, Mitchell KJ. A dual-strategy expression screen for candidate connectivity labels in the developing thalamus. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177977. [PMID: 28558017 PMCID: PMC5448750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The thalamus or “inner chamber” of the brain is divided into ~30 discrete nuclei, with highly specific patterns of afferent and efferent connectivity. To identify genes that may direct these patterns of connectivity, we used two strategies. First, we used a bioinformatics pipeline to survey the predicted proteomes of nematode, fruitfly, mouse and human for extracellular proteins containing any of a list of motifs found in known guidance or connectivity molecules. Second, we performed clustering analyses on the Allen Developing Mouse Brain Atlas data to identify genes encoding surface proteins expressed with temporal profiles similar to known guidance or connectivity molecules. In both cases, we then screened the resultant genes for selective expression patterns in the developing thalamus. These approaches identified 82 candidate connectivity labels in the developing thalamus. These molecules include many members of the Ephrin, Eph-receptor, cadherin, protocadherin, semaphorin, plexin, Odz/teneurin, Neto, cerebellin, calsyntenin and Netrin-G families, as well as diverse members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) and leucine-rich receptor (LRR) superfamilies, receptor tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, a variety of growth factors and receptors, and a large number of miscellaneous membrane-associated or secreted proteins not previously implicated in axonal guidance or neuronal connectivity. The diversity of their expression patterns indicates that thalamic nuclei are highly differentiated from each other, with each one displaying a unique repertoire of these molecules, consistent with a combinatorial logic to the specification of thalamic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatsuya Okafuji
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karsten Hokamp
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Guy Tear
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, King’s College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Freyburger M, Poirier G, Carrier J, Mongrain V. Shorter duration of non-rapid eye movement sleep slow waves in EphA4 knockout mice. J Sleep Res 2017; 26:539-546. [PMID: 28488395 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Slow waves occurring during non-rapid eye movement sleep have been associated with neurobehavioural performance and memory. In addition, the duration of previous wakefulness and sleep impacts characteristics of these slow waves. However, molecular mechanisms regulating the dynamics of slow-wave characteristics remain poorly understood. The EphA4 receptor regulates glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity, which have both been linked to sleep slow waves. To investigate if EphA4 regulates slow-wave characteristics during non-rapid eye movement sleep, we compared individual parameters of slow waves between EphA4 knockout mice and wild-type littermates under baseline conditions and after a 6-h sleep deprivation. We observed that, compared with wild-type mice, knockout mice display a shorter duration of positive and negative phases of slow waves under baseline conditions and after sleep deprivation. However, the mutation did not change slow-wave density, amplitude and slope, and did not affect the sleep deprivation-dependent changes in slow-wave characteristics, suggesting that EphA4 is not involved in the response to elevated sleep pressure. Our present findings suggest a role for EphA4 in shaping cortical oscillations during sleep that is independent from sleep need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlène Freyburger
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gaétan Poirier
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Carrier
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Mongrain
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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EphrinA5 Signaling Is Required for the Distinctive Targeting of Raphe Serotonin Neurons in the Forebrain. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0327-16. [PMID: 28197551 PMCID: PMC5292598 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0327-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in the brain relies on a widespread axon terminal network originating from the hindbrain raphe nuclei. These projections are topographically organized such that the dorsal (DR), and median raphe (MnR) nuclei have different brain targets. However, the guidance molecules involved in this selective targeting in development are unknown. Here, we show the implication of ephrinA5 signaling in this process. We find that the EphA5 gene is selectively expressed in a subset of 5-HT neurons during embryonic and postnatal development. Highest coexpression of EphA5 and the 5-HT marker Tph2 is found in the DR, with lower coexpression in the MnR, and hardly any colocalization of the caudal raphe in the medulla. Accordingly, ephrinA induced a dose-dependent collapse response of 5-HT growth cones cultured from rostral but not caudal raphe. Ectopic expression of ephrinA3, after in utero electroporation in the amygdala and piriform cortex, repelled 5-HT raphe fiber ingrowth. Conversely, misplaced DR 5-HT axons were found in ephrin A5 knockout mice in brain regions that are normally only targeted by MnR 5-HT axons. This causes an overall increase in the density of 5-HT innervation in the ventromedial hypothalamus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and the olfactory bulb. All these brain areas have high expression of ephrinAs at the time of 5-HT fiber ingrowth. Present results show for the first time the role of a guidance molecule for the region-specific targeting of raphe neurons. This has important implications to understand how functional parsing of central 5-HT neurons is established during development.
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20
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Sheleg M, Yu Q, Go C, Wagner GC, Kusnecov A, Zhou R. Decreased maternal behavior and anxiety in ephrin-A5 -/- mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 16:271-284. [PMID: 27535576 PMCID: PMC5812292 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During development of the nervous system, molecular signals mediating cell-cell interactions play critical roles in the guidance of axonal growth and establishment of synaptic functions. The Eph family of tyrosine kinase receptors and their ephrin ligands has been shown to mediate neuronal interactions in the development of topographic axon projection maps in several brain regions, and the loss of Eph activities result in defects in select axonal pathways. However, effects of deficiencies of the Eph signals on animal behavior have not been well documented. In this study, we showed that inactivation of a ligand of the Eph receptors, ephrin-A5, resulted in defects in maternal behavior and alterations in anxiety. Female ephrin-A5 -/- mice show significant defects in nest building and pup retrieval. In addition, lower levels of anxiety were observed in both male and female null mice. These changes were not due to deficiencies in estradiol, progesterone or corticosterone levels. Our observations suggest that ephrin-A5 plays a key role in the development and/or function of neural pathways mediating mouse maternal care and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Sheleg
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Qili Yu
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christine Go
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - George C. Wagner
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ/RWJMS, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Renping Zhou
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Gerstmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany ; CGphiMC UMR CNRS 5534, University Claude Bernard Lyon1, 69001 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Geraldine Zimmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
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22
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Sheleg M, Yochum CL, Richardson JR, Wagner GC, Zhou R. Ephrin-A5 regulates inter-male aggression in mice. Behav Brain Res 2015; 286:300-7. [PMID: 25746458 PMCID: PMC4390541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases play key roles in both the patterning of the developing nervous system and neural plasticity in the mature brain. To determine functions of ephrin-A5, a GPI-linked ligand to the Eph receptors, in animal behavior regulations, we examined effects of its inactivation on male mouse aggression. When tested in the resident-intruder paradigm for offensive aggression, ephrin-A5-mutant animals (ephrin-A5(-/-)) exhibited severe reduction in conspecific aggression compared to wild-type controls. On the contrary, defensive aggression in the form of target biting was higher in ephrin-A5(-/-) mice, indicating that the mutant mice are capable of attacking behavior. In addition, given the critical role of olfaction in aggressive behavior, we examined the ability of the ephrin-A5(-/-) mice to smell and found no differences between the mutant and control animals. Testosterone levels in the mutant mice were also found to be within the normal range. Taken together, our data reveal a new role of ephrin-A5 in the regulation of aggressive behavior in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Sheleg
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Carrie L Yochum
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ/RWJMS, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ/RWJMS, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - George C Wagner
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ/RWJMS, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Renping Zhou
- Departments of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Bizzotto S, Francis F. Morphological and functional aspects of progenitors perturbed in cortical malformations. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:30. [PMID: 25729350 PMCID: PMC4325918 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms important for the function of neuronal progenitors during development, revealed by their perturbation in different cortical malformations. We focus on a class of neuronal progenitors, radial glial cells (RGCs), which are renowned for their unique morphological and behavioral characteristics, constituting a key element during the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex. We describe how the particular morphology of these cells is related to their roles in the orchestration of cortical development and their influence on other progenitor types and post-mitotic neurons. Important for disease mechanisms, we overview what is currently known about RGC cellular components, cytoskeletal mechanisms, signaling pathways and cell cycle characteristics, focusing on how defects lead to abnormal development and cortical malformation phenotypes. The multiple recent entry points from human genetics and animal models are contributing to our understanding of this important cell type. Combining data from phenotypes in the mouse reveals molecules which potentially act in common pathways. Going beyond this, we discuss future directions that may provide new data in this expanding area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bizzotto
- INSERM UMRS 839 Paris, France ; Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, France ; Institut du Fer à Moulin Paris, France
| | - Fiona Francis
- INSERM UMRS 839 Paris, France ; Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, France ; Institut du Fer à Moulin Paris, France
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